Me and the World – Leading with Sustainability at the Core of Decision-Making

Welcome to the May edition of Positive Leadership & You, continuing our quarterly theme "Managing your energy and building trust for a shared Sustainable future”. This month, we shift our focus to the intersection of purpose, sustainability, and leadership. As we look towards building a sustainable future, leaders must embrace sustainability at the heart of every decision. 

Leading with Sustainability at the Core of Decision-Making 

Sustainability is no longer just a trend; it's a necessity for the survival and growth of businesses, communities, and our planet. Leading with sustainability means integrating environmental and social considerations into your leadership practices and decision-making. This can drive not only business success but also positive change in the world. 

Paul Polman , former CEO of Unilever , has long been a champion of the idea that sustainability should be embedded in business strategies. He argues that businesses can no longer afford to focus solely on profits—they must consider their broader impact on society and the environment. His leadership at Unilever demonstrated that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand. As Polman puts it:

"If you’ve won the lottery ticket of life, you only belong to about 5% of the world’s population, and then it’s our duty, our obligation to put ourselves to the service of the other 95%."

This deep sense of purpose was a key driver in the transformative shifts he led at Unilever, moving the company from traditional CSR to a model of regeneration and positive impact. 

🎧 Listen to the episode with Paul Polman:

The Power of Data in Driving Sustainable Leadership 

In a world where data is king, Hannah Ritchie , data scientist and environmental expert, shares the immense potential of data in driving sustainable leadership. By leveraging data, leaders can make informed decisions that not only benefit their organizations but also have a positive environmental and social impact. 

Data can help organizations assess their carbon footprint, track waste, and identify sustainable alternatives in every aspect of their operations. Through responsible data usage, we can ensure that our strategies align with sustainability goals, making impactful changes at scale. 

🎧 Listen to the episode with Hannah Ritchie:

 Reducing Waste with Purpose: Lucie Basch ’s Mission 

Lucie Basch’s commitment to eliminating food waste through her company, Too Good To Go , is a prime example of how businesses can align profit with purpose. By creating a platform that connects consumers with unsold food from restaurants and grocery stores, Lucie is helping to reduce food waste while promoting a more sustainable and ethical approach to consumption. 

Her work reminds us that every decision—from the food we buy to the companies we support—can contribute to a more sustainable future. And Lucie has now just launched Poppins, a new app to make sharing easy, reliable, and fun ! 

🎧 Listen to the episode with Lucie Basch:

Leading an Ocean Clean-Up: Boyan Slat ’s Vision 

Recommended by LinkedIn

Boyan Slat, founder of The Ocean Cleanup project, has dedicated his life to removing plastic waste from the oceans. His innovative approach to tackling one of the world's most pressing environmental crises has inspired leaders across the globe to take action. 

Boyan's leadership is grounded in a deep sense of responsibility towards the planet and future generations. As he puts it, “To me, having an idea and then seeing that become reality, there’s no better feeling in the world than that. So for me, that is what keeps me going through all the unscheduled learning opportunities that we’ve come across over the years.” His story is a testament to how purpose-driven leadership can spark global movements and create tangible, lasting impact.

His story is a testament to how purpose-driven leadership can spark global movements and create tangible, lasting impact. 

🎧 Listen to the episode with Boyan Slat:

A World Where Sustainability is the Norm 

As leaders, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead by example. By making sustainability a central focus of our decisions, we can guide our organizations, industries, and even countries toward a future where social and environmental impact is prioritized. 

This isn’t just about protecting the environment; it’s about creating a world where everyone can thrive. A world where businesses are not only profitable but also contributing to the well-being of people and the planet. 

My Own Practice: Leading with Purpose and Impact 

As I reflect on my own journey, especially with Live for Good , I’m reminded that leading with sustainability is about taking small, consistent steps toward larger goals. It's about creating an organization that is not just focused on profit but also on the social and environmental changes we can contribute to. 

I encourage you to ask yourself: 

• How are you integrating sustainability into your leadership decisions? 

• How can you inspire your teams and organizations to think beyond profits and embrace social responsibility? 

• What small, impactful actions can you take to drive positive change? 

Sustainability is a journey, and it begins with us—leaders who have the vision and courage to make a difference. 

I look forward to hearing how you're leading with sustainability at the heart of your organization. Let's continue to create a world where positive leadership shapes a sustainable future for all. 

Wishing you a purpose-driven and impactful month ahead,

Jean-Philippe Courtois