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.

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.

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.

All interview participants
are automatically considered.

Our team, alongside external advisors, will review anonymized responses.

Selection is based on clarity, relevance, and thoughtfulness of contribution

The selected participant will be announced in Q4 2025, alongside the release of the final research report.

Trusted by forward-thinking mission leaders

Work on Climate

Empowering professionals to take climate action through their work and careers.

B Lab

Supporting businesses that balance purpose and profit, creating positive impact for stakeholders.

GDI

Advancing transformative solutions for a sustainable and equitable global future.

CEMUNE

Collaborating to create meaningful impact through innovative solutions and shared expertise.

WFW

Working together to implement sustainable practices and drive positive environmental change.

US Center for Advanced Manufacturing

Supporting advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce development.

Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School Angels

Connecting entrepreneurs with investors for innovative business development.

Women Funding The World logo

Kindr Project

Fostering kindness through community engagement and support.

Women Funding The World logo

Presencing Institute

Facilitating transformative change through awareness and mindfulness practices.

Women Funding The World logo

EcoMotion

Advancing sustainable mobility and innovation in the transport sector.

Women Funding The World logo

Smart Freight Center (SFC)

Enhancing freight efficiency and sustainability in transportation.

Women Funding The World logo

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)

Supporting digital transformation across European regions and industries.

Ready to Share Your Playbook?

If you’re navigating complexity and want to make AI a strategic advantage — not just a buzzword — this is your path in.

Start Interview