DKV Mobility ESG Interview with Rene Schmidpeter

Summary

In this insightful interview, Professor Rani Smith discusses the importance of sustainability and the need for a transformational mindset rather than mere optimization. Smith emphasizes the co-evolution of economic success, social responsibility, and environmental friendliness, advocating for a systemic approach to sustainability. The conversation highlights the role of digitalization as a tool for creating sustainable business models and the necessity for industries, particularly mobility and transport, to innovate and adapt. Smith also stresses the importance of integrating sustainability into all aspects of business strategy, moving away from the notion of sustainability as a separate entity and towards a collective effort that enhances both profitability and positive impact.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Professor Rani Smith is an international expert on sustainability and prefers both city and countryside for their unique benefits.
• 🔄 Smith is an optimist regarding sustainability and believes in the necessity of a positive mindset to lead and enact change.
• 🕴️ Smith identifies as both a strategic planner and a doer, often working beyond regular hours due to the passion for both aspects.
• 🏢 Germany has been struggling to meet its climate targets, which Smith attributes to a prevailing mindset that sees a trade-off between sustainability and profitability.
• 🚗 The mobility and transport sector is particularly lagging in sustainability, with some segments sticking to old business models and others innovating.
• 💡 Digitalization and sustainability are intertwined, with digital tools being key to making processes more sustainable, yet requiring responsible use.
• 👥 The role of sustainability managers will evolve from an 'add-on' to an integral part of corporate strategy development.
• 🛣️ The future of mobility will likely involve increased mobility options while decoupling from unsustainable energy sources.
• 🌐 Sustainability is not about personal sacrifice but about embracing opportunities that come with positive environmental and social impacts.
• 📚 Sustainability is a complex, multifaceted topic that requires ongoing education and integration into various disciplines and strategies.
• 🌟 Smith emphasizes the importance of positive leadership, purpose orientation, and the collective effort in transitioning to a sustainable future.

Q & A

What is Professor Rani Smith's preference between city and countryside living?

Professor Rani Smith appreciates both city and countryside living. He enjoys the relaxation and natural environment of the countryside, as well as the cultural life and social interactions available in the city.

How does Professor Rani Smith view the current situation regarding climate change effects?

Professor Rani Smith is an optimist when it comes to sustainability and climate change. He believes that being optimistic is necessary to lead others and to effect change, despite the negative events happening due to climate change.

What is Professor Rani Smith's approach to work, is he more of a strategic planner or a doer?

Professor Rani Smith considers himself both a strategic planner and a doer. He enjoys developing strategies as well as implementing them, which sometimes leads to working long hours.

Why does Professor Smith believe Germany has missed its climate targets?

According to Professor Smith, Germany has missed its climate targets due to a mindset that sees a trade-off between sustainability and profitability. This mindset is prevalent among people and politicians, who often view sustainability and economic success as mutually exclusive.

What does Professor Smith see as the key to transforming society towards sustainability?

Professor Smith believes that a new mindset that integrates sustainability and profitability is crucial for societal transformation. He hopes that the younger generation will bring this mindset to discussions and accelerate the transition to a sustainable society.

What is Professor Smith's view on the readiness of the German or European economy for transformation towards sustainability?

Professor Smith suggests that transformation happens regardless of readiness, citing historical shifts from agricultural to industrialized societies. He sees the current moment as a transition from an industrialized to a sustainable knowledge society, which is not yet fully understood by everyone.

How does Professor Smith perceive the mobility and transport sector's progress in sustainability?

Professor Smith observes that the mobility and transport sector is lagging behind in sustainability. He notes a mix of companies trying to maintain old business models and others innovating with new electric mobility solutions and sharing platforms.

What is the relationship between sustainability and digitalization according to Professor Smith?

Professor Smith sees sustainability and digitalization as interconnected, with digitalization being a tool to make processes, products, and business models more sustainable. However, he emphasizes the need for responsible digitalization that considers ethical implications.

How does Professor Smith envision the role of sustainability managers in the future?

Professor Smith believes that sustainability managers will become more integral to corporate strategy development in the future. Instead of being an add-on, they will bring a sustainability perspective to the team, similar to how a chief digital officer brings a digitalization perspective.

What advice does Professor Smith give for companies starting to work on sustainability?

Professor Smith advises companies to understand that sustainability is not a trade-off but an integrative approach that enhances profitability and competitiveness. He suggests promoting a systemic perspective where economic, social, and environmental success are seen as interconnected.

What is Professor Smith's perspective on the future of mobility and how it relates to sustainability?

Professor Smith believes that mobility is essential and will continue to rise. The challenge is to find ways to increase mobility sustainably, without relying on fossil fuels, to ensure a free and open society.

How does Professor Smith view the concept of sacrificing for sustainability?

Professor Smith argues against the idea of sacrificing for sustainability, stating that true sustainability should not require sacrifice. Instead, it should offer opportunities for better living with fewer resources and create new business opportunities.

What does Professor Smith recommend for individuals or companies looking to immerse themselves in sustainability?

Professor Smith recommends developing a clear purpose and integrating sustainability into all aspects of business and daily life. He also suggests learning from a variety of sources, including books by experts and academics, to gain a broad understanding of sustainability.