How giving starts progress and leadership scales it

Volatility and rising accountability are reshaping every industry. Philanthropy isn’t immune. In moments like this, leadership drives meaningful progress. As chief philanthropy officer at UNICEF USA, I work with C-suite leaders and philanthropists to turn bold commitments into lasting impact. Carol J. Hamilton has spent four decades in the C-suite at L’Oréal USA and continues to serve across corporate and nonprofit boards. Between us, we’ve seen philanthropy evolve and adapt. We came together to talk about what leadership requires in this moment. Michele Walsh: You played a key role in shaping a global company’s philanthropic efforts. Since leaving L’Oréal USA, you seem busier than ever, serving on several boards and continuing to make a difference. As you think about this next chapter, what feels different for you in this moment? How has your career shaped it? Carol J. Hamilton: What feels different is ownership. In my corporate career, I had the leadership platform of a global compan