Posts by Donna Okell
From Fear to Action: Key Takeaways from the Blue Earth Summit and Why Courage Matters
It was a beautiful, sunny autumnal day. The golden leaves shone brightly beneath a crisp blue sky—one of those ‘glad to be alive’ days. Yet, as I walked toward the entrance of the Blue Earth Summit, I felt strangely disoriented, a mixture of fear, hope, excitement, anxiety, and wonder swirling inside me. It’s a feeling…
Read MoreLiving through the Age of Consequences
Yesterday, I listened—twice—to Rupert Read’s remarkable speech at the Leadership Summit in Portugal. I cried. This marks the third time this week that I’ve been brought to tears, and if you watch his talk, you’ll understand why. Rupert Read clearly articulates the reasons for the accelerating climate crisis and the urgent need for all of…
Read MoreMind the Gap: Why Your EDI Policy Isn’t Enough
Businesses today are finally waking up to the importance of being equitable, diverse, and inclusive (EDI). Pledges and policies abound, with statements boldly displayed on websites, glossy posters highlighting EDI commitments, and announcements of new initiatives. But there’s a serious disconnect between those promises and the actual impact within many organisations. It’s not enough to…
Read MoreThe Consequences of Our Choices: How Business Leaders Shape the Future
In today’s complex world, every decision a business leader makes sends ripples far beyond the boardroom. The concept of consequentialism—where the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcomes—urges us to consider the larger impact of our choices. In the business landscape, the consequences of decisions can be profound, shaping the future of…
Read MoreBuilding Resilience in a Wobbly World: A Fireside Chat with John Elkington
In a recent conversation with John Elkington, a leading authority on sustainability, innovation, and the future of business, we explored the arc of his career, his personal influences, and his views on the global challenges ahead. John Elkington is best known for coining the term “Triple Bottom Line” and is a prolific author with over…
Read MoreA License to Operate: Does Your Business Deserve to Exist?
It was about 15 years ago when I first began to work on ‘purpose’ and understand its value; way before ESG became trendy. Today, the value of being clear about your company’s purpose is more important than ever. And I have to be honest, being really clear about your purpose isn’t always easy. The world…
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