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View from the Top: Sustainability at A.T. Kearney
And the thought required to analyse issues of sustainability can be more complex than at first meets the eye. For example, it serves little purpose for a management consultant to suggest ceasing production in a far away country that is polluting or globally damaging, and simply re-implant it with cleaner processes and fewer transport miles closer to home, only to discover that the true cost would be to economically decimate an already poor area of the third world. Solutions often need to be more complex, incorporating a holistic global perspective.
"We are the first ‘high value’ management consultants to make a global commitment to carbon neutral consulting".
Walking the walk
Indeed, the company feels it should not only lead by thought, but in the case of sustainability, by example. Christine Rivera confirms: “We are a strong believer that credible sustainability consulting requires our own commitment. We are the first ‘high value’ management consultants to make a global commitment to carbon neutral consulting. Specifically, we pledge to be carbon neutral in 2009. This means that through ambitious reductions in our own carbon footprint and offsetting investments in climate protecting projects, we will have a net impact of zero on the environment.” She continues, “It means that when clients hire A.T. Kearney, they will know that our efforts to deliver engagements on their behalf will not serve to increase their own carbon footprints.” Some practical examples include limiting internal travel, increasing the use of collaborative technologies, utilising more carbon efficient planes, hotels and rental cars, increasing recycling in all offices, and, where possible, seeking energy efficient locations and providers. Overall, the company is placing a priority on reduction over offsetting and regularly conducts pro-bono work around the world.
The imperative to lead by example has been set from the very top of the organization by chairman and managing officer Paul Laudicina, a committed advocate and author of the book World out of Balance. Local offices and regions are expected to innovate and adopt the most beneficial practices for their surroundings and offer many opportunities for staff involvement at all levels, which is actively encouraged. Initiatives may differ by location but the targets are set globally.
Getting involved
A.T. Kearney doesn’t hire graduates directly into a practice, preferring an initial broad exposure across sectors. But this is not to say that new hires cannot participate in sustainability-related activities. If an individual expresses a strong interest in sustainability, all effort will be made to staff that person on those projects. New hires can also get involved with local sustainability affinity teams, which meet on a regular basis and drive both the internal sustainability initiatives and external business development.
There are also opportunities to get involved with the global practice, to contribute to business development and to further the firm’s thought leadership, conducting research and publishing articles and white papers. Christine Rivera confirms: “The qualities we look for in the sustainability practice are the same as for the general consulting pool: strong academics with good analytical and communications skills. We look for individuals who are entrepreneurial, take the initiative and have a very collaborative style. If someone is interested specifically in sustainability, we look for a passion for the subject and a perspective that is balanced between environmental, social and economic interests. Any prior relevant experience would, of course, be a definite added plus.”
