There’s no single road map for leading on sustainability. But across Australia, a growing number of leaders are showing what it looks like in action. They’re stepping up to make the tough calls, ask better questions and find new ways to do business that benefit not just shareholders but communities and the planet too.

Our 2025 Sustainability Spotlight, proudly sponsored by All Care Australia Group, shines a light on these standout leaders. From reducing waste and rethinking supply chains to embedding purpose in company culture, they’re walking the talk. And importantly, they’re proving that responsible business is smart business.

Here, they share the insights, advice and hard-won lessons that have helped them lead with purpose and stay the course when it counts.

2025 Sustainability Spotlight

Emma Lewisham, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Emma Lewisham 

“Never accept ‘impossible’ as an answer. If someone tells you something can’t be done, that’s often a sign you’re onto something worth pursuing. Many of the things we’ve achieved at Emma Lewisham – circularity, luxury refills, carbon positivity – were initially met with doubt. But progress is made by those willing to challenge assumptions and persist beyond what others think is achievable.”

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James Thornton, CEO, Intrepid Travel

“The biggest lesson when it comes to sustainability is not to let perfection stand in the way of progress. The most important thing is to start and then to continually build on that and improve. At Intrepid, we’ve found having a framework to guide our journey has been very important. We wanted a recognizable and rigorous framework that applied to all types of businesses, not one that was travel specific – so we became a certified B Corp in 2018, joining businesses like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and Aesop. The B Corp badge is recognized by customers, but more importantly, the framework provides a clear structure and pathway for constant improvement.”

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Anna Fowler, CEO, Lorna Jane Activewear

“Start with purpose and stay committed. A key step for us was partnering with the Seamless initiative as a founding member, and we’re proud to be working alongside them to help drive industry-wide change. Progress starts with small, meaningful steps, and when we empower women to shop more consciously and make sustainability part of the conversation, we’re not just reducing waste – we’re helping to build a future where fashion is both mindful and circular.”

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Sean Farrell, Country Manager ANZ, Ben & Jerry’s

“Just get started. Perfection is the enemy of good enough, so get cracking on your journey by starting small and earning the right to speak. And remember, you need to truly believe in the change you’re aiming for, otherwise your fans will know. Plenty of companies choose a ‘purpose’ and set up marketing initiatives, which get dropped the second things get tough. The path isn’t easy, but if you believe in what you’re doing, it is absolutely worth it.”

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Brad Scott, Director, Transmutation

“Be curious and practical. The well-planned journey you start on will not be the one you finish on. Let the path unfold in front of you as you move forward. The trick really is to be always moving forward.”

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Jarrod Montigue, National Manager Operations, Roll’d Australia

“Cultivate a culture of engagement by providing comprehensive training to empower employees as sustainability champions; communicating sustainability efforts transparently to all stakeholders to build trust; and actively seeking collaboration opportunities with industry peers, suppliers and community organizations to amplify collective impact. Remember, sustainability is a continuous journey, not a destination.”

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Goro Gupta, CEO, Ethical Property Investments

“You can’t build something meaningful if you’re only thinking about the next 12 months. What’s worked for me is zooming out and asking: What legacy am I leaving here? Will this still stand up in ten years? Will people still benefit from it long after I’m gone? Making decisions from that place changes everything.”

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Pamela Jabbour, Founder and CEO, Total Image Group 

“Progress matters more than perfection. It’s easy to feel like your efforts aren’t big enough or impactful enough, but every small step – whether it’s switching to sustainable packaging, engaging ethical suppliers or reducing waste – adds up. Before you know it, you’ve built a solid foundation for real, measurable change. So just start! Take the first step, no matter how small, and trust it will lead to something greater. That’s what we did, and now, we’re recently B Corp-certified.”

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Spiros Dassakis, former Chief Policy Officer, Swimming Pool & Spa Association

“Don’t overcomplicate a program that will get in the way of progress. Start where you can, and then build from there.”

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Richard Kirkman, CEO and Managing Director, Veolia Australia and New Zealand

“Be bold. No-one has ever regretted an audacious plan for improving the health of people and the planet. Success in delivering your plan is simply about maintaining the motivation and direction of your people.”

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Vincent Nair, Executive Chairman and CEO, Smartech Business Systems

“Businesses must integrate environmental responsibility into their core strategies rather than treating it as an afterthought. Reducing electronic waste, choosing eco-friendly consumables and implementing managed print audits – these are just a few of the steps companies can take to make a lasting impact. By working together, the industry can move toward a more sustainable future.”

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Julia Hoy, EVP Responsible Business, Sefiani, part of Clarity Global

“Sustainability is an evolution, not a destination. Learn from setbacks, adapt your strategies and continue to push forward with a focus on long-term goals.”

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Jake Warner, Founder and Managing Director, PSC Energy

“You have to build for where you’re going – not where you are. Don’t wait until the wheels are turning at full speed to start thinking about systems, structure or sustainability. Build like you’re already running a national company. Build like your decisions today will affect 100 people tomorrow – because they will.”

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Rosco Jewell, Founder, AmazingEV

“Taking action looks different for every individual and every business. It’s important to take the time to assess your own business, values and what you truly believe in. The concepts of ‘sustainability’ and ‘environmental impact’ cover an enormous range of issues. So reflect on what drives your passion. Then, weave that passion into your business goals and objectives.”

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Brodie Haupt, Co-Founder and CEO, WLTH

“Everyone has a choice to do what they think is best for themselves and their community. Remember, helping your community ultimately benefits yourself – because whether you like it or not, we are all part of a community.”

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David Pollington, Managing Director, ACEN Australia

“If I can end each day being able to say that I have acted in line with leaving this world better than I found it, then I know I’m living my commitment to make a positive difference. Ask yourself if you can do the same.”

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Michael Choi, CEO, Ark Energy

“Approach sustainability with courage and as a long-term investment. It’s essential to see sustainability as an operational priority as well as a strategic business requirement.”

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Rosanna Iacono, CEO, The Growth Activists

“In a world demanding more than just profit, your purpose is your guiding star. Don’t let external pressures dim its light. Lead with a clear vision, inspiring your team and your industry to follow. Ignite your organization with a renewed sense of purpose, making it the driving force behind every decision and action. Become the beacon that others look to, proving that business can be a powerful force for good.”

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David Gagovski, CEO and Managing Director, Cleaning Melbourne

“Lead by example. I’ve worked on-site and know the challenges firsthand by getting involved. True leaders inspire by doing, not just directing. The best leadership comes from experience, not just decisions made from an office.”

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Jeff Sykes, CEO, Solar Choice

“Share personal stories of the challenges you’ve overcome to progress towards lowering your footprint – it’s one of the best ways to inspire others.”

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David Larocca, CEO and Regional Managing Partner, EY Oceania 

“Collaboration and leveraging diverse expertise are crucial for driving sustainability – no one organization can act alone. By working together, we can develop the strategies and solutions needed to address complex sustainability challenges.”

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Megan Keleher, Deputy CEO, Great Southern Bank

“Delivering on your sustainability ambitions doesn’t sit solely with the sustainability team; it’s a company-wide commitment. Educate your teams, involve them in the journey and share success stories – internally and externally.”

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Peter Jones, Founder and Managing Director, Prological

“Bridge the ambition–action gap. Global sustainability targets must be translated into locally relevant, financially viable actions. Start by understanding your specific context and constraints before committing to ambitious goals.”

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Rick McElhinney, CEO, Sunshine Hydro

“Build a strong team, create a culture of growth and never underestimate the power of shared knowledge. When people feel valued and inspired, they don’t just work toward a goal – they drive lasting change.”

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Tracy Melenewycz, CEO, Brisbane Sustainability Agency

“Integrate sustainability into every aspect of organizational strategy. Set clear goals, measure progress and engage stakeholders at all levels. Collaboration and partnerships are also key to amplifying impact. Embracing innovation and partnerships can significantly enhance the efficiency and reach of sustainability initiatives.”

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Jim Round, CEO, VicReturn

“Always focus on people first. Hire the best people you can. Set a clear vision and be ambitious with it. No-one gets galvanized by a mediocre objective. Support, empower, but also hold people accountable. There are a lot of good people in the community who want to make a difference – if you give them an avenue to do this, they will embrace it.”

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Kylie Lloyd, Senior Principal Environmental Scientist, Geosyntec Consultants Australia

“Taking action on sustainability can feel overwhelming, but starting small makes a big difference. Switch to reusable alternatives, support ethical businesses or plant a tree. Small steps like these can create a ripple effect that inspires others and leads to lasting change.”

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Michael Elias, Founder and CEO, UPPAREL

“Starting a business is an exciting but challenging journey that requires a clear vision, resilience and adaptability. It’s important to solve a real problem or meet a genuine need, as this will keep you motivated and help attract loyal customers. UPPAREL is first and foremost built to protect and preserve the planet for the next generation.”

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Wade Ziems, CEO, Grace Loves Lace

“True sustainability is built on innovation, accountability and continuous improvement. Businesses must take a holistic approach – sustainability should not be an afterthought but an integral part of design, production and operations. And remember, empowering people is at the heart of meaningful change, whether it’s supporting female entrepreneurs globally, creating ethical jobs or equipping future generations with the skills to uphold sustainable practices, people drive impact.”

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Cassie Price, CEO, OzFish

“We can no longer afford to dabble around the edges of environmental restoration. We are in dire need of not only stopping, but reversing, the trends of environmental decline. The only way we can do this is with brave decision-making and bold actions for environmental restoration.”

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Elliot Costello, Co-Founder and CEO, Phantm

“Sustainability has been losing momentum because we’ve been bolting sustainability into business for too long. To achieve real change, we need to bolt business into sustainability. So make it easier for your people to do the right thing. That’s where the greatest impact lies.”

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Shyamal Pal, Founder and CEO, Electrifying Australia

“The renewable energy journey is ongoing. Every year brings new challenges, new policies and new technologies – but the goal stays the same: to build a cleaner, fairer and more sustainable future. We all have a role to play. And if we work together, we can make real, lasting change.”

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Ian Travers, CEO, Extent Heritage

“In working with Australia’s Aboriginal custodians, I’ve learned that managing Country requires a much greater breadth of understanding than is allowed by our narrow Western disciplines. We must not allow the fact that we have been pigeonholed and demarcated according to profession, training or legislation to undermine the need for a holistic approach that considers the broad experience and sustainability needs of our environment and communities in the round. We need to listen to the whole story, try to understand the full context and collaborate as far as we can to manage the complete picture.”

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James Tetlow, Executive Director, Overwatch Energy

“You will do better work, are more likely to fulfill your potential and enjoy yourself more if you can make a living aligned to your values. Don’t be overly distracted by salary. Hire smart people.”

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Geoff Heard, Director, Fytogreen

“Embrace sustainability by continuously innovating and adapting to ensure long-term success and environmental benefits.”

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Tim Parkinson, Managing Director, Energy Aware

“Don’t wait. The sooner businesses start their sustainability journey, the greater the long-term benefits. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress. Every step toward renewable energy brings us closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

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Mark Breitfuss, Managing Director, Epic Environmental

“Collaboration is the key to driving real environmental change. No one organization can solve the climate crisis or deliver the energy transition alone. But by bringing together industry, government and communities, we can achieve meaningful, lasting impact.”

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Richard Campbell, Managing Director, HydroTerra

“When it comes to environmental management, we have two paths to choose from: stick with the usual ways of doing things or embrace innovation and try something new that could lead to better results for both clients and the environment.”

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Ravi Naidu, Managing Director and CEO, crcCARE

“Embrace innovation. Creativity in technology can unlock solutions that we have yet to imagine. Sustainable development calls for bold investments in R&D and a willingness to explore novel approaches.”

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Tim Stubbs, CEO, WolfPeak

“Challenge the traditional approach of prioritizing business and economic growth, which often forces environmental and human considerations to fit around these priorities. Instead, consider an alternate perspective: understanding the constraints of human beings and the environment as the natural starting points and then asking how business can fit into that. How would our behaviors and actions change if these were our starting points?”

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Emma Maratea, Director, Rhelm

“Challenges are inevitable. But embedding a commitment to sustainability in all of your endeavors not only enables you to make a substantial impact on the world but also brings fulfillment in your professional life.”

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Mark Dunn, CEO, Wattwatchers

“Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity. Sustainability and ESG can quickly become complex, especially in the face of evolving frameworks, reporting requirements and expectations. But the most effective strategies are always the ones that make things easy for people to understand and act on.”

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Damien Vella, CEO, Breen Group

“For a successful circular economy, it is critical that all industry stakeholders raise the bar on the production of quality recycled materials and products. Collaboration with the New South Wales government is also important in developing sensible and workable regulations that appropriately balance the need for a circular economy with the protection of the environment and human health.”

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Pablo Kraus, Group CEO, ecostore

“There is only so much that can be achieved when it comes to moving the dial on climate change when a business is acting in isolation. But when businesses band together and share knowledge, data, insights and experiences, real change is possible. Working together for the sake of industry, and on a wider scale, for the world, enables everyone to reach their goals faster, have a bigger impact and paves the way for emerging businesses that want to add their voice to the sustainability chorus.”

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Katie O’Malley, General Manager – Corporate Affairs, BMD Group

“Adopt a holistic approach to sustainability, considering the impact on people, the planet and communities, and continuously seek innovative solutions to drive positive change.”

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Jamie Woeltjes, Founder and Director of Operations, The Essential Candle Co

“Sustainability is an evolving journey, and there’s always room for improvement. If you make a mistake or hit a roadblock, it’s not the end – it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. The key is to stay open-minded, be willing to pivot when necessary and never stop seeking better solutions.”

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Ewelina Soroko, Founder and CEO, Sustainable Salons

“As leaders, we need to encourage action even if the solution isn’t perfect from the start. The journey of change begins with the first step, and that small step can lead to remarkable results. If you wait for everything to be perfect, you’ll never begin. Take that first step, and allow the path to unfold.”

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Jarrod Bosanko, Co-Founder, Climate Logic

“Define the impact you want to make and align it with your strengths. And embed sustainability at the core, ensuring sustainability is not an afterthought but a fundamental part of decision-making in business, design and strategy.”

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Maria Quigley, Manager – Fundraising and Communications, Big Group Hug

“You likely have more data at your fingertips than you realize. Start by assessing what your organization is already achieving and use that as a foundation for change. Engage your colleagues by celebrating small wins, taking incremental steps and fostering a shared vision. Crowdsourcing ideas and setting ambitious yet achievable goals can inspire collective action and drive meaningful environmental impact.”

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Greg Caleo, CEO and Co-Founder, Cybermate

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of believing in your mission. When you truly believe in what you’re doing, it becomes easier to inspire others and stay committed to your goals.”