The Year of The Great Reset: Environmental Advocacy, COVID-19’s Opportunity For Positive Change, and The Need For Great Leadership
I was recently the guest on The New P&L (Principles & Leadership in Business Institute) Podcast hosted by Paul Spiers where I discussed the environmental challenges we face and how the power of a single company can impact them.
I explored the importance of trust among governments, citizens, and companies and how they’re coming together to tackle these environmental challenges. We also exchanged some thoughts on the future of retail after the pandemic.
My name is Vipe Desai, an Environmentalist, Business Strategist, and Philanthropist whose main focus these days is using business as a force in preserving our oceans for future generations.
Paul asked some very insightful and important questions that I believed were too important not to share. One such problem was my thoughts on the psychology and mindset around environmental advocacy and activism.
It takes a while for someone to find his or her voice in advocacy. It took me many years to find my voice and the area I wanted to advocate in. 30 years ago, when I started my journey into advocacy, it was “looked down on” if you were an advocate or an activist talking about the environment. Today it is a badge of honor.
But, 30 years later, we still have a long way to go. There are always challenges with close collaborations worldwide, which require understanding and empathy given the variety of differences in opinions that everyone brings to the table. A temporary solution to this problem is finding common ground.
A more sustainable environment leads to more sustainable business opportunities. Many businesses don’t have the courage; neither do leaders push themselves to make a change. Why do we have to continue doing things the way that they have always been done? Shouldn’t we look at improving our supply chain management and efficiencies? There is much food for thought here.
Segueing into life after the pandemic, I believe that this is a once-in-a-lifetime generational opportunity that we are receiving. Many, including myself, are referring to it as the great reset.
If you had a chance to start all over again, what would you do differently?
This is the question we should be asking ourselves. The pandemic allows us to correct the bad business habits that we have so long attached ourselves to for decades. We can change the course of this planet, but we can do so in a way that continues to allow the economy to thrive.
My final thoughts in the conversation surrounded what I define as a great business leader. It comes down to the way we treat people; the way leaders treat their employees. I believe in treating people how you would want someone to treat you. Implementing a more humanizing component is what is needed in our companies.
While much more was discussed on the podcast, I hope this summary offers some insights on what each of us can, and should, be doing to develop our leadership journey and continue to create and support purpose-driven businesses.
Link to PODCAST
