Spotlight Series: Richard Eidlin
In this installment of our Spotlight Series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Richard Eidlin, a veteran of over 35 years working at the intersection of business, politics, and policy. With a rich career spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, Richard has been a key advocate for sustainable economy, clean energy, and democracy initiatives—both in the U.S. and globally.
Currently serving as Business for America's Policy and Membership Director, his extensive experience offers valuable perspectives, read on to hear what Richard shared with us.
What's your superpower?
My superpower is connecting people. I look for mutual interests, symmetries and opportunities where two or more people can accomplish something greater than on their own. For years, I’ve been sending colleagues articles from magazines (yes, through the USPS) and via email that help them see their work relates to another group/person. Making introductions is something I like doing as I keep a mental list of who needs what. This is all in the service of building a stronger network for democracy and civic health.
What's your history with Future 500, from when you first learned about us to today?
I’ve been involved in the world of CSR since 1990, when I worked at the UN Environment Programme in NYC. I’ve always looked for organizations that can connect the dots and find ways for adversaries to learn from one another. I have known Bill Shireman, F500 founder, for at least a decade and have always been impressed with his positive vision and ability to bring unlikely–and sometimes contentious–forces together.
“Future 500 is in a good place to show companies there’s not only a bottom line benefit to sustainability, but also a broader benefit to fostering a more stable society. ”
What experiences do you bring with you that inform your perspective on our work?
In 1990 I helped organize a conference at the UN that launched the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, and in 2009, I co-founded the American Sustainable Business Council, an advocacy and educational platform for companies who were embracing the triple bottom line. Both of these experiences allowed me to understand how companies can be problem solvers, get involved in cutting edge policy work, and create a business case for sustainability and democratic renewal.
What draws you to serve as a senior fellow with Future 500? What are your initial thoughts on our organization's mission and goals?
The organization's mission and value is bringing diverse stakeholders together who might not agree with each other but still understand the broader public good that will come from listening and finding a way to collaborate. In an increasingly polarized political world, this work is essential.
What are some of the biggest challenges or opportunities you see facing our organization and/or the stakeholder landscape in the next few years?
One significant challenge is how to be effective within a shifting public policy landscape where sustainability is receiving pushback from stage legislatures, governors, and the Trump administration. Future 500 is in a good place to show companies there’s not only a bottom line benefit to sustainability, but also a broader benefit to fostering a more stable society. Success in this context will come from companies leading and taking action on a voluntary basis. But, it’s also critical that companies engage in the policy arena.
What's a book, movie, or podcast that has significantly influenced your perspective on leadership, business, or the world?
How Democracies Die, by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt speaks about the gradual weakening of democratic systems and the both the short- and long-term costs that a shift towards autocracy imposes on society, including business. Also, The Power of a Positive No by William Ury is an excellent guide on how to stand for your values/interests while understanding how not to antagonize your adversary. Both influence how we think about our broader political system.
What are you hoping to learn more about in the next year?
I’d like to learn more about artificial intelligence, landscape painting, and the successes of the progressive era in American politics.
How do your personal values align with our organization's core values?
I’ve always been committed to sustainability, even before I knew the word. It’s important to work to find consensus as much as possible, acknowledge that ultimately we’re all in this together, and work to embrace the values of inclusion, cooperation, and non-partisanship. Future 500 is not self-interested, but rather looking for broader impact, and that resonates with me.
