Is Corporate Purpose a distraction or a secret weapon for innovation? HEC Purpose Day 2026

Is Corporate Purpose a distraction or a secret weapon for innovation? Josip Kotlar sits down with Laurence Debroux (Non-Executive Board Member Exor, Randstad, Institut Mérieux & HEC Paris) and Professor Mario Calderini (Professor at Politecnico di Milano and Director of Tiresia, Polimi Graduate School of Management Research Centre for Impact Finance and Innovation) to dismantle the myth that purpose and profit are at odds. While critics often view "purpose" as a distraction from financial performance, our panelists argue that it is actually a vital strategic filter and a driver for radical innovation. From Heineken’s defining decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic to the ethical showdown between Anthropic and OpenAI, this discussion provides concrete examples of how leading with purpose creates long-term value. The Purpose Day is hosted by the HEC Paris S&O Institute Purpose Center in collaboration with the Oxford University Center for Corporate Reputation on April 7, 2026, at the Cité Universitaire de Paris. More informations about the HEC Purpose Day 2026 : https://www.hec.edu/en/society-organizations-institute/events/purpose-profit-20-after-backlash-what-remains The Sustainability & Organizations Institute of HEC Paris : https://www.hec.edu/en/institutes-and-centers-expertise/sustainability-organizations-institute #HECPurposeDay #HECPurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Raisondêtre #Leadership #HECParis