Building a Legacy Beyond the Bottom Line

Yesterday, I found myself seated on a panel among industry leaders at the 25th Hong Kong Forum among international attendees stretching from the Americas to Japan. We were there to discuss sustainability—a word that’s tossed around so often it risks losing its meaning. But as the conversation unfolded, it became clear: sustainability isn’t just a corporate checkbox or a trend to ride until the next big thing. It’s about legacy. It’s about the long game.

Our panel for the 25th HK Forum

In the midst of economic pressures and quarterly earnings reports, it’s easy to fixate on the immediate. The next sale, the next market share point, the next investor call. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if, instead of asking, “How does this benefit us now?” we asked, “How will this benefit the world in a decade?”

At the forum, the urgency of climate change was palpable. Policy regulations are tightening, yes. But waiting for top-down directives is no longer viable. Real change sprouts from within organisations—from leaders willing to integrate sustainability into the core of their business, not just as an appendage.

Consider Scope 3 emissions—the indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. They’re the silent contributors to our carbon footprint, often overlooked because they’re inconvenient to measure or manage. But ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear. Engaging with suppliers, customers, even competitors to address these emissions isn’t just good PR—it’s essential for our planet’s future.

In the food industry, this interconnectedness is even more pronounced. Systems thinking isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. We can’t afford to operate in silos anymore. Some of the best research in the future of our diets is done interdisciplinarily. Sustainability shouldn’t reside in a single department or with a dedicated team. It should be the thread that weaves through every decision, every strategy, every action.

The panelists for the 25th HK Forum (from left to right): Ms Stacey Chow, Mr Adriel Chan, Mr Joseph Law, Ms Pomam Lo and me!

At the panel, I talked about the influx of bright, educated talent entering the workforce—individuals armed with sustainable development degrees and fresh perspectives on sustainability. They’re eager, passionate, and ready to make a difference. Are we giving them the platforms to do so? Are we fostering a culture where sustainability isn’t just encouraged but expected? Are we really asking if their work is a tick box exercise or does it have meaning?

It’s time to balance the trade-offs and manage expectations. Perfection is the enemy of progress. Waiting for flawless data or ideal conditions only delays the inevitable. Start with small changes. Switch to cage-free eggs. Source from local suppliers. Seek out ethical products. Educate your team and your customers. These steps might seem insignificant alone, but collectively, they create momentum.

At a macro level, we need more than reports and benchmarks. We need action. At a micro level, we must challenge local perceptions that equate imported ingredients with superior. Quality and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive.

Collaboration emerged as a recurring theme at the forum. Working with landlords, tenants, even competitors can lead to innovations we wouldn’t achieve in isolation. It’s about creating win-wins, where what’s good for the planet is also good for business.

As I left the stage, I was hopeful that we got our message across: Sustainability isn’t about sacrificing profits for principles. It’s about redefining profit to include principles. It’s about recognising that long-term value outweighs short-term gains.

So here’s the challenge: Embrace action over perfection. Start now, start small, but just start. Break down the silos. Engage with your stakeholders. Leverage the passion of your teams. And remember, every choice you make today shapes the legacy you leave tomorrow.

The future isn’t a distant concept; it’s built on the decisions we make right now. Let’s choose wisely.

 

 

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