Time for Business to Shine

A little more than a week out from the election, the implications of the coming administration are beginning to take shape.

Looking to the future, what is likely to change for workers, investors, business and the economy? What impact will COP29 have on climate actions? And as new ideas and constraints emerge, how should leaders prepare for the changes ahead?

Spotlight: Igniting Leadership to Meet the Moment

Election outcomes in the US and around the world suggest that citizens are yearning for leaders who can help us meet tangible, everyday concerns. Like many organizations, Aspen is reflecting on our mission and role in this moment.?How do we better cultivate leaders with the values and the skills essential for solving immediate challenges, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to the long-term health of an open and free society??

In this week’s Spotlight , Aspen Institute CEO Dan Porterfield talks transformative leadership and how it can rise to meet this moment.

?? Nominations Now Open!

Are you or someone in your network leading innovation that builds impact and business value? Our programs support leaders taking action to make a positive difference.

We are accepting nominations for the 2025 class of First Mover Fellows and the 2025 class of Economic Mobility Fellows . Join us!

News Roundup

1. Post-Election Advice for CEOs ?(Edelman: Richard Edelman ) It’s a time of change marked by points of contention. Is it also the perfect time for business to shine?
2. Exxon’s Chief Has a Warning for Republicans ?(POLITICO: Zack Colman ) How is this CEO pushing for a stable business climate in the months ahead? (also see ‘Mass Deportations Would Disrupt the Food Chain’: Californians Warn of Ripple Effect of Trump Threat and repealing US climate investments could cost billions )?
3. The ESG Controller—A “Job Of The Future” That’s Actually Here Now ?(The Protiviti View: Jim DeLoach ) How can businesses “put their organizations in an ideal position to address future regulatory changes”? (also see?LinkedIn’s 2024 Global Green Skills Report )
4. How Fairness Could Add $13 Trillion to the U.S. Economy: A New Roadmap ?(Observer: Roy Swan ) Is rebranding DEI the key to spreading its benefits?
5. In Good Company ?(Texas Highways: Michael J. Mooney) “What is it about the culture at H-E-B that sets it apart?” And how can other companies start closing the gap?
6. This week marked the start of COP29, the UN Conference on climate change taking place in Azerbaijan. What is climate finance, why is it the focus on this year’s UN climate talks, and what comes next? This collection of articles explores some of the most pressing questions:

• How to Improve Life for Humanity — and Not Worsen Global Warming ?(Cipher News: Cat Clifford )?
• Why Cop29 Talks Are Focusing on Finance ?(TBIJ: Robert Soutar )?
• Cop29: Which Climate Finance Ideas Are Most Likely to Work? ?(The Guardian: Fiona Harvey )?

Also on Our Radar

What else caught our attention this week?

• Why Toilet Paper Roll Sizes Are So Confusing
• Adam Grant wants you to know that If You’re Sure How Trump’s Term Will Play Out, I Promise: You’re Wrong
• Focus on the Things That Matter

One for the Road

Thanks for reading, forwarding and following. See you next week!

— The Business & Society Navigators

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Founded in 1998, the?Aspen Institute Business & Society Program ?works to align business decisions and investments with the long-term health of society—and the planet.