Daniella Vega on Systems Thinking and Sustainable Business Models

Daniella shares some of the challenges in achieving sustainability targets, such as transitioning to a circular system and reducing food waste. She also highlights the opportunities in the food system to inspire customers to make healthier and more sustainable choices. Daniella reflects on her previous experience in the fashion industry and how fashion can become more sustainable.

Lastly, she discusses the evolving role of the CSO and the importance of systems thinking and business transformation.

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Takeaways

• The role of a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) in the food retail industry involves addressing challenges related to health and sustainability, such as transitioning to a circular system and reducing food waste.
• Opportunities in the food system include inspiring customers to make healthier and more sustainable choices, and leveraging the scale of large food retail brands to have a significant impact.
• Fashion can become more sustainable through initiatives like using recycled and upcycled materials, implementing circular models such as rental and resale, and shifting towards selling experiences rather than products.
• The role of the CSO is evolving, and in the next five years, CSOs will need to balance reporting and compliance with a focus on systems change and business transformation.
• Mindset shift and education are crucial in driving sustainability initiatives, and partnerships with organizations like the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) can help facilitate this shift.