Quotes That Made Us Think From The AIB Sustainability Conference
Last week our team virtually attended the annual AIB Sustainability Conference online and we loved the conversations that came out of the line up of changemakers and future-focussed innovators. There were a few points, reflections and quotes that were made that we loved and really made us think, so we thought we would share them with you.
You can go far on your own, you can fast and further together
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone
Collaboration accelerates progress. Being part of a movement means shared learning and collective impact. That is the beauty of being part of a network. You learn from your fellow members as well as find encouragement and support. It’s forming part of an inspiring community.
Facts and data inform us, stories influence us.
Síbeal Bird, Kerry Group
Data drives decisions, but stories change cultures. Stats such as ‘76% of consumers would cease buying from firms that neglect environmental, employee, or community well-being’ have compelled businesses to act and some members to join our inspiring community. However it is the emotional, transparent and practical stories that have changed mindsets and cultures within a business. One of these examples was shared recently at our launch event through Susan Collins founder of Home of Hair – the first and only BCorp salon in Ireland – who found her business USP and identity through sustainability and hearing stories of other similar businesses. It’s time to talk about your sustainability stories!
Shift the conversation to meet people where they are at
Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor, Producer and Humanitarian Advocate
At Sustainable Business Network we envision a future where all business is sustainable. The only way to do this is through speaking to businesses and their people in their own language, thus “creating a norm” as Benedict Cumberbatch put. Preaching is no longer acceptable nor effective, that’s why our programmes focus on practical, relatable steps. Subliminal messaging however and transparently relaying your sustainability message and story can be a highly effective way to inspire more positive impact.
Sustainability also means stability
Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics, Broadcaster and Author
There are three pillars to sustainability and each must be stable in order to hold up the house of sustainability. We need to ensure our finances are in a stable condition for example if we really want to look after our people, our communities and our natural environment.
Flip your problems and start looking at your waste as a resource
Alice Charles, Arup
This was a really nice quote by Alice, highlighting that our challenges can be turned into opportunities. Circular thinking is key. From food waste to packaging, opportunities abound. They are living examples of how innovation and nature can coexist. Initiatives like Wicklow’s ‘Vision for Venison’ and the Green Ocean Foundation Project, to give two examples, show that Ireland is already turning challenges such as climate change and overgrazing into opportunities.
Start small, it will be transformative
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone
This was a quote in reference to the inspirational project Freetown the Treetown. Committing to consistently improving and making small, incremental but significant changes and targets is the most effective way to progress. When members join our network, they must commit to consistently improving with their sustainable practices, and this is the motivation behind that – small but transformative change builds momentum for greater action.
When transformative tech appears, it leads to dislocation, challenges as well as opportunities.
Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics, Broadcaster and Author
Change is never easy but it brings so many opportunities with it. Adopting more sustainable business practices means changing from the traditional norms and status quo of business organisation. It is a culture and mindset shift. It is a challenge that you do not have to burden alone. We can support you and your green team with this through our sustainability mindset and green team leadership programme. Get in touch to learn more.
You have to listen to lead effectively
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone
Leadership in sustainability means listening and learning from others. This quote was in reference to seeing women in leadership and winning which leaves our girls and women inspired. Still in 2025, only 30.6% of leadership positions are held by women.
Progress in science is partly theoretical but most of the time is about observing nature
Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics, Broadcaster and Author
Observation sparks innovation. Sustainability in space reminds us that energy can be abundant and solutions limitless. When we work with nature, and invest in nature-based solutions, we harness the power of nature to boost natural ecosystems, biodiversity and human well-being to address major societal issues, including climate change. (WWF) In order to work with nature, we must first observe it.
How to regulate – it’s trust. Trust of expertise. We build trust through communication. We underestimate people’s ability to understand complex situations and ideas
Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics, Broadcaster and Author
We need to trust that people will understand. It’s about being honest, transparent. Spend time finding out the interests and skills of your team. You never know how innovative they can be.
When we see what can be done, together we can make change
Dearbhail McDonald, Author, Journalist, Broadcaster, Documentary maker and MC
It is clear to see that collaboration was a key theme throughout the day. When seeing the trailblazers lead the way of sustainability, we in turn become inspired to follow the same path. There are so many benefits of being part of a collective with a common goal and sharing experiences.
Jane (Gooddall) was human, she locked us in
Flossie Donnelly, Environmentalist
Find your passion, find your transparency and honesty. Find it within your team members, their interests and what they are good at and see how they can support you and your sustainability goals. Once again, talking to people and other businesses in a personable way, in a human way like Jane Goodall reaches people on an emotional level and brings about change.
Please never give up your fight to protect the natural world for the future of all generations and all the world’s creatures
Jane Goodall
The bottom line is that sustainability means good business, more efficiency and more positive impact. However as we engage in this, we are conserving our natural world and the world we live in for future generations.
