Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights’ virtual Book Club on May 29 explored the responsibilities of global business in an era of profound political, economic, and social change.
Headlining the conversation was Michael Posner, author of Conscience Incorporated, and founding director of the first human rights center at a business school located at NYU Stern. Moderated by Lisa Osborne Ross, RFKHR Board member and former U.S. CEO of Edelman, the world’s largest and most profitable public relations firm, the event examined how corporations can, and must, be agents of social betterment in an increasingly interconnected world.
“These are quite challenging times… I think it’s really important for all of us to keep our eye on what is important and to find a way forward,” Posner said, framing the discussion around the widening gap between corporate social responsibility measures and the urgent human rights issues they must address.
Ross, whose career spans impactful work across the public and private sectors, including leading Edelman teams on COVID-19 strategy, racial justice programs, and advising on LGBTQ issues, guided a candid dialogue on what it takes for companies to uphold values alongside profitability.
Posner argued that in a globalized economy, multinational corporations wield “supersized power,” particularly in countries where governments fail to protect their own people. “It’s the responsibility, the burden, and the opportunity of businesses to lead with conscience,” he said. However, Posner cautioned that too many companies approach human rights reactively, focusing on risk mitigation after crises rather than embedding ethical commitments into their core operations.
On the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Posner expressed dismay at the “pace and speed” of corporate retreat. Large companies need to understand that diversity is good for institutions and society alike, as diverse perspectives improve outcomes, not just opportunities.
The conversation also explored Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. Initially designed to align capital with values, Posner noted that ESG often fell back into a Milton Friedman–style pursuit of short-term returns. The challenge, and now opportunity, is to rebuild ESG frameworks with genuine accountability and transparency.
Ross pressed Posner on how to persuade business leaders, already preoccupied with economic instability and workforce shortages, to see “good ethics as good business.” Posner pointed to companies like Coca-Cola and Microsoft as proof that profitability and responsibility can coexist. He stressed that the best talent often asks hard questions about climate change, labor practices, and social impact, making corporate values a recruitment advantage.
As the discussion touched on high-profile corporate decisions such as companies withdrawal from Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, Posner quoted in his book the CEO of McDonalds at the time when he said “Our values mean we can not ignore the human suffering unfolding in Ukraine.” Posner called it “a unique moment” when political consensus and public opinion aligned to make the ethical choice also the business-smart choice. In more complex cases, he urged pragmatic but principled decision-making, distinguishing between activities that harm civilians and those that meet essential needs.
“I am an engager. I think there is a real value in global companies going into states where things aren’t perfect. I want to see Western companies going there for one because they are providing jobs… and I want companies that are under some pressure to do the right things on human rights or environment to be in the mix because that then becomes part of a discussion that goes on domestically. … Stay engaged and be part of the solution.”
Closing the event, Posner called for engagement over isolation. “This is our moment to echo solidarity. We all belong somewhere. We have communities we all engage with on some level, but we need to especially engage with those whom we don’t agree [with]. We are going to get ourselves out of this by being engaged in the world and with those around us in trying to have a respectful conversation in navigating our differences.” This dialogue reflects the mission of RFK Human Rights’ Business and Human Rights team, which works with investors and companies on five key pillars: just transition, workers’ rights, decarceration, responsible technology, and equitable access to capital. With over $7 trillion in assets under management represented in the RFK Compass Investors network, the program seeks to harness corporate influence for lasting, positive change.