199: Beyond Box-Ticking: Building Trust and Impact with Jim Massey

In this episode, we talk to Jim Massey. He is the best-selling author of Trust in Action and the soon-to-be-released Risk in Action. He’s also the founder of Eastward, a company rethinking how organizations see and act on risk. A former Chief Sustainability Officer at AstraZeneca and Zai Lab, Jim has spent his career helping leaders turn trust, ethics, and innovation into impact.

During this episode Jim shares how he’s advised boards, led bold ESG agendas, and built simple models that cut through the noise so leaders can act. Outside of work, he’s a traveller, a dad, and co-author of the Amazon #1 bestseller GeoKids. Jim’s all about turning big talk into bold action.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[00:00]- Introduction to Sustainability and Business Ethics

[03:05]- The Journey into Sustainability

[06:11]- Trust and Human Behavior in ESG

[09:14]- Navigating Certifications and Transparency

[12:07]- Focusing on Sustainable Development Goals

[17:57]- Innovation as a Catalyst for Change

[24:43]- Navigating the Land of Next: AI and Innovation

[31:43]- The Path to Net Zero: Understanding Emissions

[36:10]- Transformational Leadership: Bridging the Gap

[41:09]- Risk, Trust, and Fear: A New Framework for Action

Where can people find our guest?

LinkedIn

Website

Book

Key Takeaways:

• Businesses must move beyond box ticking to create real impact.
• Trust and ethics are essential for sustainable business practices.
• Transparency is more valuable than certifications in building trust.
• Focusing on specific Sustainable Development Goals can drive meaningful change.
• Innovation should be viewed as a catalyst for sustainable practices.
• Human behavior plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of ESG initiatives.
• Risk should be seen as an opportunity for growth and change.
• Companies need to address core issues rather than just the fringe parts.
• The journey to sustainability often requires a shift in mindset.
• Building trust involves doing what you say you will do. AI is advancing faster than regulations can keep up.
• Participation in AI contributes to its advancement.
• Risk should be seen as an invitation to innovate.
• Companies often have outdated policies on AI.
• The fear of job loss due to AI is prevalent.
• Transformational leadership is essential for change.
• Focus on scope one and two emissions for net zero.
• Transparency in corporate goals is crucial.
• Action is necessary to address climate change.
• Understanding and addressing fear can lead to progress.