Helle Bank Jørgensen Honoured and invited to the Board Stewardship’s “Hall of Fame” as ‘Board Stewardship’s Steward of Sustainability’
Board Stewardship honoured Helle Bank Jørgensen, CEO and Founder of Canada-based Competent Boards, and invited her to the Hall of Fame as ‘Board Stewardship’s Steward of Sustainability.’ The recognition was conferred on her at the Board Stewardship’s landmark conference titled “Boards as Stewards of Sustainability,” held at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai.
Delivering her keynote address, Helle – a renowned author, global thought leader, keynote speaker, and corporate advisor – highlighted the critical role of governance in embedding sustainability into corporate strategy. She remarked, “If sustainability isn’t integrated into the company’s governance, a new leadership might deprioritise it, leading to the loss of innovation, ideas, and efforts built over the years. If sustainability is driven by just one person, it risks becoming a pet project rather than being embedded in governance. When a new CEO steps in, they often want to chart a different strategy.”
She cited her experience working with Unilever and Paul Polman, the legendary CEO who transformed the company’s ESG framework while improving financial performance and creating wealth for shareholders. The Unilever Board, led by Michael Treschow, worked hard to ensure that the ESG principles were ingrained in the company’s culture.
Helle believes that “ESG governance is critical, with governance (“G”) being the foundation. It’s not just about what the company does but about cultivating a mindset at the boardroom level. Who sits around the table? What are they thinking?”
She emphasised the value of a global network of board professionals that the Competent Board is helping to build. They are coupled with inputs from thought leaders from across the globe who chip in as faculty members. “In our work, we’ve brought together the brightest minds to share insights, experiences, and lessons—the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s vital to break barriers and encourage diverse perspectives. Often, decision-making is hindered by misinformation and echo chambers. How can board members make informed decisions if they aren’t informed themselves?” she asks.
Discussing the latest innovations and breakthroughs in board governance practices, Helle underlined that some boards are even exploring offering AI a seat at the table. She proposed that a Board can improve the quality of decisions by keeping a few Board chairs for imaginary members representing a particular cause of stakeholder groups. “Imagine leaving a chair at the table for nature or a younger generation. Ask, What would nature say about this decision? What would my child or grandchild say? Such perspectives embody the Indigenous “Seven Generation Principle,” ensuring today’s decisions consider their impact far into the future.”
She emphasises the need for knowledge sharing and continuous learning by saying that in a rapidly changing world, no single person has all the insights. Despite decades of experience in sustainability and governance, people encounter new knowledge daily. Listening to others and encouraging collaboration is essential, especially in a fragmented world where the consequences of poor governance affect everyone.
