Leading on Purpose: Sustainability, AI, and Resilient Leadership at IKEA Canada | Selwyn Crittendon

Unlock the secrets to purpose-driven leadership and sustainability with our special guest, Selwyn Crittenden, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Canada. Imagine a world where businesses thrive by aligning with core values such as doing more with less, promoting inclusivity, and taking bold steps towards climate action. In this episode, Selwyn shares how IKEA stays true to these principles, integrating sustainable practices like waste reduction and renewable energy into their daily operations, thus achieving both economic success and a positive societal impact.

Explore the critical qualities that define effective leadership in the modern business landscape. Together, we discuss the art of balancing transparency with stability, fostering a culture of trust, and maintaining personal and organizational values. Learn how adaptability, active listening, and celebrating team achievements contribute to building resilient organizations capable of navigating complex challenges. Our conversation highlights the importance of understanding diverse communities and how leaders can harness these insights to create inclusive and impactful solutions.

With the advent of AI, our conversation pivots to how technological advancements are reshaping leadership and customer service. Selwyn shares concrete examples of where AI can enhance productivity while still valuing human intuition and action. He also offers advice for emerging leaders, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and a test-and-try mentality to foster continuous growth. Join us in this enriching episode that embodies the core values of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, and let's continue to foster meaningful discussions together.

What You’ll Learn:

• Integration of leadership and sustainability at IKEA.

• IKEA's innovations in the circular economy.

• How AI is being integrated into leadership and customer service strategies.

• The importance of a values-driven culture in building resilient teams.

• Methods for igniting transformative change within organizations.

• Strategies to navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - Purpose-Driven Leadership at IKEA Canada

(18:50) - Nurturing Transparent and Inclusive Leadership

(29:17) - Building Resilient Teams and Organizations

(43:37) - Embracing AI for Leadership Growth

(58:05) - Leading With Values and Engagement

More of Selwyn:

Selwyn Crittendon is the CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Canada, a unique dual role that reflects his deep commitment to both business growth and environmental responsibility. With over two decades of experience at IKEA, Selwyn has held various leadership positions, most recently serving as Chief Business Development Manager at IKEA U.S., where he spearheaded expansion, transformation, and innovation efforts. Since stepping into his current role in July 2023, he has continued to champion IKEA’s global mission of social purpose and positive leadership, embodying the company’s values and driving sustainable progress within the Canadian market.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selwyn-crittendon/

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Sustainability, IKEA, Circular Economy, Climate Action, Waste Reduction, Zero-Emission Deliveries, Leading with Transparency, Living Your Values, Trust, Active Listening, Adaptability, Resilient Teams, Organizational Values, AI, Customer Service, Mentorship, Gratitude, Learning Conversations, Values-Based Leadership, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/