Join Alexandra Bolton and Matthew Moss in a stimulating conversation with US board director Lisa Bougie. Lisa is a board director, strategic advisor and investor with extensive experience in consumer goods and fashion retail. Having worked extensively in operations at Stitch Fix, Nike, Patagonia & Gap, Lisa made the jump to advisory roles, joining as independent director of several climate-conscious fashion companies. Additionally, as a venture partner at Alante Capital, Lisa has built a portfolio of value-led investments.

This episode takes a deep dive into the need for integrating sustainability goals into the company’s overall strategy. Lisa covers the challenges and opportunities of centralising sustainability efforts, the role of boards in fostering a culture of sustainability, and the importance of tying climate into the company’s purpose. 

Key messages

• Boards play a crucial role in shaping a company's culture and ensuring that sustainability is embedded in its strategy and operations. This involves moving beyond compliance and actively integrating climate considerations into the business strategy. Frameworks, such as TCFD, can help boards move away from merely disclosing information to actively engaging in climate solutions.
• To drive meaningful climate action, incentives must be aligned across the organisation, ensuring that individuals are aware not only of their responsibilities, but are also rewarded for achieving corporate sustainability goals. 
• It’s important to build interest and understanding among board members by providing education and clear communication about the risks and opportunities of climate change. This ensures everyone is on the same page.
• Whilst challenges exist, particularly in scaling sustainable solutions, taking immediate action and fostering collaboration within the industry are essential steps toward achieving long-term sustainability goals. As Lisa says, 'solutions exist to sustainability challenges; they are just not evenly distributed'.

Directors’ Dialogues is hosted by the Climate Governance Initiative, in collaboration with the Centre for Climate Engagement as its content partner. Each episode takes a deep dive into the stewardship journey of board directors and climate experts. Whether you are new to the climate governance space or an accomplished steward, this podcast will bring you closer to true voices sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes in navigating climate action and integrating it into the boardroom conversation.