Our thinking

Resilience in the face of change

11 April, 2025

Corporate sustainability has always walked a tightrope between short-term business pressures and long-term priorities. Anyone in the field knows the challenge: when times get tough, addressing social and environmental impacts may not always feel like the most pressing priority.

The last five years have tested this balance. Sustainability professionals have been called on to offer values-based advice time and time again. If a country is invaded, do you pull out in protest or stay to support local livelihoods? When a government rolls back DEI policies, do you speak out or stay silent to preserve your licence to operate? When supply chains are disrupted and share prices fall, how do you keep boards focused on sustainability? The overarching question is how do you hold onto long-term goals when the world changes overnight?

The truth is: it’s hard. Much of our progress is built on the assumption of stability – that we can create incremental change through data, engagement and partnership. But shocks undermine that foundation. Progress requires continued investment in people, technology and data – difficult when supply chains are disrupted, profits are squeezed and regulatory frameworks diverge.

In times like these, staying grounded matters. Focus on what’s already in place. Reassess sustainability risks and opportunities considering current events – they may have changed. Remain focused on those that will drive growth or cost reduction. Remind yourself and others that sustainability is closely linked to resilience, and that resilience will be more important than ever over the next few years.

We don’t have all the answers, but there is hope in thoughtful optimism and strategic rethinking. If you’re looking for inspiration, we recommend Systemiq’s Shock Therapy report – an energising take on what a sustainability reset could look like. And as always, we’re here to talk.

By Claire Jost