How Business Can Regenerate the Planet (A Conversation with André Hoffmann)

In this episode of Getting Serious with Woody Wade, we sit down with André Hoffmann, Vice Chairman of Roche and a leading voice in sustainable business, to explore how companies, both large and small, can become forces for long-term prosperity and ecological regeneration. Drawing from his book The New Nature of Business, André Hoffmann explains why redefining value, rethinking capitalism, and embracing new accounting systems are key to ensuring a future where businesses thrive with the planet, not at its expense. From the future of MBAs to the role of Switzerland’s direct democracy, this conversation touches on urgent topics like biodiversity, global commons, and why we must act now. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Just start: why small actions matter 01:08 – Who is André Hoffmann? From Roche to wetland conservation 03:09 – How growing up in the Camargue shaped his worldview 04:40 – Reconciling science, nature, and healthcare 06:23 – The value of a humanistic upbringing and social responsibility 07:10 – What Roche exists for: purpose over profit 09:24 – Can startups be sustainable from day one? 11:15 – Defining success beyond wealth: happiness and contribution 14:20 – Is Switzerland better for big companies or small ones? 17:50 – The three forms of capital: human, social, and natural 20:08 – Why we need new impact accounting standards 22:46 – Is capitalism broken? Reflections on Milton Friedman 25:09 – Why regulation and innovation must go hand in hand 30:27 – From "me" to "we": redefining prosperity and competition 34:52 – The schizophrenia of knowing vs. acting 37:06 – What Switzerland can model for the world 40:17 – On nuclear energy: pragmatism over dogma 44:09 – Switzerland’s progress and political divisions 47:29 – Rethinking MBA curricula and the future of business education 50:53 – The illusion of linearity in business and climate 53:28 – What success looks like: regeneration and longevity 57:01 – The footprint model: how many Earths do we need? 59:24 – Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future? 01:01:54 – "Giving back" vs. doing good from the start With an international network of experienced and passionate professionals, GGBa promotes Western Switzerland throughout the world. Find out more: Website: https://www.ggba.swiss Twitter:   / ggba_invest   LinkedIn:   / invest-western-switzerland