“Our customers are asking us more about this agenda. Our staff want to know what we are doing on this. Our biggest competitor just won an award for this. We need to be better than we are at sustainability” …so what’s holding you back?

There are lots of different reasons why I have heard businesses say they want to be better at sustainability, in fact the most impactful one was “My teenagers took me to a climate emergency event and now I have re-evaluated my whole business model, it has to change”. Whilst the corporate world may be led by the ESG financing revolution, there is mantra, a drum beat in commercially and socially aware businesses across the globe that business as usual, is no longer enough.

The cost-of-living crisis, the cost of energy alone, the economics of a post-Covid world, impacts of conflict, climate change and Brexit are all huge challenges for businesses right now. And whilst some are simply trying to keep the doors open, others sense a need and expectation upon them to play their part in making it better.

It may be just that they sense a commercial opportunity, or because there is a growing recognition of what sort of future we are handing over to the next generation. I don’t care about the motivation, I care about the commitments, the actions and the energy that today’s leaders can bring to the table right now to make a difference.

When a very good friend of mine was asked about the family impact on the arrival of their fourth child, he said “you simply find an extra gear”. And whilst I recognise the possibility of burn out for leaders during such challenging times, I also hear that contributing to the sustainability agenda is an area that gives rewards and space for positivity.

So yes, it is scary out there. There is a lot to be done. And maybe not every leader currently has it in their gift to take on right now. But, for those who ponder on their own and their business’ legacy, now is the time to take first steps. If you want guidance on getting started or on how to be better at sustainability, just get in touch.