Lessons in Conscious Leadership from Tim Eaves of Quadpack
What if your fiercest competitors became your closest collaborators?
For Tim Eaves, Board Member and Head of Board ESG Committee, PSB Industries as well as the current President of Conscious Capitalism Spain, this wasn’t a hypothetical—it was the foundation of a company that would go on to become a global leader in sustainable beauty packaging.
In a recent episode of The Conscious Capitalists podcast, Tim shared how a mindset of radical collaboration, stakeholder inclusion, and relentless innovation helped Quadpack evolve from a small packaging trader to a multinational B Corp-certified manufacturer.
Here are the top takeaways for CEOs navigating growth, culture, and complexity in uncertain times.
1. Collaboration isn’t a weakness, it’s a strategic advantage
In 2003, Eaves reached out to three of his competitors with an unconventional proposal: collaborate instead of compete. The goal was simple—scale impact through shared resources and market reach.
Initially met with skepticism, the idea evolved into Quadpack, a pan-European alliance that operated as independent companies under a unified brand for seven years before officially merging. For CEOs, the lesson is clear: collaboration, even among competitors, can unlock new value when driven by trust and mutual purpose.
2. Your supply chain is your stakeholder community
Quadpack’s early approach to supplier relationships was unorthodox for the time. Rather than guarding supplier identities or enforcing rigid control, they offered support and transparency. They considered suppliers as family members,went to their factories, and proudly associated their brand with theirs.
This early form of stakeholder inclusion aligned naturally with Conscious Capitalism’s principles—long before Tim had ever heard of the movement.
3. Innovation Means Letting Go of Perfection
Inspired by Korean partners who thrived on rapid iteration, Quadpack adopted a culture of fast, flexible innovation—especially in sustainability.
Tim credits advisor Mark’s mantra—“Accelerate into the fog”—as a critical turning point. In a world of uncertainty, the courage to act without perfect clarity is what sets adaptable leaders apart.
4. The human side of leadership is your edge
Tim attributes much of his leadership philosophy to formative values, growing up in a churchgoing family, being a Boy Scout, and working hands-on jobs. These shaped his belief in business as a deeply human endeavor.
This human-first ethos now informs his post-CEO focus: helping vulnerable youth through the Quadpack Foundation, mentoring through corporate-community partnerships, and championing authenticity in boardrooms.
5. Make values measurable, not just aspirational
Quadpack’s B Corp certification in 2022 provided a framework for aligning departments and measuring impact—across sustainability, governance, and stakeholder outcomes.
For CEOs considering similar paths, Tim advises engaging boards early, leveraging cross-functional teams, and using certifications to create cohesion and credibility.
The CEO as a Conscious Catalyst
As Quadpack continues to grow—now part of a larger European group, Tim remains focused on preserving culture and scaling impact.
Whether you’re guiding a merger, scaling sustainability, or redefining your supply chain, Tim Eaves offers a roadmap for leadership grounded in trust, courage, and humanity.
Listen to his full podcast episode here-> https://go.consciouscapitalism.org/podcast/tim-eaves