How do you embed sustainability into your core business strategy to drive ROI, not just compliance? Lee Stewart, a former Head of Sustainability for billion-dollar companies like Fujitsu and Fonterra, reveals how to transform ESG from a cost center into your most powerful competitive advantage, based on 20 years of global experience.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

· The 38-Day Payback: A real-world case study of a warehouse lighting upgrade that saved a company over $50,000 a year.

· Scope 3 Emissions Decoded: Why your largest customers will soon demand your carbon data—and how to prepare now to win those contracts.

· The Virtual CSO Model: Why hiring a full-time sustainability officer is often a mistake and the more effective, lower-risk alternative.

· The "Would You Be Missed?" Test: The powerful question from his book that forces a radical rethink of your company's purpose.

· Greenwashing Traps: How to market your sustainability wins without triggering multi-million dollar fines from regulators.

· Global Inequity in Action: Shocking lessons from advising the Kingdom of Tonga on climate adaptation and the circular economy.

For leaders and engineers who see sustainability not as a compliance hurdle, but as the ultimate innovation and growth opportunity.

Connect With Lee Stewart:

Website: https://www.leestewart.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leestewart

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Business

01:39 Understanding Sustainability Strategy

03:24 Common Misconceptions About Sustainability

04:32 Monetizing Sustainability for ROI

07:15 Insights from Writing a Sustainability Book

08:41 Common Pitfalls in ESG Strategies

10:15 Exploring Scope 3 Emissions

13:51 Impact of Climate Reality Training

15:53 Actionable Takeaways for Executives

17:28 Technology as a Lever for Sustainability

18:53 The Role of a Virtual Chief Sustainability Officer

21:03 First Steps for Small Businesses

22:31 Navigating Greenwashing Risks

24:56 Global Inequity in Climate Change

27:54 Innovation in Sustainability

29:10 Conclusion and Resources

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