Maybe I am an outlier, but I like a bit of fear in my life. I have always chosen pastimes that scare me: climbing, long-distance solo kite surfing, riding my bike solo across Europe, and motorcycling trips. The list goes on and on and includes parenting (more on that in a future article). I find these experiences can liberate me from the day-to-day and focus my mind on what is important. It’s like these experiences serve as fear therapy, helping me lose that which is not helpful and build that which is.
ESG efforts can be much the same since it is changing the role of business in society, and change can be scary. But the power of change is also behind one of my favorite sayings in modern business: Uber yourself before you get Kodaked. I did not make it up and can’t say where I heard it first, but I think it is an instructive piece of insight on how companies need to think in the modern moment. Those who take this advice to heart will surely find that embracing this approach demands a level of change that while scary, is also exhilarating.
Business now has a larger role in society than just the production of goods and services, a source of employment and profit creation. Today, companies are expected to manage their negative societal impacts and create/ maximize their positive ones. This creates a new mindset, sharpens a new set of corporate tools and demands facing one’s fear or resistance to change. Those that do will be rewarded.
I am just back from my second long motorcycle trip since I moved to Argentina. The first was 900 miles, and this last one was 700 miles. In addition to the gift of experiencing this fantastic country, I spent time facing my fear. I have a healthy fear of motorcycles, and the miles I have ridden since coming here have far eclipsed my lifetime miles. I am a 54 year old beginner, not unlike many leaders who are new to ESG.
On my last trip, I spent time with another midlife beginner. One day on a 60-mile stretch of rough gravel road, he scared himself (note: it was a scary section as you would be zipping along at 40 miles an hour and suddenly find yourself in deep sand where the trick in navigating is to add power, the opposite of what every fiber in your being is screaming to do). He stopped mid-section and dropped out of the ride for a couple of days. He explained that his wife would forbid him from riding ever again, so his dropping out was due to fear of his wife’s reaction, not of the actual riding. I challenged him on that. There is no shame in being afraid of motorcycling — on the first trip I took here, someone fell on an innocuous section and broke his wrist, opposite forearm, and clavicle. That scared me for sure!
Similarly, there is no shame in being unsure of how to process and proceed or feeling a bit fearful of the new challenges that ESG presents. Companies are dealing with systemic racism, essential threats related to climate change, the collapse of nature-based systems (like pollination) that fuel significant parts of our economy, water shortages, disrupted supply chains due to war and unrest… This is scary stuff, and only a fool would think they can fully control the outcomes.
There is also no shame in deciding not to start or continue a motorcycle ride or in admitting your company does not have the needed skills to manage the challenges or unlock the value of ESG. There is, however, shame in blaming others for your fear or letting your fear stop you from taking steps to make your company more sustainable. ESG is a challenge but also an opportunity, and just like any adventure — it can also unlock tremendous value.
Whether we’re talking motorcycling, public speaking, trying your hand at a new sport, hobby or relationship, or becoming part of the great resignation, fear will be part of that journey. And regardless of whether you are in the front of the pack, or in the back (as I most often am on motorcycle trips), or on your own, facing and owning that fear is liberating and transformational. ESG is the same. Embracing it is about stepping out of your comfort zone, admitting challenges, feeling the fear, and getting started anyway. This approach, while scary, can also be healthy and lead to growth and new horizons. All rewards will follow the first step.
So start planning your trip, gather your crew and get in gear. Don’t know how to get started, don’t be afraid to drop me a line.
