What Sex, Soap and Alcohol Taught Me About Making an Impact | Myriam Sidibe | TED

Overview

This talk explores how businesses can create meaningful social impact while driving profitability. Drawing on decades of experience in public health and ethical business, Myriam Sidibe shares a playbook for aligning corporate missions with societal needs, demonstrating that purpose-driven business models can transform lives and markets alike.

Notable Quotes

- Your business models are failing society, and they’re failing us. – Myriam Sidibe, on the urgent need for businesses to rethink their approach to impact.

- Soap on shelves doesn’t save lives. Behavior change does. – Myriam Sidibe, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic challenges.

- Everything I’ve learned about building a mission-driven economy, I have learned from sex, soap, and alcohol. – Myriam Sidibe, on the unconventional lessons from her career.

🧼 Rethinking Business Models for Social Impact

- Businesses are retreating from bold initiatives like DEI and ESG, leaving societal needs unmet.

- Sidibe argues that philanthropy and finger-pointing aren’t enough; companies must redesign their business models to create value for people, the planet, and profit.

- Lifebuoy’s transformation into a mission-driven brand (Help a Child Reach Five) demonstrates how aligning business goals with societal impact can save lives and boost profitability.

🌍 Tackling Global Challenges Through Collaboration

- Collaboration is key: Lifebuoy partnered with governments, NGOs, and even competitors to scale its hygiene program, reaching one billion people.

- The #NoExcuse campaign by Carling Black Label in South Africa shows how unlikely allies, like a beer brand, can challenge toxic masculinity and drive cultural change.

👩 Empowering Vulnerable Populations

- Sidibe highlights the systemic challenges faced by girls in Africa, such as period stigma and lack of access to menstrual products.

- Fatima, an AI-driven initiative, amplifies the voices of young girls, advocating for mental health support, contraceptive access, and safe spaces.

📖 Lessons from Unlikely Industries

- Industries like soap, alcohol, and even sex work are at the forefront of inequality and transformation.

- Ethical engagement with these sectors can drive dignity and systemic change, proving that businesses can address hard issues while thriving.

🚀 The Role of Chief Mission Officers

- Sidibe calls for individuals within organizations to embrace the role of chief mission officers, focusing on driving positive impact for billions.

- Real change requires persistence, collaboration, and a commitment to creating shared value for both society and business.