On Abstinence, Sustainability, And Change

Great sustainability leaders aren’t just great talkers.They’re even better listeners.

In an era of complex climate challenges, rapidly shifting stakeholder expectations, and diverse cultural contexts, the ability to listen deeply is a critical, yet underrated, leadership skill.

Being a good listener allows sustainability leaders to:

- Understand the lived experiences of frontline communities

- Identify real needs behind corporate green goals

- Spot early warning signs of social or environmental risk

- Build trust with internal and external stakeholders

- Co-create meaningful, inclusive strategies that endure

Too often, we focus on telling a sustainability story. But real impact comes from hearing the full picture first.

Listening is not passive. It’s a powerful strategic act. If you’re leading a sustainability agenda, stop and ask: Am I really hearing what people, the planet, and the data are trying to tell me?

Because sometimes, the smartest thing a leader can say is...nothing at all.