To the Desert and Back

"To the Desert and Back tells a fascinating story that those leading change at all levels should read. While the methods will surprise, perhaps even shock, the results in terms of personal growth and business growth are hard to ignore. In the midst of a huge, tradition-bound, multinational corporation, a small band of radical local business innovators have not only awakened a sleeping giant, they seem, at least so far, to have gotten away with it. My hat is off to Mirvis, Ayas, and Roth for digging into the 'concrete particulars' of large-scale change. For those who are tired of simplistic generalizations and formulas, this book will prove nourishment and inspiration."
-Peter Senge, author of The Fifth Discipline "To the Desert and Back is a marvelous leadership story, an inspirational way to teach and learn about change. Great leaders are great teachers. Tex Gunning and his team leaders demonstrate that convincingly and provide great lessons for those of us who wrestle with transformation and growth."
-Noel Tichy, professor at the University of Michigan Business School and coaut hor of The Cycle Of Leadership
"This is a business story that talks to the heart. To the Desert and Back illuminates how tapping into 'heart intelligence' can speed and guide personal and organizational transformation. Make this book a part of your learning journey and you'll experience new possibilities for your organization and for yourself."
-Joe Jaworski, author of Synchronicity
"The men and women of Van den Bergh have been among the trailblazers on Unilever's path to growth. Their successes- and setbacks- in energizing brands, launching products, exciting consumers, and growing their top line is what enterprise culture is all about. The emotional and spiritual aspects of their journey is what makes it all worthwhile."
-Antony Burgmans and Niall FitzGerald, chairmen of Unilever

Preview: The View from the Desert ix Part I: Turnaround
1. Wake-Up Call 3
2. Rebuilding the Business 15
Part II: Takeover
3. Merger or Takeover? 31
4. Going into Therapy 41
5. Revolution and Chaos 55
Part III: Transforming the Organization
6. 180 Leaders in Charge 67
7. Community or Cult? 79
8. The McVan den Bergh Clan 89
Part IV: Transforming the Business
9. Growing a Market: Foods 103
10. Growing a Brand: Fats 117
11. Cascading Change: Uniquisine, Calvé , Royco, and Nassaukade 129
Part V: Transfer
12. To the Desert 145
13. The Legacy of Growth 155
Part VI: Takeaways for Leading Change
14. Change Models and Methods 169
15. Change as Theater 183
16. Holistic Integration 195
Appendix 1: Cast of Characters-Then and Now 207
Appendix 2: Learning History 211
Notes and Sources 221
Acknowledgments 243
About the Authors 247
Index 251