If you think of yourself as a sustainability champion, it suggests you have passion for creating a better world or that you see sustainability as an opportunity for innovation. Perhaps you see value in both perspectives.

Consider the sustainability champions we have read about in this book. Ramesh Ramanathan of Jana Small Finance Bank shows the importance of the investor-promoter as the “lighthouse” of sustainable values. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, has driven the sustainability agenda for over twenty-five years. Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Rebecca Hamilton of W.S. Badger Company demonstrates how the second generation of a founding family can continue the tradition. Nick Pennell has started the process as Essentra's group operating director; Greg Lavery of Rype Office has driven change as an entrepreneur; and Trevor Martin of Galaxy Entertainment supports the sustainability agenda as head of human resources. Change leaders can emerge from many different places in an organization.

To help you convert your passion into transformation at any level or degree in your organization, I have divided this chapter into five sections based on questions that are important for any sustainability champion to consider. My suggestions are relevant whether you are a lone sustainability champion or a talent development professional charged with developing a community of such champions. For each question, I offer resource ideas or a set of suggested steps to get you started.

The five questions you need to ask yourself are:

Am I Personally Prepared to Act as a Sustainability Champion?

The first task is to continue your sustainability education. You may have some or a lot of knowledge about sustainability, but the importance of continuing education cannot be understated.