In 2015, CEO Dan Price made a move that stunned the business world: he cut his own salary from $1.1 million to just $70,000 in order to ensure that every employee at Gravity Payments would earn at least that amount. Critics were quick to predict disaster, claiming that this drastic decision would lead to the company’s collapse. But what followed was nothing short of remarkable.

Instead of crumbling, Gravity Payments saw its revenue triple, employee retention hit an astounding 100%, and the company’s culture became a model for others to follow. Price’s bold move didn’t just transform his business; it reshaped the conversation around leadership, showing that putting people first can lead to extraordinary success.

Today, Harvard Business School teaches Price’s story, proving that when leaders prioritize the well-being of their employees, true miracles can happen. It’s a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about profits — it’s about people, and when you invest in them, the returns can exceed even the highest expectations.