Starbucks offers another example of maintaining brand consistency while respecting local cultures. When expanding into Japan, the company hired local designers to incorporate Japanese architectural features, ensuring that Starbucks feels both global and local at the same time.

“You don’t have to leave your values at the door when you come to work,” says Harvard Business School Professor Rebecca Henderson. Her course on Sustainable Business Strategy, which I completed in 2021, left a lasting impression with this insight.

In an era demanding ethical and sustainable practices, businesses have the unique power to drive profound change. As leaders, we must embrace this role and use our careers to create a better future.