Key Takeaways From Green Biz

by SBC Board of Advisor, Michelle Miller, Sustainability Manager NA, Symrise

As one of the leading global events for sustainability professionals, GreenBiz 2026 offered a powerful opportunity to connect with peers, share practical insights, and explore how business can lead in a rapidly changing landscape.

Leaving GreenBiz, one theme stood above the rest: this is a defining moment for corporate sustainability.

The conversations reflected a reality many of us are feeling—growing expectations, shifting policy landscapes, tighter resources, and increasing scrutiny. But the message wasn’t pessimistic. It was clear and consistent: this is the moment for business leadership.

Not just to maintain momentum, but to strengthen the business case, embed sustainability deeper into operations, and lead with resilience, value creation, and long-term thinking.

A FEW KEY TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ We’re in the middle of the story.

The work isn’t easy. Many teams are operating with limited resources, too few allies, and growing public disengagement. “Solutions don’t appear when the path is clear,” declared Jen Morris from the Nature Conservancy. But this isn’t the end of the story—it’s the middle. Our role is to keep writing the next chapter with persistence, creativity, and optimism.

2️⃣ Accountability follows power.

If organizations expect meaningful results, sustainability leaders need real authority and the tools to deliver. The Chief Sustainability Officer isn’t just reporting progress—they are the company’s compass. Their role, influence, and resources need to match the expectations placed on them.

3️⃣ Policy may shift. Business leadership must endure.

Regulatory environments can change quickly, but the business risks and opportunities tied to climate, resources, and supply chains remain. Long-term progress depends on companies setting the direction and leading—regardless of policy uncertainty.

4️⃣ “Find what brings you joy—and do more.”

This work is a marathon. Yalmaz Siddiqui, VP Sustainability at Walt Disney vocalized that reconnecting with purpose, celebrating progress, and making space to recharge gives us the energy to keep moving forward and continue writing the next chapter.

5️⃣ Focus on value and resilience.

At its core, sustainability is about strengthening the business—reducing risk, improving efficiency, driving innovation, and building long-term resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.

As I reflect on my time at GreenBiz 2026, what stays with me most is the sense that our work is evolving into its next phase. The conversation is shifting—from ambition to execution, from commitments to operational reality, and from external pressure to internal ownership.

The path forward won’t be simple. Resources will remain constrained. Expectations will continue to rise. Policy and market conditions will change. But the opportunity is clear: to integrate sustainability more deeply into how our businesses operate, make decisions, and create value.

This next chapter will require us to think differently about how we lead. It means focusing on the projects that deliver real impact and measurable value. It means building stronger partnerships across operations, finance, procurement, and leadership. It means empowering sustainability leaders with the authority and tools they need to drive change at scale.

It also means taking care of the people doing this work. Progress in sustainability is built on persistence, collaboration, and long-term commitment. Creating space to recharge, celebrating progress along the way, and staying connected to purpose will be just as important as any strategy or roadmap.

Building Resilience Together

As sustainability moves from ambition to operational reality, leaders need more than strategy, they need community and credible frameworks to drive progress.

Through SBC membership, organizations gain access to expert guidance, peer learning, and recognized sustainability leadership through the Green Masters Program®.

LEARN MORE

Most importantly, this is a moment for business leadership. When companies focus on resilience—improving efficiency, reducing risk, strengthening supply chains, and preparing for uncertainty—sustainability becomes more than an environmental or social initiative. It becomes a driver of performance, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

The challenges ahead are real. But so is the momentum. Across industries and organizations, there is a growing community of leaders committed to doing the hard work of implementation and continuous improvement.

We are still in the middle of the story. The decisions we make now—where we invest, what we prioritize, and how we lead—will shape what comes next.