As the global business community continues to grapple with climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion, we remain steadfast in our mission to leave our planet in a better position than we found it.

Our namesake podcast, Better Than We Found It, is dedicated to telling the stories of people who share this belief. In it we speak to environmental experts, chat about how they found their purpose and explore the concept of sustainable value creation. Helping us all to better understand how we can improve the world for future generations while growing our business.

For the Season 2 launch of BTWFI, we had the privilege of delving into a thought-provoking discussion with Tony Goldner, Executive Director of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) - the market-led, science-based and government-backed initiative providing organisations with the tools to act on evolving nature-related issues. With his extensive expertise in sustainable finance and corporate governance, Tony shed light on the importance of nature-related financial disclosures and the transformative role they play in shaping a more resilient and sustainable global economy.

Let’s look at the key takeaways from our enlightening conversation…

 

1. Make nature part of the way you think about business

It’s essential that nature becomes part of the way we think about our businesses and our capital allocation. Most companies are already well versed in listening to market participants and ensuring their products and services are relevant for them, but Goldner says we must consider nature in our decision making. Even more so with policymakers and regulators as part likely to ensure nature is taken more seriously.

2. Be open to feedback 

No person or company is perfect and the journey to sustainability often isn’t linear. But instead of feeling ashamed or burying your head in the sand, be open to feedback. The TNFD do this through their open innovation approach in which they release an early prototype, encourage market feedback and keep iterating - ultimately helping them to reduce their risk. 

3. Be flexible 

Delivering on Sustainable Development Goals is an ongoing challenge that requires you to act flexibly. Staying agile will enable you to figure out business strategies that work within the context of constraints, along with determining what is material to you now and in the future. This mindset will allow you to push for growth while protecting natural resources. 

4. Never stop learning 

If there’s one thing we should take from Tony Goldner, it’s to never stop learning. From gaining his Masters at Harvard University to undertaking online courses during the pandemic to learn more about the TCFD, Tony is constantly striving to expand his knowledge. And there’s no doubt that’s why he’s become the successful sustainability pioneer he is today.  

5. Remember why you care

Sustainability isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important to remember why you’re doing the work you’re doing. Keeping your purpose front-of-mind will ensure you stay passionate about environmental causes even in the face of adversity. For Tony that’s his formative trip to Papua New Guinea where he went as a child with his father. The jungles of South America, rich in biodiversity imprinted on him the importance of looking after our natural world and are a memory he often returns to.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, our conversation with Tony was full of riveting stories and advice to help your business become more sustainable. Listen to the podcast here and join us as we explore the intersection of finance and nature, and uncover actionable insights to help drive positive change across industries worldwide.