Episode Details

We talk about ESG as if it were mainly about emissions, reports, and ticking the right boxes. But in practice, the biggest sustainability risk is often much closer to home.

In this episode of Change That Works, we explore the uncomfortable truth most ESG discussions avoid: culture and leadership practices can make or break sustainability long before carbon targets do. Today's host, György Péczely with sustainability leader and consultant Kristiina Kiviharju, together challenge the idea that hiring one ESG manager can “handle” sustainability for the organization. We discuss why sustainability is fundamentally about future business viability, why aiming for the “legal minimum” is a dangerous strategy, and how toxic work cultures quietly undermine even the best ESG ambitions.

Drawing parallels between ESG and lean thinking, the conversation reframes poor leadership and emotional overload as real waste — the kind that drains performance, drives burnout, and destroys trust. This is a candid discussion for leaders who suspect that the real ESG work doesn’t start in dashboards, but in how people are led every day.

If you have questions or want to continue the discussion, reach out via changethatworks@icg.eu.com.