Book Description

Read over 20 exclusive, in-depth interviews with chief sustainability officers (CSOs) of Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble and globally recognized brands such as IKEA and Netflix. These CSOs reveal how they deliver positive environmental and social impact through their companies’ core products and services and generate revenue growth while tackling unique leadership, change management, regulatory and stakeholder challenges. Sustainability and environmental, social, governance (ESG) strategies are increasingly central to businesses’ growth strategy and risk management. As a result, the CSO has become more important as a driver of both revenue and strategy. Yet, no two CSOs are alike in their backgrounds, titles or even the scope of their roles. From former Peace Corps volunteers to supply chain experts, these C-suite leaders launch ambitious carbon emissions and net-zero goals, develop new products for a circular economy, target increasing the diversity of their company’s staff, align strategic projects to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and standardize reporting for the SEC, investors and more. What You Will Learn How global multibillion dollar businesses in the United States, Europe and Asia structure their sustainability strategy How top sustainability executives drive both business value and positive environmental and social impact How CSOs landed in their roles without climbing a traditional career ladder Who This Book Is For Executives and board members generally or those establishing a sustainability or ESG strategy; current and aspiring CSOs and ESG leaders; business leaders partnering with sustainability leaders and teams; and students studying the integration of sustainability and business. Advance praise for Chief Sustainability Officers At Work: "Chief sustainability officers play a critical role in supporting the broader business transition to a more just and sustainable global economy. Through dialogue with influential sustainability professionals, Chrissa brings to life the essential role in bridging gaps and helping to eliminate the divide between "traditional" business functions, senior leadership, and the sustainability teams to drive transformational change within their firms." - Mindy Lubber, CEO and President, Ceres "Chief Sustainability Officers at Work, is a fresh new book by seasoned business leader Chrissa Pagitsas that offers succinct ways anyone can implement and achieve ESG goals – whether they own the company or simply aspire to improve its impact on people and the planet. Chrissa roots this book in her own experience leading change within major companies that not only improved the businesses where she worked but improved the markets within which they needed to thrive. This is a must read for a seasoned ESG practitioner as much as it is for the young professional just getting started. Chrissa knows it is imperative we all just get started doing better and she opens up the otherwise dark box of how-tos for all of us to do our part." – Dana Bourland, SVP, The JPB Foundation and author of Gray to Green Communities: A Call to Action on the Housing and Climate Crises.