Nisa’s Reflection on Leadership Session with Oya Kızıl Ünlü: Brand and Sustainability for the Future Leaders
In today’s system, we can clearly see that profit is not the only variable that we should consider in our lives, careers, companies, or institutions. There are other components other than economic growth in the agenda for the 21st century. Social equality, inclusion, environmental awareness are some of the dimensions that should be taken into account when taking an action. Yet, we see that the capitalist perspective that the industrial revolution brings sets a profit-based approach for companies in the sector.
GLLS session with Oya Kızıl Ünlü, gave me an opportunity to question the dynamics of the economic system and how corporate firms operate in the sense of sustainable development, again. There are a couple of points that I gripped from this leadership seminar that affected my thoughts for my career path. Oya Kızıl Ünlü was a role model for me as she takes part in various fields ranging from being on the boards of different NGOs, international organizations and tries to create an impact in a corporate firm. It is important for me as I think we need every sector involved to create systems change. NGOs cannot fight social and environmental problems alone, international policy-making mechanisms should be involved, and actions/plans should be funded by the companies and corporate supporters. Oya Hanım had experience in any of these sectors and her insights have enlarged my vision.
One of the first things that took my attention was the mindset of the consumers, generations, managers, and operation plans of the companies. Globally we see that awareness for social and climate-related issues is becoming more and more important. Individuals and consumers care about not only economic costs but also the social and environmental costs of the product/services that they pay for. It is an important change to analyze because the demand’s effect on supply is irresistible. As consumers’ preferences change companies tend to be more cruelty-free, eco-friendly and become a supporter of fair trade. Costumes are not the only people who are changing. We see that managers and executive boards of the firms are willing to change the system more. Oya Hanım also mentioned changes in the sectors during the session. As one of the most powerful companies of Turkey Koç Holding also conducts campaigns to raise awareness and support the welfare of the ecosystem. Also, companies working under the umbrella of the holding company as Arçelik try to innovate for sustainable options.
The second important thing that was important for me is the international agreements and their effect on the sectoral ecosystem. Oya Hanım explained her experiences in Koç Holding as a leading firm in Turkey. UN Sustainable Development Goals have a crucial role in setting the plans for the companies. Moreover, goals set on climate action have an influence on the policies of the firms as well. Especially, after Turkey signed the Paris Climate Agreement, investment in green sectors and responsibilities of the firms increased, mentioned Oya Hanım. Policy-makers as governments and international organizations have a direct effect on how economic systems work and their importance is the same as important as individuals.
This leadership seminar hit me at my heart because I was also confused with the effect of different parties as corporate firms, international organizations, and NGOs in changing the system from the roots and fighting for the capitalistic approach which focuses on economic development (an outdated thought) instead of sustainable development. Oya Hanım showed me how these parties are interconnected with her experiences. For my career journey, I started with an internship at an NGO but after this valuable session, I am convinced that I should also try the corporate sector and international organizations.
Nisa Özer
