Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is not enough

In the cacophony of modern sustainability discourse, Rajeev Peshawaria's "Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" emerges as a beacon of insightful critique and forward-thinking solutions. Peshawaria, renowned for his expertise in leadership and corporate governance, offers a refreshing perspective on the shortcomings of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, urging us to embrace a higher form of leadership to tackle existential global challenges.Peshawaria dissects the limitations of the ESG framework, highlighting its propensity to foster compliance over innovation. He introduces the concept of steward leadership—a paradigm shifts from profit-centric models to holistic value creation for stakeholders, society, and the environment. Through compelling examples like Paul Polman's transformative tenure at Unilever, Peshawaria illustrates how genuine stewardship can drive profitability while addressing pressing societal issues.Peshawaria's prose is clear, compelling, and imbued with a sense of urgency. His narrative voice is authoritative yet accessible, making complex concepts digestible for readers of all backgrounds. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, he navigates the intricacies of sustainable leadership with clarity and conviction.The central idea of steward leadership resonates profoundly, challenging conventional notions of corporate responsibility and urging leaders to prioritize long-term value creation over short-term gains. Peshawaria's exploration of this concept through real-world examples adds depth and credibility to his argument, inspiring readers to reconsider their approach to business and leadership.While "Sustainable Sustainability" lacks a traditional plot structure, its thematic coherence and logical progression make for a compelling read. Peshawaria expertly navigates between theoretical discourse and practical insights, guiding readers through a thought-provoking journey towards a more sustainable future.At its core, Peshawaria's book is a call to action—a rallying cry for leaders to embrace stewardship and drive meaningful change in the face of global challenges. Themes of responsibility, innovation, and collective action reverberate throughout, offering hope and guidance in an increasingly uncertain world.Reading "Sustainable Sustainability" evokes a range of emotions—from frustration at the inadequacies of current approaches to optimism for the transformative potential of steward leadership. Moments of clarity and inspiration punctuate the narrative, fueling a sense of urgency and agency in the reader.Peshawaria's strengths lie in his ability to distill complex concepts into actionable insights and his unwavering commitment to driving positive change. His compelling arguments, supported by real-world examples, resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression on the reader.While Peshawaria's analysis is thorough and compelling, "Sustainable Sustainability" could benefit from more diverse perspectives and a deeper exploration of potential challenges and objections to the stewardship model. Additionally, greater emphasis on practical implementation strategies would enhance the book's utility for business leaders and policymakers.As someone deeply invested in sustainability and corporate governance, "Sustainable Sustainability" struck a chord with me on both intellectual and emotional levels. Peshawaria's impassioned plea for steward leadership resonated deeply, challenging me to reevaluate my own approach to leadership and activism. While not without its flaws, this book serves as a powerful catalyst for reflection and action in a world desperate for change."Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing our planet. Through his incisive analysis and compelling narrative, Rajeev Peshawaria offers a compelling vision for a more sustainable future—one guided by the principles of stewardship and collective action. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the true meaning of leadership in the 21st century and the role of business in shaping a better world. Highly recommended.

I came across this book "Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" by Rajeev Peshawaria in a book fair. Being a nature lover I couldn't hold myself from purchasing this book as I wanted to learn more about importance of sustainability. I had heard about this book and was eager for the concept of 'Steward Leadership'. This book is a compelling read that challenges the current Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. Peshawaria argues that while ESG aims to drive responsible business behavior, it often results in mere compliance and box-checking, rather than fostering the innovation needed to address our planet's existential challenges.The book contains 15 chapters divided into three parts. The book critiques the reliance on incentives and regulations, suggesting they lead to greenwashing rather than genuine sustainability efforts. Peshawaria introduces the concept of 'steward leadership,' advocating for a values-based revolution where leaders act as stewards of the environment and humanity. He emphasizes the need for an intrinsic commitment to leave a positive legacy, marrying purpose with profit.Anecdotes and insights from industry leaders like Robert Swan and Paul Polman underline the urgency of adopting this higher form of leadership. Peshawaria has intelligently tried to explain 'steward leadership' with examples of big families who are into successful business from generations such as Faber-Castell family and Tata group of companies. Also the questions asked at the end of the each chapters help you to understand the concept and makes you think deep.Peshawaria's clear and persuasive narrative makes a strong case for rethinking how we approach sustainability, making it a must-read for anyone interested in creating a sustainable future and concerned for our planet. At the end I would say that I learnt many new things from this book. It's a highly recommended with high values of knowledge.