Business Leaders need Sustainability Coaching, here's why
The push for sustainability is rising, something environmental activists and conscious consumers are celebrating yet governments are still trailing behind – despite almost every nation signing on to the Paris Agreement in 2015 and agreeing to reduce their carbon footprint.
Forward-looking businesses are taking matters into their own hands: integrating sustainability practices into their business strategy to ensure a smooth(er) transition to a low carbon future; committing to net zero targets where no regulatory requirement (yet) exists; and applying an ESG lens to every facet of their supply chain. These businesses are well aware of the rising costs of capital if they do not act. They’re also cognizant of online consumer boycotts that quickly translate to the bottom line. According to a recent McKinsey study, a record number of consumers now consider a brand’s track record on environmental and social sustainability before making a purchase. Similarly, industry research conducted by Kantar Monitor shows 54% of consumers want businesses to progress social issues like #MeToo and race relations.
Addressing changing consumer habits isn't just reputationally smart, it’s clearly revenue smart. However, if a brand’s sustainability credentials cannot be verified, accusations of ‘greenwashing’ from activist groups and consumers will likely ensue. A report from Synthetics Anonymous on the suitability of fast fashion found that 59% of claims regarding environmental sustainability by European and UK fashion companies are misleading or unsubstantiated. So how can your business effectively communicate its environmental and sustainable commitments – and back up its claims?
Working with sustainability professionals is one way to ensure your business implements tangible environmental, social and governance (ESG) changes whilst also ensuring your message to consumers and stakeholders remains well-received – and legitimate.
In every sector there are opportunities to improve an organisation’s social and environmental impact. Hiring a sustainability coach is a proven method by which to improve a business' ESG performance via its people. After all, employees are consumers too, with many recently leaving their organisation for one that shares their values regarding climate change, human rights and an increased focus on health and wellbeing.
Q Social Impact is an Australian-based advisory firm that delivers ESG and sustainability outcomes for businesses. We help organisations from all sectors create long-term value in society. We find solutions through strategic consulting, sustainability education and coaching that will see your sustainability efforts come to life – and grow your competitive advantage.
Our team began coaching business leaders in 2018 and have since expanded our services to include two educational programs that support our clients’ efforts to integrate sustainability into everyday practices. Each of our programs consist of six modules:
Sustainability Leadership Program - A foundational training course for emerging leaders to learn the fundamentals of effective sustainable practices, with the guiding support of a sustainability coach.
Advanced Sustainability Program – Additional ESG training for leaders looking to implement sustainability as part of their business strategy and including a dedicated sustainability coach.
Discover more about our courses here.
What's in it for your leaders?
Digital micro-credentials
In collaboration with Credly, Q Social Impact issues digital micro-credentials (also known as digital badges) to each learner upon completion of a sustainability module. This allows learners to attach verifiable ‘digital badges’ to their LinkedIn profile, email signature and digital resume.
The appeal of Credly’s digital badges is broad: employers promoting internal candidates can easily verify pre-existing skills; whilst potential employers can verify the skills claimed by a new hire. Through Credly, Q Social Impact will offer learners the opportunity to store their digital badges on blockchain.
CPD (Continuing professional development) points
Our training programs also allow certain employees to collect CPD points. This is particularly helpful for employees who have ongoing requirements for professional development or who belong to professional bodies (including accountants, engineers, HR practitioners and lawyers). Each of our sustainability modules is designed using a blended learning format, allowing professionals to earn CPD points through self-paced learning, on-demand webinars, individual exercises and 1-2-1 coaching sprints.
Sustainability as a business strategy
By developing your employees’ knowledge on how to activate sustainability in the workplace, your business will be on its way to creating a better future in the eyes of all stakeholders. The skills your employees gain through our sustainability education and coaching program are not only transferable, but long-lasting, helping your organisation turn ESG-related problems into ESG opportunities.
Our training and advice will help your leaders learn how to:
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Identify opportunities for sustainable innovation in an industry
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Develop an organisation's sustainability positioning
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Recognise and address gaps in sustainability priorities at the workplace
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Communicate real ESG impacts
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Identify organisational levers that can improve impact reporting
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Secure executive buy-in for sustainability initiatives, using Q Social Impact's ESG Screening Model
Our education programs are available globally and we welcome emerging and established leaders from all industries to take part. One client from the textile and fashion industry who recently completed the foundational course said, ‘This program has given me the confidence to influence our stakeholders on how to implement sustainable change.’ We regularly receive feedback from clients worldwide who value the one-to-one coaching they receive as part of their learning experience. An ANZ client sums up their Q Social Impact learning experience by saying "We have so many meetings about what we think we SHOULD do – this program shows me a clear pathway on HOW I can do it."
Flexible Study
Q Social Impact’s sustainability education programs are designed to work around a hybrid workstyle: each module is delivered online, designed to fit in and around existing work-life commitments. Online coaching sprints are available across multiple time zones.
Both the foundational and advanced programs can be delivered as an intensive four week program or as a four month program. Both delivery options include a blend of virtual coaching sprints, on-demand webinars, individual exercises, self-paced learning, and peer collaborations in the workplace.
Get in touch
Implementing all things ‘sustainability’ can be overwhelming, so let us guide your business on its journey to being a better version of itself. Adding sustainability coaches to your business success mix will help your people develop skills and enable your organisation to achieve its purpose. Get in touch with a member of our team to discuss your business needs and roadmap requirements.
