“I have always believed that businesses can be powerful agents of positive change when they align profits with broader societal goals.”

Photo courtesy of Dr. Patricia Kanashiro

For Patricia Kanashiro, sustainability has never been an abstract academic pursuit, but a personal one. Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, she witnessed firsthand the tension between economic opportunity and deep social and environmental challenges, an experience that would go on to define her life’s work. Over more than two decades, Kanashiro built a career at the intersection of business and academia, working across the US and Brazil in roles spanning ABN AMRO Bank, corporate sustainability consulting at ISS, and the United Nations’ International Labor Organization.

Today, as faculty in USC’s Master of Sustainability Management program, Kanashiro brings that global experience into the classroom to help the next generation of sustainability professionals understand how to align business performance with long-term societal well-being.

In this interview, Kanashiro reflects on the path that brought her to sustainability, the accomplishment she’s most proud of, how the field has evolved throughout the course of her career, and the advice she gives students and professionals looking to make an impact.

What inspired you to pursue a career in sustainability?

Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, I witnessed incredible economic opportunity as well as profound social and environmental challenges. Extreme poverty and environmental degradation were part of my everyday life. Those experiences shaped my worldview and inspired me to pursue work that could contribute to positive change.

I was drawn to sustainability because it brings together issues that I care deeply about: business, environmental stewardship, social equity, and long-term prosperity. I have always believed that businesses can be powerful agents of positive change when they align profits with broader societal goals.

You’ve spent over 20 years working at the intersection of business and academia across the US and Brazil — from ABN AMRO Bank and ISS to the UN’s International Labor Organization. Looking back at that path, which experience shaped your approach to sustainability the most, and how did it lead you to where you are today?

I think that rather than one defining experience, it has been a consistent thread throughout my career. I have intentionally sought opportunities where I believed I could contribute to positive change. Whether working in banking, corporate sustainability consulting, international organizations, or academia, I have been motivated by the opportunity to help organizations make better decisions for people, business, and the planet.

My two-year Fulbright scholarship exchange program was especially meaningful, considering my background (I could barely speak English and Fulbright provided me with a one-year English language intensive course scholarship before I started my master program at the University of Pittsburgh). It was both a profound privilege and a responsibility. It reminds me that sustainability is ultimately about collaboration and that solving global challenges requires humility, curiosity, and understanding across cultures and disciplines. I left the experience with an even stronger commitment to building bridges between academia and practice, and between business performance and societal well-being.

How have you seen sustainability become a bigger part of business strategy over the course of your career?

Over the past two decades, sustainability has evolved from a niche corporate responsibility function into a strategic business priority. Today, organizations increasingly recognize that sustainability influences competitiveness, innovation, risk management, talent attraction, and long-term financial performance. It has become a regular topic in boardrooms and executive leadership discussions.

At the same time, we are experiencing a period of political polarization and backlash, creating uncertainty for many organizations. I see this as a temporary phase rather than a reversal. The underlying business drivers—including investor expectations, regulatory requirements, customer demand, and physical climate risks—continue to grow. Sustainability is evolving and organizations that integrate it thoughtfully into their business strategy will be better positioned for long-term success.

Students in USC’s Master of Sustainability Management program learn about ESG and sustainability reporting. Why are these topics becoming increasingly important for organizations?

Sustainability reporting is moving from voluntary disclosure to regulated business practice. Around the world, organizations are facing new reporting requirements and increasing expectations for transparency from different stakeholders.

Standards developed by organizations such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), are setting standards for how companies report on sustainability. As a result, professionals who understand ESG reporting are becoming essential contributors to organizational decision-making.

What are some of the biggest sustainability challenges organizations are facing today?

Organizations are navigating an increasingly complex sustainability landscape. They must respond to evolving regulations, political polarization, changing stakeholder expectations, and growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while remaining competitive.

Many companies also struggle to integrate sustainability into core business strategy rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. The organizations that succeed will be those that view sustainability as a strategic capability rather than a compliance exercise.

What role do leaders play in building a more sustainable organization?

Leadership is fundamental because organizational priorities are shaped from the top. Leaders establish the vision, allocate resources, set expectations, and create the culture that enables sustainability to become part of everyday decision-making.

Beyond making commitments, effective leaders ensure that sustainability is integrated into strategy, operations, incentives, and performance measurement. They foster collaboration across departments and empower employees to innovate.

What skills do you think are most important for professionals entering the sustainability field today?

Today’s sustainability professionals need both technical expertise and strategic thinking. Understanding greenhouse gas accounting, sustainability reporting standards and frameworks such as ISSB, ESRS, GRI, GHG Protocol, SBTi, and emerging regulatory requirements is increasingly important.

Sustainability challenges cut across every business function, so professionals must be able to work effectively across different business development departments while demonstrating how sustainability creates business value.

Looking ahead, what sustainability trends are you most excited to see develop?

I’m excited by the growing recognition that environmental sustainability and human well-being cannot be addressed separately. Increasingly, organizations are looking beyond carbon reduction alone and considering issues such as human rights, equitable access to resources, workforce resilience, and just transitions alongside climate and biodiversity.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

While I’m proud of my research and professional achievements, the accomplishment that means the most to me is mentoring students and young professionals. Seeing former students become leaders, sustainability champions, entrepreneurs, consultants, and executives is incredibly rewarding.

Education creates a multiplier effect. Every student who leaves the classroom equipped to influence their organization has the potential to create positive change that extends far beyond anything I could accomplish individually. Knowing that I have contributed, even in a small way, to their professional growth is the most meaningful measure of success for me.

What can students expect from your classes in the Master of Sustainability Management program?

Students can expect an engaging, hands-on learning experience that connects theory with practice. I bring examples from my work in consulting, academia, and international organizations to help students understand how sustainability challenges are addressed in real life.

I also strive to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, challenging assumptions, and learning from one another. At the same time, I set high expectations because I believe students produce their best work when they are challenged, supported, and encouraged to think critically about complex sustainability issues.

Patricia Kanashiro is a faculty member in USC’s Master of Sustainability Management program.

Learn more about the Master of Sustainability Management program.