Leadership
Exemplary cases of sustainability leadership and intrapreneurship, and the qualities, ethical principles and/or dilemmas inherent within them.
Best Paw Forward: Turning Companywide Commitment into Purpose-Driven Performance
While many companies now understand the value of dedicated ESG leadership, there remains no real playbook for how to get started. Here’s how ESG practitioners can standardize sustainability-forward operations and innovation across workstreams.
In the Face of a Polycrisis, a Transformative Mindset Is Business’ Only Way Forward
Cross-Posted from Business Case. Forum for the Future’s latest "Future of Sustainability" report sets out four plausible trajectories for how companies can respond to current threats and opportunities across markets.
To Be a Transformational Leader, You Must Be Queer-Minded
In the context of leadership, the importance of seeking ‘self-actualization’ cannot be understated. You must be able to face and lead yourself in order to be a great leader.
Authentic Purpose: How Bruce Katz, Founder and CEO of Rockport Shoe Company, Ignited My Purpose Journey
Cross-Posted from Walking the Talk. I learned a tremendous amount about creating an authentic purpose from Rockport’s journey. Together, we created one of the first purpose-driven companies. Thank you, Bruce, for that opportunity.
Patagonia Chair: For Brands to Thrive In These Uncertain Times, They Must Be 'Imperfect'
Author Charles Conn digs into some of his disruptive advice for brands that make up his new book, "The Imperfectionists: Strategic Mindsets for Uncertain Times."
3 Unlocks to Future-Fit Business Leadership
Too often, business leaders default to incremental or quick-fix solutions that fail to address the root causes of the issues they set out to solve. Correcting our course means fundamentally changing how we think and act, and asking hard questions about why businesses exist.
The Role of the CFO in Sustainability Reporting
Cross-Posted from Finance & Investment. With increased expectations to assume the role of climate controller in business, how should CFOs go about measuring the success of their organization’s environmental policies?
EU CEOs Recognize Climate Change as Biggest Threat to Business; EU Workers Say, ‘They’d Better’
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. 24% of EU CEOs believe their companies will be highly exposed to the impact of climate change in the next five years — a key insight, since 76% of young Europeans say the climate impact of prospective employers is an important factor when job hunting.
Facing Wicked Problems? You Need to Stop Leading Alone
Wicked problems are solved by seeing problems and solutions in new ways, by working with people with very different skills and approaches. As we frequently tell our clients, ‘Uncomfortable does not have to mean unnavigable.’
Chipotle Expands 2023 ESG Goals Tied to Executive Compensation
The company aims to increase pounds of local produce purchased, improve diverse employee retention, and increase the number of restaurants with composting programs — goals that can affect executives’ overall bonus payout by up to 15 percent.
3 Leadership Keys to Climate-Tech Success
Climate tech alone will not save the world; the people who use it, create it and put it into action play just as crucial a role. For these projects — and the sector as a whole — to succeed, these critical elements of strong leadership are essential.
Many Business Leaders See Sustainability as Costly Obligation Rather Than Investment in the Future
According to new Capgemini research, execs recognize the urgency for climate action; but limited impact is visible on the ground so far as they lack an overarching strategy, clarity on the business case and coordinated implementation.
Women in the Sustainability Trenches Impart Wisdom to Next Generation of Change Champions
In a packed ballroom at SB’22 San Diego, women leading sustainability for three very different organizations explored how today’s leaders can engage and empower tomorrow’s generation to lead us to a flourishing future.
The Evolving Role of Director of Sustainability: Keys to Success in Times of Volatility
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. ESG is a dynamic space, with continuous shifts even in nomenclature — from compliance, assurance CSR and sustainability to ESG, wellbeing, regeneration and impact. It is no wonder those working in the space find the tasks and skills required of them shifting, too.
Brand Leaders, Visionaries Gather to Help Sustainability Practitioners ‘Recenter & Accelerate’
This week at SB'22 San Diego, over 1K sustainability practitioners have converged to share insights, tools, inspiration and opportunities for collaboration with the goal of building a regenerative future for all. On opening night, luminaries from a variety of disciplines reminded attendees the importance of taking a breath and opening your mind.
Cultivating Serendipity for Innovation, Impact and ‘Smart Luck’
Serendipity is about potentiality — it’s about connecting the dots. Once we look at the world less in terms of limitations and more in terms of opportunity, perceived liabilities can become assets; and a situation is reframed from one of passivity and powerlessness to one of activity and opportunity.
‘The Way Out Is In:’ 7 Practices for Overcoming Hopelessness in Pursuit of a Just, Flourishing World
During difficult times, we have a choice to either be daring or retreat into a hole. So, the invitation is open to all of us to move beyond busyness, overwhelm and burnout and come back to our centre — so that we can touch our grief, recognize who we are and find a pathway to renewal.
Sompo Holdings: Promoting Sustainable Management That Emphasizes Diversity & Inclusion
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. As she works to transform the company's 130-year-old corporate culture and the implementation of Purpose, we talked with Group Chief Sustainability Officer Ryoko Shimokawa about her vision for sustainable growth for the company and society.
How to Sell Sustainability as a Key Measure of Business Success
Cross-Posted from Business Case. When companies make bold commitments to sustainability, we all win. Here, we share lessons learned and ongoing challenges from three very different corporate sustainability journeys — to show others on the front lines that they are not alone.
Brands Walk Their Talk in Support of Women’s Rights
Setbacks such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade offer brands the opportunity to demonstrate their true commitment to supporting a healthy, equitable future for all.
