Sustainability is just beginning to gain traction, and it won’t be long before it completely reshapes business operations. Best practices are leading the way.

Already, major global brands like Bain, Bayer, Cox Enterprise Inc., and Air Liquide are pledging their commitment to sustainable procurement.

Because of the gathering restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, right now, in-person, hands-on consulting opportunities are limited—and at a time when extra help is needed most. Visionary People, looking to make a positive impact, is seeking out ways to work and lend a hand to our clients. So it’s imperative to restructure our business model and pivot to digital in order to meet this demand through virtual management consulting. COVID-19 has created a new paradigm shift that has forced organizational change and human behavior. As horrendous as COVID-19 is, we at VP view the pandemic as mother nature's way of conducting a planetary reset. Hence, through the paradigm shift comes positive change.

As a result, we at Visionary People have redesigned our business model and have transitioned to a sustainable business model by transforming into a predominately virtual consultancy.

"If there's one thing for certain in 2020, it's the fact that it's no longer business as usual," Natalia Latimer, Vice President at Salesforce. 

"Now is the time to recommit to company values and broaden the idea of who our stakeholders actually are -- our customers, employees, partners, shareholders, communities, and yes, even the planet."

"Across the world today we are facing a health crisis, an economic crisis, an inequality crisis, a leadership crisis, and a climate crisis," she continues. "Learning how to address any one of them can be paralyzing, never mind all of them. But we all have a platform for change and whether it's big or small, it is our responsibility to act. We need everyone to help drive the change our planet needs at the pace and scale necessary to feel the effects for current and future generations."

"We are already seeing the horrific effects of climate change with the wildfires on the West Coast, the flooding in the south, the burning Arctic and the list goes on," said Latimer. "I experienced for the first time not being able to leave my house for consecutive days due to poor air quality. It really brought to home it was a privilege to have clean air and that we all need to act now."

Source: Coronavirus - Business and Technology In A Pandemic by Vala Afshar.

At Visionary People (VP), we agree with Ms. Latimer, and want to do our part in investing in sustainable business practices by informing our new clients that they will receive a 10% discount on any of our services as long as they agree to conduct all business electronically. In return, we are able to reduce over 80% of our carbon footprint as well as client and consultant overhead (per representative) by:

1. Reducing fuel consumption from travel, 
2. Conducting business electronically whilst saving stationary/print documents
3. Dry cleaning. Doing business from our homes allows us to dress semi-formal when we virtually meet  with our clients or casual working independently.  Specifically, chlorinated solvents (especially PCE) are associated with dry cleaning activities. Such chemicals are toxic, mobile in the environment (especially through their volatile nature), and the chemical pollution they create may persist for decades due to their resistance to degradation. Hence, dry cleaning bad for the environment.
4. Time is money. We rather invest our time in our clients' projects or volunteering rather than spending it in traffic while polluting the air with our vehicles.

For clients who are behind in transforming their businesses to be aligned with the industry standards, we pledge to help them update their practices through digital transformation.

Our virtual business management consulting is a win-win for both clients and VP consultants. While our consultants love being able to work from their home office, our clients love the savings they receive. Saving 10% on expenses is a big deal for businesses, regardless of size. Let's not forget about the positive outcome proving virtual business management services has on our planet. By not requiring extra office desks, chairs and equipment, we are able to do our part in influencing other organizations to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) best practices. 

As a result of our Sustainability Program and initiative, carbon footprint is dramatically reduced which allows our planet and all living things the opportunity to heal and rejuvenate while the world fights global warming challenges. At VP, we understand that without a healthy planet, mankind cannot sustain nor evolve.