Who is sitting in your sustainability chair?

I recently enjoyed a weekend getaway with a few dear friends and the airbnb we rented had a porch that offered breathtaking views of the serene countryside. There was this beautiful red chair positioned in a way that offered a perfect view, as far as the eyes can see, but there was no one sitting in it. This inspired me to write this post. I wonder how many companies have someone sitting in their sustainability chair. By "someone," I don't necessarily mean a dedicated sustainability officer; it could be someone with shared responsibility. It can even be the CEO. But someone's got to be in that seat.

Why is this such a big deal? Here are three compelling reasons:

✅ Meeting What Customers Want: Nowadays, people really care about the environment and social issues. Having someone in charge of sustainability means your company can meet these expectations. That's important because it builds trust and makes your company look good in a crowded market.

✅ Saving Money: The person in that sustainability seat can help find ways to save money through eco-friendly actions. Think about using less energy, getting smarter about your supply chains, and using green packaging. All these things can put more cash in your pocket.

✅ Getting Investors and Partners: Here's the thing, investors these days are looking at how well a company does on sustainability. Having someone in that seat can make your company more attractive to investors and potential partners.

So, that empty chair with the gorgeous view? It's a reminder that there's untapped potential in companies. Having someone in the sustainability role isn't just about doing the right thing; it's a smart move that can lead to cost savings, increased revenue, and a path to a more responsible and prosperous future.

Who is sitting in your sustainability chair? If it's empty, fix that.