Latest news with #ESG-focused
Business Upturn
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
IBFD Appoints Three New Members to Board of Trustees
Amsterdam, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished experts to its Board of Trustees (BOT), strengthening its position as the 'Home of International Taxation'. Effective 17 May 2025, Juliane Kokott, Alexia Scott and Paolo Valerio Barbantini have joined the IBFD BOT, bringing a wealth of expertise in international taxation, law and policy. Their diverse backgrounds and esteemed careers will enhance IBFD's mission of providing independent, high-quality research, analysis and data in the field of international taxation. Juliane Kokott Juliane Kokott is Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Union since 2003. With a distinguished career in European and international law, she is a respected authority in tax regulation and compliance. Ms Kokott has published numerous scholarly articles and books on tax law and has been a keynote speaker at many international conferences. Her deep legal expertise and insights into the evolving landscape of tax law will provide valuable guidance to IBFD's initiatives. Alexia Scott Alexia Scott is the Global Head of Tax at L'Oréal, the French cosmetics group, since 2013. She is a senior international tax executive with over 30 years of leadership in tax strategy, planning and compliance across globally recognized groups in different sectors (beauty, transport, automotive and civil work). Ms Scott is a specialist in cross-border taxation and policy, dedicated to advancing sustainable fiscal strategies and promoting transparency. She has worked with various governments and international organizations to develop ESG-focused tax initiatives. IBFD will greatly benefit from her leadership in international corporate taxation. Paolo Valerio Barbantini Paolo Valerio Barbantini is Head of Tax of Fincantieri Group, a leading Italian multinational in shipbuilding, as from March 2024. Between 2018 and February 2024, he served the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle entrate) as Deputy Director General. From 2015 until January 2018, Mr Barbantini worked at the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration as coordinator of BEPS and developing countries, then as responsible for their engagement and launch of the Inclusive Framework on BEPS. Mr Barbantini's extensive experience in tax administration and tax policy development, as well as in international cooperation, will be invaluable to IBFD's ongoing efforts in fostering innovative solutions for fiscal challenges. ' We are honoured to welcome these prominent members of our community to our Board of Trustees ,' said IBFD CEO Jan Maarten Slagter. ' Their expertise and leadership will be instrumental as IBFD continues to provide valuable and trusted insights and help to shape the future of international taxation .' IBFD's Board of Trustees oversees the overall management of the organization. It consists of highly experienced tax professionals, (former) government officials and professionals with relevant non-tax backgrounds from all corners of the world. For more information about IBFD and its initiatives, visit the IBFD website. About IBFD IBFD is a leading independent foundation specializing in international tax research, education and knowledge dissemination. With a global network of experts and institutions, IBFD provides unparalleled resources in cross-border taxation, policy and compliance. Attachment IBFD Appoints Three New Members to Board of Trustees Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
The Role of ESG in Saudi Investment Strategies: A Growing Trend
Last week, I watched a group of investors in a Jeddah majlis, sipping qahwa and debating a wind farm startup that could light up AlUla. That's ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—stirring excitement in Saudi Arabia's investment world. Vision 2030's push for a greener future has made ESG a game-changer, not just a feel-good idea. This guide dives into how ESG is shaping Saudi investment strategies, why it's a big deal, and how businesses can hop on this trend to shine. ESG investing is about backing companies that care about the planet, people, and fair play. The 'E' checks their environmental impact, like slashing pollution. The 'S' looks at how they treat workers and communities. The 'G' ensures they run honestly, with clear leadership. In Saudi Arabia, ESG's taking off as Vision 2030 nudges the economy toward sustainability. By 2026, global ESG investments could hit $33.9 trillion, and KSA's riding that wave. KSA used to run on oil, but Vision 2030's changing the script, pushing tech, tourism, and green energy. ESG slots right into this, steering cash toward projects that last. It's not just about being nice—it's about staying ahead. An investment company KSA might bet on a solar project, knowing it pulls in global investors who love green vibes. Here's why ESG rocks: Draws Big Money : Companies with solid ESG plans attract international funds. : Companies with solid ESG plans attract international funds. Cuts Trouble : Good practices dodge environmental or legal messes. : Good practices dodge environmental or legal messes. Builds Trust: Eco-friendly firms win over customers and partners. Vision 2030 is the engine behind KSA's ESG boom. It's got big dreams, like net-zero emissions by 2060 and half of energy from renewables by 2030. These goals are flipping investment playbooks. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), with a $700 billion stash, is pouring money into ESG projects like NEOM, a city running on clean energy. Here's how Vision 2030 makes it happen: Eco Ambitions : Solar and wind plans pull in ESG-focused investors. : Solar and wind plans pull in ESG-focused investors. Rule Tweaks : The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) rolled out ESG reporting rules in 2021, making things clear. : The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) rolled out ESG reporting rules in 2021, making things clear. New Economy : Moving off oil opens up tech and healthcare deals. : Moving off oil opens up tech and healthcare deals. World Stage: KSA's syncing with UN sustainability goals, catching global eyes. ESG's shaking up how KSA investors roll. Check these trends: In 2023, Saudi firms issued $8 billion in green bonds and sukuks, up from $1 billion in 2019. These fund projects like wind farms. The PIF's Green Finance Framework matches global rules, putting KSA at the front of sustainable cash flow. KSA's gunning for 58.7 gigawatts of green energy by 2030, with 30 gigawatts from solar. Projects like the Red Sea Project scream ESG, and investors are biting. A holding company in Riyadh could jump in, banking on long-term wins. Companies are doing ESG audits to gauge their green and social impact. These line up with Vision 2030's push to cut emissions and build investor confidence. ESG investors love fintech startups like STC Pay, which help more people access banking. Tech firms doing good are gold mines. Businesses are doubling down on fair pay, diversity, and local support, tying into Vision 2030's goal of more women and youth in the workforce. ESG's got some bumps to navigate: Spotty Data : KSA's still building its ESG reporting, so info's thin. : KSA's still building its ESG reporting, so info's thin. Pricey Start : Green projects like solar plants need big bucks upfront. : Green projects like solar plants need big bucks upfront. Old Habits : Some traditional firms drag their feet on ESG shifts. : Some traditional firms drag their feet on ESG shifts. World's Watching : Global investors keep a sharp eye on KSA's progress. : Global investors keep a sharp eye on KSA's progress. Rule Maze: New ESG guidelines can trip up smaller players. Vision 2030's fixing this with clearer rules and training. Want to get in on ESG? Here's how KSA companies can step up: Run ESG Audits : Dig into your environmental and social footprint. : Dig into your environmental and social footprint. Set Targets : Aim to cut emissions or boost recycling by a clear percent. : Aim to cut emissions or boost recycling by a clear percent. Go Global : Use standards like GRI or SASB for honest reporting. : Use standards like GRI or SASB for honest reporting. Back Green Tech : Fund solar or waste-cutting projects to save cash. : Fund solar or waste-cutting projects to save cash. Train Your Team: Get staff hyped about ESG for a lasting impact. An investment company KSA could dip a toe in with a green sukuk to see how it plays. ESG isn't just warm fuzzies—it's good business. A 2023 study of 100 Saudi companies showed ESG champs had better profits and asset returns. More wins include: Global Cash : ESG firms pull in funds from abroad. : ESG firms pull in funds from abroad. Steady Growth : Sustainable moves keep profits rolling long-term. : Sustainable moves keep profits rolling long-term. Safer Bets : ESG cuts risks like pollution fines or boardroom scandals. : ESG cuts risks like pollution fines or boardroom scandals. Fan Base: Customers stick with brands that care about the planet. Questions Folks Ask About ESG in KSA Here's what's buzzing online: What's ESG in KSA? Investing with a focus on environment, people, and fairness, tied to Vision 2030. Investing with a focus on environment, people, and fairness, tied to Vision 2030. How's Vision 2030 helping ESG? It pushes green energy and clear rules. It pushes green energy and clear rules. Why's ESG catching on? Investors want sustainable picks, and KSA's making it easy. Investors want sustainable picks, and KSA's making it easy. Do ESG investments make money? Yup, studies show they boost profits. KSA's ESG scene is packed with chances: Green Energy : Fund solar or wind tied to Vision 2030's goals. : Fund solar or wind tied to Vision 2030's goals. Eco Finance : Grab green bonds or sukuks for solid returns. : Grab green bonds or sukuks for solid returns. Tech Stars : Back fintech or AI with big social impact. : Back fintech or AI with big social impact. Smart Cities: Invest in NEOM's green infrastructure for the long haul. A holding company in Riyadh might target Qiddiya's eco projects for steady growth. Investors, watch out for: Data Lag : ESG reporting's still growing in KSA. : ESG reporting's still growing in KSA. Oil Swings : Price dips can squeeze green project budgets. : Price dips can squeeze green project budgets. Global Rivals : Other nations are chasing ESG cash too. : Other nations are chasing ESG cash too. Skill Shortage: KSA needs more ESG pros. Vision 2030's training push is building know-how fast. By 2030, KSA wants to lead the world in sustainability. The PIF will keep bankrolling ESG projects, and Tadawul's ESG index will nudge firms to step up reporting. Regional events like COP28 in the UAE show the Gulf's green focus, with KSA out front. ESG will steer cash into tech, energy, and tourism, syncing with Vision 2030's non-oil dreams. The future's green and full of promise. ESG's flipping the script on Saudi Arabia's investment strategies, mixing profit with purpose. From green sukuks to solar farms, it's a trend no investor can skip. An investment company KSA or a holding company in Riyadh can soar by jumping on ESG, staying true to Vision 2030, and building a future that lasts. Start small, keep it real, and catch KSA's green spark. Let's back Vision 2030 and make a mark that echoes globally. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Mutual funds offer investment solutions: SECP chief
KARACHI: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) conducted Mutual Fund Focus Group Sessions 2025. The closed-door session brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from across Pakistan's capital markets for in-depth discussions on critical issues shaping the mutual fund industry. According to the spokesperson, the event was structured into thematic segments and facilitated by expert-led deliberations on mutual fund reforms, product innovation, digital transformation, investor inclusion, governance frameworks and market development, addressing both domestic challenges and global best practices. During his opening remarks, SECP Chairman Akif Saeed underscored the strategic importance of mutual funds in broadening access to formal investment opportunities, particularly for retail investors. He stated that mutual funds have the potential to democratize investing by offering professionally managed, transparent, and regulated options to a wider investor base. He further emphasized that the SECP remains fully committed to strengthening the mutual fund ecosystem by fostering innovation, simplifying accessibility, and enhancing regulatory oversight to ensure long-term and inclusive growth of financial sector. The sessions featured robust discussions on emerging global trends, including the rise of ESG-focused, thematic, and infrastructure-linked funds, as well as the expanding market for Shariah-compliant investment products. A key focus was also placed on women's financial inclusion, with participants exploring how mutual funds can serve as an effective tool to enhance female participation in the economy. Discussion also centered on digital transformation and governance, with stakeholders examining the role of technologies such as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and Centralized Gateway Portals (CGPs) in improving investor onboarding and operational efficiency. Additionally, discussions emphasized the need for strong governance frameworks, transparent disclosure practices, and robust risk management protocols to bolster investor confidence and safeguard market integrity. SECP Commissioner Abdul Rehman Warraich highlighted the significance of stakeholder input in shaping future regulatory policies. He thanks the stakeholders for the candid and constructive engagement from industry partners and hoped that the insights gathered will play a crucial role in informing upcoming reforms by SECP. He emphasized that a transparent, well-regulated, and inclusive mutual fund industry is vital for deepening Pakistan's capital markets and advancing financial inclusion. The SECP, as a sole regulator of capital markets in the country, extended its appreciation to the participants for their valuable contributions and reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing collaboration with industry stakeholders. The Mutual Fund Focus Group Sessions 2025 will also continue on Tuesday with further discussions on the same thematic areas involving a fresh group of experts and market participants. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why These 4 Women-Run Companies Deserve a Spot in Your Portfolio?
An updated edition of the March 27, 2025, years, corporate leadership has largely been male-dominated, but that dynamic is shifting. Increasingly, women-run companies are emerging as powerhouses across sectors like finance, consumer goods, and technology. These female executives aren't just breaking glass ceilings—they're reshaping how businesses operate by injecting innovation, resilience, and fresh strategic thinking into boardrooms. Many such companies are no longer simply keeping pace with industry benchmarks—they're setting new ones. This evolution goes beyond symbolic representation, it's about driving sustainable growth and profitability through diverse, forward-looking leadership. The McKinsey Women in the Workplace 2024 report highlights that women's representation in C-suite positions has risen from 17% in 2015 to 29% in 2024. This progress reflects a growing recognition of the value women bring to executive Company HSY serves as a standout example. Michele Buck, the first female CEO in Hershey, has led the iconic chocolate maker since 2017. During her tenure, Hershey has seen record profitability, largely driven by strategic acquisitions (such as Pirate's Booty and ONE Brands) and supply chain modernization. Buck also brought increased agility to the company's go-to-market strategy. Under her leadership, Hershey has leaned into direct-to-consumer channels and broadened its healthier snacks portfolio. Similarly, General Motors GM has undergone a dramatic transformation under CEO Mary Barra, who took the helm in 2014. Barra not only navigated the company through the ignition switch crisis with a focus on transparency and safety but also repositioned General Motors by exiting unprofitable markets and doubling down on electrification and financial market is recognizing the value of gender-diverse leadership, with ESG-focused funds prioritizing companies with women in executive roles. Women entrepreneurs now own 42% of all U.S. businesses, employing 9.4 million workers and generating $1.9 trillion in revenues this progress, securing adequate funding remains a primary obstacle for women entrepreneurs. Research indicates that women-led startups receive only about 2% of venture capital funding in the United States and Europe. This disparity is partly due to biases in the investment community, where investors often pose "prevention-oriented" questions to female entrepreneurs, focusing on potential risks, whereas male entrepreneurs receive "promotion-oriented" questions that highlight opportunities. Additionally, women entrepreneurs are less likely to seek financing, with only 25% pursuing loans compared to 33% of male business funding challenges, women-led companies continue to drive innovation and resilience, making them attractive investment opportunities. If you want to capitalize on it, our Women Run Companies Screen will help you spot high-potential stocks in this space. Investors looking to capitalize on this growing sector should consider The Walt Disney Company DIS in the entertainment and media sector, The Progressive Corporation PGR in insurance, GSK plc GSK in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry and The Coca-Cola Company KO in consumer staples and beverages. Each of these companies exemplifies how strong female leadership can drive strategic vision and long-term value across a diverse range of to uncover more transformative thematic investment ideas? Explore 30 cutting-edge investment themes with Zacks Thematic Screens and discover your next big opportunity. Walt Disney: Dana Walden plays a pivotal leadership role at The Walt Disney Company as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, overseeing the company's expansive television, streaming, and content divisions. Her portfolio includes Disney Television Studios, ABC Entertainment, Hulu Originals, and Disney Branded Television, placing her at the forefront of Disney's content strategy during a time of aggressive digital transformation. Under her direction, Disney has sharpened its focus on high-quality, franchise-aligned content that fuels subscriber engagement across Disney+, Hulu, and other platforms. Walden's creative acumen and operational discipline have been instrumental in driving efficient content investment while maximizing returns on intellectual leadership has helped stabilize and reposition Disney's entertainment business amid industry-wide disruption. As linear TV continues to decline, her successful pivot toward streaming has helped Disney maintain its competitive edge in the direct-to-consumer space. She has overseen a strategic recalibration of Hulu's programming, bolstered Disney+ with broader general entertainment offerings, and streamlined content operations for cost efficiency. This shift not only supports margin expansion in Disney's media segment but also strengthens the company's flywheel, where content drives theme parks, licensing, and merchandise influence ensures that Disney's entertainment assets remain aligned with evolving audience preferences, regulatory scrutiny, and global competition. Walden's leadership offers a strong balance of creative innovation and financial pragmatism—two elements that are critical as Disney, a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company, targets streaming profitability and looks to regain earnings growth across its media empire. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks Tricia Griffith, CEO of Progressive Corporation since 2016, has driven remarkable growth, doubling annual revenues to about $75 billion. She expanded the company's footprint in auto and home insurance. By emphasizing direct-to-consumer sales and leveraging digital channels, Griffith enhanced Progressive's market share while maintaining competitive pricing strategies. Her focus on customer segmentation and innovative insurance products has contributed to sustained profitability and industry has also led Progressive's technological advancements, particularly in telematics and data-driven insurance models. She expanded the Snapshot program, which rewards safe driving through telematics, differentiating Progressive from competitors. Under her leadership, the company has embraced artificial intelligence and automation to streamline claims processing, improve underwriting accuracy and enhance customer experience. These initiatives have solidified Progressive's reputation as a tech-forward insurer, attracting new customers while improving operational financial and technological success, Griffith has prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion, making Progressive a leader in workplace culture. She has increased the representation of women and minorities in leadership and fostered an inclusive work environment. Her leadership has earned Progressive recognition as a top employer and a socially responsible company. Through innovation, strong financial performance and a people-first approach, Griffith has positioned Progressive, a Zacks Rank #2 company, as a leader in the insurance industry. Progressive was recognized in Fortune's 2024 "100 Best Companies to Work For" list and was ranked No. 1 on Forbes' 2024 list of "America's Best Employers for Diversity."GSK: Dame Emma Walmsley has been instrumental in transforming GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) since becoming CEO in 2017. She initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the company's operations, focusing on innovation, performance, and trust. This strategic pivot led to the divestment of non-core assets, including the rare disease unit, and a narrowed focus on key therapeutic areas such as oncology, HIV, and respiratory diseases. Walmsley's leadership also saw the termination of more than 30 underperforming drug development programs, streamlining R&D efforts toward more promising her guidance, GSK has achieved significant financial milestones. The company's annual revenues reached £31.4 billion in 2024 ($39.8 billion). Additionally, the approval of the novel antibiotic Blujepa by the U.S. FDA in March 2025 marked a significant advancement in addressing antibiotic resistance. These achievements underscore Walmsley's commitment to revitalizing GSK's product pipeline and enhancing shareholder tenure has not been without challenges. Investor concerns regarding ambitious growth targets and share price performance have been noted. However, her decisive actions, including the separation of the consumer healthcare business into Haleon and a renewed focus on biopharma, have positioned GSK — a Zacks Rank #2 company — for sustainable growth. With 14 key product launches anticipated before 2031 and a robust pipeline, Walmsley's strategic vision continues to drive GSK's evolution in the competitive pharmaceutical Company: Lisa Chang, as executive vice president and global chief people officer at The Coca-Cola Company, has significantly influenced the company's human capital strategy since her appointment in 2019. Overseeing talent management, organizational culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, she has been instrumental in aligning Coca-Cola's people strategies with its overarching business objectives. Her leadership has been pivotal in fostering a workplace environment that emphasizes employee well-being and adaptability, especially during periods of organizational Chang's guidance, Coca-Cola accelerated the implementation of digital learning platforms, reducing rollout times from several months to just weeks. This swift adaptation enabled the company to maintain employee engagement and development during the shift to remote work. Additionally, the introduction of the Opportunity Marketplace facilitated internal mobility by allowing employees to engage in cross-functional projects, thereby enhancing workforce agility and optimizing talent emphasis on DEI has reinforced Coca-Cola's commitment to social responsibility. By integrating DEI principles into the company's core values and operations, she has contributed to building a more inclusive corporate culture. This focus not only supports employee satisfaction and retention but also enhances the company's reputation among consumers and investors who prioritize corporate social responsibility. Chang's strategic initiatives in human resources have thus played a crucial role in positioning Coca-Cola – a Zacks Rank #2 company – for sustained success in a dynamic global market. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report GSK PLC Sponsored ADR (GSK) : Free Stock Analysis Report CocaCola Company (The) (KO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hershey Company (The) (HSY) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Walt Disney Company (DIS) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Progressive Corporation (PGR) : Free Stock Analysis Report General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Techday NZ
07-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
The rationale for positioning businesses to thrive in an increasingly conscious economy
Going green is no longer a trend or optional extra; it has become a strategic necessity. As we navigate the rise of the conscious economy, driven by growing awareness of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, businesses must move beyond compliance and embrace transformation. While many organisations are beginning to adopt more sustainable practices to meet ESG goals, they often overlook the deeper, long-term advantages. These include improved staff engagement, stronger supplier relationships and better business performance. Thriving in this environment requires a digital strategy that connects purpose and performance across the organisation. The key lies in aligning three core areas: performance tracking, talent management and source-to-contract (S2C) processes. ESG is more than a responsibility Initially, businesses may approach ESG to meet regulatory demands or to respond to investor pressure. However, the impact of genuine values leads to change that goes much further. Customers, employees and the market increasingly reward organisations that actively embed ESG into their strategy. Research shows that ESG-focused companies often outperform their competitors. They are more resilient, more attractive to values-driven talent and aligned with shifting consumer expectations. They also manage risk more effectively and adapt more quickly to change. Performance tracking: Embedding purpose in daily work A powerful way to deliver on ESG goals is by integrating them into everyday performance tracking. Rather than limiting ESG to annual reports or specialist functions, organisations should link ESG objectives to individual and team performance metrics. Modern performance platforms make it possible to set clear, measurable goals that reflect both business and sustainability outcomes. For example, a procurement team could be evaluated on cost savings and reductions in supplier emissions, while sales teams might be incentivised to promote environmentally responsible products or services. This approach builds accountability, drives cultural change, and boosts engagement. Employees are more motivated when they understand how their work contributes to broader social and environmental goals. Talent management: Attracting and retaining a values-driven workforce IBM consumer research has highlighted how businesses can protect people, the planet and the bottom line. The study found that 67 per cent of survey respondents were more willing to apply for jobs with environmentally sustainable companies. And among those who had changed jobs in the past year, roughly one in three had accepted a lower salary to work for a socially responsible or sustainable organisation. Talent management plays a critical role in building and retaining this type of workforce. Organisations can use technology to connect people and purpose from recruitment and onboarding to development and progression. This includes: Recruitment: Highlighting ESG values and initiatives in job descriptions and employer branding. Highlighting ESG values and initiatives in job descriptions and employer branding. Learning and development: Offering training on sustainability practices, ethical leadership and social impact. Offering training on sustainability practices, ethical leadership and social impact. Employee engagement: Involving staff in volunteering, community initiatives or internal sustainability programs. Employees who feel connected to their employer's mission are more likely to stay, contribute and innovate. Talent platforms that offer real-time insights into employee sentiment, engagement and values help leaders build a more responsive and inclusive workforce. Source to contract: Driving sustainability through procurement Procurement is often where ESG ambitions meet reality. Many of the most significant environmental and social impacts happen across the supply chain. That is why modern S2C solutions are vital for any ESG strategy. Digital S2C tools provide visibility into supplier performance and help assess factors such as labour practices, environmental credentials and diversity. They also enable organisations to: Monitor supplier compliance with ESG standards Assess and manage risk in the supply chain Embed ESG criteria into tenders and contracts Track and report on supplier sustainability metrics. This not only reduces exposure to reputational risk but also supports long-term supplier partnerships based on shared values. A strong S2C platform makes sustainable sourcing measurable, scalable and repeatable. Innovation and impact: ESG as a catalyst for change Some leaders still view ESG as a cost or constraint, but those who embrace it see it as a source of innovation. Organisations adopting ESG as a transformation driver are rethinking their products, services and processes, from packaging and logistics to customer experience and pricing models. Technology is enabling this change. Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are helping to model carbon footprints and forecast social impact. Cloud-based systems are making ESG data more accessible and mobile apps are making it easier to engage employees and customers in sustainability efforts. These tools already exist; the challenge is to use them in a way that connects across the business, from the front line to the boardroom. Building the foundation for conscious growth To succeed in today's increasingly conscious economy, businesses must create the internal infrastructure to support ESG outcomes. This ensures that sustainability is not a separate stream of work but an embedded capability. This means integrating digital tools for performance, talent and procurement into a single, aligned strategy. Conclusion The conscious economy is here to stay. Organisations that rise to meet their challenges with transparency, innovation, and purpose will not only fulfil their ESG obligations but also gain a competitive edge. Businesses can create a measurable impact and drive long-term success by integrating performance tracking, talent management and S2C tools into their ESG strategies. They will be better equipped to attract top talent, reduce risk, and unlock new opportunities. In doing so, they will respond to the demands of the present and build organisations that are ready for the future.
