This is a summary of the book titled “The Adventure of Sustainable Performance: Beyond ESG Compliance to Leadership in the New Era” written by Dean Sanders and Stuart McLachlan and published by Wiley, 2023. In a world teetering on the edge of environmental and social collapse, the authors of this book invite readers on a journey that is both sobering and hopeful. The familiar rhythms of “business as usual” have pushed the planet to its breaking point, and the consequences of unchecked exploitation are now impossible to ignore. Stuart McLachlan and Dean Sanders, drawing on their experience with the green consultancy Anthesis, argue that the time for incremental change has passed. Instead, they call for urgent, bold action—an adventure in leadership that transcends the narrow boundaries of ESG compliance and aims for true sustainable performance.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a world in crisis. Social, economic, and political structures that once provided stability are now weakening, and nature itself—humanity’s indispensable partner—is showing signs of distress. The authors describe how exploitation has eroded the foundations of society, leaving the future uncertain and demanding a transformative response from leaders. Change, they insist, is no longer optional; it is inevitable. The old models of endless resource extraction and consumption have led to environmental degradation on a scale that demands immediate and accelerated action. Yet, the collective response has been hampered by outdated growth paradigms and a reluctance to embrace the necessary speed of change.

As the world’s strongholds—those entrenched systems and beliefs—begin to crumble, leaders are faced with a profound challenge. These strongholds, built to ensure stability and security, must now adapt or risk becoming liabilities. The authors urge leaders to navigate this transitional phase with courage, recognizing that the loss of traditional bastions will provoke anxiety and denial for many. However, visionary leaders have the opportunity to forge new, inclusive strongholds for the future, fueled not by fear but by excitement, ambition, and hope.

Modern capitalism and consumerism, with their linear “take, make, dispose” models, are unsustainable. Companies must shift to circular models, taking responsibility for product lifecycles and waste, and aligning with emerging regulatory and consumer demands. Stakeholder capitalism, which emphasizes responsibility and sustainability, offers a path forward that integrates long-term value creation with ethical considerations. Even the fossil fuel industry, once a pillar of economic strength, faces an inevitable shift as studies show that most fossil fuels must remain untapped to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.

The authors stress that denying climate science and clinging to outdated strongholds will only delay necessary change. To thrive in this new era, leaders must embrace complexity and let truth and scientific evidence guide their decisions. Organizations must take immediate, transformative actions to mitigate existential risks. The climate crisis, unlike other disruptions, demands a complete shift from old economic models to sustainable ones within strict timeframes. Leaders are compelled to decarbonize, develop alternative food sources, and bring humanity’s footprint within planetary boundaries, all while responding to rapid changes in regulation, capital access, and consumer behavior. Technology and AI are playing crucial roles, enabling innovative solutions and efficiencies in the circular economy.

The book illustrates the binary choice facing leaders through a vivid anecdote from Africa. On one day, survival depended on strict compliance with a guide’s commands during an elephant charge. On another, the authors found themselves drifting peacefully among elephants, transformed from fear to wonder by a guide’s assurance and their own willingness to embrace vulnerability. This metaphor captures the essence of the leadership challenge: compliance may offer short-term safety, but true sustainable performance requires courage, innovation, and a willingness to move beyond the barricades.

Businesses must abandon outdated, exploitative practices and adopt models that respect planetary boundaries. Scientists have defined these boundaries—thresholds for key Earth system processes within which humanity can safely operate. In many areas, humanity is already exceeding these limits, risking severe disruption. Adaptation, the authors argue, is essential. Like Darwin’s finches, businesses must evolve, shifting from competition to collaboration and nurturing respect for finite resources.

Purpose-driven leadership emerges as a central theme. Entrepreneurs like Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s demonstrate how integrating values into business can achieve both social impact and commercial success. Their commitment to human rights, social justice, and environmental sustainability transformed their company into a force for good. Similarly, Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard, transferred the company’s equity to a foundation, making Earth its sole shareholder and prioritizing environmental goals over short-term profits.

The concept of Creating Shared Value (CSV), developed by Michael Porter and Mark Kramer, encourages businesses to generate economic value while addressing societal needs. However, the authors caution that CSV alone may not guarantee the transformation of value chains; true change requires a fundamental shift in business models. New enterprises, described as “Day 2 natives,” are thriving by focusing on purpose and sustainability, turning modern challenges into opportunities where profitability follows impact. Companies like Tony’s Chocolonely, with its mission for slave-free chocolate, exemplify radical transparency and stakeholder loyalty.

Large, established companies face the complex task of pivoting and redeploying their assets for sustainable, inclusive value creation. Leaders must balance meticulous planning with adaptability, as illustrated by Unilever’s CEO Paul Polman, who integrated purpose and impact into the company’s brand promises. Nespresso’s AAA Sustainable Quality Coffee program and Reviving Origins project further demonstrate how innovation can transform risks into opportunities for value creation.