On 11 March 2025, Business School Netherlands (BSN) hosted its 71st Goodmorning BSN! webinar, focusing on responsible leadership for sustainability. Featuring Olajumoke Omojuwa, MD/CEO of Pathlead Consulting, Finance, Homes & Properties Ltd, with reflections by Esther Kuponiyi, Human Resource Business Partner at Bank of Industry Ltd, and moderation by Lere Baale, CEO of BSN Nigeria, the session offered actionable insights for leaders aiming to drive organisational change while prioritising sustainability.
Why responsible leadership matters
Olajumoke Omojuwa kicked off the webinar by framing sustainability as a leadership imperative. She highlighted that responsible leadership for sustainability isn’t just about profits—it’s about balancing people, planet, and long-term organisational relevance. Drawing from John Kotter’s 8-step change model, she recommended “Our Iceberg Is Melting” as a must-read for leaders. The book illustrates how proactive change—starting with observation and team buy-in—can address looming challenges, a lesson she tied to sustainability goals. Omojuwa stressed that democratic and transformational leadership styles are key to fostering a culture where change thrives, ensuring teams are engaged and invested in the vision.
The role of change leadership in sustainability
Omojuwa outlined how leadership styles shape organisational responses to change. Autocratic approaches often face resistance, while democratic and transformational styles encourage collaboration and growth. She urged leaders to respond proactively to change rather than react, especially in a world of rapid technological shifts and environmental challenges. Esther Kuponiyi echoed this, noting that “organisational change is no longer optional—it’s either you innovate, or you die.” She cited examples like Nokia and Blackberry, companies that faltered by resisting change, underscoring the need for leaders to act as sustainability champions.
Practical steps for leaders
During the Q&A, Omojuwa shared three key takeaways for driving change: anticipate change before it happens, align strategies with sustainability goals, and ensure the planet’s well-being is central to decision-making. Kuponiyi added that integrating sustainability into an organisation’s vision starts with top-down commitment. She described her organisation’s approach—appointing change and sustainability champions across teams to embed impact into every decision. Building a culture of change, she argued, ensures sustainability isn’t a short-term initiative but a lasting legacy.
Navigating AI and sustainability
The discussion also touched on AI’s role in organisational change. Kuponiyi emphasized proactive adaptation: “AI was built by humans—it evolves with the information we provide.” She advocated for training staff and leveraging AI to innovate responsibly. Omojuwa, reflecting on her experience at Rockshield Microfinance Bank, noted AI’s benefits—like seamless customer service—but cautioned against risks like cybersecurity threats, urging leaders to balance innovation with responsibility.
A call to action
The webinar closed with a powerful reminder: sustainability is about creating impact that outlives us. As Kuponiyi put it, “Sustainability is not business as usual—it’s about doing good.” For leaders, this means embracing responsible leadership to drive change that benefits both their organisations and the planet.
Take part in our Goodmorning BSN!
Join the discussion every Tuesday morning at our weekly global webinar Goodmorning BSN! at 08:15 am (CET).
If you would like to replay other webinars, check out our Goodmorning BSN! YouTube Channel.
