Mike Hower
Hower Impact
Mike Hower is a sustainability communication leader with experience on both sides of the podium — as a journalist and communication strategist for leading global companies. He is a communicator, coach and connector committed to the advancement of sustainability storytelling. As founder and fractional sustainability communication executive at Hower Impact, Mike works closely with companies to translate their sustainability strategy into stories that stick while navigating the risks and opportunities of an evolving communications landscape. Mike’s experience and expertise ranges from ESG reporting to sustainability communication strategy and engagement. He has served as a communication strategist at both large and small consultancies, including Edelman, and has led in-house communication efforts at mission driven startups. As a journalist, Mike has written for GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands and Triple Pundit. He continues to contribute to GreenBiz today, where he writes about the latest trends in sustainable business and communication.As a leading sustainability communication thought leader, Mike shares insights and ideas as a LinkedIn influencer, writing his ENGAGE newsletter and blog, and hosting “The Sustainability Communicator”, the podcast that explores the intersection of sustainability strategy and storytelling. He holds a Master's in Strategic Communication and Public Affairs from George Washington University and a Bachelor's in Political Science and History from the University of California, Davis.
Navigating internal politics to ‘get it done’
Even if united by a common corporate vision or purpose, differing departments, teams and individuals all vie for scarce resources. Read More
Rethinking the role of sustainability reports
As companies shift away from massive PDF reports and toward more targeted, real-time investor communication, they’ll free up time and resources to better engage consumers, employees and other key stakeholders on corporate sustainability. Read More
How to tell a circular story that sticks
To unlock the circular economy’s full potential, we’ll need to make sure that it’s widely understood and embraced. Read More
An unexpected breakout year for the social side of ESG
In the long road trip of corporate sustainability, the S for social concerns has mostly ridden in the backseat. Now it has moved to the front, alongside the E for environmental issues. Read More
Addressing the social impacts of our food system
U.S. farmworkers face a slew of social, economic and political challenges that have caused a decades-long farmworker shortage. Here's how brands such as Alter Ego, Clif Bar, Driscoll's, Kuli Kuli and Philz Coffee are stepping in. Read More
Corporate philanthropy in the era of climate shocks
With companies’ environmental, social and governance initiatives largely focused on mitigation and adaptation, the lines are blurring between corporate sustainability and philanthropy. Read More
How Salesforce, Google, others use tech as a ‘force multiplier’ in sustainability innovation
It's critical for sale, capacity and turning information into action. Read More
When to lead with sustainability in consumer communications, and when not to
It’s not always necessary to lead with the ‘S word’, but here’s when you should. Read More
ESG performance also matters for pre-IPO companies
Newly public companies, from Uber to Beyond Meat, are facing extra scrutiny on sustainability issues. Pre-IPO companies should pay attention. Read More
The formula for telling sustainability stories that stick
From the fires of prehistory to the depths of the digital age, a good story can change the world. Read More
