The Future of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)

Chief Sustainability Officers are no longer just managing compliance—they are guiding strategy, shaping culture, and becoming the connective tissue across business units, regulators, investors, and communities.

We’re launching a global study to uncover how CSOs are navigating increasing complexity, pressure, and opportunity.

To honor the most insightful contribution, one participant will receive a $10,000 scholarship toward a world-class executive education program.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Participate

Why This Study Now?

Sustainability has evolved from a function to a frontline strategy.

CSOs are balancing short-term reporting demands with long-term systems change.

They’re translating technical ESG disclosures into strategic narratives, aligning diverse stakeholders, and enabling measurable impact—all while navigating greenwashing risks and shifting regulations.

Now, AI is entering the picture—and it’s not just about carbon accounting.

How CSOs Are Actually Using AI

How They Earn Trust Across Executive Teams

What a Best-in-Class Sustainability Stack Looks Like in 2025

What Workflows They’ve Automated or Augmented

How It Works

Participate in an up to 20-minute AI interview and get early access to the results.

1. Start the AI Interview

You’ll meet our research assistant—powered by Complex Chaos. It will ask you 8–10 questions about your role, your challenges, and how (or if) AI is entering your workflows. Start now!

2. Your Answers Fuel the Study

We’ll anonymize and analyze hundreds of responses to surface the patterns, pain points, and breakthroughs shaping this evolving function.

3. Get Early Access to Results

Receive an executive summary of key findings before we publish and opt-in to a Op-Eds.

Who Should Participate?

We’re listening to the voices shaping sustainability strategy at scale:

Chief Sustainability Officers and Heads of ESG at large or high-growth companies.

Senior sustainability leads involved in regulatory alignment, stakeholder engagement, and decarbonization.

Strategy and operations leaders working on integrated sustainability initiatives.

What You’ll Walk Away With

This study supports those building resilient, regenerative organizations—not with generic AI hype, but with grounded tools to reduce friction, unlock insight, and build trust.

By participating, you’ll walk away with:

A global snapshot of how peers are navigating sustainability under pressure.
Fresh ideas for amplifying your role’s influence and reach.
First access to the 2025 Sustainability Benchmark Report.

Executive Education Award

To recognize the depth and quality of insights shared, we’re selecting one standout participant to receive a $10,000 scholarship toward a world-class executive education program.