Thriving in a matrix shift

Theresa’s favorite sentence in the last few weeks is “this is a matrix shift.” What she means is a fundamental change that completely alters the way we perceive our world, live and work in it with respect to certain topics. We are currently experiencing a matrix shift regarding ESG and sustainability. Not just profits and returns, but also environmental and social impact of companies as well as their governance have come under close scrutiny.

While organizations need financial success to survive, ignoring social, human and natural capital and the destruction of these, will ultimately result in a decrease of financial performance and possibly endanger their survival. This means companies must rethink the way they conduct business and start generating value sustainably.

While this shift has not gained momentum everywhere, there are significant changes noticeable. For example, France has banned domestic flights or Shell paid for the environmental damages caused by oil leaks and insufficient maintenance in Nigeria. With this matrix shift it becomes increasingly important and necessary to create and implement an overarching ESG strategy, enable the workforce to innovate around ESG topics, and act with integrity.