Leading Forward in a Complex World. An interview with sustainability pioneer, Marga Hoek
As one of the world’s foremost thinkers on sustainable business, Marga Hoek will headline this year’s Sustainable Economy Summit in Poland with her inaugural keynote, ‘Leading Forward: Unleashing New Opportunities for Sustainable Business and Economic Growth in Today’s Complex Environment.’
A seasoned CEO, board member, and global thought leader recognized by Thinkers50, Hoek has long been a driving force at the intersection of business, sustainability, and innovation. In this exclusive interview, she shares her vision on the role of leadership in uncertain times, the impact of technology on transformation, and what’s next for Europe and the world.
You’re giving the inaugural keynote at this year’s Summit. What will you focus on in your speech, ‘Leading Forward’?
I’ll focus on the immense opportunity that lies in redefining our economic and business paradigms for the better. We are at a historic intersection — geopolitically, economically, and ecologically. Rather than letting complexity paralyze us, we must lead forward. My speech will explore how we unlock scalable, sustainable business models that create both economic value and positive impact. Not as an add-on — but as the foundation.
Leading forward to me means taking proactive, conscious steps toward a future we want—rather than defaulting only to damage control. Leadership in this environment cannot be nostalgic or defensive. It must be regenerative, value-driven, and systemic.
This means understanding that business cannot succeed in societies that fail, and that progress is not defined by short-term growth alone, but by resilience, innovation, and relevance in an increasingly complex landscape. It also means we need leaders that possess the courage to deal with the unknown and lead, while being aware to have made the best possible estimate yet not being able to control the outcome. To lead forward is to lead with foresight, courage, action and a deep commitment to shaping rather than surviving the future.
You’re widely recognized as one of the global pioneers in sustainable business. What first drew you to this field?
I’ve always believed that business is one of the most powerful forces to shape society. Early in my career as a CEO, I saw how profit and purpose were not opposites — they could accelerate each other.
I had the opportunity to lead in both the corporate and public sectors, heading up major companies including the Dutch Sustainable Business Association. What I saw was that sustainability could no longer be relegated to CSR departments—it had to sit at the core of how strategy, innovation, and investment were conceived.
From there came my first book, then global speaking engagements, and my board roles—all driven by the mission to elevate the role of business in solving humanity’s greatest challenges. Hence the slogan I coined back in 2024: “Business for Good is Good Business”. Being a pioneer as I have been by the way often means swimming upstream, but it’s in those waters that transformation begins.
You have written three award-winning books, including ‘Tech for Good’. What inspired this latest work?
The ability of technology to help do good was my inspiration. And the fact that we have tapped into only a fraction of the possibilities. I wanted people to learn about technologies’ abilities to propel sustainable progress, while unlocking business opportunities. Technology has the potential to be the most powerful accelerator for good the world has ever known. Imagine that 70% of our so-called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) can be positively impacted by technology. If that happens depends on our intent. ‘Tech for Good’ explores how we harness AI, robotics, IoT, and blockchain not just to optimize business — but to regenerate ecosystems, rebuild trust, and create inclusive prosperity.
The book is a call to action for leaders, technologists, and policymakers to design technology with human and planetary flourishing at its core. And I hope to inspire that people dare to imagine. Imagine what can be done, instead of focusing on what cannot be done. For that reason, every chapter in the book literally starts with an “Imagine” part, illustrating what that particular technology can accomplish and I can tell you, it is beyond the imaginable!
How do you see the role of leadership evolving in this moment of uncertainty?
Leaders today must navigate paradoxes. We need to be visionary yet grounded, fast yet reflective. In a complex world, clarity is currency. I believe the strongest leaders now are those who can think systemically, communicate purpose, and act courageously — even when there’s no precedent. The future is being shaped by those who embrace responsibility, not avoid it. Now more so than ever before.
Europe is facing enormous geopolitical pressures — war, inflation, energy security. What does this mean for sustainable development?
Ironically, these pressures only underscore how vital sustainability has become, although at first sight many assume they push sustainability and ESG to the side.
Economic resilience now means diversifying supply chains, embracing circularity, and ensuring we have robust local innovation ecosystems. Sustainability is no longer just about climate — it’s about sovereignty, security, and social cohesion. So, both its value and economical and geopolitical importance have only grown. To be resource independent, both in terms of materials as well as in terms of energy, has become incredibly important.
What role do boards play in accelerating this transformation?
A crucial one. Boards set the tone for what is seen as ‘material’. When sustainability and sustainable innovation is deeply understood at the board level, it stops being a box to check and becomes a source of strategy. In my work on multiple boards, I’ve seen how a shift in governance culture unlocks entirely new value.
Boards today must evolve from passive oversight to active engagement on sustainability. That means including ESG expertise as a strategic skill set, embedding sustainability into the board agenda, and reframing governance itself as a lever for innovation.
In my roles as Vice Chair and committee chair across multiple firms, I’ve helped boards move beyond quarterly metrics toward long-term value creation that includes people and planet. It also means rethinking risk—not just in terms of regulation, but in terms of environmental and social tipping points.
A board that can’t interpret ESG risks today is like a board that couldn’t interpret financial risks two decades ago.
We need courageous boards with moral imagination—not just compliance mindsets.
What gives you hope right now?
The younger generations that actively push the agenda and put their wallet where their mouth is. Entrepreneurs who are building solutions and are driven by the deep-rooted wish to create positive impact. Employees pushing their companies to do better, be aware that push has never been so hard as it is now. By citizens taking climate action in their own hands.
We’re not waiting for permission anymore. People act. And every single act of every single person matters. Eras change via people, not via institutions. One action can create a ripple effect of thousand and maybe even millions of people. It’s what I have called in articles and speeches “the power of one”.
If there’s one message you want readers to walk away with from this interview, what is it?
That each of us holds the capacity to lead forward. I often say: Don’t underestimate the power of one. One person, one action, one bold decision can set off a ripple effect that shifts systems.
Whether it’s a small enterprise switching to circular production, or a global board changing its investment mandate—transformation starts with intent.
We don’t need perfection—we need momentum. Leadership is not about titles; it’s about vision, courage, and conviction.
You don’t have to wait to be powerful. Whether you lead a startup, a city, or a global company — you can lead forward. We all shape the future.
Marga Hoek MBA
She has gained international recognition for her visionary approach that combines sustainability, technology together with business and financial performance. She is the founder of Business for Good, an organization that aims to accelerate the development of sustainable, innovative businesses.
Marga is the author of three pioneering books that have received numerous awards. She has been recognized as one of the most influential management experts by Thinkers50 and Thinkers360.
Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Anastazja Lach