Agility in the Age of Climate Change

Never in history has it been more dangerous to be in business; but that’s what makes it such an exciting place to be – entrepreneurship is for explorers, not tourists after all.

We live in a world on the edge—politically, economically, and most urgently, climatically. The planet is destabilising, and with it, the entire foundation upon which “modern” business is built. If you think the old rules still apply, think again. A business's ability to adjust and adapt—fast—has never been more essential. Sticking to the status quo is not just risky; it's reckless.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rewrite the playbook overnight. Entire industries that once clung to the comfort of office walls were dragged into the world of remote work, kicking, and screaming. Companies that resisted change learned the hard way: evolve or become extinct. Suddenly, IT systems and processes had to be flexible and accessible to every employee, everywhere, all at once. But with that flexibility came vulnerability—data security and cyber threats are now an everyday reality, and our precious systems are under siege like never before – albeit surely this is a positive for data security specialists.

Even more compelling is the notion that once-in-a-lifetime events such as these are in fact becoming increasingly likely – continued habitat destruction and climate change are exacerbating human-wildlife interaction and reshaping disease patterns, such that we can expect more frequent disruptions moving forward. This not only underlines the fragility of our current way of life and of course by extension business practices, but it emphasises the necessity to stay agile.

Hint – when something fundamentally changes, always ask yourself – what is the opportunity this now gives us?

The Earth is falling apart, and so are our supply chains, our infrastructure, and our operations. Climate change is not some distant threat; it's a clear and present danger that’s already disrupting business as usual. Floods, wildfires, heatwaves (sometimes all at the same time) — the signs are all around us, and businesses that pretend otherwise are on borrowed time. Adapt or die is no longer a motivational catchphrase; it’s the blunt truth. To survive, businesses must make agility their superpower – in every aspect of their operating model.

Hint – This is why startups are the future.

Forget the lumbering dinosaurs that take years to change direction. The future belongs to those who are lean, agile, and ruthless about shedding anything that slows them down. Startups can pivot at a moment's notice, talk to every team member in the space of a day, and change strategy without a six-month approval process. With climate threats such as severe weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, this time could be the difference between a near miss and a catastrophic loss. In a world where the rules are constantly shifting, that ability to adjust quickly isn’t just valuable—it’s lifesaving.

Hint – How quickly could you change a fundamental aspect of what you do in business? If that isn’t fast enough, you may want to think about whether that process is a function or really a bug.?

We need more ambition, bigger ideas, and a willingness to take risks that make traditional business leaders uncomfortable. We need systems and processes that open doors, not build barriers. If your business is fixated on orthodoxy, secrecy, and protecting "how things have always been done," then you’re already falling behind. You can either open up or be left behind in the dust of history.

The world is shifting, and so are the values and wants of the next generation of talent. If your business clings to outdated practices—obsessed with control and held hostage by hierarchy—you will inevitably fail to attract the most talented young people. Today’s brightest minds are drawn to environments that foster innovation, autonomy, and perhaps most importantly a sense of purpose. They want to be part of organisations that are transparent, adaptable, and bold, not places bound by unnecessary bureaucracy or fear of change. The future of your business relies on the ability to attract these individuals—those who will take you forward with new ideas and relentless energy. Miss this, and you lose your single greatest advantage.

That's why we believe in radical transparency. We don’t just say it; we live it. We believe in including people in decision-making, in sharing more information than most would dare, and in pushing opportunities to the lowest level of the business, where the impact will be felt most. Information is empowering, and hoarding it is a weakness. Trust your people, give them what they need, and watch how quickly they can transform the organisation. Share your approach, embrace collaboration and see how, by engaging with others, you can enhance resilience across the entire sector. Businesses built on distrust, secrecy, and rigid hierarchies—they are the ones that will collapse when the next disruption comes (many of them already have). And rest assured, it is coming.

The world is changing, and it's not going to wait for you to catch up. In the age of climate change, the only businesses that will thrive are those that embrace the chaos, lean into the uncertainty, and aren’t afraid to break the old rules. Adaptability isn’t a buzzword; it’s a weapon. Agility isn’t optional; it’s essential. It’s time to stop clinging to the familiar comforts of the past and start creating a future where we are bolder, braver, and more open than we’ve ever been before. The clock is ticking. Adapt, evolve, or be left behind.

This article was written in collaboration with the wonderful Beth Gardner , our 2024 Data Analyst Intern.