“We Need to Dramatically Accelerate and Scale Sustainable Transformations”

Philipp Ober joined our team with a clear focus on scaling up transformations toward greater sustainability as part of the recently launched CSCP brainchild, the co-do lab. Learn how he aims to combine his background on start-ups and digitalisation with CSCP’s experience and knowledge base to help organisations transform now!

Can you share more about your past experience and how that informs your current work?

With a background in economics, I started my professional journey at a consulting firm that blends elements of a start-up with the expertise of a conventional consulting company. One area I focused on was sustainability consulting. Recognising the increasing significance of sustainability in today’s business landscape, I planned and led diverse projects across multiple sectors, helping companies implement sustainable practices and strategies. Additionally, I introduced digital and scalable processes to streamline marketing and sales efforts. These technological advancements enabled us to reach a wider audience and effectively measure the outcomes of our activities. These are all relevant elements to my current work, especially within the co-do lab.

What’s the co-do! lab in a nutshell?

The co-do lab is a do tank launched by the CSCP to scale sustainable transformation. As such, it represents a unique opportunity to spearhead the transformation journey as a new do tank while also benefiting from the extensive experience and knowledge base of the CSCP. This blend of entrepreneurial spirit and established expertise sets the stage for an exceptional undertaking. Our primary focus within the co-do lab is to scale the transformation towards sustainability. We have a variety of action fields that are centred around providing organisations with the necessary support throughout their transformation journey. From offering a real taste what sustainable solutions could look like in practice and where the journey could go, to initiating suitable pilots to drive tangible progress, and finally, to enabling teams across the organisation with tools and skills required to successfully transform.

In your view, what are the biggest opportunities when it comes to scaling sustainability?

Firstly, the shift in mindset regarding sustainability presents a major opportunity. Organisations are increasingly recognising that sustainability is not just a moral obligation but also a strategic imperative. This realisation opens the door for integrating sustainability into the core business, rather than treating it as an add-on. Embracing sustainability as a fundamental aspect of operations allows for scalable and impactful changes.

Secondly, advancements in technology and digitalisation offer transformative opportunities. From data analytics and smart tracking systems that enable businesses to efficiently manage and reuse resources, reduce waste generation, and create closed-loop systems, to utilising digital platforms for an immersive digital learning experience and knowledge sharing, technology can enhance efficiency and accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices on a larger scale. Embracing digital tools and solutions can revolutionise sustainability efforts across sectors.

Lastly, collaboration and partnerships play a vital role in upscaling sustainability. No single entity can tackle the complex challenges alone. By fostering collaboration among different stakeholders and players, we can pool our collective expertise, resources, and networks to drive substantial progress. Creating platforms for knowledge exchange, facilitating cross-sectoral partnerships, and aligning efforts towards shared sustainability goals can amplify the impact and success of sustainability initiatives and create a more holistic and integrated approach.

What does it take for an organisation to be able to successfully transform?

In my view, successful organisational transformation requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses multiple steps and considerations.

Inspire: The journey begins with inspiring the organisation. It is crucial to explore what is currently and soon possible and envision the future landscape in which the organisation aims to thrive. This can involve visiting futuristic spaces, engaging in conversations with transformation pioneers, and conducting future workshops. By broadening perspectives and igniting enthusiasm, organisations can lay a solid foundation for the transformation journey.

Define: Next, an organisation needs to define the specific areas of action on which to focus and integrate them into the overall business strategy. Furthermore, it is essential to initiate pilot projects that embody these sustainability aspects. These projects serve as tangible demonstrations of the organisation’s commitment to change and provide valuable insights for scaling up future initiatives.

Enable: To enable a successful transformation, organisations should equip all employees with the necessary tools, skills, and processes to adapt to the shifting landscape. As sustainability becomes embedded in the organisation’s DNA, it is vital to provide comprehensive training and support, ensuring that employees at all levels can fulfil the new activities and requirements resulting from the change.

Scale: The final stage of a successful transformation is scaling the change. To truly transform an organisation, the very way it operates should undergo a fundamental shift that reaches every employee. Concepts such as immersive digital learning journeys or well-designed train-the-trainer programs can play a vital role in exceeding vital tipping points within the organisation. By leveraging these strategies, organisations can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and drive significant change throughout the entire company.

For additional questions, please contact Philipp Ober.