Legacy as a Compass: Navigating Sustainability with Purpose

May 31, 2025

In a world increasingly shaped by ecological urgency, the concept of legacy is emerging as a powerful driver of sustainability. This week, we spotlight those who are building futures rooted in care for land, culture, and community. Our featured piece, “Regeneration Rooted In Tradition”, examines Organic India’s decades-long commitment to regenerative organic farming. Long before certifications became a benchmark, the company embedded ethical sourcing and indigenous knowledge into its herbal wellness model—showing that regeneration is not a trend but a tradition.

The Essential Reads expand on this theme with stories of intergenerational impact and stewardship. From the roots of urban agriculture in Detroit to sustainable couture in Pakistan, each case illustrates how legacy—whether ecological, cultural, or spiritual—can guide regenerative action across sectors.

In the Research Corner, a study from the Journal of Management Studies explores how legacy-focused leadership in family firms may foster long-term, risk-conscious strategies. It underscores how personal values and ownership structures shape sustainability trajectories.

Let’s delve into these stories and uncover the enduring roots of regenerative legacy.

Featured Article:

In this recent Forbes article, “Regeneration Rooted In Tradition: How Organic India Is Redefining Herbal Wellness”, I explore how Organic India is challenging industrial agriculture by anchoring its operations in regenerative, ethical, and deeply place-based practices. The piece outlines how the company—founded in 1997 as a grassroots initiative—has consistently prioritized smallholder farmer partnerships, native herbal cultivation, and ecological stewardship long before these became industry buzzwords. Their recent achievement of the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) label is a recognition of longstanding commitments.

Organic India's integrated model supports over 2,000 farmers through direct trade, premium pricing, and year-round agronomic support. By investing in soil health, crop biodiversity, and fair labor practices, they not only produce high-quality herbal products but also revitalize rural communities and ecosystems the article highlights the inherent regenerative nature of traditional Indian farming practices and emphasizes that Organic India's strength lies in fusing these traditions with modern certification standards. The story serves as a reminder that lasting regenerative impact often starts with deep respect for land, people, and legacy.

Essential Reads:

Cow Heritage

In India, Bharat’s native cow breeds are symbols of sustainability, culture, and resilience. Their ecological role spans organic farming, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. With rising global demand for dung-based products and cattle genetics, protecting indigenous breeds through DNA preservation and breed sanctuaries is essential. This heritage reflects a deep human-animal bond and a sustainable way of life.

Urban Roots

In Detroit and beyond, urban agriculture is reclaiming contaminated land and rebuilding communities. Sanctuary Farms and others champion composting, permaculture, and food sovereignty—healing both soil and society. Advocates urge the US Congress to fully fund the Office of Urban Agriculture, supporting a growing movement that blends ancestral wisdom, climate action, and local empowerment.

Ecological Mission

Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato si', the Catholic Church in Malaysia embraces ecological stewardship through biofuel initiatives, tree planting, plastic reduction, and community education. With the Ecological Diocese Pledge, parishes commit to sustainable practices and environmental justice, honoring the Pope’s legacy with action, reflection, and deep spiritual responsibility.

Fashion Legacy

Parishae Adnan, daughter of famed designer Amir Adnan, steps in as CEO of the fashion house which bears her father’s name and has a mission to blend sustainability with tradition. Launching the eco-conscious collection Nakhlistan, she champions recyclable packaging and upcycled couture—preserving cultural identity while leading Pakistan’s fashion industry toward a greener future.

Research Corner:

This study from the Journal of Management Studies takes a fresh look at how CEO retirement timelines influence strategic decision-making in family firms. Unlike conventional wisdom suggesting near-retirement CEOs tend to avoid risk, the authors argue that in family-owned companies, these leaders may prioritize legacy and long-term impact over short-term gains. Drawing on socioemotional wealth theory, the research finds that retiring family CEOs are more likely to pursue international acquisitions—particularly when succession remains within the family. The analysis of over 3,400 firm-year observations underscores the importance of ownership context in shaping executive behavior and regenerative decision-making.

The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility explored in my recent book explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.

Quick Takeaways:

Native breed value: Indigenous cows support organic farming and rural livelihoods.
Faith-led ecology: Churches commit to green practices through community pledges.
Eco-fashion leadership: Upcycling and heritage redefine sustainable couture.
Urban agriculture roots: Soil healing meets food justice in city farms.

Regenerative Insights