At Deedster, we believe that sustainability is not just a trend—it’s the future. A sustainable business model transformation is essential if we are to meet the growing demand for responsible practices and innovative solutions. At the end of August 2024, we gathered in Stockholm for the first event in our “Leading the Change” series, focusing on how businesses can lead this transformation. The event brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from finance, retail and tech, each sharing their insights on building a more sustainable world.
Hosted on the Ascaro Padel rooftop, the evening was full of inspiring conversations, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Our expert panelists provided thought-provoking insights on how to foster business innovation while addressing sustainability challenges.
Sustainable and Their Stories: What We Learned
Our discussion on sustainable business model transformation opened with trailblazing stories from retail innovators. Richard Woodbridge, CEO of Oscar Jacobson, emphasized that both businesses and consumers must take responsibility for creating sustainable spaces. “It’s easy to push responsibility around, but companies must create opportunities for customers to make informed, sustainable choices,” he said. His experience in developing Sustain by Oscar Jacobson showed how even a classic brand can innovate by promoting sustainability in a fun and engaging way.
Konrad Bergström, founder of X Shore, shared his journey in the electric boating revolution, highlighting that market adoption often takes time. “Experiencing the power of silence on the water will drive the electric revolution in boating,” he stated. His passion for electrification, along with the push from legislation, shows the potential for transforming entire industries by innovating with sustainability at the core.
Meanwhile, Patrik Christiansen of mResell described how their business model transformation connected consumers and the market to meet stock demand. By adjusting their approach, mResell turned a key in sustainable retail—showing how consumer awareness and strategic innovation can drive growth.
Sustainability in Finance: Leading with Innovation
The financial industry has a crucial role to play in the global sustainability transition. As Reto Ringger, founder of Globalance Bank, stated, “Investing in sustainability is one of the greatest opportunities of our lifetime.” However, for the financial sector to accelerate this transition, Reto stressed the need to rethink the regulatory framework. Short-term financial targets often clash with long-term sustainability goals, which requires innovative financial products and creative, forward-thinking investment strategies. “We need more long-term, innovative solutions to align investment horizons with sustainability objectives,” he added.
Gerda Mazi Larsson, CEO of Curitas Ventures, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing that it’s not enough to merely report on sustainability; financial actors must actively support the transition. She reminded us that backing entrepreneurs who are building the sustainable solutions of tomorrow is a dual responsibility—one that benefits both society and business in the long run.
Anja Hannerz, Group Head of Sustainability at Nordea, highlighted how sustainability is both a challenge and a business opportunity for banks. “Sustainability is the biggest challenge we face, but it’s also a competitive advantage. A sustainable business model holds lower risk, and over time, profitability and sustainability will go hand in hand.” Anja also emphasized the importance of leveraging data to guide decision-making. “The first step is collecting the data. Once we understand the impact, we can prioritize where to focus efforts and investments.”
Connecting Changemakers to Accelerate the Shift
Throughout the event, it was clear that businesses can no longer afford to delay action on sustainability. As each speaker noted, the future will belong to those who invest in sustainable solutions today—whether through retail, finance or other avenues. And while consumers must take responsibility, companies play an equally crucial role in educating, facilitating, and enabling sustainable choices.
As Konrad Bergström noted, “Building a company with sustainability at its core takes time, but with market demand and legislative support, the shift is inevitable.” This optimism was shared by everyone in attendance.
The evening wrapped up with mingling under the setting sun, as changemakers from various industries connected over shared goals for sustainability. The energy was palpable as guests continued the discussions that will undoubtedly spark future collaborations and innovations.
Looking Forward: A Call to Action
The “Leading the Change” event left us all energized and inspired. The key takeaway? To meet the challenges of sustainability, we need collective action, innovation, and the courage to rethink how we approach business. We are proud to be part of a growing movement that prioritizes impact alongside profitability, and we look forward to continuing to foster these important conversations and connections.
As we reflect on the insights shared, we are reminded that at Deedster, we too are committed to leading the change. Through our sustainability tools and data solutions, we help companies understand, measure, and reduce their carbon emissions, providing a clear path to a more sustainable future. Together, we can accelerate this shift and create a thriving, sustainable future for all.
Stay tuned for more events, and let’s continue to Lead the Change.
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