Leadership
Exemplary cases of sustainability leadership and intrapreneurship, and the qualities, ethical principles and/or dilemmas inherent within them.
Conscious Leadership Reminds Us: We Are All the Same
Last year, aspiring artist Jonathan Harris visited Bhutan to learn about why this country is so imbued with happiness. Bhutan is noted for measuring its Gross Happiness Product, rather than what we do in western cultures, which is to measure our Gross National Product. This model cares more about social and spiritual well-being than financial well-being. Jonathan's project, Balloons for Bhutan, documents his effort to capture “a portrait of happiness in the last Himalayan kingdom.”
Obama's Climate Plan Latest in Series of Public-Private Actions to Advance REDD+
President Obama’s National Climate Action Plan, released on June 25th, calls for strong action to protect remaining tropical forests through a commitment to lead international initiatives in Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+).But Obama is not the first to acknowledge the vital role that forests play in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Nor is he the only one currently calling for urgent action on tropical forest conservation.
More than 300,000 Business Leaders Voice Support for Obama's Climate Plans
The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), which represents more than 165,000 businesses nationwide and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors, has thrown its support behind President Obama’s recent announcement to introduce new limits to carbon emissions from power plants and other pro-environment measures.ASBC applauded President Obama’s plans to address greenhouse gas emissions and the growing economic uncertainties posed by climate change. The organization says climate change poses a serious threat to American businesses, such as disruptions to supply chains, increasing insurance premiums, structural damage from extreme weather events and rising energy and health care costs.
Richard Branson and Jochen Zeitz Launch 'B Team' to Foster Sustainable Business
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson and PUMA Chairman Jochen Zeitz have launched a new non-profit call “The B Team,” which aims to deliver a new way of doing business that prioritizes people and planet alongside profit — a "Plan B" for businesses the world over.
Former EPA Chief Lisa Jackson To Lead Apple’s Environmental Efforts
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced at the D: All Things Digital conference this weekthat he has hired former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chief Lisa Jackson to head up the technology company’s environmental activities.
Squaw Valley, Mammoth Join 100 Ski Areas To Sign Climate Declaration
In response to the growing effects of climate change on winter recreation, some 108 ski areas from around the United States have joined with 40 other businesses in signing the Climate Declaration, which calls upon federal policymakers to take advantage of the economic opportunities of addressing climate change.
How To Unstick the Leader in You
As a leader, at one point or another, you may have felt trapped by circumstance. Maybe you felt bound by red tape, frozen inside a political battle or constrained by the past. When all you can see are limitations, chances are you’re not able to lead anybody.So how can you lead when you feel trapped? How can you create your own path and step into a place of possibilities and promise?
The Long View
I have been reading a ton about all of human history in anticipation of a new book I’m working on. It has provided me with a fresh perspective on life that has been an unexpected and welcome surprise. I notice that in so much of my life I see patterns that appear to be quite clear and meaningful.
New Education Models Needed for Training Tomorrow's Socially Conscious Leaders
As a young professional, I find myself asking some crucial questions every day: How do I develop the leadership qualities to succeed in our modern society, economy and polity? How do I excel in a world of constant change, and what does success mean in this world? How do I accommodate concern for the well-being of others within our profit-oriented society?
Strong, Flexible Leadership Drives Sustainability at Caesars Entertainment
Amidst the wanton extravagance of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Entertainment is making notable strides in reducing its environmental impact. Estimates find that for every $10 million in revenue earned, Caesars produces fewer than 1,300 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which monetize at less than $28,000 in environment costs (compared to an average 3,800 metric tons for S&P 500 companies, which monetize at over $80,000 in environmental costs).
Consumers More Likely To Trust Peers, Experts Than Companies, Edelman Says
Fewer than 20 percent of consumers believe business leaders tell the truth when confronted with difficult issues, and they are twice as likely to trust academics, technical experts or even their peers, according to the 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer.This may come as no surprise following several high-profile scandals in 2012 involving CEOs and government officials, including former McKinsey managing partner Rajat Gupta, Chinese government official Bo Xilai and Lance Armstrong, former chairman of the Livestrong Foundation.
In Nature, Myriad Lessons for Effective Sustainability Leadership
Sustainability leaders in large service-based organizations know it is important to promote grassroots leadership to engage employees with their organizations’ sustainability goals and brand promise. What happens when we explore the deepest roots of sustainable practices by letting nature guide us?Applying Biomimicry
In Nature, A Myriad Lessons for Effective Sustainability Leadership
Sustainability leaders in large service-based organizations know it is important to promote grassroots leadership to engage employees with their organizations’ sustainability goals and brand promise. What happens when we explore the deepest roots of sustainable practices by letting nature guide us?Applying Biomimicry
Umicore Named Most Sustainable Company for Investment
Belgium‐based materials technology and recycling company Umicore topped the annual list of sustainable companies produced by Toronto-based investment research firm Corporate Knights. The Global 100 list was unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week. Natura Cosmeticos, Statoil, Neste Oil and Novo Nordisk rounded out the top five. (Novo Nordisk held the top spot on the 2012 list.)
Orchestrating Movements: A New Role for Leaders
2011 has been a rough year for leaders. Popular revolutions toppled dictators in Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya; the Occupy movement attacked corporate leaders who led us into recession; Europeans tossed government after government; and Americans watched in horror as their political leaders led the nation to the brink of default. We shook our heads as global summits failed to make any si
Thought Leadership and Sustainability: As Within, So Without
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Like most clichés, this one conveys some truth, as do words attributed to ancient Greek poet Hermesianax: “As within, so without.” Those who have endured inner-work fully enough to enjoy the outward results will attest that self-awareness leads to empowerment, which in turn leads to voice. Leadership, expressed thro
Novo Nordisk Ranked World’s Most Sustainable Corporation
Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk was named the most sustainable corporation in the world by Corporate Knights, the Toronto-based media company focused on “clean capitalism.”Corporate Knights’ 2012 Global 100 list includes companies from 22 countries encompassing all sectors of the economy, with collective annual sales in excess of $3.02 trillion, and 5,285,645 million employees.The top ten companies on the list are:
Identity-Centered Leadership: Enabling Individuals and Brands to Thrive through Sustainability
Brand leadership is about creating a connection between the brand and its customers. We can identify three waves through which brand leadership has evolved in relation to sustainability:
Three Ways to Develop Your Inner Leadership (and Why Leaders of Sustainable Brands Should Care)
Whether you are a business leader or a MapQuest user, knowing where you are and where you want to go is important. But if you’re a leader of a sustainable brand, this is only the beginning. Who you are at your core now counts more than ever.
(Leadership) Change of Heart
I did not think about it before sitting down this evening (January 16, 2012), but to write about leadership on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is to feel one’s own limitations.