In this episode, Philippa welcomes Roxanne Folke, Head of Responsible Business at Burges Salmon, where she leads the firm’s work across sustainability, inclusion, community engagement and pro bono.
Roxanne brings over two decades of experience working with businesses across Europe on sustainability and responsible business strategy, including contributions to research for the UN, the UK government and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Since joining Burges Salmon in 2019, she has been instrumental in embedding responsible business into the firm’s culture, strategy and client relationships.
Together, they explore what it really means to move from policy to practice when it comes to ESG and sustainability – from measuring carbon footprints and influencing supply chains to building inclusive cultures and equipping leaders to take ownership of the responsible business agenda.
This conversation looks beyond the buzzwords to examine the practical, cultural and strategic realities of making responsible business genuinely transformative – and the leadership required to make it stick.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
- How Roxanne found her way into responsible business through communications and consultancy, and what drew her to the intersection of commercial strategy and ESG
- Why responsible business is not a separate agenda but a strategic lens through which the whole organisation should be viewed
- How the materiality process helps businesses prioritise the ESG topics that matter most – and avoid the scatter-gun approach
- The practical steps Burges Salmon has taken on its net zero journey, from converting to renewable energy to tackling the complexity of Scope 3 emissions
- Why engaging and supporting suppliers – rather than simply shutting the door on those who are behind – is essential to collective progress on carbon
- How client demand for responsible business credentials has grown significantly, from tender processes to ongoing relationship management
- Why culture is the enabler or the barrier when it comes to embedding change, and what organisations with consultative structures need to watch out for
- What leaders can do to ensure responsible business is a core strategic priority rather than a bolt-on including the importance of authentic, consistent advocacy
- The emerging trends organisations need to prepare for, from advised emissions and mandatory reporting to biodiversity and inclusive leadership
- Why incoming generations are one of the most powerful forces for change – and why asking responsible business questions in interviews is good advice for anyone
Key takeaway
Responsible business is not a sideshow or a set of policies gathering dust on a shelf. It is a strategic framework that intersects with talent, profitability, client relationships and long-term risk. Organisations that invest in understanding their impact – and lead authentically on these issues – will be better placed to attract talent, win clients and build businesses that last.
Want more practical ideas on ESG and purposeful leadership?
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