Design meets Sustainable Business – an experiment

Anita Steinstad

Aulan 10:50-11:10

Design

For years, economists and strategists have borrowed from design to solve complex challenges. But what if we flipped the script? What if designers took the lead—shaping sustainable culture not through economic theory, but through design principles?

I believe sustainability should be at the heart of every organization. For People, Planet, and Profit to thrive, we need a new way of thinking. In this talk, I’ll introduce a practical framework—one that I invite you and your business to test, adapt, and bring to life.

This isn’t just about my experience at the intersection of design and sustainability. It’s a call to action. Designers have the creativity and problem-solving skills to drive real change. Now is the time to step up, expand our influence, and take on the role of sustainability facilitators in a world that urgently needs bold ideas and fresh perspectives.

About the speaker

I’m a designer driven by curiosity, working at the intersection of strategy, culture, sustainability, future studies, and technology. My passion lies in uncovering, navigating, and solving real challenges within organizations to create meaningful impact.

As a facilitator, I combine tools from future studies, design thinking, agile coaching, and sustainable business strategy to drive change that benefits both people and the planet.

Over the past 23 years, I’ve honed expertise in strategic innovation, service design, branding, and future thinking—both as a consultant and within organizations. This journey has given me a deep understanding of the complex challenges organizations face today. What fuels me most is uncovering human needs, concerns, and aspirations to help tackle pressing societal issues and inspire transformative solutions.