How Do Stories Drive Sustainability?

Last week we introduced Nancy McGaw’s new book, Making Work Matter, for those hoping to make positive change at work.

Aspiring to change is an excellent first step, but what comes next? This week, we highlight the importance of cooperation and commitment, the work that goes into driving concrete improvements, and the power of storytelling to unite people for good.?

Spotlight: Storytelling as the Key to Making Finance Inclusive

Lindsay Aleshire?is the SVP and Social Sustainability Lead in the Office of Sustainability at?M&T Bank?and a 2023 Aspen?Economic Mobility Fellow.

A key challenge in this role is managing the short-term financial pressures and long-term value creation, which some have argued is a major driver of inequality in the U.S. So, how can a financial institution change that dynamic?

In?this interview, she discusses the work of social sustainability, and the insights she’s learned along the way to championing inclusive economic growth.

News Roundup

1. How Storytelling Helps Data-Driven Teams Succeed?(MIT Sloan: Meredith Somers) “Storytelling ‘can do incredible things in terms of persuasion and getting buy-in’”: How can leaders use the power of storytelling wisely?
2. Building Solidarity for Transformative Social Change (Stanford Social Innovation Review: Aaron Horvath, Leah Hunt-Hendrix and Astra Taylor) How is real change made?
3. Target to Limit Pride Merchandise in Stores After Backlash?(AP News: Anne D’Innocenzio) What story is this retailer telling about its commitments and values, to its employees, customers, and investors?
4. Microfeminism: There's Nothing Small About the TikTok Trend?(The Persistent: Josie Cox)?When can even the smallest actions make a difference?
5. Alok Shukla Wins Prize for Hasdeo Aranya Forest Campaign?(BBC: Flora Drury) How did this activist‘s path to the “green Nobel” begin with small steps toward cooperative action?

Also on Our Radar

What else caught our attention this week?

• Sorry, CEOs.?Time’s up for dealing with deep fakes.?
• An Oil Price-Fixing Conspiracy Caused 27% of All Inflation Increases in 2021
• Summer’s almost here.?When Will America Get Better Sunscreens?

One for the Road

Thanks for joining us as we navigate the challenges of positive change in business. Any suggestions or topics you’d like us to cover? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

— The Business & Society Program