Good morning.
It has been eight years since I joined Fortune, and there are few things I’m prouder of in that time than the creation of the Change the World list, which former editor Cliff Leaf and I conspired on back in 2015. At the time, Fortune had lots of lists. We ranked companies by revenue, by market value, by speed of growth, by employee satisfaction, by public image, and much more. But we had never recognized the ones that made the greatest contributions to society. And after all, the purpose of corporations, as Oxford professor Colin Mayer has put it, is to “profitably solve the problems of people and planet.” Why not highlight those who are doing it best?
So I am happy to announce that we are now taking nominations for the ninth annual installment of the Change the World list. At a time when “woke” corporations are under political attack, it’s worth taking time to celebrate those that ignore the noise and focus on their contributions to humankind. Profits are critical, to be sure; but profits are a means to an end.
If you want to see companies that have earned the honor in the past, you can do so here. It’s an inspiring testament to the positive power of capitalism. And if you want to nominate a company for the 2023 list, you may do so here. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Matt Heimer and Erika Fry, who curate the list, here. They are looking for companies that are finding better, smart and more profitable ways of reaching net zero; helping their workforces adapt and reskill in the face of unprecedented technological change; tackling global challenges of keeping people fed and healthy; or finding other innovative ways of helping the world. Don’t let politicians spoil what’s good about business at its best. Make your nominations by July 31. The list publishes in October.
And since it’s Friday, a bit of feedback. RP writes in to endorse the two CEOs who cited the Bible as the best book they’d read in the last year. In his view, it is “a reference book on how to address ESG issues and run a successful business."
More news below. And read why the folks at Morgan Stanley think generative A.I. will catapult Microsoft into the $3 trillion club, here.
Alan Murray
@alansmurray
alan.murray@fortune.com
