“At a time when businesses face growing scrutiny over their responsibility to society, the debate between profit and purpose is often framed as a zero-sum choice. In Maximum Purpose, Maximum Profit, Rajeev Peshawaria challenges that assumption head on. Drawing on rigorous research and real-world examples, he shows how organizations create enduring value by solving meaningful problems - and how profitability is strengthened, not sacrificed, in the process. Anchored in a philosophy of leadership as stewardship, this book offers a powerful blueprint for building companies that are resilient, relevant, and capable of helping both business and society thrive.”
Desmond Kuek, CEO, Temasek Trust
“As Group Chief People Officer operating in an era defined by volatility, technological disruption, and declining institutional credibility, I believe Maximum Purpose, Maximum Profit by Rajeev Peshawaria offers a timely and practical blueprint for leadership. Steward leadership reframes the false trade-off between profit and purpose, showing how long-term resilience, ethical integrity, and interdependence can become competitive advantages. Leaders who embed purpose into strategy and culture will build enduring organizations that attract talent, earn trust, and outperform over time. This book challenges leaders not to sacrifice ambition, but to channel it—maximising profit by maximising purpose for a collective better future.”
Jolanda Grob, Group Chief People Officer, Zurich Insurance; Independent Non-Executive Board Director
“Engaging and illuminating, Rajeev’s book is a wonderful playbook for the type of leadership we need today, for those who want to do well by doing good. While this is a great principle for a truly sustainable business, the book provides the much-needed step-by-step process to be able to do exactly that. Real life stories that illustrate these elements in practice further enrich the understanding in a way that is sure to benefit those looking to do so. It is a must read, especially for leaders wanting to leave a legacy, happily!”
Dasho Karma Tshiteem, Chairman, National Service Core Working Group; Former Chairman, Royal Civil Service Commission; former Secretary, Gross National Happiness Commission, Bhutan
In Maximum Purpose, Maximum Profit, Rajeev Peshawaria further develops the Steward Leadership Compass introduced in his previous book, Sustainable Sustainability. Besides expanding on the four original values of the Compass (interdependence, long-term view, ownership mentality, and creative resilience), he introduces a new value: Ethical Integrity. With the improved Steward Leadership Compass framework, he argues that companies can maximize profit by maximizing purpose. He also presents evidence that the secret to corporate longevity is embracing the key values from the compass. As in his earlier book, Rajeev moves beyond theory by sharing brilliant examples of companies that embody stewardship values. This book is a must-read for every executive aiming to build a resilient, sustainable, and profitable company.
Ilian Mihov, Professor of Economics, INSEAD; Dean of INSEAD, 2013-2023
The idea of profitable sustainability struck a chord with me. In today’s increasingly connected and transparent world, Rajeev captures what many of us experience as we navigate growing uncertainty.
Having spent over three decades in insurance, I see every day how geo-economic shifts and climate change are reshaping our world—and how important it is for leaders to move beyond defensive play, and instead lead with solutions that enable us to move forward with confidence.
We need to ensure we continue to run profitable organisations that can sustain themselves over the long term. Rajeev challenges us to move beyond the notion of trade-offs and embed purpose into how we grow, recognising that sustainable outcomes must also be economically viable.
A timely and thought-provoking read for leaders navigating today’s realities.
Anusha Thavarajah, Regional CEO, Allianz Asia Pacific
A bold and timely manifesto for the next era of business. Leadership expert Rajeev Peshawaria argues persuasively that steward leadership—doing well by doing good—is not just ethical; it’s the most powerful engine of enduring profitability. Highly recommended.
Lucinda Halpern, Founder & CEO, Lucinda Literary; Author of Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author
“This book makes a powerful argument: to achieve sustainable profitability, businesses must pursue profitable sustainability. Widespread internet connectivity coupled with powerful AI is making the world increasingly transparent. Labeling these current times the “naked era,” Peshawaria offers a clear framework for building organizations that create enduring value amidst a time of fragile public confidence—economically, socially, and ethically.”
Sanjay Sarma, Professor of mechanical engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“A bold and timely reframing of the profit-versus-purpose debate, this book challenges conventional thinking and offers a compelling roadmap for leaders who want to create lasting value by solving real human problems. Grounded in powerful stories and practical insight, it inspires readers to move beyond sacrifice-driven sustainability and embrace steward leadership as a path to both meaningful impact and enduring success.”
Arnoud De Meyer, Professor Emeritus and Former President, Singapore Management University; Vice Chairman, INSEAD; Independent Director, Various Boards
This book is a powerful and timely reminder that leadership at its best is an act of stewardship—a genuine commitment to shaping a collective future that is more sustainable, more equitable, and more humane.
The case studies in the book provide compelling, practical insights, challenging us as leaders to think beyond organisational boundaries and short-term horizons, to proactively embrace our responsibility to stakeholders, society, future generations, and the environment.
At Deakin Business School, we have made a conscious choice to focus our efforts on a better collective future; one that harmonises economic growth and societal impact. Such an approach demands interdisciplinary perspectives and innovation at the points of intersection. This approach aligns with the playbook outlined here. In my view, this book is a vital read for all those determined to lead with purpose, underpinned by stewardship values, to create lasting, positive impact.
Professor Amanda Pyman, Dean, Deakin Business School, Australia
Rajeev Peshawaria reframes one of the most important debates in modern business—showing convincingly that purpose and profit are not trade-offs, but force multipliers. This is a timely and practical blueprint for leaders navigating an era of transparency, disruption, and rising expectations.
Somesh Khanna, McKinsey Senior Partner Emeritus, Key Corp and LPL Financial Board Member
Many of us are still caught up in a false dilemma of profit vs purpose. In his book Maximum Purpose, Maximum Profit, Rajeev equips us with much needed perspectives that are required to navigate the current business environment and to achieve both. He makes a compelling case for how ethical integrity enhances long-term competitive advantage.
Inspiring, profound, and practical, this book provides us with a clear compass to lead and look for profitable solutions. I highly recommend this book.
Tony Verbraeken, International HR Director and Senior Advisor (Former EVP HR Shell)
Maximum Purpose, Maximum Profit charts a bold new course for purpose-driven leaders. Rajeev Peshawaria offers grounded practical approaches and examples that illustrate why and how steward leadership is the key to shaping a better world, where business success and sustainability are inseparable. A compelling and dynamic roadmap for leaders who want to create a more sustainable and profitable future.
David Henderson, Global Chief Human Resources Officer (Al-Futtaim, Zurich, MetLife, PepsiCo)
Not everything is out of control: as humans we have the ultimate freedom to choose how we lead, both ourselves and others. The book is a timely reminder that we can choose to become fearless steward leaders: an intentional force for good in the world, powered by deep introspection and learned happiness that comes from within.
Dr Vedrana Savic, Managing Director, Taurus Strategic Advisory; A/Professor in Management, Deakin Business School, Australia