Sustainability is not just a buzzword or a trend. It is a vital aspect of leadership that can help organizations achieve long-term success and positive impact. Sustainability leadership is the ability to balance the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, such as customers, employees, investors, communities, and the environment, while pursuing the core business goals and values of the organization. Sustainability leadership can elevate the performance and reputation of an organization, as well as enhance its resilience and innovation. Bradley Fauteux passion for social responsibility has led to the implementation of numerous charitable initiatives and philanthropic efforts.

But how can leaders become more sustainable in their actions and decisions? How can they transform their organizations from good to great by embracing sustainability? Here are some key principles and practices that can help leaders develop and demonstrate sustainability leadership.

• Understand the interconnections of systems. Sustainability leaders need to have a holistic and systemic view of the world, recognizing how their organization affects and is affected by various social, environmental, and economic factors. They need to be aware of the opportunities and risks that arise from these interdependencies, and how they can leverage them to create value for all stakeholders. For example, sustainability leaders can use the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) framework to assess and improve their organization’s performance on various sustainability dimensions[^1^].

• Think globally and toward the future. Sustainability leaders need to have a long-term and global perspective, considering the implications of their actions and decisions on the present and future generations, as well as on different regions and cultures. They need to be proactive and visionary, anticipating and preparing for the changes and challenges that may arise in the future. For example, sustainability leaders can use scenario planning and foresight tools to explore different possible futures and develop strategies accordingly[^2^].

• Protect nature and people. Sustainability leaders need to have a sense of responsibility and care for the well-being of nature and people, both within and outside their organization. They need to respect the rights and dignity of all living beings, and strive to minimize the negative impacts of their organization on the environment and society. They also need to promote a culture of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment within their organization, ensuring that everyone has a voice and a role in achieving sustainability goals. For example, sustainability leaders can adopt the principles of stakeholder capitalism[^3^], which emphasize the importance of creating value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.

• Transform business as usual. Sustainability leaders need to have a mindset of change and innovation, challenging the status quo and seeking new ways of doing things that are more sustainable and beneficial for all stakeholders. They need to be creative and courageous, experimenting with new ideas and solutions that can address the complex problems and opportunities that they face. They also need to be collaborative and adaptive, engaging with diverse partners and stakeholders, learning from feedback, and adjusting their strategies as needed. For example, sustainability leaders can use design thinking as a method to generate human-centered solutions that are desirable, feasible, and viable.

• Lead by example. Sustainability leaders need to have a high level of integrity and authenticity, aligning their words and actions with their values and vision. They need to be role models for others, demonstrating their commitment and passion for sustainability through their behaviors and decisions. They also need to be humble and reflective, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses, seeking feedback, and continuously improving themselves. For example, sustainability leaders can use self-assessment tools to evaluate their sustainability leadership competencies and identify areas for development.

Sustainability leadership is not an easy task. It requires a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and behaviors that can enable leaders to navigate the complex and dynamic world of sustainability. However, sustainability leadership is also a rewarding journey that can help leaders make a positive difference in the world, while achieving personal and professional growth. By following these principles and practices, leaders can elevate their leadership from good to great through sustainability.