Navigating Business Towards a Greener Future
Every change or aspiration for either a sustainable business growth or a sustainable business purpose starts with a great vision
The journey towards a more sustainable business framework often begins with a vision. Sustainable leadership paves the way for decisions that consider the broader implications on society and the environment. In this article, renowned technology leaders share their strategies and insights on fostering a sustainable leadership approach.
Understanding Sustainable Leadership
Starting a conversation on sustainable leadership is essential for businesses aiming to adopt responsible practices. Such leadership requires an in-depth understanding of the impact of business decisions on the environment and the wider community.
Voices from the Forefront of Sustainable Leadership
During a roundtable debate moderated by Sasha Qadri, distinguished tech leaders from various sectors delved into their strategies for sustainable leadership and their visions for the future. Participants included:
- Steen Dalgas, Senior Cloud Economist, Western Europe and Sub Saharan Africa, Nutanix
- Jacqui Lipinski, CIO, Director of Digital and Technical Services, Royal College of Art
- Freddie Quek, CTO, Times Higher Education
- Linda Rogers, CIO International, Life Healthcare Group
- Danny Attias, CDIO, London Business School
- Adrian Samareanu, Senior Advisor CDO, Ex-Volvo Financial Services
This roundtable was recorded at The Studio and made in partnership with Nutanix
How Leaders Steer Towards Sustainable Paths
Sasha Qadri prompted a discussion about how these technology leaders guide their businesses towards sustainability. Some key takeaways include:
- Building the Bigger Picture: Danny Attias of London Business School emphasized the importance of comprehensive conversations ranging from carbon offset to domestic and procurement policies.
- Embracing Change: Jacqui Lipinski believes that while sustainability isn’t new, articulating required changes is a challenge. She calls for a stronger emphasis on how technology can aid in sustainability transitions.
- Setting a Strong Foundation: Adrian Samareanu stressed that initiating a sustainability culture begins with a clear vision. He remarked on the necessity of adapting to digital transformations and noted that cultural shifts don't happen overnight.
Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions: A Sustainable Leadership Concern
The debate shifted focus to the considerations of scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in sustainable leadership strategies:
- Measuring Emissions: Steen Dalgas, from Nutanix, highlighted the challenges most organizations face, especially with scope 3 emissions stemming from the supply chain.
- Sustainability for All: Linda Rogers and Freddie Quek both emphasized that sustainability is everyone's responsibility, not just a single department's. They urged organizations to initiate conversations and act as a part of the solution.
Conclusion
Sustainable leadership is the cornerstone of modern, environmentally-conscious businesses. It's not just about greening operations; it's about steering entire organisations, through informed decisions and practices, towards a future where sustainability is at the heart of all actions.
This roundtable was recorded at The Studio and made in partnership with Nutanix