Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to James Reed, Chairman, author and CEO of Reed, on why it’s good business to be a good business.

Described as a “stadium filling rockstar CEO” James knows a few things about business. James is the Chairman and CEO of REED, the recruitment specialists. Every year, REED places hundreds of thousands of people into jobs across a number of disciplines around the world. James first joined the company in 1992 after graduating from Harvard Business School. Now he is on a mission to reform capitalism.

Corporations, he argues, are largely ignoring their employees, customers and wider community in the pursuit of short-term gain and profit, while charities suffer in the wake of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. However, there is an alternative.

Join us as we chat to James about his new book, Karma Capitalism, where he sets out his vision to encourage a whole new generation of PhilCos – philanthropic minded businesses with at least 10 per cent of shares owned by a charitable foundation. Inspired by his own company’s commitment to charity, James shares how PhilCos are more likely to:

– Stay in business for 40 or more years
– Foster shareholders that work toward a lasting legacy
– Retain and motivate colleagues
– Improve lives through charity work

Part-manifesto, part-guide, Karma Capitalism is a compelling and accessible introduction to the PhilCo movement, proving that it’s good business to be a good business.

The discussion between James and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask James your own questions.

We’ll have a philosophical “Thought for the Week” from Dr Mark Vernon and the event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.

This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting.

James Reed is the Chairman and CEO of REED, the recruitment specialists. Every year, REED places hundreds of thousands of people into jobs across a number of disciplines around the world. James first joined the company in 1992 after graduating from Harvard Business School. Along with Paul G. Stoltz, James is the author of Put Your Mindset to Work. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). He lives in London.

Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.

Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.

Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.