Translating Lessons for Green Leaders

Albert Schiller
Oct 9
3 min read

My Sustainable Encounter with Bijan Mishra

Digital Transformation: Beyond the Spreadsheet

In an age of digital transformation, can a truly sustainable economy be built by quantifying environmental impact into clear, profitable deliverables? With decades of experience bridging traditional industrial practices with modern sustainability, Bijan Mishra keenly observes a pervasive misunderstanding: many operations personnel believe "digitization is nothing but an Excel sheet". This misperception, he admits, "pains" him, as he has witnessed the profound transition from manual "drawing board" calculations to sophisticated software systems. He highlights the "painful" reality of conveying the speed and efficiency of digital tools. Yet, the underlying calculations and "prevalent wind direction" remain opaque to those focused purely on output. This gap in understanding hinders effective adoption. For Bijan, the essence of digitalization in sustainability is its capacity to "enhance the business operational prospect", moving far beyond mere reporting or public relations. It promises a "long-term impact on Earth".

Man in a suit with folded arms in a yellow circle on a purple background. Quote: "When you are taking care...take care of nature as well."

ESG for All: Contributing Expertise to a Universal Cause

Beyond technical tools, Bijan offers a broader philosophy for future leaders: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is "not copyrighted by any institute or any particular qualification. It is for all". He challenges the notion that sustainability is a niche field, encouraging professionals from diverse educational backgrounds (history, geography, GIS to contribute their existing expertise actively. His personal experience, working with GIS organizations to observe "how ESG KPIs can be observed on a real-time basis for any industry", underscores this point. For Bijan, ESG serves as a "measurable deliverable for your better life", emphasizing how real-time monitoring of ESG KPIs on platforms can demonstrate operational cost savings and increased profitability. This data-driven clarity, he notes, often persuades industry leaders where qualitative arguments alone fall short.

The Power of Numbers: Convincing with Cost-Benefit

To convince industries, particularly in India's private sector, of sustainability's viability, Bijan stresses the imperative to optimize "mining machinery equipment" for maximum energy efficiency and to ensure mineral extraction is both "technically as well as commercially... feasible without disturbing the strata surrounding". He firmly advises: "You should not do mining for the sake of mining". He emphasizes selecting machinery for "minimum energy consumption and maximum extraction". This pragmatic approach extends to detailed cost-benefit analysis. He illustrates how a "surface miner" utilizing renewable energy demonstrates clear advantages over more environmentally hazardous methods like explosives, ultimately convincing operational teams that sustainable practices "also make money for us". This economic alignment is key to driving widespread adoption and long-term commitment.

Text reads: "Any industry's 'output or productivity' is inextricably linked to the sustainability of its operations." by Bijan Mishra. Purple background.

Navigating Information: Capacity Building for Impact

Navigating sustainability's overwhelming "flood of information" demands a disciplined approach. Bijan advises that you "better approach them with what you need". He refers to this as "data sanitization", which "minimizes unnecessary effort" in the analytical process. He advocates for building internal capacity within organizations, ensuring that those responsible "must understand what PCR" (Product Category Rules) is and why specific data is required for a life cycle assessment. This empowers organizations to provide precise data, whether through database access or Excel sheets, streamlining the analytical process. Sustainability professionals can cut through the noise and drive tangible, measurable impact by fostering understanding and providing actionable insights.

A Legacy of Actionable Insights

Bijan Mishra's career culminates in a legacy of actionable insights, demonstrating how to bridge the gap between abstract sustainability goals and practical, profitable implementation. He exemplifies synthesizing deep industry knowledge with a commitment to environmental stewardship. His journey underscores that sustainability is not a burden, but a blueprint for long-term economic viability and societal health, a principle he has championed for 35 years. His final message is simple yet profound: "Respect the environment so that it will give you back. It will give you back in a better way, and you will reap the fruits in the long run". This reciprocal relationship forms the core of his vision, fostering a sustainable future for all.

Man in glasses and checkered shirt smiling on a purple background with yellow text: What We can Learn from This.

So what can we take from his approach?

Text on a yellow background lists five principles of resilience, problem-solving, sustainable impact, leadership, and purpose.

Questions for Audience

Bijan Mishra highlights a common misunderstanding that "digitization is nothing but an Excel sheet" in sustainability. How can organizations effectively bridge this perception gap and showcase the deeper, strategic value of digital transformation for environmental goals?
Bijan firmly asserts that ESG "is not copyrighted... It is for all." What practical steps can individuals from non-traditional sustainability backgrounds take to leverage their existing expertise and contribute meaningfully to ESG initiatives?