PayPal and Nike CEOs Reflect on Leading Through a Pandemic and Taking Action To Dismantle Racism
PayPal CEO Dan Schulman recently hosted John Donahoe, Nike CEO and Chairman of PayPal’s board, on an episode of Never Stand Still. In the conversation, Dan and John spoke about servant leadership and purpose-driven business. They also shared candid insights into what they’ve learned in navigating their companies through the COVID-19 pandemic and, particularly, taking action against systemic racism.
Nike has been a leader on this front for many years—showing solidarity with Colin Kaepernick’s efforts to bring attention to systemic racism and recently launching its Don’t Do It campaign and $40 million commitment to fight systemic racism, for example. Still, John spoke about the company’s obligation to do even more to support its Black community. He said, “You've got to redouble down and redouble down and recommit yourself time and time again.”
Dan added, “It's not enough to condemn racism. You have to actually be anti-racist. You have to be in the fight. You have to be willing to take a stand, which is why [PayPal] committed over half a billion dollars. Because I want this to be more than a moment, but a movement.”
This conversation took place as part of PayPal CEO Dan Schulman’s business and leadership discussion series, “Never Stand Still,” which is now in its third season. The show is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.