PUTTING PEOPLE & PLANET FIRST

Balancing profit and purpose comes with concerted efforts to make corporate social responsibility a core value

- ANINDITA ACHARYA

Google has set an ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions across all its operations and value chain by 2030. Similarly, Microsoft made strong commitments in 2020 to become carbon negative, water positive, and a zero-waste company while protecting ecosystems-all by 2030. As more organisations recognise the need to balance purpose with profit, senior leaders play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices, particularly focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

"Sustainable leadership means any leader's action that strikes the ideal balance between corporate success and the welfare of their environment and human resources. It is essential not only to motivate your teammates but it is also as important what positive impact you make through your decisions at the workplace, on colleagues, and the environment. The goal is to create sustainable positive changes that benefit business profits and the human capital of the organisation," said Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur.