The rule of law and the cost of corporate silence — with Alison Taylor
Wed Jan 28 2026
As the rule of law in the United States comes under strain, many companies have chosen silence. In this episode, Mike Hower sits down with business ethicist and Higher Ground author Alison Taylor to examine what corporate courage actually looks like when legal norms, civil rights, and community safety are being tested. Together, they explore why companies retreat in moments of crisis, the limits of compliance-driven ethics, and the role sustainability and communications leaders can play when speaking up carries real risk. This is a candid conversation about silence, responsibility, and whether business is willing — or able — to stand for the rule of law when it matters most.
Connect with Alison Taylor on LinkedIn.Order Alison's book, Higher Ground.Read the American Sustainable Business Network's statement calling for companies to defend the rule of law in America.Register for Sustainability Professionals Against Silence
Pre-order Sustainability Storytelling — Mike's book on crafting compelling, credible, and compliant sustainability narratives (Kogan Page, May 2026)Follow Mike on LinkedInSubscribe to The Sustainability Story on SubstackGot a guest or topic idea? Reach out at howerimpact.com/contact
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As the rule of law in the United States comes under strain, many companies have chosen silence. In this episode, Mike Hower sits down with business ethicist and Higher Ground author Alison Taylor to examine what corporate courage actually looks like when legal norms, civil rights, and community safety are being tested. Together, they explore why companies retreat in moments of crisis, the limits of compliance-driven ethics, and the role sustainability and communications leaders can play when speaking up carries real risk. This is a candid conversation about silence, responsibility, and whether business is willing — or able — to stand for the rule of law when it matters most. Connect with Alison Taylor on LinkedIn.Order Alison's book, Higher Ground.Read the American Sustainable Business Network's statement calling for companies to defend the rule of law in America.Register for Sustainability Professionals Against Silence Pre-order Sustainability Storytelling — Mike's book on crafting compelling, credible, and compliant sustainability narratives (Kogan Page, May 2026)Follow Mike on LinkedInSubscribe to The Sustainability Story on SubstackGot a guest or topic idea? Reach out at howerimpact.com/contact