I was recently invited to attend the annual M&S Plan A conference where leading suppliers and NGO’s came together to learn from the CEO and senior managers about M&S and their commitment to sustainable and transparent business. M&S is a leading ethical retailer whose own label cosmetics, personal care and household products are certified by Cruelty Free International’s ‘Leaping Bunny’ programme as genuinely not tested on animals.
But the highlight was listening to the keynote speaker, US Former Vice President Al Gore, extolling the virtues of ethical and sustainable business.
He spoke in glowing terms about M&S and their innovative approach to such issues as animal welfare, fairtrade and environmental stewardship, but it was when he began to speak about climate change that he dramatically lit up the room with his knowledge, passion and personal commitment to making positive change.
The experience served to remind me that all the PowerPoint or Prezi presentations in the world cannot hold a candle to a speaker who is truly passionate about his or her issue – and who has a burning and ever-present mission to make other people hear and understand their message.
