10 Thoughts on Modern Leadership for a Sustainable Future

It was exciting this month to have the infamous South by South West (SXSW) festival - a convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture come to Sydney from Austin.

As part of the activities I was privileged to be part of a panel at UTS House exploring how in the quest for a sustainable future, leadership must evolve beyond conventional norms.

As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, certain attributes, practices, and acts of courage stand out.

Sharing ten thoughts from my panel preparation on key elements that define leaders who can chart new trajectories in this critical decade of action:

1. Integrity and Trust: The Cornerstones of Leadership Edelman's 2023 Trust Barometer sheds light on our path towards polarisation, driven by powerful macro forces that strain the social fabric and deepen societal divides. The Barometer results show in Australia, a staggering 75% express trust in their employer to 'do what is right,' surpassing trust levels in government and media. This places an increasing expectation on businesses to lead on social issues and be a force for good.
2. Empathy as a Leadership SuperpowerStacy McCarthy, a Partner at Aesara Partners and former senior Boeing Executive, emphasised empathy as a critical leadership attribute when she joined our recent Abundium sisterhood Women CEO Pod. Drawing from extensive research, McCarthy advocates for kindness as a superpower and underscores the long-term benefits of bold moves, especially in challenging economic times. Furthermore, Stacy highlights the importance of individualised learning plans for CEOs and champions the concept of radically human leadership. McCarthy also makes a compelling business case for more women in senior leadership, while distinguishing empathy from sympathy.
3. The Power of Healthy Daily HabitsLeadership is a marathon, not a sprint. Incorporating daily practices such as meditation, exercise, proper sleep, balanced nutrition, and journaling are crucial. What we consistently practice shapes who we become. Managing energy, as Tony Robbins advocates, is paramount. Fellow panelist Chris Kay's 'CEO as Chief Energy Officer' concept resonates, highlighting the correlation between personal well-being and effective leadership.
4. Mitigating Employee Burnout through Job DesignRecent research by the Corporate Mental Health Alliance Australia (CMHAA) underscores that CEOs are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression compared to the general population. Job design plays a pivotal role in reducing employee burnout. Implementing strategies that prioritise mental well-being is not only ethical but also vital for sustainable leadership.
5. Real-time Feedback for Authentic LeadershipTesting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) messages with team members, customers, and stakeholders offers invaluable insight. Honest feedback serves as a mirror, aiding leaders in aligning their actions with their stated values.
6. Navigating Leadership Tensions and PolaritiesLeaders must learn to balance seemingly opposing traits and values. Being optimistic yet realistic, confident yet humble, and caring for others while caring for oneself are not mutually exclusive. Tim Arnold's 'Lead with AND' approach embodies this philosophy, advocating for growth with impact.
7. Progress trumps perfectionGreenhushing can hinder progress. It's imperative to prioritise bold actions over the pursuit of perfection. Examples like Unilever ANZ's B Corp certification and Salesforce's integration of sustainability as a core value serve as inspiration.
8. Remembering the 'S' in ESGThe 'S' in ESG, representing Social factors, is just as critical as Environmental and Governance considerations. Instances like child labor in Congo's cobalt mines, a component in many electric vehicles, spotlight the urgent need for ethical supply chains. I wrote an Abundium blog on this recently.
9. Curiosity and Humility: Leadership SuperpowersColombia Professor Dorie Clark underscores that curiosity and humility are leadership superpowers. Let’s replace criticality with a mindframe of curiosity to listen and learn.
10. Leading with Love and AbundanceNicky Sparshott's TEDx Sydney talk, "Love - the new corporate currency supercharging results," champions a shift from leading with fear to leading with love. Embracing a mindset of abundance versus fear fosters compassion and collaborative workplaces.

In Conclusion

In this critical decade of action, the world needs brave and bold leadership. Empathy must translate into action. As Paul Polman challenges, leaders must reflect on whether the world is a better place because their business exists. It's time to rise together and co-create a better world for all.

Would love to hear any of your thoughts on the topic.