Sustainability & Leadership: A Balancing Act
As the global energy industry evolves, one question remains central to leadership: How do we drive innovation and growth, while building a sustainable future for people, businesses, and the planet? At GAS Global, this is more than a question; it’s how we operate.
Our President, David Glass, has led through four major phases of industry change over the past 35 years. Today, as the world enters an era shaped by AI, decarbonization, and new global markets, we remain committed to delivering innovation with purpose, grounded in the values of integrity, loyalty, and long-term impact. Here, David Glass shares his leadership perspective and why balancing progress with sustainability is critical for today’s energy sector.
Balancing Short-Term Goals with Long-Term Sustainability
In a volatile industry, achieving this balance is not easy. Market cycles can shift quickly. It’s tempting to prioritize near-term wins but lasting success requires discipline.
“In a volatile business, it’s easy to be sucked into the daily — especially when you’re uncertain which way the wind is blowing. That’s why we write down our mid- and long-term goals: so even when we must focus on the short-term, we don’t lose sight of where we want to go.”
— David Glass, President, GAS Global
Research confirms the importance, according to McKinsey & Company (2023), companies with long-term strategic focus and sustainability integration are better positioned for consistent market leadership and resilience during industry shifts.¹
At GAS Global, our leadership team uses this mindset to guide both operations and client partnerships — ensuring that growth today also supports success tomorrow.
Embracing Innovation with Purpose
For David Glass, true innovation is not just about new tools — it’s about strategic leadership in a changing world.
“I’ve seen our industry reinvent itself four times in my career. The companies that thrive are the ones that stay curious — always learning, anticipating disruptors, and adapting. AI is one of the biggest changes I’ve seen. It should humanize business — freeing us from repetitive work and allowing us to better serve clients and employees.”
— David Glass
Global insights back this approach.
A recent study by Boston Consulting Group (2023) found that businesses embedding sustainability into their innovation pipeline saw greater market differentiation and stronger customer loyalty.²
At GAS Global, we see AI, automation, and digitalization as opportunities, not just for efficiency, but for creating more human-centered and sustainable solutions for the industry.
People-Centered Leadership & Collaboration
Sustainability is not just environmental — it’s human.
At GAS Global, leadership means fostering a collaborative culture that delivers long-term value for clients and employees alike.
“Some of our proudest moments come when managers step up — solving problems and sharing resources across teams, without needing top-down direction. That’s when you know you’ve built a culture of collaboration.”
— David Glass
Why does this matter?
According to Deloitte Insights (2022), companies that actively invest in sustainability and employee-centered cultures experience higher employee engagement, innovation, and financial performance.³
For David, it starts with leadership by example:
“Collaboration starts with great leaders. Internally, our awards are often won by managers who earn votes from other departments. The willingness to help, and never say ‘that’s not my area,’ is fundamental.”
— David Glass
Future-Proofing the Business
Looking ahead, leadership must stay agile because the energy sector will continue to evolve in ways no one can fully predict.
“The key is staying aware of potential disruptors — and making sure you’re constantly learning. The teams that listen, adapt, and anticipate will be the ones that thrive long-term.”
— David Glass
This is why at GAS Global, we prioritize both technology and people, investing in digital tools while also creating an inclusive, forward-thinking culture.
“The companies that focus only on short-term wins will fade. It’s the ones who stay committed to long-term sustainability, for their people, clients, and communities, that will lead the future.”
— David Glass
Leading with Purpose
After 55 years in the energy sector, GAS Global remains focused on building for the next 55. Sustainable leadership is not a buzzword — it is our path forward. We are proud to help clients and employees navigate change with purpose, resilience, and innovation.
As David Glass reminds us:
“Innovation should always be in a leader’s toolbox. If you stay curious, listen to your teams, and lead with purpose — you’ll build an organization ready for whatever the future holds.”
References:
McKinsey & Company, "Sustainability and Business Resilience," 2023.
Boston Consulting Group, "Innovation for a Sustainable Future," 2023.
Deloitte Insights, "Sustainability and Employee Engagement," 2022.