Body Shop founder Anita Roddick was one of my favorite entrepreneurs. Over and over she demonstrated how it is possible to break the rules, follow your own heart and make a difference in the world. Here’s something she said about why it all worked for her.<\/p>\n
I’ve often wondered what has protected my soul over the years in a business environment that usually alienates humanity in every way. Here are some answers:<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b0 We didn’t know how to run a conventional business. We had never read a book on economic theory and had never even heard of Milton Friedman.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b0 We had no money. Every original idea was based on reusing everything, refilling and recycling everything we could.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b0 We loved change. We believe everything was subject to change.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b0 We had a secret ingredient called euphoria. We shared an extraordinary level of optimism and we still do.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b0 Finally\u2014and this was the main ingreident\u2014we couldn’t take moisturizer seriously.<\/em><\/p>\n I also discovered, very early on, that I love retailing. I don’t like systems, broadsheets, analyses, three-, five- or any-year plans, but I love buying, selling and making connections. I love the productivity and the creativity. I love the values.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0\u00b0<\/p>\n The business of business should not just be about money. It should be about responsibility. It should be about public good, not private greed. Inaction is no longer an option. If we don’t act, who will? ~ Dame Anita Roddick<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Body Shop founder Anita Roddick was one of my favorite entrepreneurs. Over and over she demonstrated how it is possible to break the rules, follow your own heart and make a difference in the world. Here’s something she said about why it all worked for her. I’ve often wondered what has protected my soul over…<\/p>\n