Complete playbook to plan, execute, and showcase corporate sustainability initiatives
Based on extensive research conducted in the past several years at the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland (IMD), Leading the Sustainable Business Transformation: A Playbook from IMD helps readers understand why sustainability matters, what it involves, how it fits with corporate strategy and how to implement it according to the specifics of their companies. This playbook emphasises both strategic and organisational work, delivering a framework to generate solid financial returns without depleting the world’s natural and social wealth.
With detailed case studies and quotations from executives to provide context, this book explores topics including:
- How social and environmental sustainability initiatives sharply differ from the much-criticised Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework
- Barriers to change based on gaps in organisational capacity and how to overcome them
- Minimising risks, accelerating change and fostering innovation through AI powered by Big Data
- Managing performance and measuring impact through new KPIs that utilise relevant metrics
- Marketing strategies to showcase sustainability efforts in a way that resonates with consumers
Filled with actionable strategies to navigate the intersection of global impact and financial success with precision and purpose, Leading the Sustainable Business Transformation is an essential read for executives and business leaders seeking to transform their organisations for the better.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Michel Demaré and David Bach ix
Preface xiii
Part I Framing the Conversation 1
Chapter 1 Defining Sustainability 9
Chapter 2 Why Now? 19
Chapter 3 Seizing Opportunities Rather Than Managing Risks 33
Chapter 4 The Geopolitical Context 47
Part II The Strategic Imperative 59
Chapter 5 Roadmapping with a Future- Back Approach 63
Chapter 6 Scenario Planning 75
Chapter 7 Innovating Toward New Business Models 87
Chapter 8 Models for Social Sustainability 101
Chapter 9 An End- to- End Perspective 113
Chapter 10 Brand Strategies 127
Chapter 11 Navigating Climate- Related Financial Risks 137
Chapter 12 Nonmarket Strategy 151
Chapter 13 Navigating the New Era of Sustainability Reporting 167
Chapter 14 The Paradox of Digital Technology 183
Chapter 15 Artificial Intelligence 195
Part III The Leadership Imperative 207
Chapter 16 Leading Change 213
Chapter 17 Managing Change in the Organization 225
Chapter 18 Leading Transformation 233
Chapter 19 Developing Leaders’ Capabilities 243
Chapter 20 The Courage of “Power With” 257
Chapter 21 Ecosystem Partnerships 271
Chapter 22 Changing Culture 281
Chapter 23 Improving Governance 291
Chapter 24 Family Business 305
Chapter 25 Leading for Inclusion 319
Chapter 26 Talking the Walk 331
Conclusion 345
Contributors 353
Index 367
