HP Inc. says that sustainable impact was a key differentiator for more than $700 million in new business last year. The company’s newly published 2017 Sustainable Impact Report shows a 38% year-over-year increase in sales bids with sustainability requirements.

“In 2017, customers with sustainable purchasing criteria — including criteria related to eco-labels — represented a total of approximately $15.8 billion of existing and potential business revenue,” the report says.

We’ve seen a massive shift towards values-based leadership over the last several years, particularly within the ranks of established corporate leadership teams.

But what role do values and operationalizing the creation of shared value play for the emerging entrepreneur, for whom it can be a matter of business life-or-death if funds aren’t quickly raised and partners don’t come alongside to support their urgent growth? Is there a role for social impact as an entrepreneur or ICO leader?

Schneider Electric, global specialist in energy management and automation, participated at the regional World Economic Forum (WEF) with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of the government recently. The forum highlighted the need to develop and strengthen partnerships between the private and public sector to engage on critical topics for South Africa's future development, including health, security, workforce, higher education, youth skills and governance.