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By Navigating Sustainability and Responsible Retail, Businesses Can Reach Better Ethical and Profit Achievements

Christine Russo hosts an episode of 'What Just Happened' exploring sustainability and responsible retail business practices. Guest Cara Smyth from Accenture discusses aligning business profitability with environmental and social responsibility. The conversation covers sourcing, consumer engagement, and strategies for sustainable business operations.

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By Christine Russo · · AccentureCara SmythChristine RussoFashion Makes Change
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Key takeaways

01

Emphasizing ethical practices in retail offers competitive advantages.

02

Integrating ESG practices can align profitability with responsibility.

03

Strategic sourcing and consumer engagement are key to sustainability.

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The world is in an era where sustainability and responsible retail business practices are increasingly crucial. For the latest episode of “What Just Happened,” host Christine Russo further explored the hows and whys of this pressing issue by interviewing Cara Smyth, Global Senior Managing Director for ESG and Responsible Retail at Accenture, and Chair of the Board at Fashion Makes Change.

This episode explored the evolving landscape of sustainability in the retail sector. Russo and Smyth discussed the concepts of responsible retail, sustainability, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in business. Smyth, with her extensive experience in the apparel industry and a strong focus on sustainability, shared her point of view on how businesses can align profitability with environmental and social responsibility. The conversation covered various aspects of retail, from sourcing, to consumers, and even down to a game plan for a comprehensive approach towards sustainability. Smyth emphasized the importance of profitable and responsible business practices, not just for short-term gains but for long-term sustainability and ethical operations. Their discussion offers a valuable perspective for businesses looking to navigate the complex world of sustainability and responsible retail.

Smyth emphasized the importance of profitable and responsible business practices, not just for short-term gains but for long-term sustainability and ethical operations.

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About the author

CR

Christine works as a technology solution provider for CEOs, Founders, Executive and Senior Leadership to give them a platform to tell their story to Enterprise, SMBs, independent boutiques, graduate students, media thought leaders, retail executives, brands and DTC retailers. She works with US-based technology companies as well as global startups throughout Europe and Israel.

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About the Experts

CR
Christine Russo

Host, What Just Happened

Christine Russo is a globally recognized thought leader in retail and innovation. She hosts exclusive CEO interviews and roundtables with leaders in the startup and technology space focusing on commerce, retailers, and brands.

CS
Cara Smyth

Global Senior Managing Director for ESG and Responsible Retail

Accenture

Cara Smyth has extensive experience in the apparel industry with a strong focus on sustainability. She is the Chair of the Board at Fashion Makes Change and is committed to aligning business profitability with environmental and social responsibility.

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