As the year opened, for me, there was a clear to do list for business to drive momentum to 2030 - plan, invest, act.
Halfway through the year, against a backdrop of continued geopolitical headwinds, the data on the distance we must travel has become more stark - particularly on #climate impacts, emissions reduction and climate related finance.
There are no solutions or progress without business and the private sector. So, as I’m reflecting on my recent meetings and discussions with clients, the #S30, and leaders in climate action, three messages stand out to me that must shape the sustainability imperative to the end of the year.
✔ Transformation can start now. We will never have all the answers, the silver bullet solutions or just the right time. I’m really encouraged by businesses making no regret decisions NOW on technology, innovation and skills investments, driving action in the next five years, with the capacity to drive further transformation in the next ten. Make no mistake, investments and plans made in the next 18-24 months will shape the growth and resilience of businesses in ten years’ time.
✔ This is a unique leadership challenge – no matter where you sit in a business. Being a leader can be a lonely place when you’re tackling the day to day challenges. Take time to ensure you understand your peers’ priorities, and that they understand yours, whether you are a CSO, CFO, CEO or CMO. This type of open collaboration drives conversations about the common ground that can sync cross-functional plans, investments and action that will underpin your organizations long term capacity to transform. Particularly around opportunities for AI, skills, and near-term responses to regulation and compliance.
✔ We need to double down on behavior change. Promoting a different way of doing things - whether it’s with your employees, or your customers – won’t happen overnight, but technology and brands are in a unique position to influence the speed and effectiveness of sustainable consumption, and behaviors. It’s a conversation central to events EY will host this week at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, including opportunities for the responsible application of technology to support insights and engagement.
Thanks to everyone who came together with fresh thinking, perspectives and insights across these issues and more.
Arlo Brady (S30 co-chair)
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (2nd annual S30 retreat host, in New York City)
EY Center for Transformative Leadership, Janice Smith and Andrew White
Global Strategic Communications at PepsiCo
3moDid you do an architectural boat tour? I was a deckhand for one of the tour cruise lines! 🛥️🏙️