In this episode, iconic business leader John E. Pepper, retired Chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble, shares timeless wisdom gained from decades of leading world-class organizations. He discusses how grounding leadership in purpose, love, and continuous agility creates a culture where diverse talent thrives and drives sustainable growth. Listen in to discover how focusing on human connections, mentorship, and core values can inspire your leadership journey and leave a lasting positive impact on others.
Bio: Mr. Pepper spent a 40 year career in various positions at Procter & Gamble, including Chief Executive Officer and Chairman from 1995 – 1999 and Chairman of the Board from 2000 – 2002. He served as Director of Procter & Gamble from 1984 – 2003 and President from 1986 – 1995.
John E. Pepper, Jr. currently serves as Director Emeritus of the Board of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and was CEO from January 2006 – May 2007. Mr. Pepper served as Chairman of the Board of the Walt Disney Company from January 2007 through March 2012 and had served as a member of its board since January 2006. He also served as Vice President of Finance and Administration at Yale University from January 2004 to December 2005.
Pepper has devoted important effort over the past 40 years to Early Childhood and Youth Development. He is a former member of the Cincinnati Preschool Program Board of Trustees. He was a founding supporter of Every Child Succeeds (which provides home visitation to at-risk 0-3 year olds), and was a co-founder and currently is an honorary member of the board of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, one of the nation’s most successful mentoring and tutoring organizations.
Pepper graduated from Yale in 1960, where he served on the Board of the Yale Daily News. He served as Fellow of the Yale Corporation from 1995 – 2003, including two years as Senior Fellow.
A native of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Mr. Pepper holds honorary doctorate degrees from Yale University, Xavier University, Mount St. Joseph College, St. Petersburg University (Russia), the Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati and St. Joseph’s University.
Mr. Pepper and his late wife, Francie, have four children and ten grandchildren and resides in Wyoming, Ohio.
Something Extra: "I think they need a sense of purpose... in their life in the, in the life of the institution which they serve."
Guest Links:
Books: What Really Matters: Service, Leadership, People, and Values
100 Books That Shaped my Life: Reflections on a Lifetime of Reading