ESG and Sustainability: A Key Business Strategy for Growth w/ Laurie White

Full Episode Description

About the Guest(s): Laurie White is the esteemed President of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. With a rich background in fostering business development and regional economic strategies, Laurie stands at the forefront of the Greater Providence business community. Her professional accolades include leading major initiatives that drive profitability, sustainability, and workforce development among businesses in the region. Known for her sharp insights into AI, workforce trends, and the importance of corporate responsibility, Laurie's leadership continues to propel the Chamber as a beacon of innovation and growth. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of "Growing Your Business with People," Laurie White joins host Jeff for an in-depth discussion highlighting the intersection of business strategy and workforce dynamics. Lori, a prominent figure in fostering sustainable business practices, delves into the ways companies can leverage team building exercises and sustainability commitments to enhance profitability and attract a dedicated workforce. The episode begins with Laurie emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into the workforce ethically and effectively. She also explores the challenges of recruitment and retention in a post-pandemic world, with businesses grappling with return-to-office policies and inflationary pressures. The conversation then shifts to the imperative of aligning company values with actions, an aspect especially crucial in attracting the younger generation of workers who prioritize working for companies with consistent values, namely through ESG and sustainability efforts. Key Takeaways: AI Integration and Ethical Considerations: Companies are focusing on how to implement AI in ways that enhance productivity, governance, and workforce training. Workforce Recruitment and Retention: The pandemic has shifted priorities, with workers now evaluating potential employers based on their sustainability practices and ethical standards. The Business Case for Sustainability: ESG practices are increasingly seen as a competitive advantage, with supply chain demands and SEC disclosures mandating such measures. Certification and Education: Lori highlights a partnership with KPMG to offer a Digital Academy providing sustainability certification, making this knowledge accessible to a global workforce. The Evolving Workplace: There is a clear trend towards balancing work and personal life, as well as a rise of independent contractors who offer a variety of valuable perspectives to businesses. Notable Quotes: "Most people don't know what to make of it, so everybody's learning together a little bit." "They want to go into an organization…where the values that that company espouses are actually real." "If you don't have [sustainability credentials], you're not going to be able to do business with them." "It's a business imperative, and many are seeing the notion of how do I really understand it from a supply chain point of view?" "People are very, very concerned about what corporate America, what businesses, what businesses role should be in terms of being a leader…" Resources: Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce: Participation and engagement in sustainability initiatives led by Lori White (Providence Chamber Website) KPMG and European Business School: Partners in delivering the digital academy and sustainability certification