Leaders 2050

Leaders 2050 is a global network led by KPMG for future leaders in all sectors who have an interest in net zero, clean growth and sustainability, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. The network’s mission is to equip the next generation with the skills, networks and purpose needed to drive towards a more sustainable future.

How we drive sustainable impact?

Building Connections for Sustainable Change: To thrive in your career and ignite lasting change, building a network is essential. Leaders 2050 fosters relationships among like-minded professionals through a variety of events held both in-person and virtually across the United States. By joining our national network of young sustainability professionals, you can propel your career to new heights. Get a glimpse of our recent events.

Bridging Skills Gaps: Skills gaps remain one of the largest challenges in reaching net zero by 2050. Leaders 2050 equips young professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to make a meaningful impact in their careers. We provide leaders with valuable connections, training, and resources to reach their full potential.

Navigating Sustainability Careers: Sustainability is an ever-evolving field, posing challenges for young professionals who are kickstarting their career. Leaders 2050 supports career journeys of purpose-driven professionals through career panels, in-person networking opportunities, and career groups.

Amplifying the Voice of Young Leaders: Despite being the most impacted by climate change, young professionals are often left out of key discussions and decision-making around the climate agenda. Leaders 2050 is committed to empowering young professionals to have a voice within their organizations, particularly on topics related to climate, sustainability and DE&I. Our networks act as a platform for future leaders to speak on critical issues, both within and beyond KPMG. To inquire with questions or about additional opportunities, contact our Leaders 2050 team.

Events Recap

On January 18th in New York City, Leaders 2050 hosted our launch event, titled "Circularity, the Next Frontier of Sustainability". The event brought together industry leaders and young professionals from renowned organizations such as JP Morgan Chase, Blackstone, Shell, Verizon, American Express, MUFG, Pfizer, Bloomingdale’s, and many more. The event provided valuable insights into the concept of circular business, which has seen significant success in industries such as consumer and retail and mobility. Participants learned that in order to move towards circularity, all aspects of the product value chain need to evolve and collaborate.

Circular business models were emphasized as a way to future-proof companies in the face of multiple global societal challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, waste generation, and biodiversity loss. Participants recognized that embedding circular principles into business strategies is crucial for long-term sustainability and success. At the event, young professionals had the opportunity to initiate conversations about how their companies are adopting circular principles. Overall, the event served as a platform for knowledge sharing and networking among like-minded professionals committed to driving sustainable change. By fostering discussions around circularity, Leaders 2050 continues to empower young professionals and advance the sustainability agenda.

Leaders 2050 organized a thought-provoking event titled "My Sustainability Journey" on April 11th in Chicago. The panel discussion focused on the crucial role of sustainability professionals in educating stakeholders both within and outside their organizations about the importance of sustainable practices for business success. The participants emphasized that sustainability is not limited to specific roles or departments; rather, everyone across an organization has a role to play in making a company more sustainable.

The panelists' personal stories and professional journeys provided inspiration and encouragement for attendees who are navigating their own sustainability careers. Participants gained valuable insights into the diverse paths that professionals have taken to make a difference in their respective industries. The event brought together professionals from a range of industries, including representatives from Abbot, AbbVie, Allstate, American Family Insurance, and other esteemed organizations.

Leaders 2050 events play a crucial role in building connections and fostering relationships among sustainability professionals. These events provide opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn from industry leaders, ultimately propelling participants' careers to new heights. By bringing together individuals passionate about making a positive impact, Leaders 2050 continues to drive change and create a more sustainable future. To stay informed about upcoming events and to explore further opportunities, please reach out to the Leaders 2050 team. Together, we can amplify our collective voices and lead the way towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.

For San Francisco Climate Week, KPMG partnered with Watershed to host our inaugural West Coast event, “Leaders 2050: Growing your career in sustainability.” The panel discussion featured an impressive lineup of seasoned sustainability leaders including David Shen, Climate Change Program Manager at Zillow, Mia Ketterling, Global Sustainability Lead at Pinterest, Yohanna Maldonado, General Manager of CEDA at Watershed, Alistair Hall, Manager of ESG and Climate Services at KPMG.

The event, held on April 23rd in San Francisco, showcased the diverse pathways available for pursuing a career in sustainability. As Alistair highlighted, “any job can be a sustainability job. We need more people supporting the climate movement in whichever way they are passionate, energized, and interested.” The power of connecting young people extends beyond individual career growth. Panelists indicated that the collective strength of young professionals lies in their ability to come together and advocate for change. By connecting with like-minded individuals, young leaders can amplify their voices, collaborate on impactful projects, and drive systemic change in their organizations and communities.

KPMG is proud to have facilitated this event in partnership with Watershed, witnessing firsthand the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment that young professionals bring to the sustainability movement. With members joining from a wide range of companies, including Microsoft, Google, Constellation Brands, Nasdaq, Tesla, Walmart, and more. We believe that by providing platforms like Leaders 2050, we can nurture and harness the potential of the next generation of leaders who will shape a more sustainable world.