Option #1

Strategy Note

The rationale behind this thought-leadership piece is to highlight DICK’S Sporting Goods’ ongoing commitment to reducing single-use plastic to advance sustainability initiatives. One of the company’s most visible sustainability efforts has been the elimination of plastic bags, making plastic reduction a natural focus for an ESG-focused thought leadership opinion piece. I wanted to frame the article around five steps retailers must take to challenge the retail industry and rethink their operational practices. Rather than focusing solely on DICK’S sustainability accomplishments, the piece positions DICK’S as a leader in the sustainability movement and encourages retail leaders to follow its lead to create meaningful change. 

The messaging reflects Lauren Hobart’s voice and ESG priorities. During her tenure, Hobart has emphasized sustainability as part of DICK’S broader strategy. The piece uses an authoritative tone while framing sustainability as a shared responsibility across the retail industry. Hobart is positioned as an industry peer holding other retail leaders to a higher standard here rather than as a brand spokesperson. The language uses phrasing like “we have an obligation” to spread accountability across the industry rather than centering it on DICK’S alone, which keeps the piece from sounding promotional. This tone reflects Hobart’s general communication style, which tends to be direct and solutions-focused. Her background in psychology and business leadership comes through in how the piece balances empathy with a push toward specific, practical action.

The structure and tone of my piece were influenced by the thought-leadership piece “Earth Is Our Only Shareholder,” written by Yvon Chouinard. In this piece, Yvon effectively advocates for environmental change while remaining transparent about Patagonia’s role in the broader environmental crisis we may face. The perfect balance of authenticity and accountability influenced my approach, acknowledging the retail industry’s role in normalizing plastic bags, while also advocating for change.