Green leadership program: unmasking true sustainable leadership – combating greenwashing

The development of skillsets among professionals required to drive the European Green Deal was the key objective of the project. Firstly, we aimed to strengthen the green skills of the participant...

The development of skillsets among professionals required to drive the European Green Deal was the key objective of the project. Firstly, we aimed to strengthen the green skills of the participants by focusing on the area of sustainability communication. By building up their knowledge of important topics and then encouraging them to engage in discussions on real-world case studies, we wanted to enable them to communicate in a more informed and convincing manner. This included understanding green- and colour washing tactics, how to expose unsustainable practices or how to develop a strategy for greater sustainability impact. Secondly, the approach of using collaborative activities and teamwork was designed to develop resilience and leadership skills. Participants were confronted with case studies and challenge-based learning tasks to build resilience and support dealing with complexity. By working in a cross-sectoral group, we encouraged participants to think holistically while navigating uncertainty. By introducing the Inner Development Goals during the in-person workshop, we sought to spur the participants towards inner development and self-efficacy, encouraging them to become catalysts for change.

A1 Program Set-Up: Terra completed a Market Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement (MASE) Report, assessing demand, training options, and legal frameworks. Interview guidelines were developed and seven expert interviews conducted with key stakeholders from various sectors. The insights informed the Training Program Structure (TPS) Document outlining learning objectives and frameworks. A2 Training: Three online learning modules were uploaded on Terra Academy in October 2024, with course materials developed by WU and integrated on the platform. Three online sessions in November featured expert presentations, Q&A rounds, and peer-learning in breakout rooms. The training concluded with an onsite module in Vienna on 29 January 2025, focusing on internal communication, sustainability communication strategies and external stakeholder management. The Community of Practice was established and a follow-up meeting to the workshop was held on 10 March. A3 Evaluation and Reflection: Each online module included pre-session knowledge ratings and reflection questions. Surveys after online sessions assessed satisfaction and collected suggestions. The onsite module included face-to-face reflection and a post-module survey evaluating the whole program.

A1: The MASE Report assessed market demand, existing offerings, and legislative framework for sustainability training, including outreach to experts, multipliers, and participants to understand the training landscape. The TPS Document outlined learning outcomes, skills development, participant recruitment, implementation, and Community of Practice (CoP) elements, focusing on green skills, sustainability principles, practical change, and collaborative skills. A2: The Online Learning Toolkit (OLT) entailed three modules (45-60 mins each) on the Terra Academy platform, attracting 35 active users. Modules included knowledge surveys, lessons, quizzes, surveys, and resources. Online Sessions were conducted on 14, 21 and 28 November, with expert presentations and interactive breakout room exercises. An Onsite Module in Vienna (Jan. 2025) engaged participants in collaborative challenges and workplace applications. A COP was established with 21 members in a LinkedIn group, supported by a Handbook and an online meet up on 10 March. A3: Participant Feedback Reports analysed feedback from all training activities, informing the Executive Summary disseminated to 19 identified stakeholders. The OLT was made open access on Terra Academy and EPALE