As a "corporate suit" (his words) and former VP of sustainability at McDonald's, Bob Langert works with companies and their strongest critics to find solutions that are good for both business and society. In this actionable talk, he shares stories from the decades-long transition into corporate sustainability at McDonald's -- including his work with unlikely partners like the Environmental Defense Fund and Temple Grandin -- and shows why your adversaries can sometimes be your best allies.

The business case for working with your toughest critics

Progress accelerates when companies engage openly with their toughest critics, not just their allies. By partnering with passionate adversaries, one fast-food giant eliminated its infamous Styrofoam clamshell and saved three million pounds of waste a year by shrinking its napkins. Shared goals with environmentalists and animal advocates led to industry-wide improvements, from better packaging to stopping Amazon deforestation. Real breakthroughs happened only when both sides listened, learned, and let go of old assumptions.

Turning Critics Into Collaborators Unlocks Lasting Change

*The Battle To Do Good: Inside McDonald’s Sustainability Journey*

business

sustainability

collaboration

social change

society

work

leadership

TED Stage Talk

Bob Langert: The business case for working with your toughest critics