In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern—it is a leadership challenge. A groundbreaking global study, Sustainable Sustainability (Stewardship Asia Centre, 2023), confirms that businesses can achieve both profitability and growth by addressing the very environmental and societal challenges that threaten our future. However, this potential can only be unlocked by replacing outdated leadership and governance models with Steward Leadership.
In this paradigm, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) must evolve into ESL, where the “L” represents Steward Leadership—transforming governance into a subset of leadership. This shift requires boards to embrace a broader purpose, integrating sustainability into corporate strategy to create long-term value.
The reality is stark: 60% of board directors' time is spent on regulatory compliance, financial management, and risk oversight, leaving insufficient attention to critical areas like sustainability, culture, leadership, talent, and innovation—the very areas needed to solve today’s pressing environmental and societal issues. This imbalance is a missed opportunity. Can boards lead the way by fostering a culture of Steward Leadership and accountability, ensuring a positive social and environmental impact while driving profit?
This is not just a theoretical question. Boards as Stewards of Sustainability (SAC, May 2024) demonstrates that exemplar boards across eleven countries have proven that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. By ensuring that sustainability is woven into the corporate strategy, these boards have secured long-term prosperity for their companies while contributing positively to the world around them.
This is a unique, one-off opportunity for boards to redefine their role and embrace a leadership model that balances business success with environmental and societal responsibility. Join us to explore how board members can become stewards of sustainability, integrating stewardship into every facet of governance, creating lasting value, and ensuring your company's success in an increasingly complex world.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise the inadequacies of existing governance approach and the need for enlightened governance.
- Understand how to drive profitable growth by converting sustainability into a competitive advantage.
- Gain an overview of Steward Leadership as a framework to drive business longevity.
- Develop an action plan to chart your board’s journey to become a true steward of sustainability.
