Survival of the Kindest
How Companies Like Yours Can Save the World
by David J. Lockett

---

From a global pandemic and rising poverty rates to political polarization and rising seas, we live in a time of perpetual crisis. Few might think corporations could be the ones to save us. But who is more equipped with the resources needed to face all-encompassing disaster, whether it be climate change, gun violence or the widening chasm of wealth disparity? Survival of the Kindest is a blueprint for transforming corporate social responsibility through what author David Lockett terms “evolutionary driven kindness.” Lockett inspiringly argues that profit-driven businesses, more so than governments, have the ability to alleviate our greatest social ills and the responsibility to rise to the challenge. Contrary to what some may believe, it can even serve the corporate bottom line. From his experience building a domestic abuse shelter and involvement in designing and delivering restorative justice and innovative life coaching programs for at-risk youth, Lockett, a successful entrepreneur, understands how scaling social programs can transform the world. Working with a treasure trove of real-life examples, including Alcoholics Anonymous and outdoor clothing company Patagonia, he demonstrates how the same principles that drive business profitability are precisely what will make social programs exponentially more accessible, equitable and successful. Ambitious, original, and provocative, Survival of the Kindest is sure to become a groundbreaking contribution to business literature as the catalyst for the corporate kindness revolution.

www.survivalofthekindestbook.com

---

“We all make choices in life, to act with courage or to give in to cowardice, to do the right thing or the easy thing, to be kind to others or dedicated to ourselves at the expense of others. Survival of the Kindest is both a call to action and a reminder that, even in groups and corporations, we are still individuals with the power of choice. This is an important book.” — Deborah Ellis, award-winning author and activist “Leaders are driven by a desire to create lasting impact. With its compelling examples, Survival of the Kindest is a practical guide for how corporations can change the world.” — Anne Douville, President, Optimizo Solutions Inc. “David Lockett’s Survival of the Kindest is a powerful guide for corporate leaders committed to creating real social change. Combining corporate insight with compassionate, hands-on nonprofit experience, David offers actionable advice and inspiring examples of companies uplifting their communities. This book is essential reading for any leader looking to make a meaningful impact.” — Barbara Benoliel, Ph.D., Professional Mediator, Preferred Solutions

---

David Lockett embodies a visionary approach to blending business expertise with social responsibility to build a more equitable society. As a successful entrepreneur, David was drawn to charitable work through his desire to find sustainable best practice models and interventions that break cycles of intergenerational violence, trauma, and poverty. On the very day he was set to begin a promising role in his family business, he chose instead to dedicate himself to co-founding the Redwood Shelter, a center for women and children escaping domestic abuse in Toronto. While managing his own logistics company, he also co-founded and serves as volunteer president of the Canadian Foundation for the Prevention of Family Violence. The Foundation’s flagship PACT Urban Peace Program supports hundreds of vulnerable young people, families, and seniors each year. Current services include the innovative, award winning LifePlan Coaching program, experiential life skills projects, and the Grow-to Learn schoolyard gardens and fresh food box initiative, which assists under-resourced schools and provides thousands of pounds of organic produce to food-insecure communities annually. As a leader of PACT, David continues to design, deliver, and expand impactful social programs, strengthen partnerships with stakeholders— including the business community—and conduct year-round fundraising efforts to sustain the charity’s vital work.

---

Contributors

Author

David J. Lockett