A Lesson from Walmart + A Little Update from Me

Hi everyone,

I haven’t been posting much this week, not because I’m not thinking of you (or sustainability!), but because I’m currently deep in an intensive bootcamp from Porto Business School. It’s been eye-opening and I can’t wait to share more about what I’m learning.

Walmart, Wages & a Surprising Twist

In my HBS Online specialization, I came across a case study that really struck me: Walmart, yes, the giant U.S. supermarket chain, under CEO Doug McMillon, raised its minimum wage from about $7.25 to $10/hr (and eventually much higher) in just a few years.

  • Short‑term pain: Investors reacted with a steep stock drop when Walmart warned profits would be flat.
  • Long‑term gain: By investing in their people, improving operations, and expanding e‑commerce, Walmart’s value rebounded, and then some.

This story reminds me that doing the right thing often takes courage. Whether it’s fair pay, ethical sourcing, or greener practices, you might face resistance at first—but the long‑term benefits for people, planet, and even profit can be huge.

Related Reading

If you enjoyed this, you might like my previous post: Dutch Companies Are Pulling Back on Sustainability

What’s Next?

Once I wrap up this bootcamp, I’ll dive back into regular blogging and share more real‑world lessons from Business in Society. Stay tuned! 💚

— Morena

Walmart