How you can use sustainability to profit!

Why is it so hard for company leaders to balance sustainability and profitability?

?A recent EY study of CFOs highlights this problem - CFOs are not happy with the paradox that leadership teams face when investing in ESG / sustainability.

Sustainability is one of the highest priorities yet also has the highest chance of having a budge cut!

66% of the CFO’s felt that the balance between long- and short-term priorities in the leadership team was not as they would like. (see EY study on DNA of the CFO Survey)

Why do leadership teams struggle so much to balance ESG / sustainability priorities?

Leaders need data to make informed choices!

My view is that company leaders & sustainability influencers have 2 major needs: –

1.??????excellent data and people systems

2.??????a solid business case of how increased sustainability increases profitability.

How do you achieve that? – Get the right talent and team to assess, transform, and deliver ESG data. The world needs us to be stewards of the gift we have been given. There is also a huge first-mover advantage and strategic value in having the ESG data. A solid business case can be quickly developed and companies that take the lead will profit.

The truth is that ESG data is only going to get more and more important due to the interconnected nature of sustainability. Your key clients will, and probably are already knocking down your door to get the Scope 2 and 3 data for their carbon net zero (indirect emissions and in the value chain). If you don’t deliver they will go to other suppliers! ?

It is a business imperative to get the ESG reporting and ease of getting data out resolved.

??

I have been having conversations with senior leaders in sustainability in key positions (including large corporates, national environmental agencies, and the World Economic Forum), and they have the skills and strategic gravitas to get these results.

What is coming out loud and clear in these conversations is the vital need and HUGE OPPORTUNITY for a strategic leader to drive the data collection systems, internal transformation, and strategic positioning that will result in ESG being very profitable!

These roles need high people, strategic and analysis skills.

Solve the challenge of sustainability prioritization – there is a way through the noise so you can to have measurable data that brings a strategic advantage – the key is securing the right people on your team.

Here is 4 min video highlighting the interesting insights from my discussions

https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/marksteenhoff_having-influenced-mining-esg-trends-he-knows-activity-7091030907465125888-h8YC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

I would love to hear what your ESG and sustainability challenges are?

How are you addressing these challenges?

Comment below - Do you agree that solving data systems and having a solid business case are the most important to help strategic sustainability decisions?

P.S - How I help CEOs and Executives have a greater impact:

I focus on sustainability and ESG in the natural resources sector and am the Global Lead for Natural Resources for Allen & York - a leading sustainability executive search firm. They have been leaders in sustainability, net zero, ESG, and environmental recruitment for 30 years.

Reach out to me if you want to discuss your ESG and sustainability challenges and talent needs. [email protected] ??