Episode
6

Organizational Sustainability with Expert Bob Willard Part 1

July 28, 2021
|
Duration:
1890824
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In This Episode:

Join energy coaches David Arkell and John Pooley on a sustainability chat with our first guest Bob Willard. Bob Willard left an award winning career as a senior management leader at IBM to pursue sustainability strategies for business'. Giving keynote presentations to corporate, government, university, and NGO audiences, this episode is filled with industry knowledge and key points to get your organization on the right sustainability track. Visit Bob Willard's resources on sustainability here.

Highlights

  • Transition to Sustainability: Willard shifted his career focus from IBM leadership to sustainability, driven by a growing awareness of environmental issues and a desire to promote positive change within organizations.
  • Broad Scope of Sustainability: Sustainability covers diverse topics, from climate change and biodiversity to water and waste management. Willard simplifies it as reducing harm to people and the planet.
  • Practical Steps for Reducing Impact: Willard outlines basic steps for businesses, including reducing pollution, waste, and encroachment on natural resources, as well as ensuring fair treatment of employees and communities.
  • Financial Benefits of Sustainable Practices: By minimizing energy, water, and material use, businesses can cut costs. Sustainable practices also enhance reputation and employee retention, ultimately boosting profitability.
  • Importance of Company Culture and Leadership: A strong commitment to sustainability from executives and the board helps embed sustainability into corporate culture. Metrics, transparency, and employee engagement play critical roles.

Key Insights

  • Sustainability as a Business Case: Willard emphasizes that sustainability is not just an expense; it can increase profits through savings and by attracting customers and employees who value environmental responsibility.
  • Risk Mitigation and Opportunity: Companies face both risks and opportunities in sustainability. Avoiding harm minimizes regulatory risks, while sustainable practices can open new revenue streams.
  • Executive and Board Engagement: Corporate boards and executives must adopt a broader view of corporate responsibility, focusing on stakeholder well-being rather than solely on shareholder profits.
  • Employee Engagement and Productivity: A commitment to sustainability aligns with employees’ personal values, increasing motivation, satisfaction, and productivity.
  • Long-Term Change through Culture: Willard highlights that changing an organization’s culture to prioritize sustainability takes time and is most effective with visible support from senior leadership.
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