A Journey Through IT, with Eyes on Sustainability

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Navigating different sectors has provided me with a unique perspective on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Here’s a brief look into this transition.

My Professional Background

Starting in ministry and mission work, I understood early on the value of community impact. My career trajectory later took me to prominent corporations like AMC Networks, NBC Universal, and ViacomCBS. There, I focused on program and project management, which taught me the intricacies of team dynamics and project execution.

Living in Brazil twice and gaining fluency in Portuguese gave me a broader understanding of diverse cultures. My academic background, including a Bachelor of Ministry and Master of Arts in Management, along with credentials like PMP, CSM, and ITIL Foundation, equipped me with industry-specific skills. Outside of these roles, I also engaged in volunteer initiatives, such as the Uberlândia Development Initiatives.

Lately, I've been inclined towards sustainability. For me, it represents a convergence of my professional skills with broader societal challenges.

Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility

The concept of CSR, as detailed in "Business Law" by J. Morgan (2019), moves beyond profits. It's about acknowledging and mitigating the broader impacts of business decisions.
CSR Models in FocusStakeholder Model: This considers the obligations businesses have towards a range of stakeholders, not just shareholders.
Triple Bottom Line Model: This model prioritizes three aspects: financial profit, environmental impact, and societal impact.

Real-World Implications of CSR

The practical application of CSR often contrasts with its theoretical models. For instance, annual layoffs, particularly during the year-end, showcase the challenges businesses face in balancing profit with employee welfare. Moreover, with the rise of deceptive tech designs called "dark patterns," the tech sector highlights the growing need for stronger CSR principles.

Recommendations for Businesses

For businesses to remain relevant and responsible, they must integrate sustainability into their operations. This can be achieved by setting up dedicated sustainability teams or introducing roles focused on sustainability. Businesses should aim for growth that considers societal and environmental impacts, not just profits.

To sum up, while my roots are in IT program management, I see a future where my career intersects with sustainability and CSR. The current business environment necessitates a balanced approach, and I'm optimistic about contributing to this shift.

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