We recently talked with Miranda Ballentine, director of sustainability at Walmart, who was chosen to be a member of the 2013 class of Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum. Miranda offered some insight into what the title means, as well as how she believes her work in renewable energy is making a difference.
Q: First of all, congratulations on this great recognition! Can you tell us about the selection process and how you were chosen?
A: Thank you! It is quite an honor, and truly very humbling to be among such a distinguished group of leaders, including Walmart’s own Fernando Madeira and Doug McMillon who were both YGLs in 2007. I was nominated by a colleague who has observed Walmart from the outside and was impressed with what we’re doing. I am a small part of a much broader team, so I consider my nomination to be “on behalf of” many, many others. WEF received several thousand nominees for the 2013 YGL class, of whom 199 were selected. The class includes people from 70 countries in a variety of fields.
Q: We understand you’ve been involved with some of WEF’s sustainability initiatives. Can you tell us about the work you’ve been doing?
A: I have represented Walmart on WEF’s Global Agenda Council on Climate Change, and I currently co-chair the Renewable Energy working group of WEF’s Green Growth Action Alliance, which was launched by former Mexican President Felipe Calderon (who is also a YGL) last year at the G20 meetings. I have found these working groups to be excellent forums through which to share Walmart’s experiences with renewable energy, and also contribute our perspective on important policy issues that can help us drive down the cost of renewable energy and save our customers money.
Q: Young Global Leader isn’t just a title – it’s also a role where you will join with others to make a positive impact on a range of issues. What will your responsibilities will consist of?
A: Like all global networks, participation and engagement are key to getting – and giving – value. I understand that YGLs are asked to actively engage with one another to drive globally scalable solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems. I am very enthusiastic to leverage the creativity and insights of people from all walks of life and all corners of the earth. Not only will I be able to bring new ideas back to Walmart, but I also think [other YGLs will] gain a greater appreciation for what Walmart can offer the world.
Q: How has your experience as director of sustainability at Walmart and in the energy field influenced you, your involvement with WEF and how you view your role as a member of the YGL?
A: Believe it or not, my career began in retail more than 17 years ago, and then twisted and turned through renewable energy nonprofit organizations, a short stint in politics, sustainability consulting, and now back to retail with Walmart. In all of those experiences, my five years working for Walmart have been the most rewarding, the most challenging, and by far the most exciting. It has pushed me to think bigger, act bolder and solve problems in ways that truly prove that sustainability and business benefits are hand-in-glove. I think my breadth of experience, as well as the depth I’ve gained from working at Walmart, will allow my YGL membership to be richer and deeper for my understanding of a variety of sectors.
Q: You’re obviously very passionate about sustainability, both for the environment and for communities, but what are you most excited about working on in the year ahead?
A: I am most excited to watch sustainability continue to expand throughout our company. We are so diverse, and I am astounded every day by the fresh insights, “aha” moments and exciting ideas that we share across time zones, languages and cultures. When I see Walmart India piloting for the first time a renewable energy deal structure that was originally born in the United States, I truly get chills (call me a geek!). When I see Walmart Chile conducting a large-scale renewable RFP, thanks to encouragement and insight they’ve gained from Walmart Mexico, I can’t help but grin with joy. The world certainly needs to continue pushing energy innovation, but there are also so many successful technologies, models and tools that can simply be spread around the world. We have big problems to solve, and I feel lucky every day to be a part of one of the most creative, effective teams in the world.
To learn more about Miranda’s work, you can read her blog post “The secret to affordable renewable energy” on WEF’s website.
