Paul Hodgson, a Griffith graduate and Director of Sustainnovation, an organisation dedicated to helping other organisations develop sustainable business strategies, holds a lot of optimism that the Chinese will show some significant leadership in building a sustainable future.
"China is critical to us building a sustainable future globally. The environmental and social upheaval that has accompanied this emerging powerhouse has been great and generally has been managed in the same way the West has traditionally managed it – wait until there is a problem then try to convince people it doesn’t exist. Unfortunately for the West, and for China – the smog is catching them out. Gone are the days when the negative social and environmental issues associated with economic development can be hidden. The Olympic Games is shining a spotlight on some of these issues and forcing change.
However, I have a lot of optimism that the Chinese will show some significant leadership in this area. The Chinese are keen to continue growing their economy and, this will be ultimately hindered by any inability to become truly sustainable."
Paul started Sustainnovation with his wife in 2004, partly as a reaction to the growth of sustainability-driven innovation, partly due to his frustration at helping entrepreneurs do their "own thing" and wanting to join them, and also partly to his desire to live a more sustainable life himself.
"Simply put, Sustainnovation aims to help organisations be the best they can be by engaging all stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes. We do this by viewing the term ‘sustainability’ in a holistic way. We don’t just talk to companies about the environment, about their social impact or about their financial sustainability, we ask them what their customers, employees and communities think of them, whether what they are doing now can be maintained into the future without causing harm or whether they need to create a more positive future. We help organisations see the bigger picture – understanding the ramifications of their often short-term decision-making and profit-only focus."
Paul offers the following advice to alumni who want to head toward leading a sustainable future: "Don’t be afraid to be ahead of the pack – you can gain first-to-market advantage by showing leadership and being innovative. Really engage with people, inspire them, focus on creativity and collaboration and be honest and authentic. You will be amazed at the solutions that already exist within the minds of your employees, customers, communities and suppliers. Respecting their input will drive the motivation and loyalty to create sustainability for your business.
Alumni can get involved in assisting with our vision by thinking about their organisation strategically- are all stakeholders having their input? Do employees have real buy-in? Do communities feel proud that they house the organisation? Thinking innovatively (not just being ‘inventive’ but innovative!) about all aspects of the operation – what could be done better? And if you’d like some help along the way, then don’t hesitate to contact us."
Griffith University is proud to announce further opportunity to engage in discussions on energy, climate change and future challenges in the next 10-20 years with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Peking University.
Griffith Asia Institute Director, Professor Michael Wesley initiated the proposal for the 'China-Australia Future Dialogues' which are based on a series of three linked initiatives - an annual Asia Leader's Lecture, an annual second-track Dialogue, and an annual Emerging Leaders' Dialogue.
All initiatives focus on the relationship between Australia and China and on Asia's future, and discussions and lectures will be held in both China and Australia.
"Changes occurring in Australia's region, the international environment and the rapid economic growth of China and are driving new paterns of economic integration and creating new demands on energy and resources, bringing with them new challenges," Professor Wesley explained.
For information on how you can provide research scholarships to assist the Griffith Asia Institute, please contact:
Ms Fiona Mac Anally
Development and Alumni Coordinator (GBS)
Telephone: 0434 171 935 (from within Australia)
Telephone: 61 434 171 935 (from outside Australia)
Email: f.mac-anally@griffith.edu.au
