Sustainability Leader of the Week: Jane Madden, ERM
Jane is a global corporate sustainability and CSR expert with over 20 years of experience in developing and implementing sustainability strategies for globally leading companies.

A member of Foresight’s NEXT Steering Committee, Jane chats with us about her career path in the public and private sectors, leadership, and making strides in sustainability.

FDI: How has your career evolved into the field of sustainability and what were your motivations for working in this space?  Has it proven to be rewarding?

JM: My interest in corporate sustainability stems from my experience in sustainable development.  As a World Bank official, I advised governments in emerging markets on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) issues and policies.  I saw the critical role the private sector plays in economic development. But, I also saw when corporations didn’t manage and measure their social, environmental and economic impact there were negative consequences for both the corporation and for society.  Working at Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and helping corporations develop sustainable business practices makes my work especially rewarding.  One of the reasons I joined ERM is our sole focus is on sustainable business and because we “walk the talk.”  We measure and manage our own environmental and social sustainability such as Continue reading »

Glen Low advises some of the biggest and most successful organizations in the world on “doing well by doing good” (e.g. being profitable while solving some of the world’s biggest challenges). His firm has achieved significant results through an approach that examines whole systems and seeks to accomplish transformational change. A member of Foresight’s NEXT Steering Committee, Glen answered some of our questions about tackling complex issues, getting CEO’s involved in the sustainability conversation, and creating lasting impact.

FDI:   What are some of the strategies involved in creating the breakthrough changes within the field of sustainability that Blu Skye has been a part of?

GL:  I think it takes a great understanding of the issue from a big picture perspective and the impacts created by the decisions we make.   One thing that Blu Skye has been particularly successful at is connecting the human side of the issue with the analytical and technical components.  For example, we’ve been working with the apparel industry to create an index tool to help designers and buyers make better, more sustainable Continue reading »