Intentional Integrity

How Smart Companies Can Lead an Ethical Revolution

By: Robert Chesnut

Narrated by: Robert Chesnut

Silicon Valley expert Robert Chesnut shows that companies that do not think seriously about a crucial element of corporate culture - integrity - are destined to fail.

This program is read by the author.

“Show of hands - who in this group has integrity?” It’s with this direct and often uncomfortable question that Robert Chesnut, general counsel of Airbnb, begins every presentation to new employees.

Defining integrity is difficult. Once understood as “telling the truth and keeping your word", it was about following not just the letter but the spirit of the law. But in a moment when workplaces are becoming more diverse, global, and connected, silence about integrity creates ambiguities about right and wrong that make everyone uncertain, opening the door for the minority of people to rationalize selfish behavior. Trust in most traditional institutions is down - government, religious organizations, and higher education - and there’s a dark cloud hovering over technology. But this is precisely where companies come in; as peoples’ faith in establishments deteriorates, they’re turning to their employer for stability.

In Intentional Integrity, Chesnut offers a six-step process for leaders to foster and manage a culture of integrity at work. He explains the rationale and legal context for the ethics and practices and presents scenarios to illuminate the nuances of thinking deeply and objectively about workplace culture.

We will always need governments to manage defense, infrastructure, and basic societal functions. But, Chesnut argues, the private sector has the responsibility to use sensitivity and flexibility to make broader progress - if they act with integrity.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

"Rob is an insider who's combined doing good with doing business well in two iconic Silicon Valley companies. His book contains smart, practical advice for anyone looking to do good and do well.” (Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn and author of Blitzscaling)

©2020 Robert Chesnut (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“The ethical expectations for companies is wonderfully changing from 'do no evil' to 'do good.' Companies and their leaders need to put ethics and integrity at the center of their mission and culture. Rob is an insider who's combined doing good with doing business well in two iconic Silicon Valley companies. His book contains smart, practical advice for anyone looking to do good and do well.” (Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and author of Blitzscaling)

"No one has wrestled with more difficult business integrity challenges over the last 20 years than Rob. His insights will instruct you how to drive integrity into your culture. Now, more than ever, we need someone to lead a constructive, direct conversation about integrity in business - Rob delivers." (Meg Whitman, CEO of Quibi, former CEO of HP and eBay Inc.)

Perfect Timing!

This book was released at the perfect time. I am legal counsel at a startup, and have decided to draft a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and train the business on it. Not only did I get good ideas for doing so, but the author also brought up some real-life examples of issues I hadn't previously thought of. This is a great book for leaders who want to run a company with integrity.

A must-listen for compliance professionals

Full of insights and practical advice for compliance officers and CEOs. Not nearly as dry as the title of the book might suggest. I certainly plan to listen to it again.

Not suitable for people outside the corporate universe.

Most Listen for All Business Leaders

So much of our business world is broken. Chestnut paints a great story on how so many others have gone wrong and what we can all do to build organizations that are integrity-focused.

Must read for those interested in growing integrity in business and the world.

Robert has gifted us all w/an engaging book packed with real life examples, advice on code moments and the evaluation of integrity at two of the most successful marketplace platforms (Airbnb & eBay). I recommend this book to all my family and friends regardless of their industry or occupation.

Must read for an entrepreneur

Ethics starts at the top! Rob’s experience and guidance about how to create an ethical workplace is critical for an entrepreneur today! Great read. Great narration.