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In an interview with Follow This | Shareholders change the world, we explored their unwavering mission to compel oil and gas companies to adopt ambitious climate goals in line with the Paris Agreement. Despite the daunting challenge posed by ExxonMobil's lawsuit against them, Follow This remains resolute. "A lawsuit is intimidating, but climate change is more intimidating," says CEO Mark van Baal. ExxonMobil's legal action, he believes, underscores the impact of climate resolutions and is an attempt to sideline critical shareholders. Communication & Media Chief Karel Kuipéri adds, "Exxon strengthens the fossil-free and divestment movement by labeling us activists. They're investing in infrastructure that will be obsolete in 30 years, risking future bankruptcy in a much warmer world." Why not divest completely? Mark explains, "Divesting means losing influence, letting less responsible shareholders take over, and allowing oil companies to continue unchallenged. Staying invested ensures continued pressure for change." Impact, for Follow This, is about more than just reducing CO2 emissions. Mark notes, "When we started, oil companies denied responsibility for customer emissions. Now, it's standard to discuss overall impact, including scope 3 emissions." Karel emphasizes the power of shareholder influence, "Citizens can invest in fossil fuel companies through our organization, gaining a vote in shareholders' meetings. This empowers individuals to directly impact the oil giants and gives people a sense of reassurance." Read the entire interview on how Follow This is driving meaningful change.

On October 17, the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV) withdrew from the Dutch Corporate Governance Monitoring Committee, citing a shift in focus away from sustainable governance and employee engagement. Instead, FNV claims, the Committee has become overly focused on profit and pleasing certain stakeholders. Vice President Kitty Jong didn’t hold back: “Neither forward-looking governance nor the people who make these profits possible are given a significant role.” This raises the question: Can corporate governance truly serve the interests of all stakeholders? And if so, what would a new, inclusive approach look like?

We're #hiring a new Junior Strategic Consultant in New York City Metropolitan Area. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We’re #hiring for a Junior Strategic Consultant for our office in New York City Metropolitan Area. Know anyone who might be interested?

Design isn't just about making things look good; it's about shaping the way we experience and interact with the world. To give an example, a fascinating study showed that people perceived ATMs with more attractive designs as easier to use, even when the functionality was identical. This highlights how deeply visual appeal influences our perception of usability. Companies like Apple and Google have harnessed this power of design, driving growth and innovation by creating intuitive, user-centric products. According to McKinsey, companies with a strong design focus grow twice as fast as their peers and see significantly higher revenue and returns. Design engages our brains, shapes our decisions, and ultimately, plays a leading role in driving change and impact. It's time we give design the credit it deserves. Shall we?

𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 €1,000 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐝? Imagine a world where every Dutch citizen contributes €1,000 annually to combat climate change in the most vulnerable regions. This bold vision is what the International Climate Action Coalition advocates for ahead of #COP29. They're calling for a significant shift: a collective global commitment of at least $1 trillion each year to empower developing nations to protect themselves against climate-related disasters such as severe droughts, extreme weather, and rising sea levels. Will we rise to meet this challenge? Shall we?

What drives our colleagues at ftrprf to dedicate themselves to creating a better world? We asked three of our talented analysts. Today, we want to highlight the answer of Helena on the question of what drives her to make a positive impact. Helena Vitria: “My favorite beach, nestled between cliffs, feels like paradise. But upon closer inspection, oil swirls from a passing boat, specks of plastic dot the sand, and an engine flying overhead drowns out the waves. Like so much of our planet, this beach may seem untouched, but it takes just a few seconds to see your habits and our society’s poor decisions imprinted everywhere. I am driven to make a positive impact precisely because I hope to have less of an impact on nature. Beaches, mountains, plains, they are my greatest motivation.”

The energy transition is in full swing, but is everyone on board? As renewable energy takes the lead, local communities raise concerns about the pace of change and rising costs. Are we pushing too fast or not fast enough? What does this mean for you and the future of sustainable energy? Read the full story on navigating the green transition, balancing innovation, and social impact. 

What drives our colleagues at ftrprf to dedicate themselves to creating a better world? We asked three of our talented analysts. Today, we want to highlight the answer by Eline on the question of what drives her to make a positive impact. Eline van Doorn: “Long walks in the forest used to be my favorite when I was a kid. Looking for the classic red mushroom with white dots and spotting deer in my little yellow rain boots. This forest is no longer the same after all those years. The struggles of endangered species, the loss of different plants and animals, and the threat of climate change aren't just far-off problems. There are urgent reasons to act now. Inspired by nature's resilience and diversity, I feel a deep responsibility to help. By making small changes and working together, we can ensure a future where both people and the planet thrive.”

If you are considering doing a PhD in management, this is one of the best offerings on the planet. It is highly recommended (and from experience, we know it is not only extremely interesting working with professors like Spencer Harrison, it's also great fun). #futureproof #PhD #ifyouadewaitingforasignthisisit (Thank you Frank Groenewold for sharing).