Six Books on Sustainability and Impact

Summer is here and we all have more time to read. World references such as John Elkington, W Nordhaus or Sir Ronald Cohen, an impact assessment leader in a large multinational such as Sonja Haut, an expert in social entrepreneurship such as Liam Black and a delightful inspirational book from the Casa de Carlota by José María Batalla are the six recommendations for this year.

They are books for those who believe that the world is changing, that there is another way of doing business and that companies have to play a fundamental role in that change, from within, reinventing their way of working and placing positive impact at the center of their activity.

Tickling Sharks, by J. Elkington 

In his latest book, Elkington explores the world of business sustainability through metaphors and stories that invite us to reflect on the importance of innovating for a purpose beyond economic benefit. Reviewing his long history in the field of sustainability, Elkington, known for coining (and “discontinuing”) the term “triple bottom line”, emphasizes the need to balance social, environmental and economic impact to ensure a sustainable future for companies and society.

The book highlights cases of companies that have adopted sustainable practices and how they have managed not only to survive, but to thrive in an environment that is increasingly aware of environmental challenges. Through its pages, Elkington stresses that companies must act as agents of positive change, promoting inclusion and ethics at all operational levels.

Finally, “Tickling Sharks” offers not only a practical guide for business leaders on how to incorporate sustainability into their corporate strategy, but also how to know how to influence decision makers in a company so that they want to make progress on aspects that are central to sustainability.

The Spirit of Green, by W. Nordhaus

“The Spirit of Green” by W. Nordhaus addresses the intersection between economy and sustainability, proposing practical and political solutions to address climate change.

Nordhaus, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, explores how green policies not only benefit the environment, but can also boost economic growth.

Throughout the book, Nordhaus highlights the importance of carbon taxes and other market mechanisms as essential tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He argues that these approaches are not only effective, but also necessary to encourage companies and individuals to adopt more sustainable practices.

The author also examines the role of technological innovation and international cooperation in the fight against climate change. With an optimistic approach, “The Spirit of Green” proposes that, with the correct implementation of policies and global collaboration, it is possible to mitigate the effects of climate change and achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The Case for Impact, by Sonja Haut 

“The Case for Impact” by Sonja Haut defends the need to integrate social and environmental impact assessment into corporate and investment strategies.

Haut argues that companies have a crucial role in creating a sustainable and equitable future and provides a framework for measuring and managing impact.

The book presents a series of success stories and practical examples that demonstrate how companies can adopt an impact-based approach to generate long-term value. Haut emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in impact management, suggesting that these practices can strengthen the reputation and resilience of companies.

“The Case for Impact” provides tools and methodologies for business leaders and investors to evaluate and improve their social and environmental impact.

Haut concludes that, by prioritizing impact assessment, companies not only contribute to the common good, but are also better positioned to thrive in an increasingly conscious and demanding market.

Run Your Business Like Down Syndrome, by José María Batalla

“Run your company like a Down syndrome” by José María Batalla proposes an innovative and humane approach to business management, inspired by the qualities and values of people with Down syndrome.

Batalla suggests that characteristics such as authenticity, transparency and empathy can positively transform organizational culture.

The book is full of anecdotes and examples that illustrate how these values can be applied in the business environment to promote an inclusive and collaborative work environment, a central ingredient in the success of Carlota's House. Batalla argues that, by adopting these qualities, leaders can build more cohesive and motivated teams, capable of facing challenges with creativity and resilience.

It offers practical guidance for implementing these principles in daily management and argues that this approach not only improves the quality of working life, but can also lead to more sustainable and successful business results in the long term.

How to Lead with Purpose, by L. Black

It's a guide to how leaders can inspire and lead organizations based on a clear and meaningful purpose. From his extensive experience as a mentor to multinational managers and social entrepreneurs, Black assures that leading with purpose not only motivates employees, but also aligns the company's efforts with values and objectives that transcend economic benefit.

The book explores various strategies and techniques for identifying and communicating an authentic purpose, highlighting the importance of coherence between the company's actions and its stated mission. To this end, it counts cases of companies that have managed to integrate their purpose at all operational levels, improving the degree of permanence of employees in the company and a stronger reputation in the market.

In its final chapters, “How to Lead with Purpose” offers practical advice for leaders to promote a purpose-centered organizational culture. Not only is this approach ethically correct, but it's also critical to long-term success, as today's consumers and employees increasingly seek to align themselves with organizations that share their values and commitment to positive impact.

Impact, by Ronald Cohen

‍This is the first summer that this book is available in Spanish. It was presented in October in our country in a event organized by the Impact Observatory, an initiative of Transcendent and the law firm Ontier.

The book focuses on the transformation of capitalism by incorporating social and environmental impact at the heart of business and investment decisions.

Cohen, a pioneer in impact investing, argues that it is possible to generate financial benefits while addressing social welfare.

The book examines various investment models that prioritize both financial performance and positive impact, presenting success stories and strategies implemented by leading companies and investment funds in the sector. Cohen advocates a paradigm shift where impact measurement becomes as important as traditional financial accounting.

“Impact” provides a detailed view of how individuals, companies and governments can collaborate to create a world where capital works at the service of humanity and the planet. Cohen argues that this approach is not only ethically correct, but it is also essential to address the most pressing global challenges.