Sustainability entails taking care of the environment, acting with social responsibility and practising good governance (ESG). Too narrow a view—like focusing only on decarbonisation—misses the bigger picture. Too broad, and the strategy becomes diluted. Leaders must gain a clear understanding of impacts, risks and opportunities, then make strategic choices based on what truly matters to stakeholders and the business.
Leaders need to acknowledge how the existing business needs to be transformed. Setting and achieving realistic short-term targets keeps a company in the game. Setting and achieving long-term sustainability targets keeps a company relevant and attractive.
The uncertainty and complexity of driving the sustainability transformation require a lot from leaders. Top-down, bottom-up, and middle-out: this is a magic combination. Because of the complexity of sustainability and the need to scale to really create impact, the drive needs to come from both top management, employees across the business and middle management. Sustainability is a continuously developing field of expertise where it is necessary to consider not only appointing people and giving them mandates – but also developing skills to move forward.
The transition to a sustainable future is also about engaging with the value chain. Having the courage to try out new collaboration, business models and solutions.
Embracing equality, diversity and inclusion is a strategic imperative for tackling systemic challenges. Real collaboration means asking hard questions—who’s missing, who’s unheard and whose perspectives are overlooked? When organisations value diverse voices and prioritise psychological safety, they build the trust needed for sustainable impact and innovation.
It takes courage to challenge the status quo. Inclusive leadership can build the resilience, creativity, and collective power required for lasting transformation. Collaboration is both a prerequisite to move and a source of energy to keep going!
Try our Mannaz Sustainability Transformation Index and find out how far you’ve come and how you can improve your sustainability efforts.
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