Keynote by Prof. Andrew Hoffman
Meeting the Sustainability Challenge:
Leading Business, Serving Society
This keynote is meant to challenge future business leaders to think differently about their organizations as well as their own career — its purpose, and its value as a calling or vocation, one that is in service to society. Solutions to the environmental and social challenges we face must come from the market, the most powerful institution on earth, and from business, which is the most powerful entity within it. But without visionary and service-oriented leaders, business will never even try to find them. Business leaders have tremendous power to influence our society, how it operates, whether it is fair, and the extent to which it impacts the environment ... if they choose. What’s more, a business strategy built on commitment to positive change can give organizations a competitive edge, helping them hire and retain talent, attract investors, and open up new markets with pioneering solutions to global problems. We’ll look at sustainable business as it has been practiced, is being practiced and what form it is taking for the future.
Prof. Andrew Hoffman is a globally-recognized thought leader in the area of Sustainability. His work addresses environmental challenges — the science and the cultural, institutional, political, and managerial factors and influences impacting the response of corporations, governments, IGOs/NGOs, and individual executives.
A panel debate follows the keynote
A business strategy built on commitment to positive change can give organizations a competitive edge, helping them to hire and retain talent, attract investors, and open up new markets with pioneering solutions to global problems. In this panel discussion, you'll hear from successful leaders and companies that are doing great by doing right, as well as examples of when this has not been an easy path, to help you forge a future where purpose and profit converge.
Dr. Neil C. Hawkins is president of the Erb Family Foundation, dedicated to advancing an environmentally healthy and culturally vibrant metropolitan Detroit and a flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem. Prior to his appointment, he served at Dow Inc., retiring as Corporate Vice President, Environment, Health and Safety, and Chief Sustainability Officer.
Dr. Cynthia Clark is a Professor of Management and Founding Director of the Geneen Institute for Corporate Governance at Bentley University. She is a corporate governance and business ethics expert focusing on shareholder activism, ESG issues, proxy disclosures and data privacy. Dr. Clark is the author of Giving Voice to Values in the Boardroom (Rutledge, 2021).
Ellis Jones is Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.