Elaine Cohen
on the Optimism behind Reporting
It seems that the secret ingredient for living a truly sustainable life is … ice cream.
At least that’s what Elaine Cohen says. A trustworthy source, as she is one of the expert speakers and bloggers in the field of sustainability strategy and reporting. Apparently, there’s also a trend we should all keep an eye on: sustainable ice cream!
Elaine’s the type of person who can turn “not-that-sexy” concepts like “reporting” or “materiality” into something you really want to pay attention to and understand what they’re all about.
When we had our first conversation, back in 2020, even though we were talking during a lockdown, I could sense through her kind – and always funny words – that she was such a free spirit.
Not to mention that she likes travelling to Romania, Elvis Presley, Tchaikovsky, Schindler’s List and cats. Quite a mix I would say!
She also has an “annoying” series on her Facebook page called “Guess where I am”, where she is constantly challenging her network to guess where she is travelling to – so hard to get the answers right…
Her emails always make me happy because she never says “no” - be it a speaking engagement or an interview, it’s always a big "yes", no matter how busy she is (and, oh, she is!). Openness and warmth are her key traits.
If you want to discover a human who walks the talk, read the fun answers Elaine gave for #inspirators!
Thanks, Elaine, for always being an Optimist!
#INSPIRATORS QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Elaine Cohen
Company: Beyond Business
Title: Founder Manager
Website: www.b-yond.biz
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainecohen/
Country of origin: UK
Country you currently live in: Israel
Your personal definition of Sustainability: Lots of ice cream, forever!
Main business challenge you face: Working out how to fit 11 days into a week.
Main driver that keeps you going: Optimism.
The trait you are most proud of in yourself: Speedreading.
The trait you most value in others: Kindness.
Passions & little things that bring you joy: Feeding my stray cats.
The #inspirator that determined you to take the sustainability path: Not a person, but a company. I was working for Unilever in the late 90s and was inspired by the entire field of responsible business practices that I was exposed to through a global organization.
A hint or starting point for companies or professionals that are taking the first steps in the sustainability journey: Be prepared for a lot of steps, stock up on ice cream.
Most used and abused clichés in sustainability that bother you: “We are proud of what we have achieved, but there is more to do.”
An honest piece of advice for young people who lose hope:
“If you build it, they will come.”
(Noah and the Ark)
Books that had a major impact on you: The High Purpose Company by Christine Arena.
Must-reads for any sustainability professional: The CSR Reporting Blog
Movies / Documentaries you would watch all over again:
Schindler’s List – a story of optimism, courage and caring in impossible circumstances
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness – a movie about change and kindness and determination
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie - a comedy that is actually funny
Music that makes you (and your heart) sing:
Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley)
I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor)
Faith’s Song (Amy Wadge)
Violin Concerto in D Major (Tchaikovsky)
Egmont Overture (Beethoven)
Places you travelled to that left a mark on you: So many places! Most recently, Port Sunlight, a purpose built village to home Lever Brothers soap factory workers in 1888, now well-preserved and a fascinating example of early social-minded business leadership.
Global Sustainability Voices you recommend us to follow:
Bill and Melinda Gates
Andrew Winston
George Serafeim
Rohit Talwar
Helle Bank Jorgensen
Carol Adams
Trends in Sustainability we should keep an eye on: Sustainable ice cream.
Sustainable Development courses / trainings / certifications that really teach us how to have an impact: The Competent Boards Designation Program for Business Professionals – comprehensive, informative, engaging.
Reasons to feel optimistic about our future in 2030: People are amazing!
Reasons to feel pessimistic about our future in 2030: No reason. There is always a way!
Regenerative Leadership qualities much needed today: Vision, Energy, Empathy, Optimism, Common Sense.
Quote that inspires you:
“80% of something is better than 100% of nothing.”
Your own quote that will inspire us:
