Learnings in Sustainability Leadership
Two years ago, in 2019, a friend of mine asked if I could help him to start a Coalition of Investors for Sustainability of the Ocean (ICSO). The idea was simple, to form a plate-form of collaboration for the finance sector, mainly funds, to foster collaboration around issues and potential of the Blue Economy. In parallel a fund dedicated to the ocean was going to be created and the first stones of this project have been laid.
While tacking the complexity of the environment of the Blue Economy and grasping the elements involved it became quickly clear that I wanted to know more and become more efficient faster and that’s how I decided to embark in the Master Of Sustainability Leadership at Cambridge.
From the almost two years now a few learning points stood out and have already been useful. Maybe the mapping of the complete sustainability story including the macro and micro dynamics is the most important elements. Not about in term of knowledge but in term of dynamics. As in every problem the issues will have to be worked out case by case but the elements and layers of issues will be similar.
On a personal level I had been warned that my outlook on life would be changed and it has been the case. While I was already having the mindset and relatively good habits, a sustainability focus is now prevalent in all of my actions. This includes my personal investment choices, my food shopping, my nutrition, my travel choices and my interest in friendships. Of course I still have a couple of bad habits that I still need to change but I am clear on the direction.
In term of leadership l had been trying to start some local actions but they were slowed down by the covid pandemic and will resume now. The year 2020 has not been conductive to generate much collaboration, even in some cases there was some strong levels of human support around the world. Butr thinks are starting to become more active.
Sustainable investment has been on my agenda for some time and this year has been strong in actions in this area. I have been joining some investment clubs and having Zoom discussion around sustainability and social investments. As the industry is playing a major role in driving the sustainability agenda it is really important. Exchanging about our our personal experience of it and beeing able to shae and hear about the different Covid struggles has certainly been a saviour during lockdown. It is so nice to have some human contact and share personal views!