The latest episode of the Two Steps Forward podcast features Raz Godelnik, an associate professor at the Parsons School of Design, who emphasizes the need for future corporate sustainability officers (CSOs) to focus on transformative change rather than mere incremental progress. Godelnik, who teaches a graduate-level course on sustainable business models, shared valuable insights on the podcast, co-hosted by Solitaire Townsend, regarding the evolving landscape of sustainability in business.
Moving Beyond Incrementalism
Godelnik critiques the current state of corporate sustainability initiatives, arguing that many organizations are merely “tweaking the system” instead of pursuing significant transformation. He described this phenomenon as “sustainability as usual,” where profit maximization and short-term growth take precedence over meaningful change. “We’re living in an era where we need to focus on radical innovation that reimagines systems,” he stated during the discussion.
According to Godelnik, the emphasis should shift from minor improvements within existing frameworks to a comprehensive overhaul of those systems. He highlighted the importance of understanding the broader political and regulatory environments, which can either support or hinder sustainability efforts. “It’s important to zoom out and look at the social norms and market incentives that shape our actions,” he added.
Fostering Creativity and Agency
Another key point raised by Godelnik concerns the balance between compliance and creativity in corporate sustainability practices. He noted that many companies allocate more resources to auditing firms than to innovation and strategic development. This trend suggests that a focus on regulatory compliance might be stifling entrepreneurial approaches to sustainability.
Godelnik aims to empower his students to take decisive actions, experiment boldly, and differentiate between incremental and radical change. He believes that fostering a sense of agency is crucial for future professionals. “Even small ways of experimenting with change can lead to significant outcomes,” he emphasized.
The discussion on the Two Steps Forward podcast also addressed the persistent misconception that corporate sustainability is declining. Godelnik and Townsend argue that, contrary to popular belief, the profession continues to thrive globally.
As Godelnik’s teachings resonate within the sustainability community, he encourages future leaders to embrace transformation. The insights shared in this episode highlight the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how companies approach sustainability, prioritizing long-term impact over short-term gains.
The Two Steps Forward podcast is available on major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, with new episodes released every other Tuesday.