Lord Browne of Madingley

Connect - How Companies Succeed by Engaging Radically with Society

Connect fundamentally redefines the role of business, combining captivating stories from inside today’s boardrooms with absorbing history and original research.

Drawing on the experience of John Browne, former CEO of BP, with the assistance of McKinsey consultants Robin Nuttall and Tommy Stadlen, this book articulates and explores the recurring rift between big business and society, offering a practical manifesto for reconciliation. Breaking the centuries-old cycle of anti-business sentiment is possible, but it requires genuine leadership and a new way of thinking about commerce. Connect identifies four tenets of ‘connected leadership’, a radical new paradigm which shows how companies and executives can thrive by close engagement with society.

John Browne (Lord Browne of Madingley), celebrated author, businessman and activist, was CEO of BP from 1995–2007, transforming it into one of the world’s largest companies. He was knighted in 1998, and made a life peer in 2001. He is Chairman of L1 Energy, Huawei UK, the Tate Galleries and Donmar Warehouse. John Browne advised five prime ministers, built a reputation as a visionary leader and was regularly voted the most admired businessman by his peers.

He is the author of the memoir Beyond Business, popular science book Seven Elements That Changed the World and The Glass Closet, a commentary on the acceptance and inclusion of LGBT people in business.

"This compelling book redefines three discredited words: corporate social responsibility."

The Guardian

John Browne (Lord Browne of Madingley), celebrated author, businessman and activist, was CEO of BP from 1995–2007, transforming it into one of the world’s largest companies. He was knighted in 1998, and made a life peer in 2001. He is Chairman of L1 Energy, Huawei UK, the Tate Galleries and Donmar Warehouse. John Browne advised five prime ministers, built a reputation as a visionary leader and was regularly voted the most admired businessman by his peers.

He is the author of the memoir Beyond Business, popular science book Seven Elements That Changed the World and The Glass Closet, a commentary on the acceptance and inclusion of LGBT people in business.