This time we look at what makes a sustainability-driven leader tick. While there is no one ideal leadership profile that guarantees success in driving a strategic sustainability agenda, research has discovered some core characteristics that seem to enable individuals to embrace sustainability principles and drive them through the organizational culture.
Leading the Sustainability-Driven Company, Part 1 - What does it take to lead your organization on its sustainability journey?
Over the years I have been extremely fortunate to learn from some of the true exemplar business leaders at the forefront of the sustainability revolution (the pursuit economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility) – real pioneers that were blazing trails and showing what was possible long before the mainstream corporate world gave two hoots about “going green.” These individuals, such as Ray Anderson of Interface, Inc., Jeffrey Hollender of Seventh Generation, Anita Roddick of The Body Shop, and Bob Stiller of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, tell a new story of leadership.
Leaving a Legacy - Many values-driven entrepreneurs find themselves asking, “Should I stay or should I go?” They wonder if their value-driven companies can continue without them.
As I researched leadership among pioneers and company founders such as Anita Roddick of The Body Shop, Seth Goldman of Honest Tea, Jeffrey Hollender of Seventh Generation, Gary Hirshberg of Stoneyfield Farm, and others, a topic that came up frequently was that of legacy and succession. You see there comes a point with most entrepreneurs when they start envisioning the next big idea, long to explore other possibilities, or sense the company could benefit from new leadership to take it to the next level.
The Evolution of Leadership - A look at where leadership is heading
Leadership has been a significant presence in the recorded history of humans and it is one of the world’s oldest obsessions, rivaling in age the very emergence of civilization. The topic of leadership is familiar to all peoples and it knows no cultural boundaries.
Can, Should Business Lead the Way to a Sustainable Future? - Who do you trust more, global corporations or the government?
In an interesting article titled “Will Green Corporate Giants Achieve What Governments Can't?” on greenbiz.com by Marc Gunther, the author explores the great strides many major, global corporations have made recently in the area of sustainability and he discusses the trend that some of these organizations are now “setting policy” which was once the domain of government (e.g., Walmart setting packaging standards versus the EPA).
What Really is Sustainability? - Ask 10 different people to define sustainability and you may get a dozen definitions.
The term sustainability is a broad concept, that even today with all the attention it is getting, can be ambiguously defined. For the average business leader and consumer the term is so convoluted it makes it difficult for individuals to deliver informed decisions.
Roundtable Guest Comments
“Bringing my leadership team to the Roundtable was like a one-day intensive retreat: we left with new ideas we were ready to implement as a team.” - Jeff Swallow, CEO, Magnetrol
"I liked how David Small was able to share his experiences at McDonald’s with the audience and tie direct benefits his company gained from using Bob Johansen’s concepts. This was probably the best take home value for me. I attend several business forums and conferences every year and have learned a great deal about business principles, strategies and trends. The challenge for many CEO’s is how do you apply the learning and execute action plans within your organization. It was rewarding to have a business leader from McDonald’s as part of the program to support the concepts discussed."- Jeffrey Sanfilippo, CEO, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
"The Roundtable provides the best of both worlds. You have the opportunity to listen to thought-provoking speakers who are renowned in their field. You also have the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas with your peers, both from within and outside of your own organization. It is a great learning opportunity." - Kevin Lynch, CFO, Pritzker Realty Group
"The keynote speaker, Bob Johansen, was superb. He provided the type of creative thinking and insight executives need to guide their businesses." - Bill Kohley, EVP, Spraying Systems Inc.
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