As part of Journey to Zero, Sponsored by Polestar, Skydiamond & Yves Delorme
Future Icons Awards honour those who are changing the conversation and impact of business for good by looking at every impact pillar. Recognising DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is crucial because it ensures that diverse perspectives are valued in addressing environmental challenges. Inclusive representation fosters innovative solutions that account for the needs of all communities. Great campaigns play their part too, by raising awareness, shifting behaviours, and creating tangible results, and therefore advance environmental goals on a larger scale.
Anya Hindmarch is committed to creating consciously, and innovating to reduce its impact on the planet and foster a circular economy. Their most ambitious project to date is Return to Nature, inspired by the fact that there is no waste in nature. In October 2019 they set out to make a beautiful, luxury leather bag that would be desirable to use and carry and could never end up in landfill. After two years of research and development, they launched a collection of bags that biodegrade, compost and deliver 20 percent stronger plant growth.
What the judges said: ‘Anya Hindmarch uses her passion, platform and creativity to call to attention the need for real, actionable change. She has been uniquely successful in changing the narrative over plastic bags – and her Return to Nature campaign is another exciting shift in how we perceive luxury. May she go on and on.’
Established in 1991, &Beyond strives to leave the world a better place through the delivery of extraordinary travel experiences and the care of land, wildlife and people. Their WILDeconomy Masterclass, in collaboration with African Leadership University, is a program designed to educate participants on the intersection of wildlife conservation, tourism, and sustainable business practices. It focuses on how conservation-driven tourism can generate positive economic impacts while protecting biodiversity and supporting local communities.
What the judges said: ‘As sophisticated travellers want to learn more about the places to which they travel, this initiative gives the opportunity for guests to explore the broader context of how wildlife can contribute just as much as other resources to Africa’s economy. This is thought-leadership at its finest.
Smart Works is a UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for job success, harnessing the power of high-quality clothing and one-to-one coaching to reconnect women with their potential. The charity exists to bring about positive change for women in disadvantaged circumstances, breaking the cycle of poverty and deprivation caused by unemployment.
What the judges said: ‘Everyone would agree that interviewing for a new job is stressful, everyone worrying about what they should wear. However, for many woman in disadvantaged circumstances, this takes on a whole new meaning. This is where Smartworks really steps up – to dress and coach women for job success. There are tangible, impactful results which are a joy to see.’
Every year, Singita and the Grumeti Fund’s ‘Safaris with a Purpose’ invite female runners of all fitness levels to join the Serengeti Girls Run (SGR) – a multi-stage all-women run, which raises funds for empowerment programmes for girls in rural Tanzania.
What the judges said: ‘Singita’s Serengeti Girls Run is an inspiring DEI initiative with a holistic approach that significantly extends career and educational opportunities to local girls and, significantly, boys too.’
We are delighted to be partnering with POLESTAR, SKYDIAMOND and YVES DELORME for this year's Journey to Zero Future Icons Awards and Power People from Country & Town House.
