Paul Musser is a highly regarded executive who worked at Visa with iQ 360 founder and CEO Lori Teranishi and principal John Onoda before moving to Mastercard, where he held a series of senior roles over a 16-year span. A consummate strategic thinker, Paul takes the long view of business. We were intrigued by his idea of Century Companies and invited him to share it here.
Paul, can you start by telling us a bit about your background and what inspired you to champion the "Century Company" strategy?
My career has focused on helping businesses navigate complex landscapes, balancing profitability with broader social responsibilities. Over the years, I’ve observed growing polarization around concepts like corporate social responsibility (CSR); environmental, social and governance (ESG); and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). While vital, the divisive dialogue surrounding these initiatives can sometimes overshadow their core purpose. This led me to champion the "Century Company" strategy — a concept that encourages businesses to focus on one overarching goal: building organizations that thrive for at least 100 years.
Can you summarize the essence of the Century Company strategy? What makes it unique?
The Century Company strategy is rooted in the idea of longevity. It’s not a rigid framework but a guiding principle that encourages businesses to think long-term. What sets it apart is its ability to unify various socially responsible practices under a single goal — achieving enduring success. By prioritizing longevity, companies can avoid getting entangled in polarizing debates and instead focus on sustainable profitability, stakeholder empowerment, innovation and honoring traditions.
You mention four pillars as the foundation for Century Companies. Can you elaborate on these?
Yes. The four pillars are:
- Economic Viability: Businesses must be sustainably profitable, creating value for all stakeholders — not just shareholders. This supports reinvestment, innovation and long-term adaptability.
- Stakeholder Empowerment: This involves creating inclusive environments for employees, fostering loyalty among customers and strengthening community ties. Empowering stakeholders ensures relevance across generations.
- Embracing Innovation: Companies must stay agile, leveraging new technologies and adapting to change to meet evolving needs.
- Continuation of Tradition: While embracing the future, companies should honor their roots. This blend creates a strong brand narrative that builds trust and loyalty.
"By prioritizing longevity, companies can avoid getting entangled in polarizing debates and instead focus on sustainable profitability, stakeholder empowerment, innovation and honoring traditions."
Are there examples of companies that embody this strategy? What lessons can we learn from them?
Researchers like Vicki TenHaken and Makoto Kanda have identified firms, particularly in Japan and the U.S., that have surpassed the 100-year mark. For instance, Herman Miller, founded in 1905, exemplifies this strategy through its iconic designs and ability to adapt to changing markets. However, even established companies like Herman Miller face challenges, such as the shift toward remote work and evolving corporate spaces. These examples highlight the importance of staying innovative while maintaining core values.
For business leaders looking to implement the Century Company strategy, where should they begin?
The first step is a shift in mindset. Leaders must ask themselves not just how to navigate the next quarter but how to position their company for a 100-year anniversary. From there, aligning business practices with the four pillars — economic viability, stakeholder empowerment, innovation and tradition — is key. It’s about balancing immediate goals with a vision for enduring success.
We encourage you to engage in strategic planning and insightful conversations amongst peers to fortify your company against evolving business challenges.
