The Social Value Revolution: Why Every Leader Must Be a Change-Maker

Today, people are asking more of leaders than ever before. Customers expect brands to take a stand. Employees want to work for organizations that align with their values. Communities are demanding meaningful engagement not just token gestures.

It’s not enough to be strategic. Or efficient. Or even visionary. The questions that now define great leadership are: 

• What do you stand for?
• Who benefits from your leadership?
• How are you helping to build a fairer, greener, more equitable world?

This isn’t a trend.

It’s not CSR with better branding.

It’s a revolution in what leadership means and what it’s for.

The new leadership equation

For generations, leadership was judged by outputs: revenue, growth, influence. Those still matter but the equation has changed.

We now ask: What is your impact? And who feels it?

At Common Purpose, we work with thousands of leaders across every continent and sector. And the ones who rise? They aren’t always the most senior, the loudest, or the most confident. They are the ones who lead beyond their position, who understand that leadership is not about power, but about purpose. Not about position, but about people.

They are the ones who understand that leadership is not a title to be earned, but a responsibility to be lived.

Why social value matters. Now more than ever

Because leadership that benefits the few at the expense of the many is no longer acceptable.
Because the climate crisis, deepening inequality, and the erosion of trust in institutions demand more than business-as-usual. Because people are tired of performative purpose, they want to see integrity in action. Because when governments stall, and institutions falter, leaders in every sector must step up. Because the question is no longer “Should I lead for social value?” The question is “What happens if I don’t?”

The leaders we need now

We need leaders who: 

• Think in systems and understand the interconnectedness of challenges.
• Listen deeply, especially to those whose voices have been marginalized.
• Build coalitions, not empires, because complex problems require collective solutions.
• Make values visible and embed them in decisions, products, and culture.
• Redefine success not just by KPIs met, but by lives improved, communities empowered, and futures safeguarded.

This is the leadership that unlocks trust, attracts talent, and drives innovation.This is leadership that lasts.

Social value is strategic value

Far from being a “nice-to-have,” social value is now core to resilience, relevance, and long-term success. Leaders who embrace this revolution won’t just do good - they’ll do well.

They’ll future proof their organizations by aligning with the future that people want.

Because the truth is simple: If you’re not leading for change, you’re not really leading at all.

David O'Connor

David O’Connor is Director of Strategy & Innovation at Common Purpose. In his role, he leads the development of new approaches, and learning experiences that push the boundaries of leadership development. David is passionate about redefining how we prepare leaders to navigate complexity, and is driven by the belief that disruptive thinking can unlock powerful, inclusive impact in communities and organizations.