Where can leaders actually make a difference for sustainability? This article presents a simple model of how influence unfolds from personal conduct to team decisions, organizational change, and even industry-wide action.
Continue reading “Change leaders for sustainability: Four spheres of influence”Encouraging change from within — Even now?
In recent years, speaking up inside organizations has become riskier — yet perhaps more necessary. This article reflects on whether encouraging employee activism is still appropriate in a changing political and economic climate, and why acting from within may matter precisely when it feels hardest.
Continue reading “Encouraging change from within — Even now?”Wilful Blindness: Why we often turn a blind eye to environmental and social issues and how we can learn to see
Why do we often turn a blind eye to problems that are actually obvious—whether it’s climate change, social injustice, or the consequences of our own actions? This article explores the phenomenon of “Wilful Blindness” and shows how we can recognize our blind spots and take targeted action to address them.
Continue reading “Wilful Blindness: Why we often turn a blind eye to environmental and social issues and how we can learn to see”How Climate Quitting unfolds – and how to prevent it
The decision to quit a job over climate concerns doesn’t happen overnight—it’s usually a slow process. Companies can counteract climate quitting by developing a realistic and serious sustainability strategy.
Continue reading “How Climate Quitting unfolds – and how to prevent it”Changing organizations from within – My interview on the Green Hub Podcast
In an interview with Fran Karlovic from the Green Hub Office at the University of Twente, I talk about how I became interested in sustainability, why I work with companies, what to consider if you want to initiate sustainability efforts as an employee within your own organization, and what a dead tuna has to do with organizational change processes.
Continue reading “Changing organizations from within – My interview on the Green Hub Podcast”Leadership for Sustainability – Speech at the FHWien, 25.10.2023
On 25 October 2023, I gave a guest lecture at the FHWien in Vienna on the role of Leadership for Sustainability. Here is a summarized and polished version of that speech.
Continue reading “Leadership for Sustainability – Speech at the FHWien, 25.10.2023”Employee activism for sustainability: The benefits of building networks across organizations
Employees advocating for stronger social goals within their company often face setbacks and resistance. Connecting with like-minded individuals from other organizations can provide support and strategic insights.
Continue reading “Employee activism for sustainability: The benefits of building networks across organizations”Social Intrapreneurship: How to initiate sustainable business ideas as an employee
Social intrapreneurs are employees who develop business ideas and advocate for issues such as diversity, environmental protection, or social justice within their own organizations. Since they often hold lower hierarchical positions, they must find ways to initiate change from the bottom up. Here are some key strategies to make that happen.
Continue reading “Social Intrapreneurship: How to initiate sustainable business ideas as an employee”How employees can use mission statements and other papers to advocate for sustainable change
Mission statements, corporate visions, and similar documents are widely used in companies to signal commitments to responsibility, sustainability, or social justice—often without leading to real change. However, these documents can still be valuable tools for employees who want to drive transformation within their organization.
Continue reading “How employees can use mission statements and other papers to advocate for sustainable change”Issue Selling: How to convince decision-makers to initiate change toward sustainability
For organizational change to succeed, top management needs to be on board. When change initiatives come from employees rather than leadership, these ideas often need to be “sold” to decision-makers—especially when they involve social issues like environmental protection or fair working conditions. This article introduces four strategies for Issue Selling—the art of persuading managers to support social causes.
Continue reading “Issue Selling: How to convince decision-makers to initiate change toward sustainability”
Dr. Barbara Kump 