Christie Stephenson’s role as the Executive Director of the Peter P. Dhillon Centre for Business Ethics at the UBC Sauder School of Business is not just a title but a testament to her influence in driving innovation and integration for tomorrow’s corporate culture.
Stephenson’s career in environmentalism and sustainable development has been a unique journey that has taken her down unexpected paths and led to remarkable achievements.
“Business is the last place I would have expected to find myself,” says Stephenson. “But over my career, it’s become clear that business can and must play a crucial role.”
Stephenson’s expertise and advocacy in social and environmental investment and governance in Canada are widely recognized. Her diverse director experience spans over two decades, serving on the boards of organizations across industries addressing various social and environmental issues.
She is currently a member of the:
- Climate Governance Experts Network of the Canadian Climate Law Initiative
- Metro Vancouver Zero Emissions Innovation Centre’s investment committee
- Watershed Security Fund of BC’s investment working group
- British Columbia Securities Commission Corporate Finance Stakeholder Forum
Stephenson’s commitment to advancing sustainability is a personal passion and a professional dedication. Her service on various boards is a testament to her efforts to drive change at institutional and organizational levels.
Her work is not just a job; it’s a calling. Despite the demanding nature of her role, she finds fulfillment in collaborating with like-minded individuals and contributing to meaningful initiatives. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and purpose, inspiring future generations to catalyze change and shape a more sustainable future for all.
Background and Inspiration
Stephenson’s journey began with a focus on social and environmental issues during her university years. This led her to roles in the non-profit sector and eventually in Canada’s Parliament and civil service. During this time, she discovered ESG investing, igniting a passion that would shape her career.
“My luckiest break career-wise was to have the opportunity to work at a company in the ESG investing eco-system when that industry was in its infancy. I joined what was then known as Michael Jantzi Research Associates when the company had only five employees. I worked there for over a half dozen years as it grew alongside the ESG ecosystem, allowing me to work with incredible pioneers in that space. That company is now Sustainalytics, a company with thousands of employees worldwide that’s a significant force in the global capital markets.”
This experience solidified Stephenson’s expertise in the field and fueled her desire to advocate social and environmental justice within the business sector. Despite initially envisioning a career in politics or government, she found herself drawn to business’s transformative power in addressing pressing global issues.
A Changing Landscape
Stephenson’s experience has shown significant change in the sustainability and business ethics landscapes, presenting new challenges, opportunities and areas for optimism.
For example, Stephenson highlights the shift towards viewing ESG in Canada. “Increasingly in Canada, we speak of ESG as ‘ESGI,’” says Stephenson. “The E is an environmental issue, of which climate change is the most concerning, but it is also connected with another environmental topic, biodiversity. The S is social issues, including but not limited to equity, diversity and inclusion. The G is governance and, notably, environmental and social oversight. Finally, the “I” is what we’ve begun to address in Canada – a focus on Indigenous rights and relationships.”
Stephenson stresses the importance of companies embracing these expectations, citing positive incentives, constituent pressure, potential litigation, and employee criticism as driving forces for change. She has also witnessed a remarkable evolution in corporate sustainability, with businesses increasingly recognizing the importance of ESG and taking meaningful steps to implement it permanently in their strategies.
“One of the biggest and most exciting trends I’m seeing is the growing expectations of board directors to provide robust ESG oversight of companies. Directors are the ultimate stewards of corporations, and for too long, ESG issues have not been central to their agendas. So, it’s great to see that changing. Clearly, there has been a significant increase in business interest in considering environmental risks and opportunities. So, on most days, I’m very optimistic about this. That said, there is also the argument that some pressing social problems are getting worse faster than we can tackle them. Either way, there is an urgency to take action.”
Empowering the Future of Corporate Sustainability
For those aspiring to make a difference in corporate sustainability, Stephenson offers invaluable advice:
“Bring the lens to whatever role you have or seek and make it a sustainability job. We need ‘all hands on deck’ to tackle the most significant challenges society and the planet face. So, start thinking about ways your work can contribute to sustainability, irrespective of what you do. Don’t wait for permission to work in sustainability; bring that passion and commitment to whatever opportunities you have.”
Stephenson’s impact extends beyond her professional endeavours. Her role in the Global Certificate in Corporate Sustainability program allows students to delve into critical social and environmental issues. By engaging with diverse perspectives and exploring strategies for corporate sustainability, students gain invaluable insights into the intersection of business and ethics.
“It’s a chance to dive into fascinating and vital social and environmental issues and explore mechanisms to advance ESG corporate commitments and strategies. There is content and the opportunity to engage with incredible peers, bringing diverse perspectives from different industries and jurisdictions.”
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Global Certificate in Corporate Sustainability program is offered online in partnership between Vanderbilt Business and UBC Sauder. The program is designed to help prepare sustainability professionals gain valuable and relevant skills in corporate sustainability. To learn more, visit our program page.