Episode 19

More successful sustainability leadership with a theory of change

"You also need a theory of change. If you haven't understood what the big thing is you're trying to achieve, and you haven't understood how you are going to achieve that thing, then you have no theory of change and you're not going to achieve it."

Bob Gordon told me that when he started out as Head of Sustainability with Nando’s in the UK he didn’t really have a theory of change. 

Bob’s now Director of Zero Carbon Forum, and has a very clear theory of change to support the hospitality sector to reduce, and then eliminate, their carbon footprin

In this interview Bob shares some of his story on that journey, and offers some really solid advice for sustainability directors and  managers who want to get results and make a real difference, even at a time when businesses are facing acute commercial pressures.

Read the full show notes with links to resources at https://realise.earth/more-successful-sustainability-leadership-with-a-theory-of-change/

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Upcoming events

Leadership for Susainability Online Meet Up 22 May 2025 Leadership for Sustainability Netwalks, Edinburgh, various dates Your Wild Nature 3 Day Women’s Retreat, Scotland, 30 May – 02 Jun 2025.

Events for sustainability leaders

About the Podcast

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Leadership for Sustainability
Helping sustainability directors, managers & pioneers make change happen.

About your host

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Osbert Lancaster

Facilitator, consultant and trainer. 20+ years of helping leaders and managers of organisations large and small deliver change for people and nature. Led the development of the University of Edinburgh’s pioneering sustainability strategy. Co-created a UNESCO recognised leadership programme. Aspiring improv performer. Facilitation mantra: Talk less, listen more.