Introducing CSO talks.
My POV: The Critical Need for CSO Talks in Sustainable Business.
Do we really need another website focused on the world of sustainability? Are we fully aware of the role that businesses play in this arena? Are we facilitating clear communication and fostering positive discussions that can guide the evolution of companies in the CSO role?
Over the years, I’ve been exposed to different environments where sustainability always emerged—as a broader term. My journey into this world began with environmental concerns as a stepping stone, but over time, the social and economic dimensions brought balance to the equation.
Balancing the Triple Bottom Line with Economic Realities
My perspective on how businesses should approach sustainability has evolved. I am now less naive; I once believed that investing in "the triple bottom line" was the only way a company could operate. Today, as a professional, I recognize the importance of the economic dimension. I see the "powers at play" where businesses need to be economically healthy to invest in protecting nature, in sponsoring teams to grow, and in being responsible, active community players. I would like it to be different, though. I would love for purpose to be embedded in companies, and for every decision to equally weigh the impact on people and the planet (all living beings and nature) against solely (or mainly) on the financial impact. We are not there yet.
Redefining Sustainability in Today's World
We are also far from having a "sustainability concept" well defined. I do not believe that, given the current global context (climate crisis, geopolitical tensions, polarization, disinformation, the rise of AI, decentralized value chains, meta-crisis, the greatest biodiversity loss ever, among others), narrowing "Sustainability" to three dimensions or to the "ESG" framework is correct. However, it still provides common ground, and we need this common understanding. We need to be speaking to a wide range of people, with varying levels of knowledge and understanding of the sustainability theme, so let’s keep things simple. Let’s promote knowledge about the theme as mainstream as possible, and then raise the bar by introducing new concepts at the mainstream level. So, for now, I’ll stick to the "ESG level" and then add new dimensions—let’s go with the flow.
Fostering Just Transitions in Sustainability Communication
Despite the importance of not leaving anyone behind, I will not be talking to the masses here—my main audience are "CSOs" or "CSOs-to-be." I want this to be a safe place for fostering interesting discussions. I want to understand different points of view that will help me grow. I want to broaden my perspective on sustainability, not biased by the country where I live, the sector I work in, or the group of people I connect with daily.
Leading Sustainability Communication
And if this is my perspetive with “CSO talks”, as CSOs you’ll have a unique position to lead effective sustainability communication both inside and outside your organization with powerful specific actions:
Enhance Internal Awareness: Increase awareness of sustainability within your teams. Regularly share updates on how your company is addressing ESG goals and encourage team members to contribute with ideas. Provide training and resources that empower employees to adopt sustainable practices in their professional and personal lives.
Advocate for Responsibility: Foster a culture where every team member feels responsible for implementing sustainability initiatives. This involves clear communication about the roles individuals play in meeting ESG targets and how these efforts align with broader company goals.
Promote Transparency: Communicate transparently about your value chains. Regularly update stakeholders on improvements and challenges in making your operations more sustainable. Avoid greenwashing by backing your claims with data and showing continuous improvement, rather than making unsubstantiated claims.
Educate Customers: Provide customers with detailed information about the sustainability benefits of your products compared to less sustainable options. This can include environmental impact studies, sourcing practices, and the long-term benefits of choosing your products. Take this opportunity to really open the conversation, to inspire your audience: that will sponsor trust in your company allowing for sustainability to be a source of competitive advantage.
Engage with Stakeholders: Open dialogues with customers, investors, and community members to discuss your sustainability efforts. Use these platforms to gather feedback, create partnerships, and drive collective action towards shared sustainability goals.
By taking these steps, you not only enhance the sustainability profile of your organization but also contribute to a larger movement towards a more sustainable global economy.
A Call to Action for Future-Focused Leadership
As we navigate the complexities of modern sustainability challenges, the role of Chief Sustainability Officers becomes more crucial than ever. It is not only about overseeing compliance with current standards but about pioneering the path toward a genuinely sustainable future. And this is what “CSO Talks” is all about - sparking the deep, transformative discussions necessary to drive real change in the business world and beyond.
We stand at a pivotal moment where the decisions we make can significantly influence our collective future. Each step we take towards integrating sustainability more profoundly into our business strategies and communications can ripple outward, creating waves of positive change. As leaders, as innovators, and as citizens of a global community, our responsibility is to look beyond the bottom line to the horizon of what is possible.
Let this space be a beacon for those who aspire to lead with purpose and passion. Together, let's redefine the boundaries of business and sustainability, ensuring that we leave a world worth inheriting to future generations.
Join the conversation, share your insights, and be part of a community that values action over rhetoric. Together, we can shape a sustainable future—one innovative conversation at a time.
So go ahead: read me, discuss with me, actively change your communication, and remember to return here for more insights on CSOs.
Let’s talk?
Ana
