Posts by Donna Okell
10 Books, Podcasts and Ideas Helping Business Leaders Navigate the Decisive Decade
Almost two years ago we shared our favourite sustainability books. Looking back, they reflected the questions many business leaders were asking at the time. What is sustainability? Why does it matter? Where do we begin? Today, the questions feel very different. The world has changed at an extraordinary pace. Climate impacts are accelerating. Nature continues…
Read MoreWhen We Know… But Don’t Act
Over recent weeks, I’ve found myself sitting with a growing sense of unease. The science underpinning the climate and nature crisis is no longer emerging, it is converging. And what it reveals is deeply unsettling. We are not simply confirming what we already suspected. We are learning that: The latest and best available science show…
Read MoreWater, Money and Biodiversity: A Leadership Moment for UK Businesses
Last week, following some unexpected award nominations, I received many generous and thoughtful messages. Recognition is always encouraging. But walking in the woods the following morning, I found myself reflecting on something deeper: Recognition is lovely.Responsibility is greater. Because whether we are business leaders, investors, advisers or individuals, the consequences of our choices are now…
Read MoreWe’ve been nominated…twice. We would love you to vote for us?
Not our usual blog, but I have something special to share, along with a small invitation for you. On Friday, I received two surprising emails from Downtown in Business: One said, “Congratulations, you have been nominated for ‘Change Maker of the Year 2026 Award’.” Another said, “Congratulations, UK for Good has been nominated for ‘Social Impact…
Read MoreA personal letter from Nonna Donna: What kind of world will our granddaughter inherit?
So, can we change the forecast? Three months ago, we became a grandparents again. Holding this tiny, wonderful girl in my arms fills me with love, and fear. And that’s a really difficult paradox to manage in my mind. The fear currently dominates my thoughts, and drives my work and daily life, because unless we…
Read MoreUse Your Voice, Share Your Power: The New Role of Business in Society
Next Wednesday (9th July), I’ll be heading to Westminster for my first-ever Mass Lobby event. A whole bunch of organisations including WWF, RSPB, Wildlife Trust, and thousands of ordinary people will come face-to-face with their MPs to demand bolder action for climate and nature. It’s a moment of shared courage, a reminder that change doesn’t…
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