B Corp Certification and the bottom line
In an era where businesses are increasingly being held accountable for their impact on society and the environment, Future Leadership’s decision to become a Certified B Corporation, or B Corp, sits at the core of our purpose providing executive leadership solutions. B Corporation signifies a full company commitment to creating a world of difference. One which cares, collaborates, solves and impacts all stakeholders positively.
As the Chief Creative Officer covering all things marketing and communications, I believe every CMO should be focused on sustainability as part of our accountability for creating a value exchange. Whether we’re driving social equity through our leadership offerings, influencing better governance through our work with boards and directors, or impacting environmental health via our net-zero commitment, our community giving, and our minimised office footprint, we are thrilled to announce our B Corp certification.
So, why are companies undertaking the B Corp commitment?
Join us as we share the essence of this decision, what it entails, and what it means for our future.
1) B Corp Certification Equals Ethical Decision Making
In dealing with Australia’s most senior and impactful leaders, ethical decision-making has always been in our DNA. B Corp certification is a promise to meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Transparency is a cornerstone of the B Corp philosophy. By sharing our journey openly, we’re committing to being held accountable for our progress. This transparency extends to our successes and setbacks, as both are integral to the growth and evolution of a purpose-driven business.
A company with B Corp certification pledges to balance purpose with profit, aligning its business strategies with values that extend to an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.
2) Bringing to Life Our Purpose
As a B Corp we are legally required to consider the impact of our decisions on stakeholders beyond shareholders. We implemented a change in our constitution to acknowledge that our purpose of creating a world of difference, our mission of reaching 10% of Australia’s top 300,000 executives, and our values of care, collaborate, solve and impact, are central to our operations beyond profit maximisation.
3) Community Engagement
Already, the B Corp process has engaged our entire team in an extraordinary way. The journey to gaining B Corp certification isn’t an easy one, nor should it be. The rigorous assessment evaluates a company’s impact on its employees, community, environment, and customers. It scrutinises everything from governance and worker benefits to environmental performance and supply chain transparency. We’re excited to have been rewarded for our dedication to meeting these stringent criteria.
There is no doubt that our sustainability mandate is attracting and retaining team members aligned with our values and mission. We see our sustainability initiatives leading to increased job satisfaction, motivation, and loyalty among the team.
One of the most rewarding aspects of B Corp certification is joining a global community of like-minded businesses. This community shares insights, challenges, and best practices, fostering a collaborative environment that transcends competition. We look forward to learning from others and contributing our experiences to this movement. Undertaking the B Corp journey is an opportunity to collaborate and innovate. As we work towards certification, we’ll be implementing new practices, exploring sustainable solutions, and engaging with our stakeholders to drive positive change. This journey not only transforms our internal operations but also encourages us to think creatively about how we can contribute to a better world.
4) Identity and Differentiation
Behind every major decision lies a compelling motivation. In our case, it’s the recognition that we have a significant influence on leadership in our country; placing, augmenting and developing, boards and executives. We believe that businesses possess the power to catalyse positive change. Becoming a B Corp aligns with our core operations, demonstrating our commitment to identifying future capabilities, fostering sustainable working cultures, promoting responsible governance practices, and advocating for social progress.
Being one of the only Executive Professional Services firms with B Corp certification differentiates us from the market. It signals to all stakeholders that our firm is committed to ethical, accountable and sustainable practices.
5) Long-Term Sustainability
By considering our impact on various stakeholders and adopting sustainable practices, our B Corp status will aim for long-term business resilience and stability. Announcing our pursuit of B Corp certification is a declaration of our commitment to a brighter and more sustainable future. As we embark on this transformative journey, we invite you to follow along, offer insights, and hold us accountable. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but the potential for positive impact makes every step worthwhile.
