Ep 204: Muthoni Laibuta – Purpose-Driven Business
Episode 204: Muthoni Laibuta - Purpose-Driven Businesses are ‘Great Business’
This is episode #204 of EGN Leadership Conversations: The Untold Secrets of the C-Suite by Nick Jonsson, and we are pleased to welcome Muthoni Laibuta, South East Asia and Taiwan Business Unit Director – Oral Care Haleon, who shares her compelling insights on why purpose-driven businesses are truly ‘Great Business.’
In this inspiring episode, Muthoni dives deep into the evolving role of purpose in modern organizations and why the most successful companies today are those operating with a strong sense of meaning, responsibility, and positive impact. She explains that purpose is not simply a branding exercise or a nice-to-have value printed on office walls — it is a strategic engine that fuels long-term business performance.
Muthoni shares how organizations that anchor themselves in a meaningful mission are better equipped to inspire their teams, innovate more boldly, and build trust with customers. She emphasizes that when teams understand why their work matters, they naturally deliver higher-quality outcomes, collaborate more effectively, and stay more committed during times of change.
She also discusses the direct connection between purpose and profitability. Businesses that focus on societal impact — from sustainability to community wellbeing — often see stronger commercial results, enhanced customer loyalty, and higher employee engagement. Muthoni highlights several examples from her experience leading teams across diverse markets in Asia, showing how a clear purpose can guide decision-making, reinforce culture, and drive operational excellence.
Another powerful point she raises is the importance of leadership authenticity. Leaders who embody a sense of purpose create an environment where individuals feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and contribute meaningfully. This culture of trust not only strengthens teams internally but also propels organizations forward in competitive landscapes.
Ultimately, Muthoni makes the case that purpose-driven businesses thrive not in spite of focusing on impact, but because of it. By aligning values with action, companies can uplift communities, protect the environment, and achieve financial success in a way that is sustainable and meaningful.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other individuals or organizations mentioned.
Contact Muthoni to collaborate with her:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muthoni-laibuta/
Visit our website to find more podcast https://www.nickjonsson.com/leadership-conversations-the-untold-secrets-of-the-c-suite