On Sustainability, Strategy, and Change

Sustainability leadership is no longer a siloed role, it’s becoming the strategy itself.

Not long ago, Chief Sustainability Officers were seen as the champions of “green” initiatives operating on the sidelines of core business. Today, the story is changing, fast.

More and more, we’re seeing sustainability leaders stepping into Head of Strategy roles, and for good reason.

Why? Because the most forward-looking companies now recognize that sustainability isn’t a separate agenda. It is the long-term agenda.

- It informs where to allocate capital

- It shapes product innovation and market entry

- It defines risk and resilience

- It builds brand trust and license to operate

According to Deloitte and McKinsey, nearly 60% of executives now say ESG factors are embedded in their corporate strategy, not just their reporting.

In this new reality, sustainability leaders must speak the language of strategy, finance, and transformation, not just carbon, compliance, and community.

And as the world grows more complex, companies will increasingly need leaders who can connect purpose with performance, and climate risk with competitive advantage.

It’s not a trend. It’s a tectonic shift.

 Have you seen this happening in your own industry? I'd love to hear how your organization is aligning strategy and sustainability.