What the Holiday Season Can Teach Corporate Boards and Leaders About Sustainability, Purpose, and Leadership
The boardroom was quiet, the December chill creeping through the tall windows. Around the polished table, directors sipped their coffee, reflecting on a year of navigating disruptions, new regulations, and shareholder demands. The chairperson, a seasoned leader with a knack for drawing wisdom from unexpected places, leaned forward.
“I’ve been thinking about the holiday season,” she began, her voice warm but commanding. The directors exchanged curious glances. “It’s not just about celebrations—it’s about reflection, connection, and shared purpose. And I believe the lessons of this season have something to teach us about sustainability and leadership.”
Shared Traditions, Shared Purpose
The chairperson gestured toward the room. “Take holiday traditions, for example. They bring people together, fostering connection and a sense of belonging. Isn’t that what we strive for as a board? To align stakeholders around a common vision?”
A director nodded, adding, “Shared purpose is critical, especially as we integrate sustainability into our strategy. It’s not just about checking ESG boxes but truly embedding purpose into the company’s DNA.”
Giving with Impact: A Strategic Lesson
The chairperson continued, “And what about gift-giving? It’s not just about the act but the thought behind it—choosing something meaningful and impactful. Isn’t that what we do when we allocate resources?”
The CFO chimed in, “Exactly. Our investments must balance profit with purpose. We need to ensure that every decision aligns with our sustainability goals and stakeholder expectations.”
The group reflected on insights from the State of Corporate Purpose 2024, which highlighted how purpose-driven organizations outperform in resilience and stakeholder trust.
Feasting Sustainably: Managing Resources Wisely
Someone joked about the excesses of holiday feasts, prompting a thoughtful pause. “Holiday meals symbolize abundance, but they also highlight waste. It’s a lesson for us in managing resources wisely,” said the operations director.
The group turned to the KPMG Survey of Sustainability Reporting 2024, which predicted that mandatory ESG disclosures in 2025 would push companies to address inefficiencies in their supply chains. “We need to ensure our own operations align with these expectations,” another director added.
Decorating with Purpose: Communicating Values
The chairperson smiled, “Even holiday decorations can teach us something. They reflect identity and values, just as our ESG reporting reflects our company’s purpose.”
The head of communications shared insights from Deloitte’s 2024 CxO Sustainability Report, which emphasized transparent ESG reporting as a critical trust-building tool. “We have an opportunity to inspire confidence by showing stakeholders what we stand for.”
Building Communities: Strength in Collaboration
Finally, the conversation turned to community. “The holiday season reminds us of the importance of giving back and fostering connections. It’s no different for our company,” said the chairperson.
The directors discussed 10 Sustainability Trends Impacting Business in 2025 and Beyond, which highlights that sustainability will be driven by advancements in AI, renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable finance, supply chain transparency, regenerative agriculture, DEI, nature intelligence, and enhanced reporting, with a focus on innovation and ethical practices to address global challenges. The power of stakeholder collaboration in addressing climate and societal challenges will be critical. “We must prioritize partnerships that create shared value,” concluded the CEO.
The Takeaway: Leading Beyond the Season
As the meeting drew to a close, the chairperson summarized: “The lessons of the holiday season—purpose, impact, resourcefulness, and community—are just as relevant in the boardroom as they are at home. Let’s carry these values into the new year and lead with intention.”
She paused, then added, “And to do that, we must take action.”
5 Practical Steps for Boards in 2025
1. Engage in board education programs to stay ahead of emerging sustainability and ESG trends, including Responsible AI and Cybersecurity, and a key focus on Climate Action.
2. Revisit and align the company’s business purpose to ensure it supports long-term goals and sustainability commitments.
3. Evaluate executive leadership and compensation to incentivize purpose-driven and sustainability-focused outcomes.
4. Review and align the company’s business and sustainability goals, identifying key risks, opportunities, and necessary policy updates.
5. Consider what is needed to ensure leadership from the board, fostering accountability and innovation to address sustainability challenges proactively.
The directors left the room inspired, their discussions anchored in the holiday spirit of reflection, purpose, and responsibility. In 2025, their leadership would embody these values—not just for the company’s benefit but for the communities and future generations they served.
Listen to the related Podcast Episode number 34 on Exploring Leaders by Digoshen.
Digoshen and Boards Impact Forum wish all of our members, advisors, contributors and collaborators
Happy Holidays and a Great Sustainable 2025!
Learn More
Board Programs
Balanced Bridge Program, a personal leadership program for intent and resilience, free of charge (ongoing)
Boards Oversight of Sustainability Starting January 2025
Boards Oversight of Responsible AI
Webinars, Peer Exchanges and Events
About Digoshen
This blog post was originally shared at the blog of Digoshen www.digoshen.com, the blog of Boards Impact Forum www.boardsimpactforum.com
At Digoshen, we work hard to increase #futureinsights and help remove #digitalblindspots and #sustainabilityblindspots. We believe that Companies, Boards, and Business Leadership Teams need to understand more about the future and the digital & sustainable world to fully leverage the potential when bringing their business into the digital & more sustainable age. If you are a board member, consider joining our international board network and master programs.
Welcome to also explore the Digoshen Chatbot on AI Leadership for Boards and Boards Impact Forum, where the Digoshen Founder is the Chair.
Find a link to Digoshen Chair Liselotte Engstam Google Scholar Page
You will find more insights via Digoshen Website, and you are welcome to follow us on LinkedIn Digoshen @ Linkedin and twitter: @digoshen and founder @liseeng