In September 2009 Alice Bah Kuhnke took up her new position as Director of Sustainability and CSR at ÅF. Behind her, Alice has a career as a presenter and features producer for Swedish Radio and the Swedish television companies SVT and TV4, as operations manager in the "Ideas for Life" department at Skandia insurance, and as secretary-general for Rättvisemärkt, the Swedish Fairtrade organisation. Her most recent position was at Sektor3, a think-tank for civil society. In her new role at ÅF Alice has a clear message: sustainability is profitability.
What does sustainability mean to you?
"Sustainability is so much more than traditional environmental work. It involves addressing business operations from three angles – economic, ecological and social. This broad approach gives the scope to make a real difference. You can no longer focus on just one of the areas if you want to run a business sustainably."
How can ÅF help to make the world more sustainable?
"Sustainability is a feature of every ÅF assignment. ÅF employees contribute daily to making our world more sustainable. Many of the major challenges facing the business community and the world around us today are – crass as it may sound – business opportunities for us. That’s why we need to profile ourselves more clearly and demonstrate that our know-how is something on which our clients can build a sustainable future."
What can a client expect from an ÅF consultant?
"Our clients are always offered the best solution based on the criteria laid down. But we will also propose a second option for our clients – one that is the very best from a sustainability perspective. This gives clients even greater choice. Our clients are our most important asset and the constant focus of our attention, particularly in terms of our insights into where and how we make the biggest difference."
How does ÅF tackle the fact that there are big differences between some markets?
"It’s a big challenge – but one that we relish. The key is to handle the differences with respect for different cultures and traditions. I tend to start by assuming that everyone is well-intentioned and that you can achieve a great deal through information and mutual respect. That’s why communication is crucial for achieving the high goals we’ve set ourselves. We must be clear in our communication with shareholders, co-workers, clients, suppliers and all our other stakeholders."
What is at the top of your agenda for the next two years?
"There are big changes on the horizon and there’s no time to be lost. We’ve set our sights high for ÅF’s sustainability work and we’ve taken the first steps. While patience is essential, the key to success is not talk, but action."