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How to be a non-executive driver for sustainability
Whether driven by intrinsic motivation or extrinsic drivers like client demands and legislation, sustainability is here to stay for companies. Non-executive directors can play a big role in accelerating the integration of sustainability into corporate strategy and beyond. On October 12, 2023, the Advisory Board Circle convened over female leaders to discuss integrating sustainability into…
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Corporate governance for a sustainable future
“The debate on corporate governance is often deeply conservative and backward-looking. Yet in the future, companies that orient themselves to engage with an environment that will be significantly affected by systemic risks will fare best. A key aspect of enabling company leaders to do so is to rethink what corporate governance is. But changes in…
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Patagonia’s tips for better business models
“We need to move away from extractive capitalism, which only takes and does not give back to our one and only planet. In some ways, we are like Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar. We’re insatiable in our need to collect more than we really need. In the past, it was normal to have just one…
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Purpose and the art of long term value creation
To drive change towards long-term, societal value creation, corporate boards need more creativity and diversity, perhaps even an artist. Many artists are frontrunners in society. They look at the world in a different way and find different ways to express what they see. Their perspectives may challenge us and cause fierce reactions. And that’s exactly…
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Supervisory board member serving young and old
In the supervisory board portfolio of Afien Spree, societal value creation is all about people. She serves on the supervisory board of BrabantZorg senior care and regional education and training center ROC Midden Nederland. Purpose is key The purpose of BrabantZorg is to make every day as nice as possible. How does the supervisory board…
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Connection and diversity for long-term value creation and impact
When asked why she serves on supervisory boards, she is quick to answer. Petri Hofste wants to be involved with organizations in a broad strategic way, to have an impact, to make this world slightly better. After a role as supervisor of financial institutions at the Dutch National Bank, serving on supervisory boards was a…
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Sustainability requires change in the boardroom
How do you supervise long-term value creation and societal impact? Earlier blog posts shared tips to bring sustainability into the boardroom and the conclusion that sustainability belongs in the boardroom. In the context of a course I am teaching to supervisory board members, I interviewed Fennemiek Gommer, vice-chair of the supervisory board of care provider…
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Tips to bring sustainability into the boardroom
The Dutch corporate governance code was updated in 2016, placing long-term value creation at the forefront. But what defines long-term these days? And for whom should this value be created? Primarily for shareholders, for clients and other stakeholders, or for society at large? Therefore, sustainability is a very strategic topic for discussion in the boardroom.…
