Shepherd Leadership
Ready — Hamdi Ulukaya moved to the United States in 1994 to study English and business. He came with little money, broken English, and a hunger to make cheese and yogurt like his family back home. All he desired was to return home to help with his family’s cheese business.
Set — Life turned in a new direction in 2005 when he took a bold step to purchase a shuttered Kraft yogurt factory in New York. Most business leaders saw an abandoned plant, but Hamdi saw opportunity. He hired four employees and began crafting thick, rich yogurt from an old family recipe. Chobani exploded in popularity, but Ulukaya never forgot his roots. Instead of pocketing all the gains, he reshaped company culture around generosity by . . .
Sharing success with employees. He gave 10% ownership of Chobani to workers so they could share in the company’s growth.
Hiring the overlooked. Chobani intentionally employs refugees and immigrants, providing stable jobs and dignity.
Prioritizing people over profits. Hamdi implemented paid family leave and fair wages, unusual in food manufacturing.
Giving back generously. Through his charitable foundation, Ulukaya supports humanitarian causes worldwide.
Leading by example. He calls this approach the “Anti-CEO Playbook,” urging business leaders to see workers as humans first. His vision wasn’t just about profit; it was about quality and community.
Grow! — Success isn’t about what you get; it’s about what you give. Hambi used business to change lives, proving that generosity attracts loyalty and fuels sustainable growth. You may not run a factory, but you can choose to lead with generosity. What makes Ulukaya remarkable is not just how he built Chobani into America’s top Greek yogurt brand. Rather, it’s how he used business as a tool to bless people.
Two Questions
What’s one way to share your success with those who help you achieve it?
How might you put people before profit?