Enough is Enough: Reflections on 2024 and the Courage to Lead Change

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s a natural moment to pause and reflect on the year that’s been. But more importantly, it’s a time to look ahead, at the extraordinary opportunities we have before us. The challenges of our time – the climate crisis, rising inequality, and dwindling resources – demand more than just awareness; they demand bold action.

This year we’ve seen some encouraging progress;

• The B Corp movement continues to grow with nearly 2,500 B Corps in the UK.
• London is the B Corp capital of the world,
• In September 2024, the UK became the first G7 nation to fully divest itself of coal-generated electricity when the doors of the last remaining coal-fired power plant closed for the last time.
• ￡17.5 bn was fossil fuel investments were divested from university portfolios. As a direct result of years of campaigning by students and staff in the education sector, three quarters of UK universities have committed to fully divest from fossil fuels.
• At COP29 in November Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced fresh climate change targets at a global summit. The UK will now aim for an 81% cut in its emissions by 2035.

BUT, there's always a but, 2024 has been an extraordinary year for all the wrong reasons too.

• 2024 is on track to be the warmest year on record, with the January–September global mean surface air temperature 1.54 °C above the pre-industrial average.?The World Meteorological Oragnisation (WMO) has issued a Red Alert, highlighting the rapid pace of climate change and the threat to the Paris Agreement
• Jan-Sept 2024 global average temperature 1.54 (±0.13) °C above pre-industrial level
• Past 10 years are warmest on record and ocean heat rises
• Antarctic sea ice second lowest on record and glacier loss accelerates
• Extreme weather and climate events lead to massive economic and human losses - we are even feeling the effects here in the UK.

We all know that business-as-usual simply isn’t enough anymore. The world is shifting, and it's forward-thinking people like you who are defining what comes next.

In this update I hope to inspire, inform, and empower you to not only reflect on your achievements, but to also consider the impact you want to make in the coming year.

The question we must all ask ourselves is: What will we do differently to lead with courage and create lasting positive change?

2024: A Year of Courageous Leadership

Looking back, it’s been a year of extraordinary resilience, as leaders around the world have embraced the challenge to do business differently. We’ve watched as organisations boldly integrated sustainability into their operations and culture, as inclusivity became not just a buzzword but a mandate for growth, and as businesses took responsibility for their environmental impact.

But the journey is far from complete. We know that 2025 will require even more. We’re in a unique position to create profound change, and we must rise to the occasion.

Key Areas for Bold Action in 2025

• Climate Action: The urgency has never been clearer. As leaders, we must ensure that every decision we make has a positive impact on the environment. Carbon neutrality, circular economy practices, and regenerative supply chains aren’t just trends - they’re imperatives.
• Equity and Inclusion: True leadership means creating opportunities for all. It’s time to move beyond token gestures and make real commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let’s be the organisations that go way beyond talking the talk.
• Purpose-Driven Profit: Profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive. The businesses that will thrive in the future are those that balance financial success with positive social and environmental impact.

Your Challenge: Lead with Courage in 2025

We can all be leaders who influence change. Whether you’re a business leader, sustainability advocate, or consultant, your influence is far-reaching. As we head into a new year, consider these questions:

• What steps will you take to significantly reduce your business’s carbon footprint and increase your positive impact for nature?
• How will you make your business a truly diverse and inclusive space for everyone?
• In what ways can you amplify your impact through partnerships with like-minded organisations?

The Impact Leadership Programme (ILP)

If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, we invite you to join our Impact Leadership Programme (ILP) in Chester this January. This intensive,

B Corp-inspired course is designed to help you increase your impact on people, communities, our planet, and future generations.

Places are limited and applications are open until 13th December 2024.

We’d love to have you join us and make 2025 the year you take your leadership to the next level.

A Call to Action: We Can Do More

Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation. Together, we can forge new paths, break down barriers, and set bold, ambitious goals for the future. There’s never been a more critical time for leadership that is driven by purpose, passion, and action. The world is waiting for us to rise to the challenge.

Will you answer the call?

Here’s to a courageous, impactful, and regenerative 2025.

With gratitude and determination,

Donna?

B Leader and Founder, UK for Good

Quick Links

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