Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough

by Rajeev Peshawaria

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Sustainability

322 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2023

Reviews

[♡ Diyasha ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✦ 𝑅𝐸𝑉𝐼𝐸𝑊 ✦ 𝑆𝑈𝑆𝑇𝐴𝐼𝑁𝐴𝐵𝐿𝐸 𝑆𝑈𝑆𝑇𝐴𝐼𝑁𝐴𝐵𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑇𝑌 ✦

𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔: 3.6

• In "Sustainable Sustainability," the author provides a unique approach to business success by uniting profit and purpose. Peshawaria critiques the ESG framework for prioritizing compliance over creativity and for stakeholders, society, and the environment. 🍂

• By highlighting examples such as Paul Polman's leadership at Unilever, Peshawaria demonstrates how stewardship can lead to financial success while tackling social issues. Peshawaria questions the ESG framework's emphasis on compliance to the detriment of innovation in favor of advocating for steward leadership as a more well-rounded strategy. 🌙

• The author's writing style is both urgent and easy to understand, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience through compelling storytelling and insightful analysis. He communicates with a combination of urgency and accessibility, presenting complex ideas to a wide audience through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis. 🌟

• Although "Sustainable Sustainability" deviates from a traditional narrative structure, its thematic coherence and logical progression render it a compelling piece. With a narrative voice that is both authoritative and accessible, Peshawaria makes complex concepts digestible to readers of all backgrounds with his clear, compelling, and imbued with a sense of urgency. He explains sustainable leadership with clarity and conviction using vivid storytelling and insightful analysis.🌤️

• Peshawaria's detailed and compelling analysis in "Sustainable Sustainability" suggests that the book would benefit from including a wider range of perspectives and a deeper exploration of potential challenges to the stewardship concept. Despite this, the book provides a thought-provoking and relevant examination of the current challenges and opportunities facing our planet. Through skillful analysis and a captivating narrative, Rajeev Peshawaria presents a compelling vision for a more sustainable future based on stewardship and cooperation. 🌿

[Deepthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon seeing the book cover and title I assumed this book would be about the environment and sustainable goals, but it was much more than that. "Sustainable Sustainability," leadership expert Rajeev Peshawaria argues that the Environmental, Social, and Governance = ESG framework, while important isn't enough. He proposes a shift towards ESG to ESL = Environmental, Social & Leadership, more specifically, Steward Leadership, where companies prioritize long-term value for all stakeholders, not just short-term profits. 

The author criticizes ESG for encouraging compliance over innovation. He introduces steward leadership, where leaders are seen as guardians of the environment, society, and profit. His clear writing makes complex ideas accessible. He challenges traditional leadership models and inspires a focus on long-term value creation. Real-world examples added to the depth and credibility. The book weaves together theory and practical insights, urging readers to consider a more sustainable future.

Peshawaria's strength lies in simplifying complex ideas and his passion for change. His arguments are bolstered by real-world examples, leaving a lasting impression. The book could benefit from more diverse perspectives and practical implementation strategies.
For those invested in ESG, "Sustainable Sustainability" is a thought-provoking read. This book is for all those entrepreneurs and leaders who are interested in ESG in business.

[The Idle Mind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rajeev Peshwaria’s research and value driven book ‘Sustainable Sustainability’ at first glance felt like another book on how we should save the planet and promote sustainability at work. But, oh was I so wrong!

Without any prior knowledge about the author, his contributions in the world of business and more, I dived in to learn more about what sustainability means in 2024. Environmental, Social and Governance = ESG is the pain point that the author aimed to tackle by sharing his (and his team’s) expertise with the world. Moving forward, he wants to urge people to transform ESG to ESL = Environmental, Social & Leadership, more specifically, Steward Leadership, as a means to drive a sustainable future for our planet.

*Topics & Themes*
From breaking down the meaning of Steward Leadership to building a roadmap on how to achieve this goal, the book makes sure that a better collective future for all is your primary takeaway. With detailed case studies of brands to look up to as well as brands to learn lessons from, the book speaks to everyone, making them aware of the stakes that often get overlooked in the corporate jargon talks. It also gives you tools to help kickstart an ESL centred growth journey in the organisation that you are part of.

Some of the inspiring brand stories that I enjoyed learning about were Faber-Castell, Doi Tung Development Project and Riau Ecosystem Restoration (RER). While the stories of brands like Volkswagen, Boeing and Theranos made me vigilant on what it means to work in a company whose culture is akin to a dictatorship laser-focused on minting money.

*Who Is It For?*
For leaders, senior executives, small business owners, or even someone who is dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur - this book can become your bible on how to (and how not to) grow your brand while also making sure you don’t forget what really matters in the end.

For everyone else - this will be a benchmark that you can set for your professional associations. If you truly believe in a sustainable work-culture where everyone thrives (including the environment, the people in your company and the people you collaborate with outside of it), then this book makes you aware of the keystones of a good company v/s a bad one.

*Does It Land Well?*
While a little verbose at place, the book is well structured, researched and doesn’t get preachy. Its aim is to transform mere declarations into actions by guiding through the primary steps on this journey. It’s informative, but isn’t heavy to digest with too many new terms to understand and too many abbreviations to learn that you will forget once the page if flipped.

At places I did feel like the book tilted more towards Steward Leadership practices and less towards sustainability, but since both of them are interlinked, it didn’t stray too far too often.

*Is It Worth A Shot?*
Definitely worth a shot! It’s a non-fiction read with real-life stories to inspire you and help you grow.

[Book_withquotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Amidst calls for a more inclusive capitalism, we find ourselves grappling with the very tools that fueled its excesses. Adam Smith’s profit maximisation doctrine and Milton Friedman’s “sole responsibility of business to maximise profits” mantra have shaped modern economic thought. Yet, these incentives and regulations, intended to safeguard societal interests, often yield unintended consequences. Despite efforts to promote sustainability through frameworks like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), we witness rampant greenwashing and box-ticking. To tackle today’s challenges, we must pivot towards a values-driven revolution, embodied in steward leadership.

Everyone may relate to the book since it raises awareness of the issues that are frequently missed in conversations surrounded by business jargon. “Sustainable Sustainability” provides a useful road map for companies looking to balance profit and purpose in a world getting more complicated by the day. The author highlights the necessity of ESL in guaranteeing sustainable sustainability through these varied examples. The book emphasises the value of steward leadership, which prioritizes the welfare of society and the environment over benefit amplification.

This book serves as a manual for all ardent leaders who think that doing great things leads to great things. The author’s thorough research and background in the corporate sector provided a novel viewpoint on topics that are frequently seen from a single angle. This book is an honest effort to encourage and awaken the leader that every one of us possesses. All in all, it was a worthwhile book that helped me think strategically about how to make changes in my environment.

[Aditya Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sustainable Sustainability written by Rajeev Peshawaria is an important book in the present scenario. With the corporates of the world positioning themselves as carbon neutral and sustainability champions, the adherence to ESG cannot solve all the problems. ESG has its own limitations and that forms the crux of this book.

Through the case studies of renowned corporations like the Tata Group, Farm Fresh, Faber-Castell, Volkswagen, Boeing or the Doi Tung Development Project and Riau Ecosystem Restoration, the author highlights the reason why instead of Environment, Social and Governance framework, the Environment Steward Leadership, or the ESL framework. Steward Leadership creates possibilities for not only involving but also empowering the society and community to be an important stakeholder in the process.

The book is divided into three sections – part one introduces the reader to the concept of Stewardship and why Steward Leadership is important. Part two deals with insights from real life examples of corporates and part three talks in detail about the application of ESL. Rajeev has researched this book thoroughly and has structured his thoughts effectively. The book gives you various reasons as to why it’s high time that we make the community an important stakeholder as maximizing profit, revenue or shareholder’s wealth can’t be the sole objective of any business.

The case studies are succinct and communicate with great amount of ease the problems and challenges that each of the corporates faced and what they did about it or what are the remarkable steps they are taking for the betterment of the environment.
The book is an important read and if the subject of environment and sustainability interests you, it is a must read.

[hana ฮาน่า · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book ended me. once again, i committed the dangerous act of reading a thought-provoking book that would provoke way too many thoughts at this crucial juncture of my life (by this i mean the fact that i am a semester away from graduating and have to find a job soon).

an amazing book is one that makes me reflect more than i review. THIS is an amazing book.

the facets of steward leadership were pretty simple, they didn't have much impact on me until real examples were pulled in. however, the cases of good steward leadership sent me into a state of delusion where i (again!) desired to work a job that would give me purpose, and through it leave the world a better place than it was when i entered. and again! made me feel like Allah s.w.t. has placed me in this world to achieve something more than just accumulating money in my cpf. what else other than His plans for me could make me pick up such a book from popular and garner crazy, ambitious dreams from it? (again, i may simply be delusional.)

from the other end, the bad cases of sole profit-maximisation, restrictive company culture, and purpose-washing made me feel new levels of horror at people and corporations. the story of theranos was essentially a thriller/horror except it was not fiction. the lack of care people can have towards other humans in the pursuit of business expansion and profits is unbelievable. and it made me wonder if i would end up like that if i were in their positions.

just like that, a simple book about corporate sustainability, the need to replace the G in ESG with L for steward leadership, and the importance of making business decisions for the sake of all stakeholders, had me reconsidering my entire life henceforth (this section of self-reflection will finish offline). to conclude: this is a great book if you are into corporations, business, and curious to know just how much of a difference a "steward leader" can make in the running of a company to provide value to the world.

[Trishala Babur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review – Sustainable Sustainability – Why ESG is not enough by Rajeev Peshawaria

Growing up, I am sure that we have been taught about the importance of Sustainability and how efficient governance can help us achieve it. When I picked up the book, I assumed that the book would be about environmental regulations. However, It is safe to state that Rajeev Peshawaria has changed my viewpoint towards sustainable sustainability and ESG i.e. Environment, Sustainability and Governance and how in 2024, it is not the ONLY Solution towards achieving sustainable sustainability.

Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of ICLIF Leadership and Governance Centre and the Author of this book, through his experience and methodological research, while reiterating the importance of ESG and the manner in which it is enforced in our country, has introduced the concept of steward leadership and mapped out a roadwork on how one can incorporate the same in their businesses. Peshwaria presses on the need for authentic leadership in a corporate and sheds light on critical issues such greenwashing amongst others. His in depth research in the subject reflects with the exhaustive case studies that he has meted out in the book. The writing by the author is easy to understand and precise. I really enjoyed reading this book.

This book is thought provoking and a game changer and I highly recommend it to every entrepreneur or a reader / non - reader who dreams of starting their own company some day.

[Shrutika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book - Sustainable Sustainability
why esg is not enough
By - Rajeev Peshawaria

Be a leader for your Greener Future... As we know there is "No Planet B".

This book is a mean time need and a talk about important and big question of the time.

Author Mr. Rajeev Peshawaria (CEO of Stewardship Asia Center) combined his expertise in leadership and sustainability with compelling storytelling art and insightful analysis to convey his message.
The way he compiled the complex concepts to be easily absorbed by readers while maintaining momentum through practical life examples and case studies.

The sustainability theory and corporate practice without feeling overwhelming and compelling vision of future business, prioritizing long term value creation, social responsibilities and environmental awareness.
The importance of ESG and the current methods of enforcing these ESG standards throughout countries. Experience of author and his research which he presented his concept through real life examples.

This book compiled in three parts containing fifteen chapters, through eyes of and experienced person, the author himself, whose urge for World to transform from ESG ( environmental,social and governance) to ESL (environment, social and leadership), Steward leardership, for a sustainable future of our planet.
It's a thoughtful and eye-catching book for the generation for sustainable future.

[Abinaya Annadurai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sustainable Sustainability is a thought-provoking read by Rajeev Peshawaria. The book explores various viewpoints on laws and incentives. I loved how Rajeev provided a clear explanation of movements in the ESG landscape. The Author shows us both the benefits and drawbacks of ESG. This book showed me how a good business is important in human life.
The first part of the book deals with global challenges, the second part provides business tips to tackle these issues, and the third part shows stories of various companies with examples. The final part motivates readers to take necessary action.
This book stands as a valuable guidebook to protect our planet. The book explores ESG, here G denotes governance means incentives, rules and regulations. The book also explores ESL, here L denotes steward leadership. Rajeev Peshawaria argues to prioritize ESL over ESG.
The language used is simple and easy to understand. This book serves as a guide for achieving sustainable Sustainability. The main themes of Sustainable Sustainability are environmental, social and governance. I loved his exploration of nine Diverse case studies like Volkswagen and Faber Castell, which provides insights into the necessity of steward leadership.
Overall, I adored this book and would strongly recommend it to all.

[Arushi Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins by exploring the historical roots of the profit-maximization philosophy, referencing famous economists such as Adam Smith and Milton Friedman.

"Sustainable Sustainability" challenges the idea that profit and regulations alone drive businesses towards societal and environmental good, proposing innovation-focused sustainability strategies.

Through necessary observation and new thinking, the book delivers an inspiring goal for more diverse and ethical business leadership. The author effectively moves through the difficulties of modern capitalism, pushing for an evolution that prioritizes intrinsic values over compliance.
This contemporary resource is a must for businesses aiming to balance profit and purpose and go through the challenges of the twenty-first century with honesty and understanding.

Overall, the book is a gripping read that provides practical ideas in a friendly story style, making it a must-read for everyone interested in building a more sustainable future.
This book is an appealing mode of action for businesses to move beyond the limitations of standard ESG frameworks and adopt a broader approach to sustainability based on the ESL principles of environmental, social, and leadership.

[Puty · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, I thought this book was about how companies can take a more serious approach to tackling the climate crisis with a longer-term commitment (hence, SUSTAINABLE sustainability). However, this book is more about business and leadership. The author argues that ESG frameworks rely too much on incentives and regulation and too little on genuine willingness and responsibility toward sustainability. Therefore, instead of ESG, we should shift the G to L, from 'Government' to 'Leadership'.

This book offers some real business examples, and not all of them relate to climate crisis. Some emphasize on the company's values and communities ('S' aspects). This part reminds me of Simon Sinek's 'Start With Why', sharing stories about how some businesses with strong value purpose play the long game (e.g. Faber Castle), while others don't (e.g. Boeing, Theranos). Those who don't, sacrifice the Environmental and Social aspects for short term gain which is not sustainable.

This book offers a framework of stewardship for better leadership and a business ecosystem that can continue to grow despite the current climate and social crises. It's insightful for leaders and those in management positions but maybe too specific for a general audience.

[Shreemanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Sustainable Sustainability," Peshawaria explains how businesses can succeed by combining profit with purpose. He criticizes the ESG framework for focusing too much on rules instead of creativity. Using examples like Paul Polman at Unilever, he shows how good leadership can help companies make money while also addressing social issues.

Peshawaria writes in a clear and urgent style, making complex ideas easy to understand through engaging stories and smart analysis. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, even though it doesn't follow a traditional story format.

While the book's analysis is detailed, it could use more perspectives and a deeper look at the challenges of stewardship. Overall, "Sustainable Sustainability" provides important insights into how businesses can align success with social and environmental responsibility.

[readerkd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title and cover may lead you to believe this is simply another environmental studies book, but it offers a unique approach that might surprise you. Pollution, predominantly caused by industries and businesses, necessitates their involvement in finding solutions. The author keenly recognizes this, as evidenced throughout the book.

Emphasizing solutions, this book serves as a practical guide to achieving sustainability. It addresses the root cause: a consumption-driven lifestyle that prioritizes short-term gratification over long-term well-being and environmental health. This mindset, prevalent since the industrial revolution, has contributed significantly to our current predicament.

However, the book doesn't dwell solely on identifying problems; it's oriented towards solutions. It provides insights into how businesses can adopt sustainable practices, offering numerous examples for illustration.

Structured into three parts, the book covers ESG and ESL concepts, along with stewardship, in the first section. The second part delves into case studies of various businesses, providing valuable insights into implementing sustainable practices. Finally, the third part discusses steward leadership management and its application.

Overall, this book offers a fantastic read, presenting solutions in a simple narrative style complemented by insightful case studies and reference materials. It's a valuable resource for understanding and achieving sustainable sustainability.

[Paramita Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with an understanding of capitalism, including the roles of shareholders and the free market, this book provides a straightforward introduction to what it is.

First, it provides a proper understanding of ESG, including its history and current state. It then gives appropriate examples, such as Faber-Castell and the TATA group, along with favorable diagrammatic analysis.

In short, the environment needs better care for a healthy life, and the growth of the economy is important for sustainable living. We also need to focus on the gap between predicting and actual incidents.

There are nine elaborated case studies that show various steps taken by larger organizations. This allows everyone to have an idea of what needs to be done and, to some extent, how to contribute to environmental preservation.

The study also delves into managerial theories and their applications, which is an interesting part of the book. Overall, it is a well-researched book with countless important pieces of information.

[Riya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different read for me as I generally prefer easy fictional stories. In comparison, this book is full of information with a large amount of valuable content. It covers topics such as economies, environmental studies, sustainable planning, market structure, national advancement, global trends, and many more interesting and informative subjects.

Casual readers like me can gain a significant amount of knowledge and improvement from books like this, which not only highlight the negative aspects of ongoing environmental activities but also provide thoughtful sessions to help decide what to do next or, if interested, how to become a part of the revolution.

Good examples serve as motivation and a well-structured book is worth reading.

[Priyanka M · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Accountability is given to you, responsibility is what you feel. "


Sustainable Sustainability by Rajeev Peshawaria is an engaging book explaining why ESG (environmental, social and governance) is not enough and ESL (environmental, social and leadership) is the new way to go to attain sustainability collectively.

With a total of nine unique both successful and unsuccessful case studies that includes Faber-Castell, Doi Tung Development, Tata Group, Boeing, Volkswagen and others, the author explains why ESL is needed for sustainable sustainability. These examples really help you understand why the author emphasizes steward leadership ( stewardship) and how one can achieve great success when actions are purpose driven for everyone's growth.

This book is a guide for all enthusiastic leaders who believe that great things happen when you do great things. A very helpful book to understand why currently sustainability is the need of the hour and how you can achieve it.

[The Biblioraptor (Ankit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the annals of history, iconic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. stand as towering figures of courage and conviction. Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance led India to independence, Mandela’s unwavering resolve against apartheid brought democracy to South Africa, and King’s advocacy for civil rights transformed America. In the realm of business, Howard Schultz revolutionized the coffee industry with Starbucks, emphasizing community and sustainability, while Soichiro Honda’s entrepreneurial spirit catapulted Honda into a global automotive powerhouse. These leaders’ legacies of resilience, vision, and compassion continue to inspire generations, demonstrating the profound impact of leadership on shaping the world.

Rajeev Peshawaria, a globally recognized leadership expert with a charismatic and visionary public persona uses the people listed above to distinguish the qualities of ideal leaders who “strive to create a better future and never give up, no matter how hard it gets….do not give up because their motivation to strive is driven by a deep sense of values and purpose” from ‘Bosses’ who merely use authority to get others to do their bidding. Known for his dynamic speaking style and innovative insights, Peshawaria serves as the CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) in Singapore and is the founder president of the Leadership Energy Consulting (LEC) company in Seattle, WA, USA. He has authored and co-authored several influential books on leadership, including Too Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders, Open Source Leadership, and Be The Change which offer practical guidance and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business environments. With a global perspective and a passion for empowering leaders to unlock their full potential, he combines thought leadership with practical experience to inspire positive change and innovation in organizations worldwide.

Peshawaria’s latest book, Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG Is Not Enough looks at a new version of leadership specifically tailored to bear long-term sustainable benefits for all, especially at the age of rapidly worsening environmental conditions. Sustainable Sustainability talks about “steward leaders” who take accountability not just for the benefits of “shareholders, but along with them, a wide variety of stakeholders, society, future generations and the environment”. Peshawaria puts forward a highly effective alternative to ‘ESG’, (Environmental, Social, and Governance: in the context of the climate crisis, ESG refers to a set of factors that investors and other stakeholders consider when evaluating a company’s sustainability and societal impact) the current way of dealing with climate crisis by bringing in ‘ESL’ (Environmental, Social, and Leadership). He employs multiple corporate stories, observations and research to show that although the impact of ESG seems great at the surface level, it risks creating a breeding ground for rampant corruption-

1. “Overreliance on incentives based on formulaic measurements can cause bad behaviour like greenwashing and other types of fraud.”

2. “Regulation may prevent further harm but does not maximize good. Just because someone is law-abiding and refrains from indulging in bad behaviour does not make them a good, responsible person.”

3. “We need massive innovation to defeat climate change and socioeconomic activity. Regulation does not spur innovation — innovation cannot be legislated.”

4. “Shareholder-centric free market capitalism and the ‘invisible hand’ may have worked during economist Adam Smith’s 18th century, but it does not scale in today’s world of eight billion people.”

On the other hand, the author’s notion of stewardship Leadership “is the art of harnessing human energy towards the creation of a better future. However, as explained earlier, to address today’s environmental and social challenges, leaders need to see themselves as stewards of planet Earth and society and maximize their leadership energy by developing honest clarity of values and purpose”. Instead of creating a rule-reward-punishment driven system like ESG, Stewardship “requires the better future to be a collective one” and “the desire to create a collective better future must be 100 per cent genuine and driven by intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivators”.

A book about business leadership and sustainability is equally important as it might look to be on a rather bland side of the spectrum (if only one is not fond of the business non-fiction genre that is). However, Rajeev Peshawaria does make an honest attempt to pursue the readers through many case studies. Which include fascinating histories and stories of ‘successes’ by the standards of popular businesses like Faber-Castell, Mae Fah Luang Foundation, The Tata Group, Unilever etc. along with stories about the ‘failure’ of many companies such as Volkswagen, Boeing (as with the 737 Max), Diesel Gate etc. To conclude, Rajeev Peshawaria’s Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG Is Not Enough can be rather informative for those who want to keep up with the latest corporate trends and at the same time, seems alright for people unfamiliar with the genre. After all, concerns regarding capitalism and its impact on nature are too blatant to ignore in this epoch of the Anthropocene.

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the cacophony of modern sustainability discourse, Rajeev Peshawaria's "Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" emerges as a beacon of insightful critique and forward-thinking solutions. Peshawaria, renowned for his expertise in leadership and corporate governance, offers a refreshing perspective on the shortcomings of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, urging us to embrace a higher form of leadership to tackle existential global challenges.

Peshawaria dissects the limitations of the ESG framework, highlighting its propensity to foster compliance over innovation. He introduces the concept of steward leadership—a paradigm shifts from profit-centric models to holistic value creation for stakeholders, society, and the environment. Through compelling examples like Paul Polman's transformative tenure at Unilever, Peshawaria illustrates how genuine stewardship can drive profitability while addressing pressing societal issues.

Peshawaria's prose is clear, compelling, and imbued with a sense of urgency. His narrative voice is authoritative yet accessible, making complex concepts digestible for readers of all backgrounds. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, he navigates the intricacies of sustainable leadership with clarity and conviction.

The central idea of steward leadership resonates profoundly, challenging conventional notions of corporate responsibility and urging leaders to prioritize long-term value creation over short-term gains. Peshawaria's exploration of this concept through real-world examples adds depth and credibility to his argument, inspiring readers to reconsider their approach to business and leadership.

While "Sustainable Sustainability" lacks a traditional plot structure, its thematic coherence and logical progression make for a compelling read. Peshawaria expertly navigates between theoretical discourse and practical insights, guiding readers through a thought-provoking journey towards a more sustainable future.

At its core, Peshawaria's book is a call to action—a rallying cry for leaders to embrace stewardship and drive meaningful change in the face of global challenges. Themes of responsibility, innovation, and collective action reverberate throughout, offering hope and guidance in an increasingly uncertain world.

Reading "Sustainable Sustainability" evokes a range of emotions—from frustration at the inadequacies of current approaches to optimism for the transformative potential of steward leadership. Moments of clarity and inspiration punctuate the narrative, fueling a sense of urgency and agency in the reader.

Peshawaria's strengths lie in his ability to distill complex concepts into actionable insights and his unwavering commitment to driving positive change. His compelling arguments, supported by real-world examples, resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

While Peshawaria's analysis is thorough and compelling, "Sustainable Sustainability" could benefit from more diverse perspectives and a deeper exploration of potential challenges and objections to the stewardship model. Additionally, greater emphasis on practical implementation strategies would enhance the book's utility for business leaders and policymakers.

As someone deeply invested in sustainability and corporate governance, "Sustainable Sustainability" struck a chord with me on both intellectual and emotional levels. Peshawaria's impassioned plea for steward leadership resonated deeply, challenging me to reevaluate my own approach to leadership and activism. While not without its flaws, this book serves as a powerful catalyst for reflection and action in a world desperate for change.

"Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing our planet. Through his incisive analysis and compelling narrative, Rajeev Peshawaria offers a compelling vision for a more sustainable future—one guided by the principles of stewardship and collective action. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the true meaning of leadership in the 21st century and the role of business in shaping a better world. Highly recommended.

[Nidhi Malhotra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book based on climate change , a biggest challenge for our existence and the existence of various other species who equally contribute to and are a part of the life cycle.

This progress of this issue lies more on the success rates of practicality than the sparkling estimated results because estimates are yet again based on the understanding of human perspective which is highly driven by the utmost positive effect we shall be capable of creating but implementation and it’s retention in the longer run will give the actual results.

At a younger age most of us wanted to give back to the society, a place where we live, a planet we call home but adulting results into a race to become wealthy and powerful for self satisfaction which is not wrong completely but what’s wrong is that we’re not equally giving back to the society.

This book reminds me of how all those environmental issues have grown along with us, and, as individuals we’re yet to act on it.

A few statistics is giving in this book which revolves around climate change, which brings our attention to what we have been missing out while continuing to thrive for comfort.

As the book mentions many efforts are being taken but, what is the impact of it? Is it active enough?

I recently downloaded an app to become a part of climate change at my individual level but the real catch is when we all come together. No doubt small individual steps count but when it’s a practice of a community, it becomes collectively a big effort.

Why climate change is of utmost importance is because in the future it will challenge our existence eventually resulting into an evolution which would be completely unexpected is what I believe based on the environment patterns and that’s why I feel this book is a must read for all kinds of readers.

The statistics presented which suggests the efforts of corporates towards existing challenges of climate change is not sincere enough. This shows how Incorporation of CSR is missing the link between the problem and the solution.

Also, it highlights the fact that someone not involving in bad behaviour doesn’t make him a good person just because he’s doing so to abide by the law. It also highlights the importance of how the efforts should be driven as it should not shift the focus from actually achieving a change to green washing to achieve the promised incentives.

As pointed out, a massive difference is to be created with massive efforts to actually see a promising change.

I believe it’s not only a fight of climate change but also our personality which requires to be polished as it should come from within to make a change for the environment where only results on the climate are awaited rather than reaching out for other promised rewards for our efforts.

The book is highly rich in pure context of the topic and the read is completely based on topics from multiple perspectives and parts.

The first segment dealing with justification as to why the current efforts are still resulting in a missing link and a strong requirement for 100 percent genuine efforts.

The second segment represents the good and bad behaviour of companies and dwelling upon the good I would like to mention Faber Castle a 3 century old business. While I’ve come across some steps which will result in cut downs to the new add ons of the emission but that won’t have an effect on the already existing effects which needs to be treated and the practice of Faber-Castle which answers my question.

The third segment is all which can create a drive within us as a reader to make a difference.

It is indeed a must read for all kinds of readers and to take a step as well.

[Gaurav Jaiswal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG Is Not Enough" delves deep into the shortcomings of the prevailing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework adopted by many corporations today. Authored by Rajeev Peshawaria (CEO, Stewardship Asia Centre), drawing from his extensive experience in leadership and sustainability he presents a comprehensive analysis of why traditional ESG metrics often fail to achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes. Through the book, he provides practical guidance and case studies to illustrate how companies can adopt a more sustainable approach to business.

The author begins by highlighting the limitations of the current ESG approach, which primarily focuses on compliance and risk management rather than driving real change. ESG often emphasizes meeting regulations and benchmarks, which can lead to "box-ticking" exercises rather than genuine innovation for sustainability. ESG relies on external incentives and pressures to drive sustainable practices. Author proposes a shift towards intrinsic values and a sense of stewardship – a deep commitment to the well-being of the planet and society.

The emphasis on metrics and reporting can create opportunities for greenwashing, where companies present a misleadingly positive image of their environmental performance. To overcome this he proposes Steward Leadership as an alternative. This leadership style prioritizes the well-being of all stakeholders, including society and the environment, alongside financial success. He argues that companies with genuine Steward Leaders will be more likely to drive innovation and achieve sustainable sustainability.

One of the key insights of the book is author's assertion that true sustainability requires a fundamental shift in mindset, culture, and strategy within organizations. He advocates for a more holistic approach that goes beyond mere compliance with regulations and integrates sustainability into every aspect of business operations. He emphasizes the importance of aligning sustainability goals with the long-term interests of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and the environment.

The author outlines specific steps that organizations can take to embed sustainability into their corporate DNA, including fostering a culture of innovation, empowering employees to drive change, and forging partnerships with like-minded stakeholders. He argues that businesses need to move away from a short-term, profit-driven mindset and embrace a more balanced approach that considers the broader impact of their actions. Also he has added several stories of different MNC'S that have been good stewards of planet Earth and working for the benefit of the society.

The writing style is clear, articulate, and engaging. He effectively combines his expertise in leadership and sustainability with compelling storytelling and insightful analysis to convey his message. The pacing of the book is well-balanced, allowing readers to absorb complex concepts while maintaining momentum through practical examples and case studies. The prose flows smoothly, guiding readers through the intricacies of sustainability theory and corporate practice without feeling overwhelming.

In conclusion it offers a compelling vision for the future of business—one that prioritizes long-term value creation, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. By challenging conventional wisdom and offering actionable insights, the author inspires readers to rethink their approach to sustainability and become agents of positive change in their organizations and beyond. Overall, the book serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in making a positive impact on the planet while ensuring long-term prosperity.

[Sayani · Rating 5 out of 5]

♻️This book first captured my interest because I had sustainable development (SDGs) as one of my papers and that there are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets made consistent with existing commitments expressed in various international instruments.
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♻️This book particularly addresses the importance of changing the course of sustainability and preservation of global climate and environment from ESG that is using Environmental, Social and Governance factors to assess the sustainability of companies and countries to ESL which is basically Environmental, Social and Leadership that is steward leadership and from my personal takeaway I do think that the leadership part is important because now the world predominantly runs on capitalism and with capitalist pulling the strings behind it definitely falls on their shoulder to recognise and acknowledge the urgency to save planet Earth and humanity and must collaborate to create a meaningful impact on 21st century challenges like climate change, environmental degradation, socioeconomic inequality and cyber vulnerability and be capable of urgency and unison even when the threat is not perceived as pressing or extensive.
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♻️Steward Leadership, the topic this book stresses on is that if we want to save our planet and humanity we need to mature into steward leaders which someone of power with the genuine desire and persistence to create a collective better future creating values by integrating the needs of the shareholders, society, future generations and the environment.
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♻️In the second part of the book we get to read real life examples of steward Leadership in action through case studies of companies like: The Faber-Castell with more than 260 years of sustainability enabled profitable growth, The Doi Tung Development Project that has been portraying a self-sustaining community stewardship, the very notable Tata Group with their 155-Year legacy, Mars, Incorporated, The Farm Fresh which is a dairy, Riau Ecosystem Restoration (RER), The Boeing 737 Max Twin Tragedies also about the Volkswagen and Theranos. Amongst these I really enjoyed reading about the Faber-Castell and The Tata Group; the legacy, history, working and leadership that needs to make a company long-lasting is absolutely intriguing to read. Also another one was about the RER, an Indonesian company whose critical element has been the adoption and maintenance of an integrated production-protection ring landscape model also highlighting that with consumer demand for sustainable products, coupled with the climate change crisis on the horizon, the RER project could progress into a notable story when the company fully achieves its sustainability ambitions.
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♻️In the final part of the book we basically witness what is required for the application of ESL in reality that is understanding of major factors like that responsible use of natural resources as a part of long-term strategy for sustainable growth and the fact that one doesn't have to destroy the environment to gain profit in business and also points out the lacking like lack of specificity, accountability and disclosure in terms of transperancy, lack of representation of marginalized group leaders, lack of tolerance for discrimination and exclusion.
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♻️Overall reading this book was a knowledgeable journey that makes one realise what is in need of the hour and strives to do and undertake the right actions required. The language was easy that could be comprehensible by anyone along with self-reflective questions at the end of a chapter that makes the readers ponder and gather their own personal takeaways and teachings from the book.
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[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title : Sustainable Sustainability
Author : Rajeev Peshawaria
Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟

It is a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the limitations of the current Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. The author contends that while ESG has laid the groundwork for a more sustainable business environment, it falls short in creating lasting, impactful change. Peshawaria introduces the concept of Environmental, Social, and Leadership (ESL), emphasizing that true sustainability requires a transformative shift in corporate leadership and organizational values.

The book is segmented into three distinct parts, each offering a critical lens through which to view the evolution and future of sustainable business practices. In the initial section, he provides a robust critique of the ESG paradigm, highlighting its inherent flaws and vulnerabilities. He elucidates how ESG often leads to superficial compliance and box-ticking exercises, failing to address the deeper systemic issues that perpetuate environmental degradation and social inequity.

The second part of the book delves into real-life case studies that underscore the need for a more holistic approach. Peshawaria presents a spectrum of corporate behavior, from exemplary instances of steward leadership to glaring examples of ethical failures. Notable narratives, such as those from the Tata Group, Faber-Castell, and the Doi Tung Development Project, serve as paragons of sustainable business practices, demonstrating how companies can thrive while making a positive impact on society and the environment. Conversely, the stories of Volkswagen's emissions scandal, Boeing's corporate culture issues, and Theranos' fraudulent practices offer cautionary tales of what can happen when leadership prioritizes profit over ethics.

The third and final section of the book is dedicated to the concept of steward leadership, which Peshawaria posits as the cornerstone of a truly sustainable business paradigm. He defines steward leadership as a commitment to creating a collective better future through purpose-driven actions and long-term value creation. The author presents a practical framework for implementing this approach, with actionable strategies and tools designed to foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making.

His writing is both incisive and accessible, with a narrative that balances theoretical insights with practical guidance. His extensive research and corporate experience lend credibility to his arguments, while his straightforward language ensures that complex concepts are easily digestible. The inclusion of detailed case studies, comprehensive surveys, and illustrative pie charts enhances the book's readability and reinforces the central thesis.

One of the book's most significant strengths is its capacity to challenge conventional business wisdom while offering a clear roadmap for change. His emphasis on intrinsic motivation and values-based leadership is a clarion call for business leaders to re-evaluate their priorities and embrace a more inclusive and ethical approach to sustainability. He successfully bridges the gap between abstract ideals and concrete implementation, providing readers with the tools to enact meaningful change within their organizations.

In conclusion, it is a meticulously researched and expertly articulated critique of the current ESG framework, advocating for a paradigm shift toward steward leadership. The book serves as a valuable resource for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in fostering a more sustainable and equitable world. Its compelling arguments and practical advice make it a must-read for those seeking to navigate the complexities of modern capitalism while adhering to the principles of ethical leadership and sustainability.

[Yumna Gulvez · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Do Well by doing Good.'

Rajeev Peshawaria's 'Sustainable Sustainability' provides an insightful and comprehensive overview about the existing socio-economic and environmental challenges. As the last few decades have experienced innumerable crisis - droughts, floods, over-exploitation of Earth's resources, extinction of species, cybercrimes, etc. 'Sustainable Sustainability' acts as a guide for all the individuals since it empowers the leaders within them and fuels their passion for saving the planet Earth. The thoughtful division of the narrative provides three sections to the readers, starting from global data as an evident to the missing link and a step-by-step tool-kit for the businesses addressing the threatening challenges, it continues with the stories of certain companies that have shown consistency and seriousness along with other contrasting instances, and finally it concludes with some essential practices and approaches to cultivate awareness and motivation among the readers.

The book primarily focuses on ESL, where L stands for Steward Leadership - the leadership about creating a better future amidst challenges and hardships based on purpose and values. ESG, where G stands for Governance mainly focusing on incentives, authority, rules and regulations. Peshawaria's eye-opening arguments present a clear necessity for ESL more than ESG. His surveys, well-researched graphs and well-rationalised content act as a guiding light providing the best required tools to adopt Steward Leadership in order to create a win-win future for stakeholders, society and environment. As a matter of fact, all the practical examples, solutions and arguments emphasize Steward Leadership - a personal choice to leave a positive legacy in the light of existential challenges.

Since Rajeev Peshawaria talks about, for and with 21st century, he targets both emotions and intellect of the readers. He masterfully throws light on a higher form of personal leadership, profitable growth of several enterprises, the story of the TATA group, dairy, forest, RER, the Boeing and more prior coming to his concluding purpose. His approach and the notions about Steward Leadership find a way all through the thought-provoking chapters of this book. As the last two chapters are continued by the Professors Dr. Meyer and Dr. Rao - they focus on the ways to embrace a higher form of leadership with the key enablers of success, and concludes with how impactful and effective this type of leadership can be. The book gradually experiences it's closure where Steward Leadership meets self-reflection and 21st century is set to meet profitable returns by addressing the threatening challenges.

Overall, 'Sustainable Sustainability' is a testament to the unwavering dedication towards saving the planet Earth. Composed of real-time stories, consequences, conclusions, ideas, surveys, maps, practical tips and more - it paves the way for 'Sustainable Sustainability'.
At last, Peshawaria deliberately leaves it to the readers to decide and think about. His convincing book is a sincere attempt to push and bring out the leader which exists in every other individual. As soon as one is able to do that, the book further tries to nourish that newly awakened leader.

[Carlos Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rajeev Peshawaria's "Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" is a compelling exploration of the limitations of the traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework and the urgent need for a new paradigm in leadership – steward leadership. Here's a breakdown of why this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about sustainability, corporate governance, or leadership:

Critical Examination of ESG: Peshawaria meticulously dissects the shortcomings of the ESG model, highlighting how it often falls short in driving genuine sustainability efforts. Instead of fostering innovation and authentic commitment, ESG can sometimes devolve into mere compliance and greenwashing.

Introduction of Steward Leadership: Central to Peshawaria's thesis is the concept of steward leadership, which emphasizes values-driven decision-making and a deep commitment to leaving a positive legacy. Through insightful anecdotes and real-life examples, he illustrates how leaders can adopt this approach to drive meaningful change.

Practical Insights and Examples: The book is not just theoretical; Peshawaria offers practical advice on how businesses can transition towards steward leadership. Examples from industry titans like Paul Polman and insights from successful family businesses such as Faber-Castell and Tata Group add depth and credibility to his arguments.

Engaging Narrative Style: Peshawaria's writing style is both persuasive and accessible. He breaks down complex concepts into digestible chunks, making the book suitable for readers of all backgrounds. The inclusion of reflection questions at the end of each chapter encourages deeper engagement and introspection.

Urgency and Hope: While the book highlights the pressing need for change, it also instils a sense of hope and possibility. Readers are challenged to rethink their approach to business and leadership, with the belief that a sustainable future is within reach if we act decisively.

Comprehensive Coverage: Peshawaria doesn't shy away from addressing the complexities and challenges associated with sustainability efforts. He provides a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of various initiatives.

Actionable Insights: Beyond just raising awareness, "Sustainable Sustainability" equips readers with actionable insights they can apply in their own lives and organizations. It serves as a roadmap for those seeking to make a tangible difference in creating a more sustainable world.

"Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" is a thought-provoking and informative read that transcends the traditional discourse on corporate responsibility. Peshawaria's passionate advocacy for steward leadership and his compelling arguments for reimagining our approach to sustainability make this book an essential reading for anyone committed to building a better, greener future.

[Vaibhavi Bhoirekar · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Mr. Rajeev says, Reading is an art and so he made a stupendous effort for us, Reader and hopefully a Steward Leader. Leadership is a genuine desire and persistence to create better future. And Steward leader is “I will live on the planet for 8-100 yrs and I will not go unknown. Instead I will make an effort to make a small contribution toward Earth.
Following few questions by author make us think a lot on where we are heading as a society.
# How many Earth’s do we need for 8 billion people for current consumption? Ans - By 2030 we will need 2 full Earth.
# Species extinction rate?
Ans - 10 thousand times rate compared to normal rate and Bees are on the verge of extinction.
# How often Cyber security attack happen somewhere in the world?
Ans - Every 39 seconds
Everyone is talking about Sustainability… just talking. Everyone individuals and organizations are naked. Naked as is your actions or inactions towards environmental checks are in public view.
ESG framework is made up of 3 things. Tax incentives, capital and regulations delve around ESG.
Companies are responsible for Socioeconomic inequality, cyber vulnerability, and climate change not alone the government. These are current popular solutions for ESG and reading the book I understood these solutions are not enough and we/steward leaders need to come up with new solutions to protect the future of children, grandchildren.
The need of the hour is the companies should “Do Well by Doing Good”. The research done by Author is commendable and quite inspiring. This makes the book an absolute reference guide.
Unilever – Double the growth, exited highly profitable lines of business because they were harming the society/Environment. With lost of perseverance, they gave 290% return to share holder.
Starbucks – 21000% stock price appreciation. Full healthcare benefits for part time workers, largest employers with people with special abilities.
Tata - In business and growing profitability 155 Yrs. Jamshedji Tata mentioned that “In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business, bit is in fact the very purpose of existence.”
66% of share capital is owned by Philanthropic trust.
Author has done research on 100+ companies which has a common. They thought about these things from Day 0. Similarly, there are many inspiring stories in the book.
Mae Fah Luang Foundation – Doi Tung Development Project is something not to be missed for.
They did “Well by doing Good”
For me it was a new discovery about the major controversy in 2008 around #Dieselgate of 15.3 Bn$ Volkswagen lied about the emissions in their car.
You can find many solutions with spectrum of actions on environmental and social action by business.
Mr. Rajeev stirs up the society and companies to transform them from ESG to ESL.
..So did you do your contribution towards Environment today??

[Nisa Parveen Shaikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tries to explain why ESG (environmental, social and governance) framework is not good enough for the coming environmental challenges. It also talks about how the shift towards stewardship of steward leadership will be the key to solving such issues.

This book is divided into 3 parts. The first part explains why ESG is not enough. It portrays how demanding our current environmental issues are and emphasises the need for immediate action and how businesses can do the most good by adopting stewardship values in their companies. It also includes examples of some such businesses (Faber Castell, Tata) that have done good for the environment and society at large and thrived making profits as well. It also includes examples of some companies (Theranos, Volkswagen) that strayed from this path of right behaviour and how their faults had consequences in the longer run.

The second part of the book has those examples in detail. There are total 9 examples portraying how businesses that do good for the planet get better results in the longer run and those that forget the planet will sooner or later have to face the consequences. This was my favourite part of the book. I got to know about the history of some of my favourite companies such as Faber Castell, Tata, Volkswagen. Some of these surprised me since I got to know about the resilience and efforts that go behind a brand in detail. It was an interesting read.

The third part was more like a guide to the higher management in any company. It highlights how they can assess themselves and understand whether they are a good steward of this planet or not, how they can improve on their values that will benefit the society at large. It also includes a tool companies can use to evaluate themselves. It also introduces us to a term - business ecosystems. It is something similar to a chain of businesses and how species survive better in an ecosystem of diversity, this concept also tries to implement that in case of businesses.

In my humble opinion, this book is well researched and well written. The interesting concepts it introduces and the high level guidelines it provides if adopted rightly can be a boon to the ones that dare to adopt them. In the book also it's mentioned that adopting these stewardship values is not for the faint hearted, it's for those brave hearts who has the grit and resilience to see the businesses through these transformation since it won't yield immediate results.
While it's a good book in that respect it only caters to a specific audience, mainly for students studying business or people in the management department of a company or foundation of a start-up. So read it if you're in those category or if you just want to understand how businesses can help make the planet sustainable.

[Neer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover and the title made me feel like it will be just another book addressing environmental concerns. It do so. But not in its entirety. It takes a much more holistic approach and tends to cover not just environmental but social concerns too. Peshawariya shows the need for genuine stewardship and offers practical steps for businesses to take.⁣⁣
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The Environmental, Social, and Governance Framework, aka ESG, emerged as a frontrunner to drive businesses towards addressing the challenges. While it relies heavily on rules, regulations, and incentives, the problem is that it's overly reliant on G to address E and S challenges. ⁣⁣
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And here comes the ESL framework suggested by the author. He doesn't deny the contribution of ESG but argues that it should be evolved by replacing G with L, which stands for steward leadership. Steward leadership which is the genuine desire and persistence to create a collective better future. It is about seeing oneself as a steward of planet Earth and humanity and taking ownership to address environmental and social challenges. He doesn't dilute the concept of profit-making approaches in corporate businesses, but he says that it should not be their only goal; instead, steps should be taken keeping in mind the problems the world is facing and will be facing in the future. ⁣⁣
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The book is divided into three parts. The first part familiarises us with the concept of stewardship leadership and what, when, how, and why of it. In the second part, the journey of nine companies (Faber-Castell, Tata etc.) is told with respect to which decisions and tactics kept them running so long and, if they failed, what mistake did they commit? All of these are, of course, happening in the niche of stewardship leadership. I liked the concept of the steward leadership compass. It just keeps appearing every now and then. So much that it gets imprinted on the reader's mind. The third part deals with the components of measurement of ESL and stewardship in the business ecosystem.⁣⁣
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Rajeev's'sustainability’ not only includes the cautious use of the earth's resources but also the socioeconomic inequalities such as the wage gap, etc. Today's complex problems cannot be solved by single companies; hence, they require an ecosystem of partners. The challenges we face today are existential, whether it's climate change or cyber vulnerability, and if they remain unaddressed, it'll be disastrous for the future of earth and humanity. Because neither there exists any alternative to Mother Earth nor there's any Planet B after all.⁣⁣
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Recommended to all the aspiring corporate leaders of the future. Read it with an open mind and, most importantly, an open heart. ⁣⁣
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[Amritha Kailesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sustainability, climate change, and rising temperatures have been the topics of discussion for a long time now.

With the effects of global warming becoming more obvious as years pass, Rajeev Peshwaria’s 'Sustainable Sustainability' is a book one mustn’t miss.

Peshwaria explains why Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) isn’t just enough for a sustainable future. He introduces a new concept called Environmental Society Leadership (ESL). For ESL to succeed, an organization needs to practice stewardship or be driven by the mantra 'if it’s to be, it’s up to me.'

Peshwaria elaborates on this through stories of brands that practice these principles. Something that really moved me was the story of Faber-Castell and how the brand invested in a sustainable forestry project in Brazil in the mid-80s. The benefits of the project accrued after 20 years when the 300,000 Pinus Caribbean trees planted and tended to every year would be ready for harvesting. Not only did the trees provide a steady supply of wood for producing pencils, but they also neutralized the company’s carbon footprint by absorbing 900,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

While there are several other case studies Peshwaria has mentioned in the book, such as the Tata Group and Mars Incorporated, he also touches upon the brands that went towards the darker side of the “G” problem and the consequences of their actions.


'Sustainable Sustainability' offers a compelling perspective on the urgent need for Environmental Society Leadership (ESL) in our efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability. By highlighting the importance of stewardship and personal responsibility within organizations, Peshwaria challenges the conventional notion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Through inspiring stories of brands like Faber-Castell, he demonstrates the tangible benefits of investing in sustainable practices and the potential for long-term positive impact on both business and the environment. However, Peshwaria also addresses the darker side of corporate behavior, reminding us of the consequences of neglecting environmental and social responsibilities. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, 'Sustainable Sustainability' serves as a timely and essential guide, urging us all to take action and embrace a mindset of proactive environmental leadership for the well-being of future generations.

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" by Rajeev Peshawaria is a super interesting look at why just focusing on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) isn't cutting it. He talks about how we need better leadership to tackle big global issues, introducing the idea of steward leadership. The book is easy to follow and really gets you thinking about how we can create value for everyone, not just profits. Peshawaria's writing is strong and urgent, perfect for anyone curious about sustainability and leadership.

The main idea of the book is about being a good leader, which is different from what we usually think of when it comes to corporate responsibility. Peshawaria believes in authentic leadership and gives practical advice on how businesses can achieve it, using a lot of research and real-life stories. The book talks about the importance of being responsible, coming up with new ideas, and working together as a team to create lasting value. Even though it's not a traditional character-driven story, Peshawaria does a great job of explaining the concept of steward leadership through interesting stories and analysis. And the examples he uses, like Paul Polman's time at Unilever, help make his points stronger.

The book has a good pace, with some really clear and inspiring moments that make you feel like you need to act fast. It's easy to read and understand, even if you're not an expert, because Peshawaria breaks down big ideas into practical tips. "Sustainable Sustainability" is all about stepping up and leading the way in a changing world. It makes you feel frustrated with the old ways of doing things, but also hopeful for what could be if we start leading with care. This book really makes you think and pushes you to rethink how you do business and lead others.

If you're into sustainability, corporate governance, or leadership, you should definitely check out "Sustainable Sustainability." It's a really important read for anyone wanting to actually make a difference in creating a more sustainable world. This book offers a well-rounded and informative perspective that adds value to the conversation around sustainability. Rajeev Peshawaria's insights in "Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" are so on point and really motivate you to take action towards a better, greener future.

[Chinmayee Sahu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is no planet B". So co existence is important to live a life that is without harming the environment. This book has come up with the concept of Steward leadership and the difference between a leader and Steward leader. Steward leaders create a collective better future by integrating the needs of stakeholders, society, future generations and the environment whereas a leader is someone who wants people to work for his dreams and earn profit.



The author has played a vital role on putting the concept in a lucid and easy manner by picking up some real life examples. Going back to ages to find out the reason of Sustainability in creating a global business and equally contributing to the nature and bringing in economic development, putting everything together can be easy with creative thinking and right intentions. It also demands a visionary. The author has given a detailed analysis of three to four companies and how they have been doing business without harming the nature and there foresight was just mind blowing.



Companies like Faber Castell and Tata are real life examples who has taken these things together. They were quite ahead in there times. They are the companies who is doing business in different verticals but taking all these things in consideration. There business has never brought any havoc to the nature. For this they have gone out of the way to encourage young generation to come up with new creative ideas, experimented new things though few things failed but that never deterred them from trying new things. There motto has never changed with time and people. Businesses which runs for ages like 250yrs of Faber Castell but the motto and the principles has not changed. The new generation which entered the business has taken the roots with them. That's what Steward leadership Is.



The book is also about companies who are involved in scandals such as Volkswagen  and there are enterprenuers like Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard alongwith his wife and adult children transferred there ownership to a trust and NGO to preserve company's independence to ensure that profits are used to fight climate change and protect undeveloped land around the world.


It was quite a different concept and would highly recommend for every start up owner, businessman and enterprenuers.