Emotional Intelligence as the Foundation of Modern Leadership

Episode 57 | 23.12.2024

Emotional Intelligence as the Foundation of Modern Leadership

On The Responsible Edge podcast, Ryan O’Keeffe, founder of Jago and an advocate for purpose-driven business, explored how emotional intelligence (EQ) is reshaping leadership. By sharing his own transformative journey, Ryan offered a nuanced perspective on why empathy and self-awareness are critical for leaders who aspire to create meaningful impact.

Listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

The Journey to Self-Awareness

Ryan’s reflections began with his formative experiences in sales, where he first discovered the value of connecting authentically with others. “I always wanted to leave people feeling better after interacting with me,” he shared, highlighting the foundational mindset that would later shape his approach to leadership.

Despite early career success, Ryan faced a pivotal moment at Yellow Pages.

“I spent two weeks trying to sell by the book and failing. My dad told me, ‘You’re not being yourself.’ That’s when I realised authenticity was my strength.”

This shift in perspective led Ryan to embrace emotional intelligence as a tool for building trust and fostering relationships.

 

Leading Through Personal Adversity

The podcast delved into how Ryan’s personal challenges shaped his leadership philosophy. Setting up Jago came at a time of immense pressure—his first child was diagnosed with kidney disease, and his second faced a severe brain injury at birth. “Normal isn’t the default,” Ryan reflected.

“These experiences taught me resilience and deepened my understanding of empathy.”

Through these trials, Ryan developed a leadership style that prioritises humanity over metrics. “It’s not about profit first—it’s about people. That’s the kind of leader I aspire to be, and it’s what I aim to cultivate in others.”

 

Redefining Leadership with Emotional Intelligence

At Jago, Ryan has embedded EQ into personal branding and leadership development. He described the process as one of introspection and alignment:

“You have to look inward to understand your strengths, values, and purpose. That’s the starting point for authentic leadership.”

This approach is more than philosophical. It’s deeply practical. “Consistency is key,” Ryan said. “When leaders show up the same way for everyone—whether it’s a CEO or an intern—it builds trust. Emotional intelligence helps leaders see the ripple effects of their behaviour.”

 

Practical Steps for Heart-Led Leadership

The conversation outlined clear strategies for leaders to incorporate emotional intelligence into their daily practices:

  1. Commit to Self-Discovery: Ryan emphasised the importance of understanding one’s own story. “Our experiences—good and bad—shape our leadership style. Facing them honestly is transformative.”
  2. Foster Empathy: Listening actively and responding thoughtfully are hallmarks of empathetic leadership. “It’s not about being agreeable but about genuinely understanding others’ perspectives.”
  3. Integrate Values into Decision-Making: “When leaders align their actions with their values, they build cultures that prioritise integrity and respect,” Ryan noted.
  4. Model Consistency: Leaders who exhibit predictable, fair behaviour create environments where trust flourishes.

 

The Shift Toward Purpose-Driven Leadership

While progress is slow, Ryan expressed optimism about the future of leadership. “There’s a growing appetite for leaders who lead with empathy and purpose,” he observed. However, he cautioned against surface-level adoption of these principles.

“It’s not just a branding exercise. Authenticity requires real introspection and intentionality.”

One of Jago’s most compelling success stories involves a client in the finance sector who balances a high-pressure role with mentoring aspiring professionals. “He’s proof that you can succeed commercially while staying true to your purpose,” Ryan shared. “Leaders like that inspire change not just within their organisations but across industries.”

 

A Better Way Forward

Ryan’s vision for the future of leadership is rooted in emotional intelligence and a commitment to purpose. “If I could change one thing about the commercial world, it would be to see more leaders prioritising empathy over profit,” he said.

“Empathetic leaders create better cultures—and better cultures shape a better society.”

This insight serves as a powerful reminder: leadership isn’t just about strategy or results. It’s about the impact leaders have on those around them. By embracing emotional intelligence, today’s leaders have an opportunity to redefine success and leave a lasting legacy.

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Generative AI and ESG: Unlocking Potential While Avoiding Greenwashing

Episode 56 | 17.12.2024

Generative AI and ESG: Unlocking Potential While Avoiding Greenwashing

Jonathan Ha, the Founder and CEO of Seneca ESG, shared a thought-provoking perspective on generative AI’s potential to reshape sustainability practices during his recent appearance on The Responsible Edge. Known for his innovative use of technology in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management, Jonathan dove deep into the transformative promise of generative AI and the critical need for guardrails to prevent unintended consequences like greenwashing.

Listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

AI’s Role in Simplifying ESG Complexity

As the leader of Seneca ESG, a company providing AI-powered sustainability software, Jonathan highlighted the rising complexity of ESG reporting. He noted;

“A lot of these ESG-related tasks are repetitive in nature… Sustainability teams are often just two or three people, and they don’t have the capacity to manage the volume of inquiries coming their way.”

Generative AI, according to Jonathan, has the potential to automate these repetitive processes, freeing up resources and enabling teams to focus on strategic innovation.

Seneca ESG’s software already leverages AI for tasks like emission tracking and reporting compliance. “We’ve identified thousands of hours wasted on manual data management,” he explained. “Our tools reduce that burden, enabling organisations to focus on continuous improvement, not just compliance.”

The Greenwashing Dilemma

However, Jonathan also expressed caution about the risks of generative AI. He warned;

“If not used properly, generative AI could exacerbate greenwashing rather than fix it. For companies unsure of how to characterise their sustainability practices, relying on AI to ‘write something for them’ could lead to misleading claims.”

This challenge, he argued, underscores the need for robust guardrails. Seneca ESG’s AI solutions, for instance, incorporate user feedback to refine how they assist organisations, ensuring that outputs remain accurate and responsible.

Jonathan’s stance aligned closely with the values of The Anti-Greenwash Charter, whose signatories must adhere to strict standards around the use of generative AI in content production.

Balancing Compliance with Creativity

Jonathan emphasised that the true potential of generative AI lies in its ability to shift the balance within sustainability teams. “With the compliance and reporting side becoming so large, sustainability teams have less time to focus on innovation and problem-solving,” he said.

“Generative AI, when used responsibly, can free up time for these creative pursuits.”

This dual focus on compliance and creativity is central to Seneca ESG’s mission. The company doesn’t just help organisations meet regulatory requirements but also identifies opportunities for long-term improvement. “It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about becoming better,” Jonathan stressed.

A Vision for the Future

When asked about the broader implications of AI for corporate behaviour, Jonathan shared a visionary perspective. “If I had a magic wand,” he mused;

“I’d create a direct connection between corporate behaviour and societal happiness. Sustainability, security, and freedom are key components of this happiness.”

Jonathan’s ambition for Seneca ESG mirrors this vision. By providing tools that enable both compliance and innovation, he aims to help organisations not only meet today’s challenges but also position themselves as leaders in building a sustainable future.

The Takeaway

Jonathan’s insights remind us that while generative AI offers tremendous potential for ESG, its implementation must be approached with caution and responsibility. For organisations looking to harness its power, the focus must remain on fostering transparency, enhancing sustainability practices, and avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing. As Jonathan concluded;

“The ultimate goal is not just compliance—it’s continuous improvement. That’s where the real impact lies.”

His approach offers a roadmap for businesses seeking to navigate the evolving intersection of technology and sustainability.

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From Protest to Progress: Jamie Klingler’s Fight for Women’s Safety and Police Reform

Episode 55 | 16.12.2024

From Protest to Progress: Jamie Klingler’s Fight for Women’s Safety and Police Reform

Jamie Klingler, activist, co-founder of Reclaim These Streets, and a national campaigner for women’s safety, has carved a distinct space in the fight for equality and reform. Speaking on The Responsible Edge podcast, Jamie shared her remarkable journey from a career in media and events to becoming a pivotal figure in the women’s safety movement.

Listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

A Catalyst for Change: The Sarah Everard Vigil

Jamie’s activism was ignited during the pandemic, a time when societal pressures and injustices became painfully magnified. The tragic murder of Sarah Everard was a tipping point. Jamie reflected;

“How small does my life have to become to make it still worth living? Am I not supposed to get deliveries because most of the delivery drivers are men? Am I not supposed to take taxis?”

In a moment of profound anger and sadness, Jamie tweeted about organising a vigil for Sarah. That single tweet catalysed the birth of Reclaim These Streets. However, what began as a call for solidarity quickly turned into a legal battle when the Metropolitan Police deemed the vigil illegal under COVID-19 restrictions. Jamie recounted, “The arrogance and the antagonistic stance of the police created a monster in me. They activated me.”

Despite opposition, Jamie and her co-organisers raised £45,000 overnight to cover legal fees and took their fight to the High Court. Although the vigil was ultimately disrupted, Jamie’s resolve only strengthened.

“If you don’t let someone like me, a white, middle-class female, protest, who are you going to let protest?”

She asked, framing the broader implications of police overreach.

 

A Voice for the Voiceless

One of Jamie’s most striking realisations was her ability to amplify the voices of others without being hindered by personal trauma.

“I can be the fighting warrior for victims without it being as damaging to me individually.”

This clarity allowed her to channel her energy into high-impact advocacy, leveraging her media experience to highlight systemic issues. Jamie’s tireless efforts included meeting with politicians, confronting police leaders, and speaking to international media outlets.

Her activism has also brought to light the inadequacies of existing systems, particularly regarding police accountability. “Only one in ten police officers found guilty of gross misconduct lose their jobs,” Jamie shared. “If there’s no hunger for reform, they just want it off the front pages. They have no intention of fixing it.”

 

The Broader Mission: Women’s Safety and Workplace Reform

Beyond Reclaim These Streets, Jamie’s advocacy extends to workplace safety and equality. She is now the Chief Communications Officer for the Tomorrow Group, a role that allows her to integrate her activism with professional responsibilities. Jamie is a staunch advocate for treating employees as whole individuals, addressing everything from menopause and childcare to workplace harassment.

“Companies need to understand that safety and well-being are non-negotiable.”

She highlighted the importance of informed consent training, robust sexual harassment policies, and counselling services. “It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating an environment where people can truly thrive.”

 

Shifting Shame and Societal Norms

One of Jamie’s most powerful messages is the need to shift shame from victims to perpetrators. She cited activist Giselle Pelican’s mantra, “Shame has to change sides,” as a guiding principle for her work. This shift, Jamie believes, can foster a culture of respect and consent.

Her vision extends beyond systemic reforms to societal norms. Jamie imagines a world where disrespectful behaviour is socially unacceptable.

“In my ideal world, if one teenage boy yells something at a woman, the others in the car are so embarrassed they never get in a car with him again.”

 

A Call for Action and Hope

Jamie’s work underscores the urgency of addressing systemic failures while inspiring a collective movement for change. Her rallying cry to organisations and governments alike is to prioritise humanity over profit. “We need to stop dehumanising each other,” she emphasised.

“The more we respect each other, the more we can flourish together.”

From organising vigils to challenging institutional failings, Jamie Klingler’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she continues her fight for reform, her message remains clear: lasting change is possible, but it requires courage, commitment, and collective action.

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The Quiet Revolution in Corporate Sustainability: A Conversation with Tom Carr

Episode 54 | 11.12.2024

The Quiet Revolution in Corporate Sustainability: A Conversation with Tom Carr

In a recent episode of The Responsible Edge, Tom Carr, Sustainability Strategy Director at SB+CO, shared profound insights into the evolving role of sustainability in business. Drawing from his multifaceted career—from growing up on a farm to advising FTSE100 companies—Tom’s journey underscores a vital shift in how organisations approach sustainability.

Listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

From Farms to Boardrooms: Tom’s Journey

Tom credits his upbringing on a sheep farm with shaping his practical and problem-solving mindset.

“The thing with sheep,” he joked, “is they mainly want to just die. You’re constantly problem-solving with whatever you’ve got around you.”

This ethos of pragmatism paved the way for his eventual move into sustainability consulting, first at Deloitte and now at SB+CO.

Tom’s academic path at the London School of Economics (LSE) further solidified his foundation in environmental policy and economics. “It’s essential for any credible sustainability professional to understand the nuts and bolts of how climate change works,” he noted. His curiosity and interdisciplinary approach have since become hallmarks of his career.

 

The Changing Face of Sustainability in Business

A recurring theme in Tom’s discussion was the need for businesses to embed sustainability beyond specialised teams. Reflecting on his work, he said:

“We need to get to a world where the sustainability team facilitates and challenges the business, but the action happens elsewhere.”

He described the evolution of sustainability as moving from isolated initiatives to a more integrated, commercial focus. “Over the past five years, companies have set ambitious net zero targets, but many have rolled back. This often happens because these goals aren’t tied closely enough to the core business strategy.”

This disconnect, Tom suggested, could be addressed by fostering adoption across all organisational levels.

“Internal communications play a huge role in making sustainability relevant to every team—whether it’s finance, operations, or product development.”

 

The Communication Imperative

At SB+CO, Tom’s work uniquely combines sustainability strategy with communications. He shared how often well-crafted sustainability strategies fail due to poor internal or external communication.

“You can have a brilliant strategy, but if it’s not landing with your internal teams or customers, it’s not going to drive change.”

Tom cited examples of impactful, small-scale initiatives like supply chain workshops and employee engagement sessions. “These might seem minor, but they create the links that enable larger sustainability goals to gain traction.”

 

Toward a Legacy of Responsible Business

Looking ahead, Tom aims to reshape how sustainability integrates into the commercial operations of businesses.

“I want to move away from projects that feel like standalone sustainability initiatives to those that drive the evolution of the business itself.”

For Tom, the future of sustainability lies in its normalisation within business processes. Echoing a sentiment shared by other sustainability leaders, he noted, “The ultimate success is when sustainability becomes so embedded that it’s no longer a separate function.”

 

A Call to Action

Tom’s reflections highlight a pivotal moment for businesses. As sustainability evolves from a niche concern to a core business imperative, organisations must rethink their strategies. The lessons shared in The Responsible Edge remind us that sustainability isn’t just about meeting targets—it’s about transforming how businesses operate, communicate, and grow.

This episode offers a blueprint for companies seeking to align their practices with the demands of a changing world. As Tom puts it:

“It’s not about doing sustainability for sustainability’s sake—it’s about doing business better.”

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From Crisis to Impact: Tanya Larsen’s Journey to Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Episode 53 | 10.12.2024

From Crisis to Impact: Tanya Larsen’s Journey to Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Tanya Larsen’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience and purpose. With roots in Ukraine’s coal-mining regions, Tanya witnessed firsthand the destructive impact of unchecked industrialisation on communities and the environment. Now a successful entrepreneur and advocate for sustainability, Tanya shared her insights on The Responsible Edge podcast. Her story offers a compelling blueprint for leveraging business acumen to address systemic environmental and social challenges.

Listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

The Power of Early Impressions

Tanya’s passion for sustainability was ignited in her formative years. Growing up near coal mines in eastern Ukraine, she observed how industrial waste gradually encroached upon natural spaces. Tanya recounted:

“I saw how bad industrialisation was claiming the forest where we played as kids. It was very visual and stuck with me.” 

These experiences planted a seed that would later grow into a mission to challenge the status quo of unsustainable business practices.

 

Earning a Platform for Change

Despite her early awareness of environmental issues, Tanya prioritised building financial stability before diving into sustainability. She explained:

“To change things, you need resources. My focus was to earn enough to support my family and eventually give back.” 

This pragmatic approach drove her to excel in e-commerce and technology, culminating in the successful sale of her business after eight years of growth.

Tanya described her corporate journey as both a learning ground and a stepping stone:

“I didn’t have a plan B. My only option was to make it work. That determination shaped my career and prepared me to take bigger risks later.”

 

Redefining Success Through Sustainable Business

After exiting her business, Tanya turned her focus to projects that aligned with her values. One such initiative involved promoting sustainable brands through vouchers and discounts.

“It was about creating an incentive for consumers to choose brands that make a difference.”

However, this endeavour revealed a critical challenge: defining sustainability in a way that avoids greenwashing. “How do you classify a brand as sustainable when so many use misleading claims?” she questioned, highlighting the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts.

 

Navigating Challenges as an Entrepreneur

Tanya emphasised the stark realities of entrepreneurship, particularly in its early stages.

“When I started, I had £20,000 in the bank and no access to loans due to the financial crisis. We had to focus on monetisation from day one.”

Tanya’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is grounded in practicality: “Don’t just chase investment. Figure out how to generate revenue, even in small amounts. It builds resilience and gives you stronger negotiating power.”

She also reflected on the personal sacrifices required to balance family responsibilities with business ambitions. “I had three children, including a baby, when I launched my business. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in what I was doing,” she said, underscoring the importance of determination and focus.

 

A Vision for Systemic Change

Tanya’s journey from an underprivileged background to sustainable entrepreneurship exemplifies how business can be a force for good. Her experiences illustrate that impactful change often begins with small, pragmatic steps.

“We need to create systems where doing the right thing isn’t just idealistic but practical and profitable.”

 

Conclusion: Lessons in Resilience and Responsibility

Tanya Larsen’s story is a powerful reminder that sustainable business practices require more than passion—they demand perseverance, pragmatism, and a willingness to confront systemic challenges. Her journey demonstrates that success and sustainability can coexist when guided by clear purpose and thoughtful strategy.

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