BU411A: Business Strategy

for Sustainability
Winter 2025
Dr. Barry Colbert

Reflective Learning Log

Name: Carter Cooke

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
 Reflective Learning Log

The purpose of this learning log is to encourage and assist us in becoming reflective practitioners toward
more sustainable practice. The goal is to build our capacity for ‘integrative thinking’ – the ability to build
connections among ideas and (sometimes competing) concepts, so that we can find new ways to move
forward, and to build value for people and the world.

Reflective Learning Log (weekly entries). To get the most out of your Reflective Learning Log, you
need to put work into it. Think about this definition of reflecting from Professor Henry Mintzberg
([Link] ) from his book Managers, not MBAs:

“Reflecting does not mean musing, and it is not casual. It means wondering, probing, analyzing,
synthesizing, connecting—to ponder carefully and persistently the meaning of an experience to the self.
And not just about what you think happened but why do you think it happened? And how is this situation
similar and different from other problems? All of this requires struggling.”

Here are a few suggestions to get the most out of your Reflective Learning Log:
 Do it soon: Complete each week’s entry as soon as possible after class, while you can still
remember what we talked about.
 Make starter notes in class: Begin by jotting or typing some starting notes into the log in class.
The best notes are those that capture a particular point your found interesting or intriguing (i.e.
you want to know more about it), or that capture an idea or insight that you had (you are
encouraged to think for yourself in this course!).
 Process the notes further after class: Complete Step 1 through Step 5 of the log each week,
using Generative AI as a learning tool. The shape of the task each week will be for you to identify
points of interest from our dialogues, try to connect those points, and then enlist GenAI to help
uncover further points of connection. You then will relate these to a personal experience in
order think about how these ideas might play out in practice. Follow Mintzberg’s advice:
wonder, probe, analyze (break down into cause-effect), synthesize (connect dots b/w things).

There is no mid-term or final exam, so this log is the primary individual piece of work for the term.
You should treat it as though you are writing a blog post (or thoughtful exam question) each week,
and give it the time it needs. At the conclusion of the course, you will be asked to submit a short
thematic summary of your learning and possibilities for application to your own context.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 1 – January 7

Course Intro
Concepts
• Sustainability Definitions & Worldviews
• Course introduction

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1. C(S)R ≠ ESG ≠ Sustainability ≠ I found this interesting because so many people use these
Resilience terms interchangeably, but they actually are not the same.
This topic/idea stuck with me because it made me realize
that they are four interrelated, but distinct concepts in the
realm of business, environment, and governance strategy.

2. “On spaceship earth there are no Several quotes were highlighted in this week’s class, but
passengers, only crew.” this particular one intrigued me, because it communicates
– Marshall McLuhan how us as humans need everyone to pull their weight in
terms of addressing global sustainability issues. In other
words, we have a collective responsibility to protect Earth.

3. The Embedded View I found this framework interesting because it stresses the
importance of serving societal needs. We should embrace
the embeddedness of human society in the biosphere and
incorporate a sustainability mindset. We need to prioritize
human well-being and social equity through the economy.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related to one another? Do you see any
similarities? Do they share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or the world?
Write a few bullets.

• They all emphasize the importance of prioritizing sustainable practices and helping our planet.
• They all stress the significance of individual and collective responsibility and being accountable.
• Understanding the different concepts helps us gain more value from the quote and framework.
• All three underscore the idea of a balance between economic, environment, and society needs.

Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, like ‘write a 200-word essay integrating [topic A]
and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these topics…?’

Paste in the results here:

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
The interconnectedness of CSR, ESG, sustainability, and resilience, McLuhan’s concept of “spaceship
Earth,” and Embedded View highlights the critical importance of collective responsibility and a systemic
approach to global challenges. Though often conflated, CSR, ESG, sustainability, and resilience represent
distinct but interrelated facets of how organizations and individuals interact with the planet and society.
Understanding these distinctions allows us to tackle issues effectively by aligning strategies with specific
goals—whether focusing on corporate governance, environmental stewardship, or societal well-being.

McLuhan’s metaphor, “On spaceship Earth, there are no passengers, only crew,” resonates deeply with
the Embedded View. It suggests that humanity shares the same vessel—Earth—and every individual has
a role to play in its care and management. This metaphor captures the essence of collective responsibility
and underscores that sustainability cannot be relegated to a few actors but requires global collaboration.

The Embedded View further reinforces this by situating society within the biosphere and positioning the
economy as a tool to serve societal needs. This approach prioritizes human well-being and environmental
stewardship over profit-driven growth. These concepts form a cohesive narrative: that sustainability and
resilience require recognizing our shared responsibility and embedding practices that balance ecological
health, social equity, and economic functionality for the long-term survival of our planet and society.

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you or think offer
the most interesting insight. Write short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights (~50 words).

• For me, the most important idea is this notion of collective responsibility; everybody has a role to
play in protecting our planet and also ensuring the well-being of our society for future generations.
• Another idea that resonates with me is this idea of creating a harmonious balance between the
environment, economy, and our society; this is critical for our long-term survival and preservation.
• Both of these ideas were quite similar to what I identified in the previous step, but slightly more
detailed and in-depth to give me a better understanding of the concepts and support my learning.

In order to ensure that our society continues to thrive long-term, we need to accept the fact that collective
responsibility is required. All stakeholders must prioritize sustainability through engaging in actions that
support our planet and help to address global challenges such as climate change, societal inequities, etc.

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

These topics/ideas make me think back to when I was volunteering for the Gift of Giving Back Food Drive.
I learned firsthand the importance of collective responsibility and every individual playing a critical role in
the success of the food drive, much like McLuhan’s “crew” on spaceship Earth. Initially, I only thought of
the food drive as a fun initiative for local charities, but now that I understand terms such as sustainability
and CSR, I realize that it is only part of a larger, interconnected system. Donating food items was not just
about philanthropy, it was about fulfilling societal responsibilities, which aligns with the embedded view.
Going forward, I will spend more time trying to better understand how small, individual actions contribute
to larger goals (systems-thinking mentality). This will help guide me with regards to advocating for more
sustainable practices in my future communities, workplaces, and any other significant situations that arise.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 2 – January 14
Critical Thinking & Sustainability
• Management Education in The Age Of Ai
• Critical, Integrative and Design Thinking

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1. Management Education in Age of AI I found this topic interesting because it is directly relevant
to my generation; it is critical to understand what changes
are happening during this period, specifically how current
university students are using this generative software and
how it is impacting the job market and available positions.

2. How do you ensure employability I found this question intriguing because as individuals, we
and have a meaningful work life? need to understand what areas are valuable to be literate
in and what capacities we should possess to maximize our
chance of leading a fulfilling work life. We need to ensure
we are building the key skills to excel in the modern world.

3. Chris Jordan: Turning Powerful Stats I found this video interesting because to me, it highlighted
into Art (Ted Talk) the significance of perception on the individual person. It
was eye-opening scrolling through the slideshows in class
and observing the pictures that went along with the facts.
The huge impact that it conveyed made me feel emotions.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related to one another? Do you see any
similarities? Do they share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or the world?
Write a few bullets.

• Effective management education helps individuals develop the necessary skills for employment.
• Through developing key skills for a positive work life, you become more aware of societal issues.
• Gaining an understanding of societal issues can make you reflect on own skills in the workforce.
• They all stress the idea of taking action; developing competencies to make a societal difference.

Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, like ‘write a 200-word essay integrating [topic A]
and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these topics…?’

Paste in the results here:

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
In the age of AI, management education must adapt to prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce.
With the rise of generative software, it is crucial to equip future leaders with the skills necessary to
navigate the complexities of automation, ethical decision-making, and adaptability. As industries evolve,
students must learn not only technical proficiency but also how to integrate creativity, emotional
intelligence, and interpersonal skills into their professional lives to ensure meaningful work and impact.

Ensuring employability in this generation goes beyond technical expertise—it involves fostering a holistic
approach to personal and professional development. Chris Jordan’s TED Talk on turning powerful statistics
into art emphasizes this need for emotional engagement and critical thinking. By transforming abstract
data into visually compelling representations, Jordan highlights how perception plays a big role in shaping
awareness and inspiring action. His work illustrates that understanding complex societal issues requires
more than just numbers; it demands empathy and the ability to connect deeply with shared experiences.

Together, these ideas suggest that the future of education and work lies in integrating technology with
human-centric approaches. By balancing AI advancements with emotional intelligence and creative
problem-solving, individuals can thrive in a world where purpose, meaning, and impact are paramount.

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you or think offer
the most interesting insight. Write short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights (~50 words).

• For me, the most important idea here is this mentality of moving past solely hard skills (technical)
and starting to build essential soft skills like communication, creativity, emotional intelligence, etc.
• Another thing that resonates with me a lot is this idea of making yourself as marketable as possible
in the job market and ultimately doing your best to make a positive societal impact through work.
• Both of these ideas were fairly similar to what I mentioned in the previous step, but AI did a good
job of expanding more and discussing specific skills and other ways to maximize personal success.

As humans, we need to adapt as AI becomes more prominent in our lives in order to ensure employability.
Becoming well-rounded individuals by building key soft skills (i.e., communication, emotional intelligence)
in addition to hard/technical skills (i.e., editing, reading) will give us opportunities to lead happy work lives.

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

These topics/ideas make me reflect back to when I was doing a group project as part of the Laurier BBA
program, specifically New Venture. As we began working, it was clear that conducting thorough research
and analysis was important for producing high-quality work and receiving a high mark on the report aspect
of our grade. However, we initially struggled at communicating/collaborating effectively with each other,
and as a result, took us longer to complete tasks. As a result, we decided to reach out to our instructor for
tips on resolving this issue. Upon receiving feedback, we were able to improve our chemistry and actively
listened to each other’s ideas. This allowed us to produce a final report and presentation that reflected
our combined strengths (reached the semi-finals), helping me realize that possessing solely technical skills
is not enough to succeed in team settings. Going forward, I will keep in mind the importance of soft skills.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 3 – January 21
Global Sustainability Business Drivers
Concepts
• Overview Of Global Issues as The Context for Business Value Creation
o Climate, Energy, Food, Water, Cities, Innovation

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1. Greenhouse gas emissions will push I found this topic interesting because it represents a huge
warming to 1.5°C problem that us humans need to work to correct. As time
goes on, it will become more and more difficult to reverse
this trend if we keep prolonging taking effective action to
address this issue that has the potential to be irreversible.

2. The Accelerating Frequency of I found this idea intriguing because these events can have
Extreme Climate Events serious negative implications on us humans. Big disasters
such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires have very visible
negative impacts like infrastructure destructions. It shows
that we need to take fast action to decrease temperatures.

3. World Population Growth I found this concept interesting because while there could
be potential advantages like development and innovation,
there are also a lot of negative impacts that could be very
harmful to us if we do not slow down population growth,
such as a rise in demand for essentials like food and water.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related to one another? Do you see any
similarities? Do they share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or the world?
Write a few bullets.

• Greenhouse gas emissions and population growth both play a factor in climate change problems.
• As our population continues to increase, more humans are vulnerable to extreme climate events.
• All three topics point to the idea that human activities are directly responsible for harmful events.
• All of these ideas convey the need for immediate action to tackle issues and avoid further damage.

Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, like ‘write a 200-word essay integrating [topic A]
and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these topics…?’

Paste in the results here:

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Greenhouse gas emissions, the accelerating frequency of extreme climate events, and world population
growth are deeply interconnected challenges that demand immediate attention. As emissions continue
to rise, they push global temperatures toward a 1.5°C increase, which triggers severe consequences such
as rising sea levels, altered weather patterns, and the disruption of ecosystems. These changes exacerbate
the intensity and frequency of extreme climate events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, which
devastate communities, destroy infrastructure, and also results in significant economic losses for humans.

The fast growth of the world’s population, expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, further compounds
these issues. As more people demand essential resources such as food, water, and energy, emissions are
likely to increase, worsening the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the growing human population
means more and more people living in areas that are vulnerable to extreme climate events, heightening
the risks that they face. This creates a vicious cycle, where population growth leads to higher emissions,
which in turn fuels more extreme climate events, which further stresses already limited human resources.

To mitigate these intertwined challenges, instant action is needed to lower emissions, adapt to extreme
climate events, and address population growth sustainably. A global effort focused on emission reduction,
sustainable development, and resilience-building is vital for securing a safer future for Earth and humans.

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you or think offer
the most interesting insight. Write a short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights (~50 words).

• For me, the most important idea here is the negative consequences that could result if us humans
do not take immediate action and consistently work towards mitigating the impact of bad events.
• Another concept that sticks with me is this rapid rise in global human population, as this further
worsens climate change through an increased demand for key resources such as energy and food.
• Both of these ideas were similar to what I previously mentioned, but ChatGPT really painted me a
picture of how serious climate change and human population is and consequences that can arise.

As humans, we must take effective and immediate action to mitigate issues that come with climate change
and rising human population. It starts with understanding just how serious the consequences are if we sit
back and do nothing. A collaborative effort is needed to preserve our Earth and protect future generations.

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

These topics/ideas make me reflect back to when my family and I were trying to help the environment a
few summers ago. We decided to take small actions such as purchasing more energy-efficient appliances
and ensuring we were throwing food and drink items out in the correct bins. However, through exploring
these concepts more in-depth, I realize how these choices, while great to do, are a very small component
of a larger puzzle. For instance, during a heatwave over the summer that damaged our garden, I developed
a better understanding of how major climate events can have an impact on our daily lives, and how global
factors such as emissions plays a factor. These topics have transformed my perspective on the big picture
impacts of climate change and human population growth. Going forward, I will make an effort to discuss
and make my friends and other family members better aware of these issues to make a bigger difference.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 4 – January 28
Sustainability Transitions: A Multi-Level Perspective
Concepts
• Sustainability Transitions – MLP Framework
• THE AGENDA: WATER WOES

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1. Bloom’s Taxonomy I found this model interesting because simply just writing
down what you read or heard in class is not the best way
to think about critical topics. Instead, we should be trying
to use the new information that we learn in different ways
and draw connections between class content and real life.

2. Scarcity of Water I found this particular topic intriguing because the scarcity
of water is a huge global issue that needs to be addressed.
As our world population continues to increase, more and
more individuals are going to demand water, especially in
poor areas, resulting in an increase in water consumption.

3. Charting a Sustainable Water Future I found this specific idea very interesting because we need
to change our perspective from thinking that water is only
a commodity and start viewing it more as a shared global
resource. I believe that educating the future generation is
critical, so they can learn how to become water-conscious.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related to one another? Do you see any
similarities? Do they share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or the world?
Write a few bullets.

• Bloom’s taxonomy challenges us to think critically about water issues and how to plan for future.
• Bloom’s model supports evaluating knowledge, which is essential for developing water solutions.
• Both water scarcity and sustainability emphasize the importance of educating younger individuals.
• The shift in how we view water is like how Bloom’s taxonomy moves us past basic understanding.

Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, like ‘write a 200-word essay integrating [topic A]
and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these topics…?’

Paste in the results here:

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Bloom’s Taxonomy provides us a framework for developing critical thinking skills, which are essential in
tackling global challenges like water scarcity. Instead of just memorizing facts about water consumption,
individuals must analyze, evaluate, and apply knowledge to create sustainable solutions. With the world’s
population growing, water demand is rising, particularly in vulnerable regions. If society does not take
proactive measures, water shortages will become increasingly severe, impacting millions of human lives.

To address this crisis, we must shift our perception of water from a commodity to a shared global resource.
Charting a sustainable water future requires individuals to think critically about their consumption habits
and advocate for responsible policies. Bloom supports this by promoting deeper learning, encouraging
people to connect knowledge with real-world applications. Through education, future generations can be
taught to evaluate the environmental impact of their actions and implement more sustainable practices.

By integrating Bloom’s Taxonomy with discussions on water scarcity and sustainability, we can empower
individuals to think critically, solve problems, and take meaningful action. Ensuring a sustainable future
requires awareness and a fundamental change in how we learn, act, and think about water conservation.

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you or think offer
the most interesting insight. Write a short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights (~50 words).

• For me, the most significant idea here is challenging ourselves to move beyond simply memorizing
facts about water issues and make an effort to analyze and evaluate knowledge to create solutions.
• Another concept that resonates with me is shifting our mindset in terms of how we view water,
because poor areas are not fortunate like us, so we need to start viewing it as a valuable resource.
• Both of these ideas were on the same line of thinking as me, but ChatGPT helped expand more on
the key implications of water-related problems and how we can foster a more sustainable planet.

As humans, we need to make a conscious effort to think more critically about issues such as water scarcity
and promoting a more sustainable future. We can use Bloom’s Taxonomy as guidance for how to go about
educating ourselves and the future generations, requiring a shift in perceptions and fundamental learning.

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

These topics/ideas make me think back to when I visited a rural area. Throughout my childhood, I never
really paid attention to water conservation because I was really fortunate and it was always accessible to
me. However, during my trip, I learned firsthand how having low access to clean drinking water impacted
the daily lives of individuals in the area. The most eye-opening thing to me was watching people travel on
long walks to collect water, making me realize how much I have taken my living situation with high access
to water for granted. Looking back on this experience by applying Bloom’s Taxonomy, I now understand
the significance of not just knowing about water scarcity but also searching for effective solutions. Going
forward, I will try to be more mindful of how much water I am consuming on a daily basis and also make
a strong effort to educate my family and friends about using water responsibly to promote further action.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 5 – February 4
Climate and Energy
Concepts
• THE AGENDA: CLIMATE AND ENERGY
• Vision for Change: RethinkX

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1. Technology Cost Curves I found this particular topic intriguing because I think that
it is significant to see how the technologies that exist are
improving at different rates over time. It allows businesses
to make better informed decisions regarding how they will
implement existing technology with sustainability in mind.

2. Canadian Climate Change I found this concept interesting and worthwhile because it
is important to understand the factors that are impacting
our planet. Rapidly increasing temperatures are resulting
in higher sea levels and changing oceans, among several
other consequences that need to be effectively mitigated.

3. Climate Change Mitigation Strategies I found this specific idea very interesting because adopting
effective strategies for reducing the climate change effect
will provide our planet with more stability and disruptions
will be lowered. Taking action now is better for minimizing
harmful consequences as opposed to delays and inaction.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related to one another? Do you see any
similarities? Do they share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or the world?
Write a few bullets.

• Lower technology costs makes it easier to create integrative solutions for tackling climate change.
• Understanding climate issues is essential before brainstorming effective strategies for mitigation.
• They all highlight the criticalness of developing and implementing long-term sustainable solutions.
• They all exemplify the importance of early action regarding climate change instead of costly delays.

Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, like ‘write a 200-word essay integrating [topic A]
and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these topics…?’

Paste in the results here:

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Technology cost curves, Canadian climate change, and climate change mitigation strategies are all very
interconnected through their emphasis on sustainability and informed decision-making. As technology
continues to advance, the cost of adopting innovative solutions, like renewable energy or carbon capture
systems, steadily decreases. Businesses can leverage these trends to make more sustainable decisions,
reducing their carbon footprint while maintaining economic efficiency which is essential for the future.

In the context of Canadian climate change, the rising sea levels and increasing temperatures serve as
urgent reminders of the need for early action. Mitigation strategies, like transitioning to clean energy and
protecting ecosystems, become more viable and cost-effective as technology improves. These ideas share
a key assumption: proactive investment in innovation leads to better environmental/societal outcomes.

Furthermore, each concept shows the importance of collaboration between industries, governments, and
individuals. Just as technology cost curves reveal the value of planning, mitigation strategies require
sustained efforts to prevent long-term damage. By adopting an integrated approach, society can balance
technological advancement with environmental stewardship, ensuring a more stable/sustainable future.

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you or think offer
the most interesting insight. Write a short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights (~50 words).

• For me, the most significant idea here is being able to capitalize on the decreased technology costs
to integrate sustainable long-term climate change solutions that ensure stability and sustainability.
• Another concept that resonates with me is recognizing the need for early action and addressing
these issues now as opposed to waiting, which results in costly delays and more serious problems.
• Both of these ideas were similar to what I mentioned in the previous step, but AI did a great job
of expanding more and discussing other key factors to consider when addressing climate change.

As humans, we need to recognize the importance of addressing climate change issues now and leveraging
the decreased costs that come with technologies to develop and implement long-term sustainable climate
solutions that will ensure stability on our planet and also set future generations up for continued success.

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

These topics/ideas make me reflect back to when I was playing competitive sports, specifically ice hockey
and lacrosse. Similar to how organizations should strive to remain updated on technological advancements
and sustainability in their respective industries, I have learned how essential it is to be able to adapt and
make my own informed decisions regarding performance enhancement and training. For instance, I came
across fitness apps through my own research that allowed me to collect data regarding my off-ice training
results and track improvements over time. As a result of this, I was able to more effectively improve my
in-game sports performances, just like how companies should leverage decreased costs in technology to
maximize efficiency and sustainability efforts. Moreover, through competing in outdoor sports growing up,
I have experienced warm temperatures that had a huge impact on practices and games, so I recognize the
importance of reducing your environmental footprint. Going forward, I will advocate for environmentally
friendly initiatives such as eco-friendly hockey equipment and minimizing travel for both practices/games.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 6 – February 11
Conversation and Change
Concepts
• Managerial Conceptions of Sustainability
• THE AGENDA: THE FOOD ISSUE.

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1. The Broken Food System I found this concept interesting because the broken food system
presents various problems, especially on the individual level. A
large portion of people are malnourished, and an even larger
number of humans are obese, creating an imbalance that needs
to be effectively addressed. One thing that we can implement
immediately is starting to educate consumers on portion control
and responsible consumption, helping alleviate this imbalance.
2. The Meat Industry I found this topic really intriguing because I personally consume
a lot of red meat, and so I wanted to take a deeper dive into the
key issues associated with this industry. Meat production is a
large contributor to problems such as water pollution through
greenhouse gas emissions. Another notable issue is the health
problems that people experience from consuming these specific
animals, such as infectious diseases and bacteria that is harmful.
3. Benefits of Cultivated Meat Industry I found this idea very interesting because I want to learn how I
can benefit by moving away from supporting traditional ways of
farming. The better controlled environment reduces the chance
of diseases, so it is healthier. It also will result in more free land
to support other human practices that benefit the environment.
In my opinion though, the most notable benefit is the decreased
pollution that will occur from the lower global warming effects.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related? Do you see similarities? Do they
share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or the world? Write a few bullets.
• Similarly to how we can better educate consumers on portion control and responsible consumption, we can
also prioritize the education of cultivated meat benefits, which in turn will help to alleviate the broken food
system through reducing the reliance on resource-intensive foods such as red meat and restoring a balance.
• The broken food system struggles mainly with sustainability, and this rise of cultivated meat will help with
this issue, because it makes food production more efficient and healthier, promoting individual well-being.
• Both the meat industry and the broken food system contribute to health problems through poorly produced
foods for humans that require lots of energy and resources, harming both the environment and human lives.

Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, like ‘write a 200-word essay integrating [topic A]
and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these topics…?’

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
The broken food system promotes a global imbalance, with widespread malnutrition alongside rising
obesity. A major contributor is the meat industry, which consumes vast resources, generates pollution,
and increases health risks like antibiotic resistance and zoonotic diseases. Addressing these issues requires
consumer education on responsible food choices and portion control to increase health and sustainability.

A promising solution is the cultivated meat industry, which offers a healthier, more sustainable alternative
to traditional meat. It eliminates antibiotics, reducing disease risk, and also has a lower environmental
footprint, requiring less land and water while also lowering emissions. By reducing reliance on resource-
intensive livestock, cultivated meat can help to further resolve inefficiencies in our production methods.

Beyond health and environmental benefits, cultivated meat frees up agricultural land for food crops or
reforestation, improving food security and combating climate change. Educating consumers on both
portion control and cultivated meat benefits could drive a shift towards a more balanced, ethical, and
sustainable food system that benefits both people and ensures a more sustainable planet for the future.

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you or think offer
the most interesting insight. Write a short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights (~50 words).

• For me, the most significant idea here is recognizing that the meat industry plays a significant role
in the broken food system, specifically global imbalance, and needs to be addressed immediately.
• Another concept that resonates with me is the important benefits that result from cultivated meat
production, like the reduced risk of diseases and increased eco-friendliness from its environment.
• Both of these ideas were similar to what I mentioned in the previous step, but AI did a great job
of elaborating on how these topics are directly related and how the key issues are interconnected.

As humans, we need to recognize that our food system is broken and needs to be addressed effectively in
order to restore a global balance. By closely analyzing the meat industry specifically and its implications,
we can see that opportunities like cultivated meat exist, which provide health and environmental benefits.

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

These topics and ideas make me reflect on the fact that I grew up in a home that consumed red meat on
a regular basis. If I am being fully honest, I never once cared to think about the negative impact of my food
choices. However, after listening to the food issue agenda and taking my own deeper dive into the broken
food system and the implications of the meat industry, I will start to reconsider my diet and choice of foods
going forward. I also want to highlight that I have seen firsthand on numerous occasions large amounts of
wasted food and overconsumption on behalf of myself and other family members, especially on holidays.
Developing and gaining a better understanding of the food issue has transformed my perspective, as I will
now begin to conduct my own personal research and discover more efficient and sustainable ways to eat
the high-protein foods that I desire, such as plant-based or cultivated meat options that has a much more
positive impact on our planet. I cannot promise that I will eliminate red meat entirely, but I will take steps
towards making smarter food choices. In the future, I also want to better educate others about this topic.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 7 – February 25
The Sustainable Value Framework 1
Concepts
• Cost & Risk Reduction, Reputation & Legitimacy, Innovation & Repositioning

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1. Four Conceptions of Sustainability I found this concept interesting because the four conceptions of
sustainability can be used by organizations to reflect and better
improve their approach to sustainability. Many companies often
struggle with balancing profitability and sustainability, as well as
how to best proceed going forward in both the short and long-
term. Organizations can place emphasis or focus in on a specific
category depending on their future goals, objectives, and plans.
2. Mindsets Matter Because… I found this particular idea intriguing and important to highlight
because it stresses the significance of moving to an integrative
mentality, which is critical for working towards really solving the
global problems in a more sustainable way. The verbal language
that we choose to use and the things we discuss influence our
actions. Developing viable business models that have both long-
term social/environmental benefits is vital for ensuring success.
3. Global Drivers of Sustainability I found this topic really interesting because these global drivers
of sustainability stress the idea that modern organizations need
to make new commitments in order to maximize value creation,
which is a central goal across most companies nowadays. They
also highlight the pressing need for organizations to modify and
adapt their strategies to leverage key opportunities and respond
to threats. Being proactive is essential for the long-term success.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related? Do you see similarities? Do they
share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or the world? Write a few bullets.

• The four conceptions of sustainability highlights the need for present organizations to adjust their approach
to sustainability, which is also required for navigating the global drivers of sustainability, which present the
modern companies with opportunities and threats that they need to consider to ensure long-term success.
• The mindsets matter idea emphasizes the importance of shifting towards a more integrative mindset, which
in turn, will offer companies new opportunities to further improve their business models and value creation.
• All three of these topics stress the significance of adopting an integrative and sustainable mentality in order
to shape action and develop new approaches toward building innovative, long-term solutions to problems.

Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, like ‘write a 200-word essay integrating [topic A]
and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these topics…?’

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Sustainability is a strategic necessity that requires organizations to shift their mindsets, frameworks, and
actions. The Four Conceptions of Sustainability outline different approaches, from reactive trade-offs to
integrative, value-driven strategies. Companies that embrace a Synthesizing mindset prioritize long-term
sustainability, leveraging stakeholder collaboration to create shared value for both business and society.

Mindsets shape sustainability outcomes, influencing whether organizations see sustainability as a cost or
opportunity. A win-win, integrative approach fosters innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage.
Rejecting outdated trade-offs allows businesses to develop solutions that benefits financial success and
environmental/social well-being. Sustainability drives business growth, not just a regulatory requirement.

The Global Drivers of Sustainability highlights why this shift is urgent and requires immediate attention.
Industrialization, social inequities, as well as technological disruptions are transforming industries, forcing
companies to adapt or run the risk of falling behind. Businesses that proactively respond by embedding
sustainability into their strategy will capitalize on emerging opportunities while also mitigating risks. By
aligning mindset shifts, strategic frameworks, and global trends, organizations can move from short-term
compliance to long-term success and sustainability, ensuring profitability and a positive impact on society.

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you or think offer
the most interesting insight. Write a short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights (~50 words).

• For me, the most important idea here is that sustainability, from a strategic standpoint, should be
prioritized by modern companies in order to effectively transform both their mindsets and actions.
• Another concept that resonates with me is that sustainability could drive strong business growth
and improve organizational business models to better create value and ensure long-term success.
• Both of these ideas were similar to what I mentioned in the previous step, but AI did a great job
of expanding more on these key topics and demonstrating how and why they are interconnected.

Present organizations need to adapt their business models and core strategies as market needs continue
to change. This starts by recognizing that sustainability is essential and requires companies to change their
mindsets and actions to drive growth and best manage opportunities/threats to ensure long-term success.

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

These topics/ideas make me reflect back to when I was preparing/training intensively for the 2024 World
Floorball Championships in Sweden. Leading up to the tournament, I was presented with the challenge of
balancing my short-term performance with long-term well-being. I noticed that many of my teammates,
including myself, pushed themselves past their limits to maximize short-term success, even when made
aware of the risk of burnout or injuries. However, after learning about this sustainable integrative mindset,
I have realized that long-term success should be prioritized over short-term gains. In other words, a healthy
balance between performance, recovery, and mental well-being is essential. Going forward in my floorball
career, I will aim to prioritize more sustainable preparation/training approaches and methods that focus
on mitigating injuries, mental resilience, and nutrition, as opposed to a short-term focus. This also extends
beyond sports, as organizations that incorporate sustainability in their strategy achieve long-term success.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 8 – March 4
The Sustainable Value Framework 2
Concepts
• Base of the Pyramid
• THE AGENDA: POPULATION & POVERTY

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1. Maternal and Newborn Health I found this topic really interesting because each year, 5 million
children under the age of five die from preventable causes such
as malnutrition, infections, and limited vaccines. Also, 300,000
women die annually from pregnancy/childbirth complications.
It just goes to show you how critical it is to invest in healthcare
innovations to help alleviate this problem and also ensure that
these people are able to get an education and lead healthy lives.
2. Education as a Catalyst for Economic I found this concept intriguing because of the challenges such as
Growth 250+ million people not being able to read, low-income families
struggling to afford school fees, books, and transportation, and
individuals being trapped in long-term poverty due to receiving
little to no education. It conveys how significant it is to invest in
impoverished areas so that these people can get a high-quality
education to increase their incomes and begin living sustainably.
3. The Role of Technology in Poverty I found this idea interesting because technology has been great
Alleviation in terms of reducing poverty through increasing financial service
access and also ensuring accountability. Within mobile banking
and blockchain, platforms such as M-Pesa help populations that
are unbanked manage their finances. AI and data analytics have
also been effective with regard to enhancing both efficiency and
transparency, as well as shifting away from traditional programs.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related? Do you see similarities? Do they
share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or the world? Write a few bullets.

• There is interdependence between health, education, and technology, because children and women being
able to lead healthy lives will provide them with the opportunity to attend school and receive an education,
which in turn will equip them with the knowledge/skills to utilize technology for economic/social purposes.
• The role of technology highlights the importance of navigating away from the traditional to more innovative
solutions, which will raise the amount of health/educational aid that can be provided to impoverished areas.
• The health component emphasizes how critical it is to invest in healthcare advancements to reduce poverty,
as it will increase individual access to educational resources/tools, which will help bolster economic growth.

Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, like ‘write a 200-word essay integrating [topic A]
and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these topics…?’

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Maternal and newborn health is the foundation of long-term societal well-being. When mothers receive
proper healthcare and infants survive early childhood, they have a greater chance of growing up healthy,
attending school, and contributing to economic growth. Without good healthcare, children face diseases
and malnutrition, which hinder their ability to learn and develop essential skills. Improving maternal and
newborn health is not just a medical issue but a necessary step towards breaking the bad cycle of poverty.

Education is a very effective way to promote economic mobility, yet low-income families struggle to afford
school fees, books, and transportation. Limited access to education traps individuals in long-term poverty,
making it hard to secure stable employment. Technology helps bridge this gap by providing digital learning
platforms and increasing financial access through mobile banking and blockchain solutions. When families
can access financial services, they are able to invest in education, leading to improved economic stability.

Together, they create a framework for poverty alleviation. Investing in one area strengthens the others,
demonstrating the need for comprehensive solutions. By improving healthcare and access to education,
and leveraging modern technology, societies can create sustainable development and long-term growth.

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you or think offer
the most interesting insight. Write a short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights (~50 words).

• For me, the most important idea here is that giving individuals proper healthcare will allow them
to lead healthy lives and have the opportunity to go to school and contribute to economic growth.
• Another concept that resonates with me is that modern technology like AI/data analytics allows
for digital learning platforms and increases access to financial services and investment capabilities.
• Both of these ideas were similar to what I mentioned in the previous step, but AI did a great job
of elaborating on how these topics are directly related and how the key issues are interconnected.

Modern organizations need to make smart and sustainable investments in fields like healthcare, education,
and technology in order to boost economic growth. By ensuring that mothers and infants can lead healthy
lives and implementing AI, they will have the opportunity to become well-educated and secure good jobs.

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

These topics/ideas make me reflect on my experience volunteering for the Gift of Giving Back Food Drive.
During my time with the organization, I saw firsthand the negative impact of food insecurity on low-income
and less fortunate families, especially children, and how important it is to maintain a good nutrition plan
for educational success. This connects to the idea of maternal and newborn health and how difficult it is
to alleviate the issue of poverty. Moreover, I have realized how both education and technology can provide
opportunities for individuals with financial problems. For example, some of my friends have utilized online
learning and financial aid programs to access education they would not be able to afford otherwise. Going
forward, I want to support causes/initiatives that integrate health, education, and technology to address
the concerns of poverty more holistically. I am not sure whether this will be through further volunteering
or advocacy through my future law degree, but I do know I am interested in supporting long-term change.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 9 – March 11
Societal Learning: Multi-sector Collaboration
Concepts
• Societal Learning: Single, Double, Triple Loop
• THE AGENDA: SUSTAINABLE CITIES

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1.

2.

3.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related to one another? Do you see any
similarities? Do they share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or or the
world? Write a few bullets.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, such as ‘write a 200 word essay that integrates
[topic A] and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these three
topics…?’

Paste in the results here:

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you, or that you
think offer the most interesting insight. Write a short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights
(~50 words).

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Week 11 – March 25
Innovation for Sustainability
Concepts
• THE AGENDA: INNOVATION for SUSTAINABILITY

Building your integrative thinking.

Step 1: Identify some ideas to work with. Select 3 ideas or topics to consider from our class dialogues or
the preview materials. What did you find most interesting (something important, or that I did not know
or had not thought about before), or most intriguing (something I would like to learn more about) –
bullet lists are fine here.

Topic or idea Why I found this interesting or intriguing

1.

2.

3.

Step 2: Think about connections. How might these ideas be related to one another? Do you see any
similarities? Do they share any underlying assumptions, or objectives, or effects on people or or the
world? Write a few bullets.

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
Step 3: Use AI as a learning tool. Ask a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to help you find
connections among these ideas. Give it clear directions, such as ‘write a 200 word essay that integrates
[topic A] and [topic B] and [topic C]’ or ‘are there underlying assumptions in common among these three
topics…?’

Paste in the results here:

Step 4: Your ‘muscle building’ (because you don’t get stronger by watching others lift weights).

Read what was produced by the GenAI. What for you are the more important ideas here? How do they
compare to the ideas you listed under step 2? Highlight the ones that resonate with you, or that you
think offer the most interesting insight. Write a short paragraph of your own to crystallize the insights
(~50 words).

Step 5: Relate to your own experience. Can you relate that to something in your own life? Think of an
incident or from a workplace, social or family situation. How could these ideas help you (or others) see
this situation differently? What might you do differently in the future? (~150 words)

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert
 Reflective Learning Log Summary ~750 words

This is a chance to practice ‘integrative thinking’: to look back across the thoughts that you captured
after each session, and to crystallize a few thematic ‘takeaways’ – things you might like to take
forward in your life and work.

Process:
Read through your notes from each session, and consider the many conversations you have been
part of, both in class and in your Learning Team work on the Strategic Sustainability Re-Invention
project.
 Are there any ideas that standout for you?
 Are there any themes that you can see running through those ideas?
 Can you see any shift in your thinking from the beginning of the term?
Write a summary (750 words) of the ideas you think are worth remembering, and why.

My Summary of Learning:

Business Strategy for Sustainability

B. Colbert