With over 40 years of experience advising global giants such as bp, Toyota, and Merck, Bruce Piasecki has consistently championed the integration of wealth creation and environmental responsibility. The President and Founder of AHC Group, a management-consulting firm, Piasecki continues to cultivate leaders who prioritise sustainability in their business strategies through his workshops, writings and the Creative Force Foundation, which he established to promote innovative solutions to environmental challenges and support initiatives that align economic growth with innovative practices.
His latest book, ‘Wealth and Climate Competitiveness’, challenges entrenched beliefs about wealth and corporate governance, advocating for a future in which businesses not only thrive financially but also contribute to addressing the climate crisis. In a recent interview with Business Frontier, Piasecki reflects on his journey so far, his profound zeal for writing and shares his vision for inspiring both policymakers and the next generation of thinkers.
Q. Can you share a defining moment during your work on ‘Wealth and Climate Competitiveness’ when you realised its potential to reshape corporate governance?
It was during an in-depth analysis of how companies like BP, Walgreens, and Toyota were tackling the intersection of wealth creation and climate action that I realised the book’s potential. During this phase, I witnessed firsthand how businesses could lead the way in decarbonisation, decentralisation, and digitisation — critical components for the future.
What struck me most was the understanding that corporate governance needed to adapt to these transformative trends, particularly in integrating sustainable practices into core strategies. This realisation emerged while delving into case studies demonstrating how forward-thinking corporations were not merely reacting to regulatory pressures but proactively innovating.
Their actions illustrated a clear link between environmental stewardship and long-term profitability, emphasising the importance of embedding sustainability into corporate decision-making. This moment was pivotal, as it revealed that the book could influence leaders to reevaluate their governance approach, encouraging them to see sustainability not just as a compliance issue but as a core driver of competitive advantage.
The potential of ‘Wealth and Climate Competitiveness’ to serve as a roadmap for this new corporate paradigm then became evident, underscoring the book’s role in shaping future governance models.
Q. Your memoir ‘Doing More With One Life: A Writer’s Journey’ highlights influential figures like Jonathan Edwards and Winston Churchill. How does the process of writing on historical figures contribute to your personal growth and influence your approach to corporate leadership?
In general, writing books for me is a journey of continuous personal development. It allows me to explore the fine line between ego satisfaction, self-discovery, and self-promotion. This process keeps me grounded, helping me grow both personally and professionally. It also helps me balance my work commitments with personal time, cherishing moments with my family and indulging in gardening, which gives me space for self-reflection.
Jonathan Edwards and Winston Churchill have been pivotal influences in my life. Edwards inspired my critical thinking and leadership approach with his profound intellectual depth while Churchill, with his resilience and strategic foresight, shaped my understanding of crisis management and persistence. Both figures have guided me in my personal quest for self-improvement and leading businesses through complex challenges.
My corporate office too is filled with the books on Churchill’s war talks or Jonathan Edwards’ inaugural speech as President of Princeton. These works remind me of the importance of history and thought leadership in navigating today’s challenges. As someone deeply connected to social history, my agent at Scott Meredith Literary Agency understands this aspect of my work, recognizing that my books are rooted in a broader historical and intellectual context. Through this, I aim to contribute meaningfully to both corporate thought and personal growth.
Q. What inspired you to write ‘Wealth and Climate Competitiveness’, and how do you hope to influence business leaders and policymakers with it?
I was motivated to write ‘Wealth and Climate Competitiveness’ to explore how the long-standing prejudices about wealth and corporations prevent effective responses to the climate crisis. The book draws on my extensive experience with companies like Merck, BP, and Toyota, focusing on the concept of change management.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen that aligning corporate strategies with environmental stewardship is crucial to long-term success. I hope this book will inspire business leaders and policymakers to rethink their approach, integrating wealth creation with climate responsibility.
Q. In your book discussions at places like the National Press Club, how do you address the relationship between innovation, wealth creation, and environmental stewardship?
At these discussions, I emphasise that innovation is crucial to both wealth creation and environmental stewardship. It’s about realigning money, people, and rules in a way that meets both government regulations and consumers’ shifting needs. Innovation isn’t just about new technologies—it’s about creating systems that promote long-term sustainability while also driving financial success. I’ve seen firsthand how companies can achieve this balance, and it’s central to how we move forward in today’s business landscape.
Q. What legacy do you hope to leave through your writings and initiatives like the Creative Force Foundation?
I aim to leave a legacy that promotes both personal and corporate responsibility. My books explore how businesses can thrive while contributing to societal good, and the foundation seeks to nurture young writers and leaders who will continue this work. By supporting emerging voices, I hope to foster a new generation that understands the balance between wealth creation, environmental responsibility, and social justice.
Q. As you continue engaging with executives through your ‘Achieving Results’ workshops, what are leaders’ most common misconceptions about sustainability?
One common misconception is that sustainability is a cost rather than an opportunity. Many leaders still view environmental stewardship as a regulatory burden when, in fact, it’s a pathway to innovation and long-term profitability. Through the ‘Achieving Results’ workshops, I help executives see that integrating sustainable practices can enhance their competitive edge, attract more customers, and build resilience against market shifts.
Q. With the expansion of your Creative Force Foundation into new countries, how do you envision fostering the next generation of writers and leaders in business and society?
As the Creative Force Foundation expands globally, my vision is to empower young writers and leaders to explore the intersection of business, society, and sustainability. By providing them with platforms and resources, I hope to nurture talents who can address the challenges of our time, from climate change to social equity, through innovative thinking and responsible leadership. The goal is to build a global community of individuals who are not only successful in their careers but also committed to making a positive impact.
For more information, visit www.brucepiasecki.com and www.thedoingmorewithlessguy.com
