This fall, at the Horasis Global Meeting, I found myself captivated by a keynote speaker during the “Leading for Impact and Resilience in Unstable Times” panel. Jonathan Keim, a Master Level Trainer of Strategic Intervention, delivered a talk that got me thinking about the future of leadership.
As the Chief Business Development Officer of Robbins Madanes Training, Keim’s organization has trained over 15% of the world’s certified life coaches. Their transformative coaching programs empower leaders to align their actions with their values and prepare them for the future. His keynote tackled big issues — global conflict, the climate crisis, and rising extremism while fostering resilience and driving positive societal change.
Keim didn’t just highlight the challenges. He showed how leaders can build resilience, foster collaboration, and inspire purpose-driven change in their organizations and communities.
Keim emphasizes the role of intrinsic motivation in driving environmental stewardship. He explains, “People don’t want to be guilted or shamed into taking action — that approach belongs to the past. Research shows that celebrating and positively affirming helpful actions is a far more effective way to inspire meaningful change.”
Intrigued by his ideas, I followed up with Keim for a deeper conversation. We discussed how coaching can prepare leaders to navigate a rapidly changing world.
Keim went on to share the importance of making decisions as community-driven and systemic as possible. He says, “The more we put all the weight on our own shoulders to drive change, the harder it becomes, but as soon as you get the support of your family, friends, and colleagues, it becomes communal. It can even become fun. That network effect will ultimately lead to the greatest results.”
Tackling Plastic Pollution and Climate Change
As a personal coach specializing in leadership training, Keim envisions a future shaped by responsibility and global impact. He paints a stark picture, “Imagine a world where our oceans hold more plastic than fish, where the air we breathe harms our health, and where ecosystems collapse under the weight of pollution and overuse. We are dangerously close to this reality.”
The statistics are sobering. According to Ocean Conservancy, 11 million metric tons of plastic flow into our oceans every year, adding to the estimated 200 million metric tons already there. It’s the equivalent of dumping one New York City garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute, 24/7, for an entire year. Meanwhile, the 2024 UNEP Emissions Gap Report warns that if current trends continue, global temperatures could rise by 2.6-3.1°C by the century’s end.
Keim doesn’t shy away from bold solutions. “The most beneficial legislation we could enact would be an outright ban on plastic packaging and single-use plastics,” opines Keim. But he acknowledges the challenges of implementing such sweeping policies, given the financial clout of the plastics industry and logistical hurdles.
Instead, Keim urges individuals to take action in their daily lives. “Given the obstacles to enforcing a complete plastic ban, we must look to alternative solutions that are more immediately within our control. By adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives, making household rules to reduce the purchase of products wrapped in non-recyclable plastic, and by supporting local businesses that prioritize eco-friendly packaging, each of us can help reduce plastic waste and encourage more sustainable options.”
Small Choices, Big Impact
Keim believes every purchase is a statement. When you choose to buy products free from non-recyclable plastic, you’re making a powerful statement. “This choice is about alignment,” he says, “aligning your values with the change you want to see in the world.”
Keim highlights the role of local food markets, small farms, and artisans, which often deliver high-quality products without the burden of plastic waste. Supporting these businesses not only promotes eco-friendly practices but also strengthens community-driven economies.
For those ready to take action, Keim offers simple steps to start making an impact today:
- Supporting local businesses: Choosing locally sourced products supports small businesses that often use less plastic. Local shops and farmers’ markets are more likely to sell unpackaged or minimally packaged goods, often in compostable or recyclable materials.
- Reducing food miles: By purchasing locally, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Shorter food miles mean fewer emissions and fresher, healthier produce.
- Improving health through whole foods: Many plastic-free products come directly from farms, without the processing and preservatives often found in packaged goods. Fresh produce and local foods encourage a healthier diet full of natural nutrients.
How Corporations Can Lead the Charge
While individual choices create demand for sustainable products, corporations have the scale and influence to set new standards in environmentally responsible packaging. Businesses committed to reducing plastic have a crucial role in reshaping our habits. As a leadership coaching expert, Keim recommends how companies can lead this transformation.
“Companies can minimize waste by designing products for durability and recycling, moving away from single-use plastics,” Keim shares. “Businesses can make a substantial impact by replacing non-recyclable plastic with compostable or reusable alternatives. Packaging innovations such as biodegradable wraps and refillable containers are solutions that align with consumer demands for sustainable products. By publishing environmental targets and plastic reduction goals, companies build consumer trust and lead by example.”
The Power of Advocacy
When it comes to making a change, every effort counts. Non-profits and advocacy groups play a critical role in educating communities and influencing policies that reduce plastic pollution. Keim proposes that non-profit organizations push for policy changes. “Organizations that advocate for plastic bans, incentives for biodegradable packaging, and restrictions on single-use items pave the way for a sustainable future.”
He also advocates for community engagements and local sustainability, highlighting the importance of grassroots action. “Community events, workshops, and local clean-up initiatives raise awareness and help communities take immediate action against plastic waste,” he explains, “Many organizations fund local projects that focus on sustainable agriculture and waste reduction, supporting local economies and creating a ripple effect of responsibility.” He also noted that these activities should be fun and fulfilling to be a part of, “the more enjoyable of an experience you can create, the bigger your impact will be.”
Shaping a Plastic-Free Future: The Role of Education
Teaching responsibility early lays the foundation for a sustainable future. According to Keim, schools and universities hold a unique responsibility for fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices in young people.
Keim endorses integrating environmental education into the curriculum, creating plastic-free campuses for subconsciously imbibing the culture and encouraging student activism. “Schools can include lessons on the impact of plastic waste and the importance of sustainable choices, giving students the tools to make responsible decisions. Universities and schools can reduce waste by adopting plastic-free policies in cafeterias, dormitories, and events, showing students that sustainable practices are achievable. Programs and clubs focused on sustainability empower students to become advocates for reducing plastic and protecting the environment.”
By choosing plastic-free products, making choices as a community, and making the shift intrinsically rewarding, Keim suggests future leaders can inspire a movement that prioritizes our planet and safeguards it for generations to come.
