Mid-Course Correction Revisited: The Story and Legacy of a Radical Industrialist and his Quest for Authentic Change by Ray Anderson, John A. Lanier

Ray Anderson was a radical industrialist, small business owner, and environmental crusader. He was the founder and CEO of Interface, Inc., a global carpet and commercial modular flooring company. Andersen's mission, in his own words, was to create a company that "doesn't have to be at war of with nature." He embraced the concept of industrial ecology—treating the earth as a resource, instead of a dumping ground—and relentlessly pursued a mission of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The story of Ray Anderson's journey began with humble beginnings. Growing up in rural Georgia, Anderson witnessed firsthand the damage done to the environment by industrial pollution. He made the decision to pursue a frugal lifestyle to ensure he was contributing as little waste as possible. He'd buy quality products, repair them when needed and re-use them as long as possible. This trait served as inspiration in his future business decisions.

In the 1970s, Anderson founded Interface, Inc. The company was initially met with success, but as Anderson's business grew he became aware of the environmental implications of his company's operations. He was determined to reduce the impact of Interface's manufacturing processes, and in 1994 he made the commitment to "set a goal toward sustainability and make Interface into a zero- impacts company within ten years."

Anderson began making sweeping changes, phasing out harmful chemicals, eliminating all non-recyclable materials and transitioning to renewable energy sources. He also made a concerted effort to raise awareness of environmental issues, hosting seminars to educate both his staff and potential customers on the impact of consumer choices, and inspiring plant managers to make sustainable decisions in other facilities.

Along the way, Anderson encountered obstacles but pressed ahead with his mission, setting a new standard for conscious consumption and responsible production. In recognition of Anderson's innovative approach to industrialization and his commitment to sustainability, he was awarded the National Medal of Technology in 2004.

Anderson's legacy of corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship has continued to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders around the world. His story serves as a reminder of the power of individual action and the need to strive for sustainability at all costs. His story still provides a framework for those looking to be part of the solution and help create a more sustainable global economy.

Even after Anderson's passing, his commitment to creating a safe, sustainable future is still alive and strong. Interface is still committed to sustainable practices and in 2015, with Anderson at the helm, the company achieved "Mission Zero"—the goal to have no negative environmental impact by 2020.

Ray Anderson's story and legacy show us that anything is possible when individuals take the initiative to make a change. His story serves as a reminder to all of us that, no matter how daunting the task, when it comes to our planet’s future, the impact of each and every one of us is worth making.