Jack Sim, World Toilet Organisation

In the first episode of a new series, Andrew talks to Jack Sim, the Founder and Director of the World Toilet Organisation.

“Today we say a billionaire is one who took a billion dollars from everyone else. We are incentivising selfishness. We need to define a billionaire as one who improved the life of a billion people.”

Dr Andrew White is a leadership coach and Senior Fellow in Management Practice at Said Business School, where his work focuses on leadership that’s fit for the 21st century. And in this podcast series Andrew is in conversation with exemplary leaders who are showcasing the new rules of leadership.

Kicking off Series 3, Andrew talks to Jack Sim, who is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when you lead for impact and purpose. Jack grew up in a slum in Singapore and describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” – he has successfully set up 16 businesses - but “retired’ aged 40 to devote himself to changing the world.

He looked for a wicked problem to fix, and turned his attention to sanitation – and in particular to toilets. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1.7 billion people still do not have access to basic sanitation, such as private toilets or latrines. Of these, 494 million still defecate in the open.

To improve toilet conditions worldwide, Jack set up the “WTO” - the World Toilet Organisation.

He talks to Andrew about how he created a global movement with – in his words – no money no status, and only two other full-time members of staff. It is a true inspiration for anyone setting out to achieve what might look impossible.

His motto is: “Live a useful life”.

This episode was recorded in May 2022.

Featuring:

Dr Andrew White, Senior Fellow of Management Practice, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

Jack Sim (@jackwto), founder, World Toilet Organisation

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