Sustainable human capital is relevant for all companies in driving performance, regardless of their opinion on societal good.
That statement came from a corporate governance expert I respect very much. But I question the premise.
I believe we need sustainable human capital if we want an equitable society, because without that, companies won't be able to drive sustainable, long-term performance. Creating good, well-paying jobs that provide employees the ability to participate in the American dream bolsters society and the bottom line.
It's been at the heart of our coverage at Directors & Boards last year, and that focus will continue this year, with an eye on risk and environmental, social and governance issues (ESG).
I was proud to spearhead the ESG deep dive and saw it come to fruition thanks to the magazine's senior editor April Hall, creative director Monica McLaughlin and roster editor Barbara Wenger. However, I won't be leading the ESG journey into the new decade.
This will be my last issue as Director & Boards' editor-in-chief. I am leaving to take on the role of communications director at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI.org), a Washington-based think tank.
For much of my career as a business journalist, I covered corporate America and the workplace, with a particular interest in income inequality and diversity. When the position as editor of Directors & Boards presented itself, I jumped at the chance to cover the nation's boardrooms because I knew how much influence directors have, and could have, when it comes to steering corporations to do right by all stakeholders.
I was lucky to be supported by publisher Bob Rock who allowed me to take on the tough corporate governance issues of the day and to question the status quo; something he's done in his columns in this publication for decades and as a board member himself. I would also like to thank the entire MLR Media team, including publishing director David Shaw, who gave me the opportunity three years ago to lead the magazine's transformation.
I take this next step in my career with a heavy heart because I will miss the incredible people I've worked with, and the corporate directors, and corporate governance thought leaders I've gotten to know and learn from.
I titled this column “A Greek Goodbye” because I'm hopeful the goodbye will last for a long time with you all staying in touch. I'll be a tweet (@EveAsks) and an email (telleve@gmail.com) away.