Leisa Elder Email & Phone Number

A university professor once wrote on my assignment “Love where this is going, be sure to over-reference”. I replied “What if where we’re going isn’t built from past ideas?”.Disruption isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s uncomfortable, I know. I’ve learned from 35 years in complex environments that didn’t just become a career – but ignited a passion – to predict change, to lead and simplify it, and to encourage teams to think differently about change: whether it was delivering new energy projects, investing in low-emissions technologies, introducing world-first drugs and genetically modified foods, or proactively influencing regulatory policy, in Australia and overseas.But the energy transition, and the ESG and sustainability hurdles ahead, represents one of the most complicated challenges yet. As a director on industry and investment Boards I’ve seen first-hand the competing tensions. Governments are under pressure to deliver reliable supply, affordability and compliance. Resource companies want regulatory certainty and recognition for economic contribution. The finance sector, including institutional investors and pension funds, wants greater transparency on emerging ESG risks like climate change. All the while, we’re on the edge of the largest wealth transfer in history – from Baby Boomers to Millennials – many of whom want their investments to do more than make profits for shareholders.But be careful what you wish for.In 2018, 84.5% of the world’s energy was sourced from fossil fuels. It’s a 120-year+ industrial system that has produced arguably the cheapest and most economic forms of energy from coal, gas and minerals. Replacing it with a sustainable, low-emissions economy won’t happen overnight. New data I’ve reviewed as an Adjunct Professor shows the very first generation of renewables will need 6.4 times the historical volume of copper ever mined. So, in the event of unprecedented energy demand, increased mining, rising prices and royalties, who is incentivised to ensure ESG risks are responsibly managed?In my experience, some sectors are incentivised to maintain the status quo.This calibre of change needs fresh thinking - now - or those most impacted will be those who can least afford it. So I’m reaching out to work with innovative leaders brave enough to take on the compelling issues of our time.

Listed skills include Community Engagement, Change Management, Strategic Planning, Public Relations, and 9 others.