"Leading the Green Revolution: Why Mindset, Synergy, and Emotional Intelligence Are Key to Sustainable Transformation”
Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg
(CEO Experts for Life, President Germany Club of Budapest)
In your keynote you emphasize that real transformation starts with a mindset and heartset shift. What does that mean for today’s leaders in practical terms?
Transformation isn’t merely about implementing new technologies or strategies—it starts much deeper, with a shift in mindset and heartset. The mindset refers to our cognitive framing: are we open to change, to innovation, to seeing long-term impact over short-term wins? The heartset complements that—it’s our emotional and ethical orientation. Do we care enough to act? Are we truly committed to sustainability, or are we just “greenwashing” for optics?
For leaders, this shift means embedding purpose into profit. Practically, it requires integrating sustainability into core business strategy—not as an afterthought, but as a driver. It also means leading with empathy, courage, and consistency, especially when decisions challenge the status quo. In boardrooms, we must move from “What’s in it for us?” to “What’s the impact of what we do—for people and the planet?”
You talk about “Twin Transformation”—the link between digitalization and sustainability. Can you share an example where this synergy has created real impact?
Yes, “Twin Transformation” refers to the powerful intersection of digital innovation and sustainable development. One impactful example is in smart agriculture. Startups and corporations are now using AI-powered sensors, drones, and blockchain to monitor soil health, optimize irrigation, and ensure transparent supply chains. This not only reduces water and pesticide usage but also cuts carbon emissions and prevents overproduction.
Another example is in sustainable fashion, where digital tools like 3D design software reduce textile waste, and platforms enable product lifecycle tracking, helping brands and consumers make more conscious decisions. In both cases, the digital layer accelerates and scales sustainable practices, making them more efficient and traceable.
Emotional intelligence is a central aspect of your approach. Why is it so crucial for leading sustainable change?
Because sustainability is not just a technical or strategic issue—it’s a deeply human one. Emotional intelligence (EQ) allows leaders to connect, empathize, and inspire, which is essential for building the trust and engagement needed to drive real transformation. Change can provoke fear and resistance; emotionally intelligent leaders recognize this and respond with compassion, clarity, and conviction.
Moreover, EQ fosters resilience. In sustainability leadership, setbacks are inevitable. We need the inner strength to stay the course, the humility to learn, and the social intelligence to collaborate across cultures, generations, and industries. EQ helps leaders translate values into action—and that’s where the real impact happens.
Many organizations struggle to balance short-term business goals with long-term sustainability strategies. How can leaders overcome this tension?
It starts by shifting the narrative: sustainability is not a cost—it’s an investment. Leading organizations are beginning to understand that long-term value creation requires environmental and social responsibility. Leaders must align KPIs with ESG goals, create hybrid business models, and embrace transparency in their reporting.
One effective approach is the “dual horizon” strategy: continue optimizing current operations (Horizon 1) while investing in sustainable innovation for the future (Horizon 2). It’s also crucial to educate stakeholders—from investors to employees—about the tangible returns of sustainability, such as brand loyalty, talent retention, regulatory advantage, and risk mitigation.
Ultimately, this tension can be resolved when purpose and performance are no longer separate conversations.
In your view, what are the most important future-driven skills leaders need to cultivate to stay resilient and innovative?
We live in a time of “perma-change,” so leaders need agility, curiosity, and cross-disciplinary thinking more than ever. In my view, the most important future-driven skills include:
- Systems thinking: Understanding the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems.
- Digital literacy: Not just knowing about tech, but knowing how to use it responsibly and effectively.
- Empathy & communication: To build inclusive, motivated teams and to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Ethical leadership: Navigating complexity with integrity.
- Cultural intelligence: Being able to lead across global, diverse teams.
We also need what I call “courageous creativity”—the ability to envision and implement radically better solutions.
Which values guide your own decision-making as a leader and changemaker?
My values are deeply rooted in responsibility, empathy, integrity, and courage. As someone who has worked across business, academia, and social innovation, I constantly ask: Does this action serve people and the planet? Is it aligned with my values, even if it’s not the easiest or fastest route?
I believe in leading by example, in being transparent about challenges, and in empowering others. I also draw inspiration from the next generation, whose clarity and urgency about sustainability are reshaping the landscape. That keeps me grounded—and motivated.
Finally, if you could give one call to action to business leaders attending your keynote, what would it be?
My call to action is simple, but powerful:
Be the leader your future grandchildren will be proud of.
That means acting now—not when it’s convenient, not when it’s profitable, but when it’s right. Ask yourself daily:
Is my leadership creating a better future, or just a better quarterly report?
You have the influence, the resources, and the platform to drive the Green Revolution—not just through technology, but through human-centered, values-based leadership. And that starts today.
Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg is a futurist, serial impact entrepreneur, and expert for the multiple transformation. As CEO of the Berlin Institute for Innovation & Sustainability Management and keynote speaker at SEPAWA CONGRESS 2025, the TEDx speaker, bestseller author and board of international organisations advocates for conscious leadership and systemic innovation.
