Burn Bright, Not Out: Emotional Sustainability as a Strategy for Impact

As the sustainability sector accelerates, the pressure on those leading the charge is intensifying. Over 55% of sustainability professionals report burnout symptoms, and nearly 1 in 3 purpose-driven employees feel close to chronic exhaustion (EDF, McKinsey Health Institute, 2022). Tackling burnout—and the often-overlooked loneliness of changemakers—is crucial for effective, long-term transformation.

This session explores emotional sustainability as a strategic foundation for impact. Drawing from her work with public institutions, educators, and city leaders—including a large group of sustainability managers from Fortune 500 companies —Santa Meyer-Nandi shares concrete tools to build resilience, alignment, and clarity in demanding work.

This isn’t just about avoiding burnout. It’s about cultivating personal sustainability and genuine connection, so leaders can stay resourced and creative while navigating complexity.