Productivity Smarts 086 - Sustainability Smarts with Dr. Ona Newton

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Ona Newton, CEO and founder of Tobams Group, to dive into the world of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and how businesses can seamlessly integrate them into their strategies.. They kick things off with a new segment, "Sustainability Smarts," where they explore how companies can move beyond checking boxes for compliance and truly embed sustainability into their core practices.

Dr. Newton shares insights on the real challenges businesses face—like superficial compliance and a lack of understanding—and offers practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles, from strategic planning to better stakeholder engagement. She emphasizes how sustainability is not just a trend but a crucial factor for long-term success and standing out in a competitive market. However, she also warns against the pitfalls of greenwashing, reminding us that authenticity is key.

Want to ensure your business stays ahead in this changing landscape? Tune in now to hear Dr. Newton's expert advice on making sustainability a real, impactful part of your business strategy. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on how to optimize your productivity and make a lasting impact!

What We Discuss

• [00:02:01] - Introducing Dr. Ona Newton

• [00:05:46] - Challenges in ESG Integration

• [00:09:31] - Three-Legged Stool of ESG

• [00:14:50] - Balancing Profitability and Sustainability

• [00:17:45] - Technology's Role in ESG

• [00:21:31] - The Future of Sustainable Businesses

• [00:23:18] - Measuring Sustainability Progress

• [00:26:00] - Learning Resources and Publications

 

Notable Quotes

• [00:03:46] "I think what sustainability does is it brings everyone together. I don't think anyone is exempted." — Dr. Ona Newton

 

• [00:12:45] "I was so challenged at that point in time because what they're doing is good, but then I was considering my own comfort because I was so hot and I'm not used to this." — Dr. Ona Newton

 

• [00:20:32] "I started writing books on sustainability and encouraging teachers to teach that as extracurricular across the schools in different parts of the world because there's nothing that really is there for children of this age group to really understand what it means." — Dr. Ona Newton

 

• [00:21:31] "The future belongs to sustainable businesses. ESG is no longer just about compliance; it's about staying relevant in a rapidly changing world." — Dr. Ona Newton

 

• [00:23:05] "Companies are going to want to invest and work with you if they know that a part of the profits that they're giving you is going to go back into their community and do some good for people and make a difference." — Gerald J. Leonard

 

• [00:24:28] "As climate change accelerates, I think the most critical action businesses can take is to decarbonize their operations by adopting renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency." — Dr. Ona Newton

 

Our Guest

Dr. Ona Newton is the CEO and founder of Tobams Group, where she champions African talent, development, and global opportunities. A visionary leader, executive coach, and digital transformation strategist, she is dedicated to creating social impact through sustainability. With over 20 years of expertise, Dr. Newton has led initiatives for major global organizations, promoting strategic governance and empowering the next generation of leaders. She has authored influential books and mentors individuals to create lasting, transformative change.