The Inspiring Leaders Podcast: Board dynamics for a Net Zero World (ft. Francesca Ecsery, Non-executive Director, Air France and Mark Spelman, Non-executive Director, Buro Happold)

Episode 1 of our Inspiring Leaders Podcast Series

Exploring what it means to be a high performing executive in today's challenging environment, this episode is part of Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast. Featuring Criticaleye Host and Director of Content Marc Barber and special guests Francesca Ecsery, Non-executive Director, Air France and Mark Spelman, Non-executive Director, Buro Happold. Both are Criticaleye Board Mentors.

Discussion points include:

• Reflections on our CEO Sustainability Retreat, where this episode was recorded. There are reasons to be optimistic with record investment in ESG in 2023 so far, and reporting metrics which are "keeping executives and Boards feet to the fire."
• Sustainability is also on the global agenda as we approach Cop28 at the end of November. Companies need to understand the macro signals. 
• If 80% of emissions are in Scope 3, how are business leaders addressing this within their own strategy? 
• The pace of technology is set to 'go through the roof'. Leaders need to be on top of this and understand how AI will influence decision making.
• Boards and NEDs will need to keep up with trends. You will become irrelevant in just a few years without investment your own education on sustainability issues.
• Companies need to have the data and the processes lined up, as well as incentivising internally to drive results.