68 | Empowering ESG Strategies for Effective Communication & Sustainable Impact | Gihan Hyde

Building Better Cultures

Discover how to revolutionise ESG communication in your organisation. From empowering underrepresented associates to bridging communication gaps, learn actionable strategies for fostering sustainability champions.

Today we chat with Gihan Hyde, the CEO and founder of Communique; a London-based social enterprise startup dedicated to crafting communication strategies for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability.

In this episode, Gihan sheds light on Communique's distinct approach to ESG communication. Notably, they recruit associates from underdeveloped nations and marginalized communities. Their mission revolves around guiding companies through their ESG journey, connecting them with experts for strategy implementation, and effectively disseminating these strategies to all stakeholders.

Highlights from the episode include:

> ESG vs. Sustainability: Gihan clarifies the distinction between sustainability and ESG, underlining the latter's role in investment decisions. She credits Greta Thunberg and Gen Z for driving ESG awareness.

> Bridging Communication Gaps: Gihan identifies a common issue: Many companies want to or try to implement ESG initiatives but fail to communicate them effectively. She cites the complexity of large organizations as a factor and urges sustainability experts to champion their causes internally.

> Empowering Internal Communication: Gihan stresses the vital role of internal communicators in connecting employees to ESG initiatives. She shares success stories, such as employees who championed plastic-free initiatives and empowered women in their communities.

> Unveiling the ESG Cake Analogy: Gihan introduces an analogy, comparing ESG to a layered cake where communication is the foundational tray.

> Practical Steps for Communication: Gihan offers actionable advice for internal communicators, including defining long-term purpose, integrating ESG into the employee experience, and fostering sustainability champions.

> Resources for Further Learning: Gihan recommends her company's blog and newsletter for insightful content. She also suggests reputable resources such as Gihan recommends her company blog and newsletter found at communique.global.

For listeners who are interested in the data, she recommends the following resources: MSCI, Deloitte, McKinsey & PwC.

GIHAN HYDE

www.communique.global or @LinkedIn

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