In today’s world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of bleak headlines about the many issues facing our society. From political unrest to economic instability and environmental degradation, you could be forgiven for feeling powerless and even despairing.
However, in the midst of all this chaos there is a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability and our responsibility to protect future generations from the catastrophic effects of climate change.
Given this backdrop, it is unsurprising that organisations seek experts on sustainable business practices to speak at their events. In fact, it is quite encouraging that this is now one of the most common briefs we receive here at JLA.
The value of these speakers goes beyond simple inspiration and education, though it never hurts to leave an audience feeling positive after a conference! We work with many experts on sustainability who either run their own businesses or are engaged in the corporate world. Crucially, they are able to provide insight into the economic benefits of sustainable business practices and demonstrate that profit, and a commitment to sustainable values, do not have to be mutually exclusive.
In no particular order here are a few of my favourite speakers on this topic:
Mary Portas
Mary is possibly the most inspirational speaker that I have heard during my time at JLA. She is one of the few I have seen receive a standing ovation and enthusiastic applause during her session! Her expertise on retail and marketing is unquestionable but since the pandemic her content is focused upon the importance of sustainability in the Fashion industry. She is the co-chair of the sustainable campaign group ‘Better Business Act’ and authored the brilliant ‘Kindness Economy’. Mary emphasises that change is possible and nothing to be scared of.
View Mary Portas‘s speaker profile here.
Natalie Campbell
Natalie has an excellent business background and is currently is the co-CEO of ethical water company ‘Belu Water’. Always receiving excellent feedback she is an expert on leadership and disrupting ‘business as usual’, a topic that is increasingly relevant since the pandemic. Like Mary, Natalie is an advocate of taking a step back and reconsidering the responsibilities of businesses in the 21st Century.
View Natalie Campbell‘s speaker profile here.
Marga Hoek
Marga brings with her a wealth of experience, having held several C – Level positions in both public and private organisations. She has further demonstrated her commitment to sustainability during her time as the Chair of the Dutch Sustainable Business Association and in her work advising governments. An accomplished speaker, Marga firmly believes that businesses cannot thrive in a world that is collapsing. As such, she advocates for corporations to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
View Marga Hoek‘s speaker profile here.
Leo Johnson
Leo is the Head of Disruption and Innovation at PwC and has hosted BBC radio shows on the topics of ‘Future Proofing’ and ‘Hacking Capitalism’. In his talks, Leo often emphasizes the importance of taking a long-term view of sustainability and creating business models that are regenerative and restorative rather than exploitative. He discusses the role of technology and innovation in driving sustainability, and how companies can leverage these tools to create positive environmental and social impact whilst also driving business growth.
View Leo Johnson‘s speaker profile here.
If you’d like to enquire about any of the names above, or would like some more examples of great sustainability speakers please contact your JLA Account Manager.