George Bandy, Jr. is Chief Sustainability Officer for Fiber Industries, and a dynamic speaker who has been on, as he calls it, “a journey with a purpose”. A global leader of sustainability, ESG and circularity, George provides insight on the concept and practice of sustainability. Pro-business for strategic, sustainable approaches that make sense, he believes that looking at opportunities to position environmental, economic and socially responsible solutions for customers can set the standard for other businesses to follow that will result in a brighter future for us all.
Moderated by Jo Ann Herold, CEO & Founder of Herold Growth Consulting and former CMO of Interface and The Honey Baked Ham Company (twice!), she and George discuss the challenges companies face today when addressing sustainability and what opportunities lie ahead for businesses that are strategic in their approach. In addition, George outlines the four systems conditions of The Natural Step, a framework for sustainable thinking that provides a systematic approach to looking at sustainability. George has been able to leverage The Natural Step throughout his career to be effective in his job.
Highlights from This Episode:
- George’s philosophy around why companies have struggled with their approach to sustainability.
- George walks us through The Natural Step framework for sustainable thinking.
- When speaking to elementary, middle and high schools, how this generation thinks the problems of today are “our fault”.
- What happens when a state can no longer build landfills?
- George gives an example of how Apple’s business model, where 80% of their phones get recycled back into their phones, is a great business model.
- George defines “defensive businesses” vs. “strategic businesses”
- George tells us what his favorite job is
- The 4 parts of a career (according to George Bandy, Sr.)
- Why it’s important to listen to what people actually want / need in the marketing space
- What brands “get it” and how people can be too critical of brands in this space
- How we’ve lost our connectivity to nature
- Thoughts on “greenwashing”
- 4 ways that companies can approach sustainability
At Hothouse, we celebrate our clients who demonstrate a commitment to a more sustainable future. Check out our work in this space in our Sustainability Showcase.
About Hothouse’s Now to Next Business Leader Series:
The speed of change marketers face today is a dizzying scramble to address the immediate, with one (bloodshot) eye straining toward the future. At Hothouse, we believe attention needs to be turned to both – the Now and the Next– to make a true impact. Hothouse is bringing our Now to Next mantra to life by hosting a variety of leaders, influencers and change agents about their personal journeys and how they address the challenges of today while setting the stage for tomorrow.