INSIGHT: The Essence of Forging Ahead?

A McJob Dream Come True
Bob Langert created change. As head of global sustainability for McDonald’s until retiring last week at the top of his game, Bob worked from within for 33 years, forming relationships with a broad range of stakeholders to shift the company's trajectory. Few outside McDonald's or the sustainable business realm are familiar with the extent of his accomplishments. A trailblazer, he was one of the first corporate executives to breach the divide with formerly oppositional advocacy organizations to collaborate on reducing negative impacts. Bob deeply and instinctually understood what is fundamentally required in this pursuit. In an email announcing his retirement last week, he wrote: "I’ve learned that life begins and ends with really good relationships. Making progress is so much easier when there is a trusting connection with others.” In our rush to devise technical solutions, we too often overlook this prerequisite to change. I will continue to value Bob’s friendship, and the model he has been to me and many others. “Passion. Patience. Persistence. Purpose.” Four words from Bob to live and work by.