Introducing Antonio DeLorenzo GEMBA’15 – Head of Innovation Labs, ING.
What were your key takeaways after graduating from INSEAD in relation to having a positive social impact on the community? I furthered my love for entrepreneurialism and ethics in business, and build upon that foundation every day.
What do you believe are the critical elements for a business to act as a force for good? Equity, social justice, environmental impact, good governance, and a general sense of consciousness by employees.
What actions from companies have you seen which have been a Force For Good? I believe any dollar deployed to help humans consciously and responsibly further our interests in industry, are good dollars. I don’t believe in revolutions but in evolution and this is exactly what we’re seeing today. In the last few years, businesses have done lots to help reduce the negative effect we have on our planet and allow us to create more equity among communities and people. Great examples are decarbonization in shipping, the net zero banking alliance, and the big (and slow) shift from using fossil fuels to alternative sources of energy. I’ve also seen more businesses focused on less enabled communities like those with less capital or less access to technology.
What are some specific actions employees should do to enable a positive social impact on our community ? Firstly, always question the status quo to seek opportunities for improving people’s lives, communities and the environment. Then link these opportunities to individual contributions for them to tackle, or raise them with a company that can make a change. Second, help colleagues, management, families, and communities be aware of what their companies are doing to help our lives.
What are some examples in your profession/ company where you’ve experienced BAFG first-hand? It’s great observing colleagues and leaders consciously work at ensuring a healthier workplace. It doesn’t take much time to ask someone how they’re doing but the effect is great. It leads to happier people leading happier lives at work and having better relationships with their colleagues, families, and communities.
What key BAFG principles would you like businesses in Singapore to embrace? Openness. Singapore is home to many companies, and a second home to many more. It’s a great opportunity to embrace dialogue across sectors that can enable more openness in knowing what we’re all dealing with, and can give us the ability to come together to tackle challenges we collectively face.
What were the main reasons for accepting an invitation to be an IAA Singapore BAFG judge? I’ve always been interested in alternative business models with inclusion. BAFG doesn’t mean good needs to be an alternative to what we do every day. Rather, what we used to call alternative needs to become the norm.
What motivated you to be an advocate for businesses to act as a force for good? Together with the community of my alma mater, we can push for a better tomorrow through positivity and rewarding progress.
Anything else you would like to add? The impact every dollar deployed may have on society and the environment should be carefully considered. Looking after our planet and communities should be of equal importance to profitability and compliance with laws.
Meet The Judges Interview Series
- Series #1 – Li Lian Liew GEMBA’13 – Director, Corporate Panning at Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Central Health
- Series #2 – Brad Fraser MAP’18 – Head of Prime Derivative Services Asia Pacific at Barclays