Supporting Responsible Business
Bridging the gap between corporate success and compassionate leadership
Welcome to ESG Advisory.
It has become a common understanding that Environmental, Social & Governance practices have become the pillars of responsible business.
In 2021 I established ESG Advisory in order to share the valuable insights that I had gained, during three decades of management experience, in order to support responsible business practices through workshops, management presentations and conference keynotes and facilitation. I then distilled this knowledge into a book, Kind Business: Values create Value, published in 2024 (discussed in the earlier tab on this website). The book was a finalist in two categories, General Business and Social Responsibility, in the 2024 Australian Business Book Awards (the ABBAs).
I would love you to contact me to see if my experience may be of value to your organisation, or conference audience. You can do so via any of the contact methods mentioned on the last page of the web site.
Podcast
This podcast, one of many I have done, provides good insight into who I am and what I believe is important in business: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/finding-nature/id1736506603?i=1000666040157
A few comments regarding the impact of the keynotes that I have delivered:
“David, you speak with such passion and understanding. I only hope that more people hear your wise and kind words.”- Rohan Bentley - Director Salesforce
“You can hear a pin drop every time you speak.”- Natalie Symonds - Chief Operating Officer Prime Financial Group
Dr David Cooke is an extraordinary leader and speaker with real world stories to share. I highly recommend him as a key note speaker and to support your organisation to create an ethical and inspiring culture.” - Alison Cameron - Founder New Milenium Leadership
“When David speaks you can literally hear a pin drop! Not only have I had the pleasure of listening to David speak I have been fortunate enough to benefit from the impact he has had on organisations. Davids unwavering focus on driving strong cultural values, high ethical standards, and a passion for doing what’s right for individuals is too often overlooked and rare these days. David will undoubtedly have an impact on any business, and I highly recommend him.” - Rob Dalimore - Managing Director Worldwide.
“… you are the first male senior leader I have heard in a long time who I feel really gets it and has a deep understanding of what a leader needs to be, what true empathy and care is and how to galvanise your workforce to sing the same tune and be engaged.”- Head of Community Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion
Personal Bio
My experience was largely gained in the tech sector working with Konica Minolta, Canon and Xerox, however, I believe it is transferable to any organisation in any sector. I have captured much of this in my book Kind Business: Values create Value.
I have also undertaken doctoral research into the role that profit making companies can play in supporting their communities through the formation of partnerships with not-for-profit organisations, and the significant benefits that accrue for companies that implement these programs.
The dissertation was entitled The Philanthropic Contract: Building Social Capital through Corporate Social Investment. This was followed by several peer reviewed articles on this theme in academic journals. https://works.bepress.com/david_cooke/
My work has been informed by my previous roles as Chair UN Global Compact Network Australia and Chair Australian Human Rights Institute Advisory Committee and role of Non-executive Director Sustainalytics.
I speak and write about the strong connection between profit and purpose, how these are not opposities but in fact together create a virtuous circle from which great organisations can be built. This is where values create value. My work has been acknowledged with invitations to speak at the United Nations in New York and in Geneva and in 2022 I was awarded a second doctorate, this time honoris causa (an honorary doctorate) by Edith Cowan University, for my services to the promotion of responsible business.
Needless to say I have also benefitted greatly from the wisdom of others along the way, which continues to inform the work that I do today. Collectively this experience and knowledge underpin my work into the development of strong corporate cultures that lead to higher commercial performance.
Dr David Cooke
Executive Director
ESG Advisory
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidcooke/