Sustainable Development Goals Leadership

Sustainability Leadership 🌎 Sustainability is increasingly recognized as a core business function rather than an external obligation. The shift from compliance to integration is reshaping industry standards, requiring companies to move beyond minimum legal requirements and adopt long-term strategies that drive resilience and value creation. A basic approach to sustainability is characterized by regulatory compliance, cost-minimization efforts, and isolated initiatives. While this ensures adherence to legal frameworks and may improve brand perception, it does not contribute to sustained competitive advantage or operational efficiency. In contrast, organizations that lead in sustainability embed it across corporate functions, leveraging it as a strategic driver for growth, risk management, and innovation. This involves aligning sustainability with financial performance, governance structures, and stakeholder expectations. Regulatory positioning is a key differentiator. Companies operating at a compliance level focus on meeting minimum requirements, while sustainability leaders engage in shaping policies, exceeding standards proactively, and contributing to industry best practices to mitigate long-term risks. Sustainability as a business driver is another distinction. Organizations with a basic approach often see sustainability as a financial burden or marketing tool, whereas leaders integrate it into business models, product development, and market expansion strategies to create competitive advantage. Operational integration and supply chain management also play a critical role. Leading organizations embed sustainability across the entire value chain, working with suppliers and partners to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and align with circular economy principles. Transparency and performance measurement define sustainability maturity. While a basic approach focuses on selective reporting and highlighting positive achievements, a leadership perspective includes clear, science-based targets and balanced disclosure of both progress and challenges. The shift from incremental improvements to long-term innovation is fundamental. Investing in R&D for sustainable solutions and developing future-oriented business models ensures organizations remain resilient and aligned with evolving regulatory, market, and stakeholder expectations. Sustainability leadership is not defined by compliance but by strategic alignment, integration, and continuous improvement. Companies that embed sustainability into core decision-making processes are better positioned to navigate risks, drive efficiency, and maintain long-term competitiveness. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #leadership

🌍 Reflecting on Insights from Reuters Events Responsible Business USA 2024 🌱 Here are the key insights for me (building on those of Barry Parkin posted earlier): 1️⃣ Commitment to Goals: Kate Brandt, the CSO of Google, highlighted the pivotal role of setting clear and ambitious goals in driving sustainability efforts forward. It's not just about having a dedicated sustainability team; it's about integrating sustainability into the very fabric of our businesses and setting targets backed by solid data. 2️⃣ Internal Business Case: Rebecca Marmot, CSO of Unilever, underscored the importance of establishing a solid internal business case for sustainability. Aligning external regulatory pressures with business priorities helps unlock internal progress and fosters investments in sustainable initiatives. 3️⃣ Integration and Innovation: Judith Wiese, CSO of Siemens emphasized the need to integrate sustainability into product lifecycle management programs, showcasing how training on regulatory frameworks can guide strategic decision-making towards sustainability. 4️⃣ Leadership with Humility: Steve Cahillane, CEO of Kellanova, emphasized that sustainability transformation is both a necessity for our planet and a sound business strategy. Leading with humility is crucial in effecting meaningful change within our organizations and industries. 5️⃣ Collaboration and Learning: Kim Marotta of Beam Suntory highlighted the value of training resources that World Economic Forum and BSR provide in advancing sustainability efforts. Leveraging shared resources and tools helps businesses navigate complex sustainability challenges more effectively. 6️⃣ Intersectionality of Environmentalism: Holly McHugh from Mejuri aptly pointed out that environmentalism must be intersectional, acknowledging the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. 7️⃣ Strategic Pillars: Kathleen McLaughlin, CSO of Walmart, shared Walmart's key strategy pillars, emphasizing the integral role of sustainability in enhancing resilience and creating shared value. 8️⃣ Data-Driven Action: Jim Andrew, CSO of PepsiCo, emphasized the importance of good data in driving impactful interventions and fostering transparency and accountability. 9️⃣ Preservation and Collaboration: Ann Tracy, CSO of Colgate-Palmolive, highlighted the significance of preserving biodiversity and fostering strong partnerships, particularly with procurement teams, to drive sustainability initiatives forward. 🌟 As we navigate the complexities of sustainability, let us draw inspiration from these insights and commit to collective action alongside these action-driving leaders. By integrating sustainability into our core business strategies, fostering collaboration, and embracing innovation, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come. Let's stay the course and lead with humility towards a more responsible and resilient future. #Sustainability #ResponsibleBusiness #Leadership 🌱🌍

🤝 No single leader, company, or sector can solve the sustainability challenge alone. This realization has become central to my thinking—and to how we approach leadership development. The most effective sustainability leaders I've studied share a common trait: they think in systems and build coalitions. 🌐 Consider Sam Baker's work at Business Declares, mobilizing thousands of businesses for climate action 🌱. Or Catherine Howarth OBE at ShareAction, orchestrating shareholder activism to drive corporate change 📈. These leaders understand that sustainable transformation requires collective action. Yet traditional leadership development often focuses on individual capabilities. We've designed our SLCR course at London Business School differently, emphasizing: 🎯 Stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies 🤝 Coalition-building across sectors and industries 💪 Influence without authority in complex systems 📢 Narrative change and movement building The 2025 refresh includes new case studies and expert interviews that showcase this systems approach in action—from international expansion challenges at Berghaus Ltd 🏔️ to circular economy transformation at Tarkett ♻️. Because the sustainability leaders we need aren't just individual change agents—they're system architects. 🏗️ Ready to develop your systems leadership capabilities? 🚀 👉 https://lnkd.in/eDtfEEsp 🤔 What coalitions are you building to drive sustainable change in your context? #SystemsThinking #CollectiveAction #SustainableTransformation #LeadershipImpact

What is the significance of #leadership in addressing #climatechange and #sustainabledevelopment?   In my recent interview with #TerraGreen, I spoke about the crucial blend of attributes and actions that define an effective leader in context of sustainable development and climate justice.   Here are some of the key points:   👉 Leaders should adopt a 'big bets' mindset and aim for bold, transformative changes rather than settling for incremental improvements, as this can draw in partners capable of effecting significant change.   👉 Effective leaders must bridge traditional divides, bringing together a wide array of stakeholders—from government, private sector, non-profits, to communities—for multi-sectoral solutions to complex problems like climate change.   👉 It's vital to include voices traditionally marginalized in environmental discourse, such as women, young people, and local communities, ensuring that decision-making is equitable and reflects the diverse impacts of climate change.   👉 Leaders need to operate beyond local or national concerns, understanding and navigating international dynamics, and fostering cross-cultural and political collaborations to address global challenges.   👉 The escalating nature of environmental crises demands swift action from leaders, balanced with careful consideration to prevent unintended consequences.   👉 Turning ambitious visions into reality is crucial. This requires strategic and operational skills to implement and manage change effectively.   👉 Strong accountability mechanisms are essential, with leaders needing to set clear, measurable sustainability and justice goals, track progress transparently, and be answerable to all stakeholders.   Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gkCpBF9F     Do you know of a leader who has these attributes? Tag them in the comments section!   #WSDS2024 #Act4Earth TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute Dr Vibha Dhawan Shailly Kedia The Rockefeller Foundation Dr. Rajiv J. Shah Elizabeth Yee

What is the role of Leadership in Real Sustainability Impact 🎧 In the first episode of the "From Vision to Impact" podcast series with Dave Wallace we kick off with a crucial conversation: The Indispensable Role of Leadership in Sustainability. Each episode of this podcast series explores a chapter from my book. In this episode we discuss: 🪞The fundamental difference between ESG (assessment tools) and broader sustainability (long-term ethos) 5️⃣ The 5 non-negotiable responsibilities of Boards & Senior Management: Vision, Accountability, Risk/Opportunity, Transparency, and Cultural Influence 📚Real-world lessons from Unilever, Tesla, and Patagonia on leadership driving change. 🗻Tone from the Top": Why leaders must “live” sustainability, not just laud it. 🎯 Concrete tactics to gain leadership buy-in and move beyond aspiration to transformation. 🤝 How leadership commitment ripples out to employees, customers, shareholders, and regulators 🔑 This episode is essential listening for any leader or practitioner serious about embedding sustainability. 📻 Tune into Episode 1 here: https://lnkd.in/dc-wnVxH 📗Explore the book: https://lnkd.in/dTGnmd2K #SustainabilityLeadership #ESG #BoardGovernance #RiskManagement #SustainableBusiness #Podcasting #BusinessBooks #ImpactInvesting #StakeholderEngagement #FromVisionToImpact

By 2025, sustainability won't just guide projects... It will decide their destiny. 🌍 Imagine a world where every project is measured not only by cost and schedule but also by its carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and community impact. A world where success is defined by the value projects create for the planet and society, not just their immediate stakeholders. Sustainability will no longer be a nice-to-have or a PR tool — it will define project viability and transform how we work: • Embedding sustainability at the core of project management: From ideation to execution, incorporating sustainability metrics will be as critical as traditional KPIs like budget and timelines. Decision-making will pivot on factors like circular resource use, energy efficiency, and biodiversity preservation. • Aligning with global frameworks like the SDGs: Projects will increasingly be evaluated on how they align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Stakeholders will expect clear evidence of contributions to goals like climate action, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption. • Driving accountability and transparency: Measuring and reporting metrics such as carbon emissions, waste reduction, and long-term community impact will be critical for securing funding, gaining stakeholder trust, and enhancing public credibility. 💡 The key to thriving in this environment? Proactive action. Leaders who adopt sustainability as a strategic priority will unlock: • Competitive advantage by differentiating their projects as forward-thinking and responsible. • Resource security by demonstrating alignment with environmental goals, attracting partnerships, and accessing green funding. • Resilience by designing projects that adapt to changing environmental, social, and economic conditions. This shift isn't just about responsibility — it's about innovation, leadership, and building a future-proof strategy. As we head toward 2025, organizations that embrace sustainability will deliver value today and inspire generations to come. 🔥 This is idea 9/10 in my series: 10 Big Ideas for 2025. Tomorrow, I’ll reveal the 10th and final idea — don’t miss it! Let’s build a future where sustainability drives success, ignites creativity, and delivers impact that lasts beyond a single project. 🌟 I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! How is your organization adapting to these shifts? Let’s discuss. 👇 Have an incredible day! Ricardo #BigIdeas2025 #SustainableLeadership #FutureOfWork #Innovation #Leadership2025 #Sustainability #Transparency #Resilience #LinkedInThoughtLeadership

Of all the challenges I have seen emerge in recent years, sustainability is the one that most demands structured thinking. Too often, companies take isolated actions—launching an initiative here, cutting emissions there—without stepping back to look at the full landscape. But sustainability is not just about doing better; it is about making smart, coordinated choices in a complex and fast-moving context. This visual framework outlines four key questions that leaders should ask themselves: - What is the lay of the land? Understanding expectations, risks, and competitive signals is the starting point. You cannot navigate without a map. - Where do we need to go, and how fast? Clarity of ambition and pace is essential. Without it, even the best intentions can drift. - What will it take to get there? Strategic transformation means rethinking products, business models, and resource flows. - How must we act now? Organizational culture, innovation paths, and stakeholder communication must be aligned to sustain momentum. These questions help shift the focus from compliance and reputation to real value creation. Sustainability, when approached strategically, becomes a driver of long-term business resilience. It is time we treat it as a business question, not just an ethical one. #Sustainability #Leadership #BusinessTransformation

Why Sustainability ♻️ Talk Is Cheap But Bold Action 🚀 Gets Real Results 📈 The 2023 Divides & Dividends global survey by Russell Reynolds Associates delivers a clear message: corporate sustainability is stuck—because leadership is 💡 Nearly every CEO today talks about #ESG. But the reality? 🚨 Only 24% of companies (covering just 5% of global emissions) are on track to meet their carbon targets 🚨 83% of leaders are confident in their plans, yet only 35% have clear sustainability objectives 🚨 63% of employees are eager to contribute—but only 10% discuss sustainability with their manager What’s blocking progress? 🔍 The 4 Gaps Undermining Sustainability Efforts: 1️⃣ Motivation Divide – Leaders still view sustainability as a brand play, not a performance driver 2️⃣ Leadership Divide – CEOs lack the bold vision to take risks, disrupt, & embed sustainability into strategy 3️⃣ Accountability Divide – Targets are set, but few leaders are truly held accountable 4️⃣ Mobilization Divide – Employee energy is untapped—too few are empowered or heard 📈 The companies that are succeeding—like Natura, Yara, & The HEINEKEN Company—aren’t waiting for perfection. They are: ✅ Tying compensation to sustainability outcomes ✅ Innovating before regulations are in place ✅ Elevating employee voices and ideas ✅ Hardwiring ESG into business strategy—not treating it as an initiative 🔑 The message is clear: Sustainability is not a comms campaign. It's a leadership challenge. 💬 Which divide do you see most in your organization? Let’s move beyond pledges—& into bold performance 📣 Did you know that Executive Transition Coaching can be most effective for a 1st time CEO? I coached a CEO of a luxury retail company who was promoted from the CMO position. Next to now having to deal with the board of directors of the parent company directly, she was also tasked to present a new 3-year strategy and grow the footprint of the retail business substantially whilst delivering on sustainability ♻️ targets She described our work as follows: 💬 “I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your support and coaching in my development as a CEO. Your coaching has helped me to define a clear vision for our company, develop a strategic plan for my team, and enhance my self-awareness substantially. The coaching has been crucial in my journey to become a more effective leader. Your coaching not only helped me navigate the initial transition challenges but also empowered me to make impactful decisions that align with our long-term goals. I’d like to thank you for your invaluable support.” #Sustainability #Leadership #ESG Oliver Cummings David Goldstone Donald Waterreus Laura Archbold

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really takes to lead on climate—not just from a corporate sustainability perspective, but as a mindset. So much of this work isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking better questions. ❓ What data do we actually need to make better decisions? ❓ How do we turn long-term climate risks into near-term business priorities? ❓ Who isn’t in the room that needs to be? I’ve worked in sustainability long enough to know that technical solutions aren’t the hard part—it’s the decision-making, the prioritization, the ability to move an entire organization in the right direction before the risk becomes urgent. That’s where real leadership comes in. The best climate leaders I’ve worked with aren’t the ones with the most polished ESG reports or net-zero pledges. They’re the ones who: ✔️ Make sustainability part of business strategy—not an afterthought ✔️ Push for transparency, even when it’s uncomfortable ✔️ Create space for innovation—because let’s be real, we don’t have all the answers yet The climate crisis is overwhelming, but leadership doesn’t have to be. Sometimes, it’s as simple as helping one person, one team, or one company make a better decision today than they did yesterday. That’s the work. That’s the impact. And that’s why I keep showing up. How are you seeing leadership evolve in climate and sustainability? Would love to hear your thoughts. ⬇️ #SustainabilityLeadership #ClimateAction #DecisionMaking #ESG #CorporateSustainability