· 4 min read
Rewind two decades ago, the very word ‘sustainability’ was used in a niche field reserved for environmental scientists or CSR professionals. Happy and proud to say that today, it has become a critical lens through which every industry, role, and career path must now operate.
In our (with Teymoor Nabili) podcast conversation with Michele Lemmens , APAC Head of Sustainability at Tata Consultancy Services, we explored how sustainability transcends being "just a job" and instead becomes a transformative force across professions. But this wasn’t always the case.
Drawing from that discussion, this article delves into how professionals can integrate sustainability into their existing career paths through three key pillars: a mindset shift, technology use, and collaborative leadership.
1. Mindset shift: Sustainability starts with a change in perspective
The first step to integrating sustainability into any career is a fundamental shift in mindset. Sustainability is about reconsidering how we solve issues, make choices, and provide value—it's not simply about recycling or lowering carbon footprints. As Michelle emphasized during our podcast, sustainability must move from being a "check-the-box" activity to a core driver of innovation and strategy.
Research from the University of Cambridge bridge highlights that organizations with a sustainability-oriented mindset are 2.5 times more likely to outperform their peers in profitability and long-term resilience. This isn’t surprising—sustainability encourages systems thinking, where professionals consider the long-term impacts of their actions on society, the environment, and the economy.
For example, a marketing professional might traditionally focus on driving sales, but with a sustainability mindset, they could prioritize campaigns that promote eco-friendly products or educate consumers on responsible consumption. Similarly, an engineer might shift from simply designing for functionality to incorporating circular economy principles, ensuring materials can be reused or recycled.
The key takeaway? Sustainability isn’t an add-on; it’s a lens through which every decision should be made.
2. Technology use: beyond reporting to action enablement
Technology is often seen as a tool for sustainability reporting—tracking emissions, monitoring energy use, or compiling ESG metrics. However, as we discussed with Michelle, technology’s true potential lies in enabling action.
Take artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, for instance. These technologies can predict environmental risks, optimize supply chains for minimal waste, and even identify opportunities for renewable energy integration. A McKinsey & Company report found that companies leveraging AI for sustainability initiatives achieved a 10-20% reduction in energy costs and carbon emissions.
But technology’s role goes beyond operational efficiency. It can also democratize sustainability by making it accessible to professionals across functions. For example, cloud-based platforms can help HR teams measure and reduce the carbon footprint of remote work, while blockchain can enable procurement teams to ensure better traceability to source.
The challenge, however, is ensuring that technology is used strategically. It’s not enough to collect data; professionals must analyze it, derive insights, and take actionable steps. As Michelle pointed out, "Technology should empower us to do better, not just tell us what’s wrong."
3. Collaborative leadership: Breaking silos for cross-functional impact
Sustainability is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring collaboration across departments, industries, and even geographies. Yet, many organizations still operate in silos, with sustainability efforts confined to specific teams or roles. This is where collaborative leadership comes in.
During our podcast, Michelle shared how Tata Consultancy Services fosters cross-functional collaboration by embedding sustainability into every business unit. This approach ensures that sustainability is not just the responsibility of a dedicated team but a shared goal across the organization.
Collaborative leadership also extends beyond organizational boundaries. For example, a supply chain manager might partner with suppliers to reduce emissions, or a financial analyst might work with NGOs to develop green investment portfolios. The World Economic Forum highlights that such partnerships are critical for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as no single entity can tackle global challenges alone.
To drive collaborative leadership, professionals must cultivate skills like empathy, communication, and systems thinking. They must also be willing to challenge traditional hierarchies and embrace diverse perspectives. As Michelle aptly put it, "Sustainability is a team sport, and everyone has a role to play."
Sustainability as a career imperative
As our conversation with Michelle Lemmons underscored, this integration requires a mindset shift, where sustainability becomes a core driver of decision-making. It demands the strategic use of technology, not just for reporting but for enabling meaningful action. And it calls for collaborative leadership, breaking down silos to create cross-functional impact.
The beauty of sustainability is that it is not confined to a single role or industry. Whether you’re a marketer, engineer, HR professional, or financial analyst, you have the power to drive change. By embracing these principles, we can transform our careers—and our world—for the better.
As Michelle reminded us, sustainability is more than just a job; it’s a responsibility and an opportunity. Let’s seize it.
This article is also published on LinkedIn. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
