Introduction: The Case for Action

Abstract

With sustainable development challenges such as climate change, rising inequality, and unsustainable resource use, the private sector with more power and influence than ever must exercise leadership to find solutions rather than exacerbate problems. Sweden is globally admired for its commitment to sustainability, which is also reflected among the Swedish companies profiled in the book. The authors’ Sustainability Leadership Model sets out three essential steps for achieving exponential impact: (1) The Foundation: Discover your purpose, know your footprint, and build trust through responsible business, (2) The Core: Embed sustainability in your core business, link it to sales and customer value creation, and (3) The Leap: Apply the Expönentiality Formula to raise your ambition and find your X-Factor; adopt a societal and planetary lens, seek unconventional partnerships, and hone your influencing platform. The model is a journey starting with changing your company, but with the potential to change an industry, and even the world.