From Tick Boxes to True Impact – Transforming Sustainability into Genuine Business Purpose

Nov 14, 2024

In the fast-paced business world, sustainability has become a buzzword organisations are increasingly expected to embrace. But for many, it remains a superficial exercise of ticking boxes and engaging in greenwashing.

That’s why we were so intrigued to sit down with Fong Tuan, a seasoned HR leader pioneering a different approach to sustainability that goes far beyond surface-level initiatives. In our conversation, FT shared a unique perspective rooted in a deep personal passion for human development and a relentless drive to create genuine, systemic change.

FT’s Journey: From Engineering to HR to Human Development

FT’s journey to becoming a sustainability champion was a testament to the power of personal growth. Starting their career in engineering, they gradually transitioned into HR. However, even as they climbed the corporate ladder, there was a persistent feeling that their true calling lay elsewhere, a feeling that would eventually lead them to their current path.

I did not start in HR,” FT explained. “I started in engineering and pivoted slowly and eventually to where I’m now. And the discussion around whether it is human resource? Is it human capital? Is it what? We are moving towards human development as a function, a concept rather than HR.

FT’s growing passion for supporting underserved communities, particularly refugees, catalysed this mindset shift. Through their pro bono work with organisations like the UN Refugee Agency, they witnessed firsthand the lack of access to education and employment opportunities many displaced individuals face.

My question is this. Why shouldn’t this be in a professional capacity? Why a lot of this more sensitive stuff, that is, more from a development of the human condition kind of a situation? Why shouldn’t it be on the agenda?

This deeply personal mission drove FT’s sustainability efforts, pushing them to rethink the traditional boundaries of corporate responsibility.

Redefining Sustainability: Beyond Tick Boxes

FT’s approach to sustainability is a beacon of hope in a world often characterized by greenwashing and box-ticking. For them, it’s about more than just reshaping mindsets and prioritizing purpose over profit. It’s about fundamentally transforming the way we view and practice sustainability.

The fact of the matter is this: if you look at three alphabets, right, e, s, and G, you can also have another three alphabets called d, e, and I. And now there’s one more called belonging, but if you just focus on ESG, E is something that is, you know, quantifiable. It’s easier to do; it is measurable, such as how much, you know, carbon footprint, et cetera, et cetera. The G is something we have to do anyway. The difficulty is that there’s no specific definition of what S is, although you have the NS, the G and so on.

Rather than chasing the low-hanging fruit of environmental and governance initiatives, FT believes that the true test of an organisation’s sustainability commitment lies in its approach to the “S” – the social impact.

Practical Steps Towards Genuine Sustainability

For FT, the first step towards genuine sustainability is to move beyond the easy targets, such as reducing paper waste or implementing recycling programs, and embrace a more holistic, purposeful agenda. They suggest starting with areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion but going beyond the typical gender-focused initiatives.

“Instead of aiming for the stars, let’s do what we can. For example, you know Adrian, you were saying the position that I took earlier about access to education and, and, and, and, and so on, or even wellbeing is rather different from gender, right? Which is the easiest, most common thread regarding sustainability.”

By expanding the diversity lens to include underrepresented groups like people with disabilities or indigenous communities, organisations can make tangible progress while also challenging their assumptions and biases.

According to FT, the real key to sustainability lies in a challenge that often proves more daunting than the financial investments required-shifting mindsets and company culture. This call to action challenges us to rethink our approach to sustainability and consider the deeper, more transformative changes that are needed.

The greatest investment is changing our mindset, not the infrastructure honestly doesn’t cause much but is the hardest part to change.

FT believes organisations can move beyond superficial sustainability efforts and create lasting, systemic change through incremental steps, such as setting achievable sustainability goals each year, and data-driven tracking, which involves regularly measuring and reporting on the organisation’s sustainability performance. These steps, combined with a relentless focus on purpose, can lead to significant and meaningful sustainability improvements.

As business leaders grapple with the mounting pressure to address sustainability, FT’s insights offer a refreshing perspective. Sustainability isn’t just about ticking boxes or chasing short-term returns – it’s about embracing a deeper sense of purpose and driving real, meaningful impact. It’s a journey that requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

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