In an exclusive session at the BBC's Executive Lounge, Valérie Busser-Touchon, the Chief Impact Officer of EcoVadis, delves into the intricate relationship between corporate social responsibility and business objectives. Gone are the days when sustainability and business decisions operated in silos. With mounting governmental regulations on climate disclosure and heightened scrutiny from shareholders and consumers, companies are increasingly compelled to integrate sustainability into their decision-making processes.
Leadership, in this context, demands a profound understanding of a company's impact on the planet and society. EcoVadis steps into this pivotal space, providing comprehensive insights into environmental practices, labor conditions, human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Through its rating system, the platform evaluates over 125,000 global companies, ranging from industry giants like Johnson & Johnson, L'Oréal, Unilever to tech trailblazers like Salesforce.
Valérie Busser-Touchon, a stalwart with EcoVadis since its inception in 2007, now spearheads the company's impact initiatives. With over 30 years of international experience in sales development and management, she orchestrates EcoVadis's commitment to gauging the positive impact of its own operations. The overarching goal is to empower businesses in mitigating risks and navigating the intricacies of sustainable practices.
For Busser-Touchon, the integration of corporate social responsibility is not a choice but an imperative. "It's something that is absolutely needed and mandatory for a company's health, and for the health of the world," she asserts in her conversation with the BBC. This session illuminates her leadership journey, the challenges encountered, and offers valuable insights for peers navigating the sustainability landscape.
As part of the BBC's series featuring interviews with C-suite leaders shaping the future of business, Busser-Touchon's perspective provides a roadmap for those steering their companies towards sustainable horizons. In the face of economic, inflationary, and geopolitical disruptions impacting the supply chain, she acknowledges the tension between sustainability and financial goals. This interview captures the essence of the challenges leaders confront in maintaining unwavering commitment to corporate sustainability while ensuring financial resilience and the attainment of targets.
The labyrinthine interplay between market dynamics and the imperatives of corporate social responsibility poses a formidable challenge for leaders. The alignment of these two realms is elusive, yet in certain instances, convergence emerges. Take, for instance, the endeavor to extract CO2 from the atmosphere—a pursuit that beckons companies to enhance energy efficiency. The complexity of this juncture demands case-by-case decisions from leaders grappling with multifaceted issues.
The complexity deepens when considering the inherent nature of market rules, firmly rooted in capitalism. While leaders may yearn for a magic wand to reshape these rules, the reality is unyielding. The art lies in extracting the maximum benefit from the capitalist framework—aligning with it to secure investments for the transition to renewable energy, a pivotal step in the pursuit of sustainability. The dichotomy is not black or white; there are instances where a measured pace is imperative before pivotal decisions are made.
The urgency of challenges such as climate change adds an additional layer of complexity. The ticking clock prompts leaders to ponder the time left to address these issues, injecting a sense of immediacy into decision-making. The transformation towards a sustainable corporate ecosystem is a global imperative, demanding a spectrum of solutions, both grand and nuanced.
In the realm of sustainability, data emerges as a linchpin, steering decision-making. However, a critical hurdle arises when collaborating with executives who remain hesitant to anchor decisions in data. The maturation of the business landscape has rendered data-centric decision-making an indispensable hallmark of professionalism in the sustainability sector. Leaders who neglect the data-driven approach risk neglecting the fundamental aspect of risk management. A CEO must scrutinize potential risks arising from environmental factors, such as CO2 emissions or social inequalities, to fulfill their responsibilities adequately.
Valérie Busser-Touchon, Chief Impact Officer of EcoVadis, underscores the imperative for leaders to view sustainability not merely as a risk mitigation strategy but as a conduit for positive impact, competitiveness, and innovation. For Busser-Touchon, sustainability is an integral facet of leadership, essential for both the fulfillment of professional duties and the avoidance of potential financial repercussions.
The journey that led Busser-Touchon to EcoVadis reflects a convergence of her deep-rooted understanding of international business, garnered over the years. Her role as a seasoned leader aligns seamlessly with EcoVadis's commitment to enabling businesses to navigate the intricate intersection of market rules and social responsibility, steering them toward a more sustainable future.
A career entrenched in pioneering ventures and nascent markets has shaped a unique perspective for this seasoned professional. The comfort zone lies in the art of educating, unveiling new concepts, and inspiring visions. Yet, a profound shift occurred when a realization struck—a call to action propelled by a sense of responsibility for the planet's well-being. The guilt of acknowledging the environmental repercussions wrought by previous generations became a catalyst for change.
Entering the realm of sustainability wasn't merely a career move; it was a response to a moral imperative. The decision was colored by the awareness of three young lives—children who would inherit a world shaped by the actions of their predecessors. The motivation to contribute to a more sustainable economy emerged as a response to the ethical imperative of mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The ethical compass and personal purpose of this leader are integral to their approach to tough decisions. Rooted in a set of values and beliefs, 90% of decisions find their foundation in this moral bedrock. While unwavering in principle, a nuanced understanding prevails—the acknowledgment that leadership often demands delicate compromises. The leader recognizes the complex tapestry of respect—for individuals, beliefs, jobs, and customers—sometimes necessitating decisions that defy the stark binary of right or wrong.
Reflecting on the evolution of leadership style, the journey is marked by a trajectory towards empathy and mentorship. The maturation process has unveiled the power of kindness and the importance of helping others grow. The leader, now occupying the role of Chief Impact Officer at EcoVadis, emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between team performance and personal growth. Balancing the demands of work and life becomes a crucial art, a lesson reinforced by the responsibilities of parenthood.
The title of Chief Impact Officer for a global sustainability company is worn with pride—an acknowledgment of the beauty inherent in a role that transcends ease for meaningful impact. The admission is candid; it's not always an easy journey, but the pride stems from the knowledge that every decision made contributes to a world where sustainability isn't a mere aspiration but a lived reality.
The source of pride for this leader extends far beyond professional accomplishments; it's intricately woven into the affirmations of her most cherished critics—her children. Their words, a simple yet profound "Mommy, what you're doing is great," resonate as the ultimate validation. The acknowledgment from her eco-conscious kids serves as a powerful testament to the meaningful impact her work holds.
In a world where environmental awareness is a cornerstone of their values, the fact that her children comprehend the essence of her endeavors is a source of joy. The realization that her professional efforts revolve around guiding companies in reshaping their practices in response to climate change resonates positively with them. This alignment of purpose between personal values and professional endeavors creates a harmonious synergy that brings fulfillment.
The overarching mission of the company, a beacon guiding all enterprises toward a sustainable world, is not merely a corporate objective but a deeply ingrained personal belief. To believe in the purpose of the organization is to find resonance with the very core of one's convictions. The pride emanates not just from the accomplishments but from the alignment of personal values with a collective mission for a sustainable future.
As the interview draws to a close, it's apparent that the condensed and edited words are a distillation of a rich tapestry of values, pride, and purpose. In the brevity lies the clarity of a leader who doesn't merely advocate for change but lives it, finding fulfillment in the echoing pride of the next generation.
In the symphony of professional and personal endeavors, this leader's journey resonates as a testament to the transformative power of purpose. The pride she derives from her work extends beyond accolades and achievements, finding its true resonance in the affirmations of her eco-conscious children. Their acknowledgment not only validates her efforts but intertwines personal and professional missions in a tapestry of shared values.
The joy is rooted in the awareness that her endeavors contribute to a cause larger than herself—a cause embedded in the purpose of guiding companies towards a sustainable world. The alignment of personal convictions with corporate objectives forms a harmonious union, shaping not just a career but a legacy of purpose-driven leadership.
As the interview concludes, it leaves a lingering echo of a leader who not only believes in the mission but lives it. The edited and condensed words capture the essence of a rich narrative—a story of pride, purpose, and a commitment to forging a path towards a more sustainable future. In the intersection of personal beliefs and professional strides, a legacy takes shape—one that extends far beyond the present, resonating in the footsteps of the next generation.