We’re living in a time of huge political change and uncertainty - both globally and in New Zealand. While people and businesses are trying to “get ahead”, most have become much more conscious of the social and environmental impacts of the decisions we make. So where does business fit? Are we suffering from short-termism? Could we be doing better? What about liveability, wellbeing and community?
All big questions. And they’re questions which Alec Tang spends much of his time focussing on. Alec is a Partner at KPMG based in Auckland, co-leading the firm’s Climate, Sustainability and ESG proposition, as well as its Nature and Biodiversity Initiative. He’s a Chartered Environmentalist, a Member of the Institute of Directors, and a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
In this interview, Alec shares his thoughts on these key areas and talks specifically about adapting to change, remaining focussed on climate impacts and fostering collaboration across sectors. He’s a fan of long-term thinking, the value of storytelling in driving sustainability initiatives and the potential for positive change amidst uncertainty.
Time codes and topics
00:00 Navigating Tensions in Business and Sustainability
02:21 Understanding Client Contexts for Effective Change
05:56 Adapting to Political and Economic Uncertainty
10:03 The Importance of Community and Collaboration
13:55 Key Strategies for Business Leaders
17:28 The Role of Sustainability Reporting
21:21 Collaboration Across Competitive Boundaries
25:21 The Pitfalls of Short-Term Thinking
Takeaways
Change is constant, and businesses must adapt to it.
Understanding the context of a business is crucial for effective consulting.
Storytelling is essential for communicating sustainability efforts.
Collaboration across sectors can lead to innovative solutions.
Short-term thinking can undermine long-term sustainability goals.
Diversity of thought is critical for effective problem-solving.
Businesses need to embrace fundamental changes in their strategies.
Political changes can significantly impact business operations.
It's important to recognise that many people share similar sustainability goals.
Sustainability reporting must lead to actionable change, not just compliance.
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yBC.tv
This podcast was produced by yBC.tv, with Mark Sinclair as interviewer. Mark is a publisher, professional interviewer and produces a number of other podcasts. He is also a mediator, helping people to resolve disputes collaboratively, with reduced cost, reduced stress and greater control - website here.
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