The case of Cynthia Carroll, former CEO of Anglo American, highlights her leadership and decision-making during a critical period for the company. Carroll faced significant challenges, including safety concerns at the Rustenburg platinum mine in South Africa, where a series of fatal accidents had occurred. She made the bold decision to temporarily shut down the mine to address safety issues, despite the financial and operational risks involved. This decision demonstrated her commitment to prioritizing employee safety and ethical leadership over short-term profits.

Carroll's approach involved engaging with stakeholders, including employees, unions, and local communities, to implement a comprehensive safety overhaul. Her leadership style emphasized transparency, accountability, and collaboration, which ultimately led to improved safety standards and a cultural shift within the organization. The case serves as an example of how decisive and values-driven leadership can address complex organizational challenges while fostering long-term sustainability and trust.