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As the new year begins, many professionals are actively reassesing thier career paths and exploring new opportunities. These days, many organisations are looking for a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). Unfortunately, there too few competent candidates who are available and apply for such positions. Admittedly, the role of the CSO is evolving fast. It’s no longer just about reporting or CSR—it’s about shaping business strategy, managing risk, and driving operational change.
Here are 7 practical qualities that set great CSOs apart inside real organisations:
The best CSOs are great communicators who are able to break down complex ESG targets into clear steps teams can execute. No jargon—just practical roadmaps people can follow.
Sustainability touches every department and function within an organisation. Effective CSOs know how to build a team and collaborate with finance, HR, procurement, operations, and marketing. Influence is their superpower.
Great CSOs are not intimidated when facing queries or presenting to the board, senior management or even standing to a hostile organisational environment who are already fatigued by too many compliance requirements. They speak and motivate frontline teams, they make sound sustainability make business sense—cost savings, risk reduction, brand value.
Modern sustainability is data-driven. Great CSOs do not get bullied by volumes of sustainability data. They understand carbon accounting, importance of double materiality, KPIs, and performance dashboards. They work magic to turn insights into decisions to benefit the organisation.
They are amazing problem solvers. Budgets, supply chain issues, operational risks—they find practical solutions instead of waiting for the perfect scenario.
Demystifying sustainability terminologies, standards and frameworks is a God-given task to all CSOs. They are familiar with GRI, ISSB, CSRD, UN SDGs, TNFD, human rights, due diligence laws etc. Strong CSOs help organisations stay compliant, prepared, and competitive in a tightening regulatory world.
CSOs drive corporate faith in sustainability for the long term. Sustainability works only when people believe in it. Great CSOs shape mindsets, build awareness, celebrate wins, and make sustainability part of daily culture.
Sustainability is a long-term strategy for organisations. The CSO of today must be a:
Organisations that invest in these capabilities aren’t just “doing sustainability”—they’re future-proofing their business.
Building sustainability capability takes more than good intentions—it takes the right knowledge, frameworks, and practical skills.
At ESGright, we support professionals and organisations through GRI-aligned training that turns sustainability principles into real-world application.
Build credibility. Strengthen competence. Stay future-ready.
Learn more about ESGright’s GRI training programmes.
