Sustainability is not just GREEN but a spectrum of colors. It is a beam that gets dispersed into n-number of factors.
We at IMPAAKT have been striving hard to put it out there that sustainability is not a tangible concept. The word has been limitedly attached to something green, which reduces waste and preserves the environment.
But that’s not all. IMPAAKT has been working on sustainability and its branches since Day ONE. The concept is intangible at its core. Let’s take for example one category—leadership.
Sustainable leadership is the process of influencing and breaking down silos to combine efforts towards change and transformation.
But what is this change?
Let’s not segment it down to climate change and the global environment.
Candid’s co-founder, Jacob Harold built a supply chain of nonprofit information, a stand-out development for information infrastructure for the social sector that is underdeveloped. The leadership trait in Jacob is proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and considering the long-term impact of innovation not just on the environment, and organization but on society as a whole.
That’s Sustainability!!
But when we say intangible does it necessarily have to be limited to something untouched?
No right, Empathy touches your heart, and the impact of empathy remains for the longer run—thus being the most sustainable trait. Very few speak about kind leadership, but Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of the Riley’s Way Foundation has invested herself in supporting the next generation of kind leaders. Her ‘Call for Kindness Fellows’ initiative has inspired a sustainable social change perspective and has become a source of strength in community building.
But did you know that Empathy has always been looked upon as something ‘soft’ for a hard changing? But a dozen studies have demonstrated the opposite. Empathy is not a weakness but something of a workplace superpower.
Whether one acknowledges it or not, the world of work is changing. According to Petra Velzeboer, “The current system focuses on crisis management rather than proactively creating environments where people can thrive. A focus on employee wellbeing tackles some of the biggest challenges in the workplace such as talent retention, absence, and thriving in uncertainty.”
The renowned psychotherapist, TEDx speaker, author, and CEO of mental health consultancy PVL, Petra visions for the new world of work focusing on “dynamic and sustainable leadership”.
She emphasizes, “This revolutionary, innovative approach challenges the way we view the world of work, prioritizing human capital and focussing on individual autonomy.”
Prioritizing human capital always comes with soft skills. One of the majors is the term coined by a Harvard Business School professor, ‘psychological safety’. “It means feeling comfortable enough to speak up, take risks, or share bad news without worrying about negative blowback. I like to give people the freedom to open up in a way that makes them feel valued,” says Lindsay Marceau, Vice President of Strategy at Phenom.
Lindsay not only recognizes the human side of organizational dynamics but actively champions empathy as a cornerstone of her leadership style which is one of the strong pillars of sustainable leadership.
Some might argue that the leader of tomorrow would be the Chief Risk Mitigator, but there is no doubt that this leader would need to be the Chief Motivating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer.
Warren Bennis, a recognized authority on organizational development, leadership, and change, puts it simply: “A leader doesn’t just get the message across – a leader is the message.” And the biggest message a leader of the future can give his people is that of confidence and positive forward momentum.
IMPAAKT is dedicated to illuminating the multifaceted nature of sustainability, transcending the traditional green narrative, and delving into the intangible aspects that define true corporate responsibility.
Our focus on business leadership, encompassing sustainable practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion, technology leadership, and business philanthropy, reflects our commitment to fostering a global revolution in business operations. Sustainability, as we see it, goes beyond environmental concerns; it encapsulates a holistic approach to leadership that considers the long-term impact on society as a whole.
Our exploration of sustainable leadership highlights individuals like Jacob Harold and Christine O’Connell, whose proactive and empathetic approaches contribute to positive social change.
As the world of work evolves, IMPAAKT recognizes the pivotal role of Chief Motivating Officers and Chief Sustainability Officers in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. We are not only showcasing sustainable stories but actively contributing to a paradigm shift in how businesses operate, aiming to make a positive impact on both society and the environment.
Our journey continues as we strive to inspire, inform, and catalyze a transformation towards a more sustainable and responsible future for businesses worldwide.
