Leadership Conversations by TSB The Sustainability Board

In this episode of Leadership Conversations by TSB, Professor Alex Edmans discusses the concept of 'rational sustainability' - an evidence-based approach to sustainability that focuses on long-term value creation rather than politics or ideology.

He explains how boards should evaluate sustainability issues rationally, focusing on outcomes over labels, questioning assumptions, and recognising diminishing returns and trade-offs. Alex provides examples of how sustainability initiatives driven by a desire to serve society can also lead to long-term profits. He argues that rational sustainability allows companies to make decisions that serve both business and society.

Frederik Otto, Executive Director of The Sustainability Board is hosting.

In this episode of Leadership Conversations by TSB, we speak with Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and Executive Director at Ethical Systems.

She discusses the current state of sustainable business, particularly in the U.S., exploring the polarised perspectives and the impact of political and social dynamics on corporate ethics.

Alison challenges common myths and misconceptions about business sustainability and ethics. She emphasises the need for a strategic, limited, and authentic approach to sustainability, criticising both overly ambitious corporate promises and the unrealistic expectations placed on businesses.

The episode offers a critical look at the narratives surrounding sustainable business practices. Alison also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming book, "Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World," which aims to provide practical advice for corporate leaders grappling with ethical challenges in the 21st century.

In this episode we speak with Frank White, a space philosopher. Frank has coined the term ‘The Overview effect’ which describes the awe-inspiring experience of viewing the Earth from space. He has found that with great consistency, this experience profoundly affects space travellers’ perceptions of themselves, our world, and our future.

He talks to us about the magnitude of overview effect experiences, sustainable space migration, and why all his narratives aim to create a sustainable future on earth. Frank also suggests we need an 18th UN Sustainability Development Goal: Space.

In the first live session of our podcast that was held in August 2023 we discuss the secrets to 'Building a Sustainability Culture'.

We explore the highlights and insights from a new report with Paul Washington from The Conference Board' and Srinand Yalamanchili from Baker Tilly. We discuss how boards, management, and the entire organisation play crucial roles in shaping this culture, as well as the role of purpose and incentives.

The report 'Building a Sustainability Culture' can be downloaded here: https://www.conference-board.org/press/press-release-building-a-sustainability-culture

In this episode we speak to Beth Sasfai, Partner at the renowned law firm Cooley.
We talk about the challenge of sustainability reporting requirements and how most companies have lost the idea of big ambitious goals.
We also discuss the difference in sustainability governance and ESG strategy between public and private businesses, and common blind posts in start-ups that create risk.

Beth talks about her personal experiences counselling for clients on ESG; which stakeholders she considers to be the most influential right now; and she shares her recommendations for sustainability oversight on board level.

In this episode we speak with Andrew Behar, the CEO of As You Sow, the United States’ leading non-profit practitioner of shareholder advocacy and engagement. We talk about how As You Sow engages with boards and management teams on issues like climate change; toxins in the food system; ocean plastics; diversity, equity, and inclusion; racial justice; and wage equity. Andrew shares some fascinating statistics on how As You Sow’s reports and research are driving strategic initiatives with businesses on these issues. Andrew shares what toolkit they are using if a company is unreceptive to positive change, and his favourite engagement story of two large businesses in the food industry.