Get fresh finds from the world of corporate responsibility, sustainability + social impact delivered straight to your inbox, every other week. Each issue includes 5 thought-provoking links, a curated list of impact job opportunities, interviews with global impact leaders and loads of exclusive tools + resources for sustainable business professionals.
After a couple months offline on maternity leave, I’m slowly stepping back into the rhythm of work. And wow, what a moment to return to the sustainable business space.
Between the chaos wrought by the current U.S. government and its ripple effects across the impact world, the past few months have left many of us asking hard questions about our roles, our relevance and where we go from here.
For me, those big-picture questions were paired with a more intimate reckoning: Who am I now, as a mom of two? And how do I want to show up in my work?
One day during my leave, I met up with a close friend who also works in the impact space — one of those thought partners who always challenges my assumptions and helps me see things from a different perspective. When I shared what was on my mind, she suggested we try the ikigai exercise, a Japanese framework that explores purpose through four overlapping questions: What are you good at? What can you be paid for? What brings you joy? And what does the world need? (exercise shared in today’s 5 Links)
Thing is, we only had 10 minutes to get it done. Isabel chose that moment to start crying. My friend had to leave for school pick-up. But from the chaos — maybe because of the chaos — came clarity.
Newborn in one arm, I rapidly scribbled down the first words that came to mind, which happened to be the same for all four circles: COMMS.
👉 Comms, as in: thestrategic communications expertisewe offer our consulting clients to help them clarify their impact stories and figure out the who/what/where/when/how/why of sharing them.
👉 Comms, as in: designing practical, value-add resources and programming for our Change Hubmembership for sustainable business professionals.
👉 Comms, as in: resources like this very newsletter, meant to spark ideas, connection and action across our community of practice.
As I reenter this work, I’m recommitting to the power of comms to guide, to galvanize and to remind us of what matters during these uncertain times. And man am I excited about what that focus will bring for the year ahead. Thank you for being along for the ride!
P.S. If your organization could use a strategic communications thought partner, our consulting practiceis accepting new clients from August 2025. Just reply to this email or reach out here to start a conversation.
While I was out on maternity leave, the Change Hub was buzzing! Our members stepped up to lead “ask anything” sessions on topics like double materialityand TCFD; share their expertise via new trainings on CSRD, science-based targets and grievance mechanisms; and hold space for real talk on what’s next for our field. We also read the new book from Patagonia’s founders, met new friends through our matchmaking service and learned more about managing our energy and the power of “enough”. I continue to be impressed by what our members bring to the Change Hub and would love to welcome you in. If you’re interested but cost is an issue (as I know it is for many) just reply to this email and I’ll ping over a discount code.
In just a few months, the Trump administration has launched what one environmental lawyer called a “full-on fight club” against federal climate policy — dismantling regulations, freezing grant funds and sidelining science at a scale that’s stunned even seasoned watchdogs. This NYT round-up is a must-read for anyone needing to catch up. (12 min read; gift link)
You’re not imagining it: corporate sustainability is facing real headwinds, from political backlash to regulatory rollbacks. But this isn’t a reason to hit pause; rather, it's an opportunity to shift gears. This HBR piece argues for a steady, pragmatic approach that holds the long-term view in focus. Companies that keep their eye on values, localize and innovate will be the ones best positioned when the tide inevitably turns. (8 min read)
Ex-Unilever CEO Paul Polman wasn’t here for feel-good recycling tips this Earth Day (and honestly, fair enough). In a year where we’ve officially crossed the 1.5°C threshold into an “age of consequences”, Polman makes a compelling case that we still have the agency to meaningfully change course… if we have the resolve to take action. A timely gut check with a glimmer of hope. (4 min read)
Rejoice: Futerra co-founder Solitaire Townsend is now on Substack with a personal new newsletter, and her latest essay is the balm you need if you’re flirting with burnout (or running on disrupted sleep 🫠). Drawing wisdom from myth, literature and climate fiction, she reminds us that exhaustion isn’t failure — it’s a necessary part of any epic story. (6 min read)
Speaking of which… if you, too, are feeling a little unmoored lately, maybe the ikigai exercise can offer you a path back to yourself. Give it a try (crying newborn optional). You might be surprised by what emerges.
Rebecca Holliday is the Head of Customer Success and Impact at Groundswell and a member of the Reconsidered Change Hub. In this profile, she shares her experiences building a global cross-sector career, the value of fresh perspectives in the impact space and a critical “soft skill” for driving change within companies.
📣 Hiring? Reach thousands of exceptional candidates in a few clicks by booking a Sponsored Job Post here.
🎥 Most clicked from the last issue… The Story of 2050 Is Being Written Today — We The Hopeful. This duo of short films telling the story of Louise in two different versions of 2050 is one of the most powerful examples of climate storytelling we’ve seen in recent years — and feels even more relevant now than when we first shared it.
💥 In the Reconsidered LinkedIn Group, members are sharing impact awards, business support for social enterprises and webinars on AI skills for climate careers. Join 17,000+ of us here.
📣Whatever impact project you’re launching, you’ve got a dedicated audience of thousands rooting for you. Let ’em know what you’re working on by booking a Sponsored Post here.
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Reconsidered is a strategic communications studio dedicated to helping sustainable business leaders drive bigger, bolder, more sustainable change. Here are a few ways we can support your work:
✅ Helping your company articulate a brand-aligned impact mission and framework that clearly communicates who you are, what you stand for and how you make change happen
✅ Creating internal employee engagement strategies that use behavior change principles to integrate sustainability right into the core of your company’s culture
✅ Delivering non-sucky trainings and talks that leave participants feeling equipped, energized and reconnected with their sense of purpose
Get fresh finds from the world of corporate responsibility, sustainability + social impact delivered straight to your inbox, every other week. Each issue includes 5 thought-provoking links, a curated list of impact job opportunities, interviews with global impact leaders and loads of exclusive tools + resources for sustainable business professionals.
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