GreenMBA Alumna Kelly Shea Drives Global Sustainability
by Moira Pucci, Dominican University of California GreenMBA School of Business & Leadership
Dominican University of California GreenMBA School of Business & Leadership Blog
GreenMBA graduate and Global Sustainability Program Manager, Kelly Shea has spent the last five years managing and driving Symantec's global sustainability vision and strategy. Symantec, most well-known for Norton Antivirus, is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help customers secure and manage their information. Most recently, Shea rewrote Symantec's Environmental Policy Statement which notes Corporate Responsibility's Leadership statement. "Symantec defines corporate responsibility (CR) leadership as operating with integrity, respect for the environment, and a commitment to positive social impact." This is the platform for all sustainability programs at Symantec.
Kelly Shea has a background in architecture and project management and transitioned into Sustainability after realizing not all business leaders considered environment and community when making decisions. This revelation that business leaders weren't thinking systemically prompted Shea to go back to school to obtain an MBA that would teach her how to develop the business case for sustainability. Shea says her GreenMBA significantly enhances her role at Symantec.
"My GreenMBA from Dominican University focuses on visionary and strategic thinking coupled with framing innovative concepts to manage risk and capture business value. I now know how to lead effective teams and execute holistic, cross-organizational programs in complex environments," Shea explains.
So, how does Sustainability fit in at Symantec? Symantec is committed to environmental responsibility and to ensuring that account is taken for environmental interests of employees, customers, shareholders and local communities where Symantec operates. As a company Symantec focuses on four major sustainability initiatives to lessen the impact on the environment. These initiatives include Green IT, Responsible Sourcing, Resource Conservation and Travel & Events.
Shea notes, "We are accountable for our environmental impact and realize the importance of meeting present business needs without compromising the future."
*This article originally appeared on Dominican University of California GreenMBA School of Business & Leadership's Blog
