Reflections on Embedding sustainability: Insights from our London panel event
Last week, we brought together a group of sustainability leaders for our event, ‘Embedding sustainability: The key to long-term value creation’.
Against a backdrop of regulatory uncertainty, target reductions, and economic pressures, our conversation reaffirmed a powerful truth: businesses embedding sustainability at their core are not only navigating today’s challenges, they are building the foundation for long-term value and resilience.
Here are six key reflections from the discussion:
1. Senior leaders are essential for real traction
It was discussed that strong governance and senior leadership support are critical for progress. Without buy-in at the top, even the most well-intentioned sustainability initiatives can struggle to take root. Formal structures—such as board-level committees and cross-functional working groups—can help ensure sustainability is embedded into everyday decision-making. Embedding clear accountability, aligning incentives, and making sustainability a standing agenda item in leadership meetings were cited as practical ways to ensure it remains a strategic priority.
2. Education is a powerful enabler
A theme that emerged throughout the session was the importance of building understanding. Whether it’s senior leaders needing clarity on ESG risks, employees grappling with practical implications, or suppliers adjusting to new expectations, education is key. Embedding sustainability requires equipping people at every level of the organisation—and across the value chain—with the knowledge and confidence to act. This focus on continuous learning helps to build internal alignment, surface new ideas, and drive sustained engagement.
3. Collaboration with the supply chain unlocks scale
Participants emphasised that true sustainability impact doesn’t stop at the organisation’s boundary. Supply chain collaboration was seen as critical, not just for managing risk, but for innovating together. The most effective partnerships go beyond compliance, focusing on shared learning, capacity building, and co-creating solutions. By investing in these relationships, businesses can extend their influence and amplify impact across entire ecosystems.
4. Sustainability makes business sense
A recurring theme was that sustainability just makes business sense. Addressing material impacts can lead to tangible opportunities – spurring innovation, cutting costs, and strengthening business performance. From reducing energy use, maintaining EDI targets to embracing circular practices, embedding sustainability often makes business sense. For many organisations, sustainability is no longer an add-on, but integrated into core decision-making. In the face of economic uncertainty, this integrated approach is increasingly proving to be a source of strategic advantage.
5. Fear of failure shouldn’t hold back ambition
It was acknowledged that fear of failure often stops companies from setting ambitious sustainability targets. But as one speaker put it: “Even if you’re not sure you’ll catch the bus, you’ll still want to be running for it.” Setting measurable goals signals intent, drives action and builds credibility. At the same time, there was recognition that progress won’t always be linear, and that transparency about what’s not yet working can be just as powerful. The discussion encouraged businesses to set bold targets, but to balance this with honesty and ongoing reflection
6. Storytelling brings sustainability to life
Storytelling also stood out as a powerful enabler: data may inform, but stories inspire. Framing sustainability through real stories—about people, impact, and progress—helps build momentum internally and externally. Stories humanise strategy and make it tangible, helping to connect stakeholders to the purpose behind the work and build trust across all levels of the organisation. Whether engaging the board or frontline employees, storytelling turns sustainability from a compliance exercise into a shared journey with meaning.
Conclusion
In a world where economic and political signals are pulling in different directions, the event was a refreshing reminder of what matters. Embedding sustainability is not only about regulation or reporting; it’s about creating value that lasts. From governance and leadership to supply chains and storytelling, the insights shared underscored that businesses embedding sustainability are not just navigating today’s challenges, they’re laying the groundwork for enduring resilience and meaningful value creation.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. The conversation doesn’t stop here, we look forward to continuing to explore how sustainability can drive long-term value creation across industries. If you would like to talk more we’d be happy to advice on any query no matter how big or small: Joaska.mischke@simplysustainable.com
Author: Joaska Mischke, Head of ESG and sustainability strategy
Joaska Mischke
Head of ESG and sustainability strategy
Joaska leads strategic initiatives for our clients and embeds sustainability into organisations within an ever-evolving business landscape. As a specialist in sustainability, materiality, and transformation, Joaska excels at developing and integrating complete ESG and sustainability strategies. She has also successfully led numerous CSRD-aligned double materiality projects, both as part of broader strategies and standalone efforts. Her expertise in incorporating CSRD requirements into business processes ensures value creation beyond compliance.
Joaska attended the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) where she obtained an MSc in Management, Organisations and Governance. She also holds diplomas in Design Thinking from IDEO, Business Sustainability Management from the University of Cambridge and Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard Business School. She is a registered Associate at the Institute of Environment Management and Assessment (IEMA) and is a GRI-certified sustainability professional.