Reflections on 2024 and the Courage to Lead Change
As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. 2024 has brought stark reminders of the risks we face – from escalating climate impacts to deepening social inequalities. But it has also shown us the resilience and ingenuity of those who choose to lead with courage and compassion. It’s a perfect time to reflect, recalibrate, and recommit.
Enough is enough.
Why It Matters: Risk and Resilience
The stakes could not be higher. According to PwC’s 2024 CEO Survey, 45% of business leaders do not believe their organisations will be economically viable in the next decade if they continue on their current path. Read the full report here. This sobering statistic underscores the urgent need for businesses to rethink their purpose and impact.
The climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and rising inequalities are not distant threats; they’re here, now, shaping our communities, economies, and lives. Yet, as we face these challenges, we must remember: risk and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. Businesses that take bold action to improve their impact will not only mitigate risks but also build resilience, unlock innovation, and create value for future generations.
How We Can Step Up
This year, we’ve seen extraordinary examples of courage and commitment. From businesses embedding Impact Performance Indicators (IPIs) into their strategies, the growth of the B Corp movement, to individuals committing to Take the Jump, we’ve seen progress.
Thousands of people have joined the Take the Jump movement, collectively adopting sustainable lifestyle shifts like eating more plant-based meals and embracing second-hand purchases. These examples prove that change is possible—and scalable. The seeds of change are being sown.
But incremental steps are not enough.
To step up, we must embrace a mindset shift:
- Curiosity: Ask the tough questions. Are we doing enough to address the root causes of the challenges we face?
- Courage: Be bold. Let’s challenge outdated norms and make decisions that prioritise people and the planet.
- Commitment: Stay the course. Real change takes time and perseverance.
What We Can Do?
Whether you’re an organisation leader, a consultant, or an individual committed to making a difference, here are concrete actions you can take:
- Set Impact Performance Indicators (IPIs): The transition from traditional KPIs to longer-term, more impactful IPIs enable you to measure and manage your organisation’s social and environmental impact with the same rigour as financial performance.
- Commit to Take the Jump: This is such a simple tool to inspire and empower us all to shape a better world. Join the growing movement of people making six lifestyle shifts to reduce their environmental impact: buy less, travel better, eat more plants, fix and mend, share more, and nurture nature. Explore Take the Jump
Small, collective actions can create massive change. - Join the UK for Good Impact Leadership Programme: Ready to lead with impact in 2025? Our three-day programme in January 2025 is designed to inform, inspire and empower you with the tools, insights, and community needed to drive meaningful change.
Enough is Enough
We have enough warnings.
We know enough data.
And for many of us, we have enough – more than enough.
Now is the time to act.
The world doesn’t need more passive observers; it needs courageous leaders. Leaders who will rise to the challenge, reshape their businesses, and inspire others to do the same.
As we close 2024, let’s carry forward this momentum.
Let’s make 2025 a year of action, impact, and hope – by embracing bold changes, holding ourselves accountable, and inspiring others to join us in shaping a better future.
Be the Change the World Desperately Needs
We can all play a part in creating a more equitable, sustainable, and compassionate world. Reflect on your 2024. What will you change in 2025? Will you prioritise reducing your environmental footprint, champion equality in your workplace, or take bold steps to transform your business into a force for good?
Every action counts—what will yours be?
Share your commitments with us, let’s explore ways we can help each other, let’s hold each other accountable, and let’s BE THE CHANGE.