The Current: The Ethical and Social Responsibility of the Global Leader

Join us for a virtual lightning talk on April 23 with Jabali Williams of Environmental Working Group and Parsons student Enika Gautam.

Join CoDesign Collaborative for another episode of The Current, a virtual, student-led lightning talk series highlighting vital topics in design. On April 23, join Parsons School of Design student Enika Gautam and guest speaker Jabali Williams, VP, Experience and Chief Experience Officer at Environmental Working Group, to explore the complex intersection of corporate integrity, artistic vision, and global leadership.

In a rapidly changing global market, leaders of multinational conglomerates are increasingly tasked with a difficult balancing act: maintaining fiscal stability and longevity while driving disruptive innovation. This conversation examines the dynamic tension between the CEO, who anchors an organization’s social responsibility and bottom line, and the Creative Director, who pushes the boundaries of brand identity. Enika and Jabali will discuss how these roles can be harmonized to deliver true consumer value without sacrificing ethics or sustainability. Join us to learn how modern global leaders navigate these competing pressures to build brands that are as responsible as they are revolutionary.

Their conversation will delve into:

• Navigating the creative and strategic tension between disruptive innovation and organizational stability.
• How global conglomerates maintain a powerful brand identity while meeting rigorous sustainability and social responsibility standards.
• Strategies for harmonizing leadership roles to ensure long-term ethical stewardship.
• Delivering high-value products and experiences that align with shifting cultural values and environmental urgency.

About the Speakers

Enika Gautam
Enika Gautam is a Junior in the BBA Strategic Design and Management program at Parsons School of Design. Driven by a deep interest in the ethical implications of global business, she focuses on how design strategy can be used to navigate complex corporate landscapes. Enika is committed to exploring how leadership can evolve to meet the social and environmental demands of the 21st century, ensuring that innovation and responsibility go hand-in-hand.

Jabali Williams
Jabali Williams is a strategic leader at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), where he works at the intersection of environmental health, corporate accountability, and consumer advocacy. With a focus on how large-scale organizations impact global well-being, Jabali brings a wealth of experience in evaluating the social responsibilities of industry leaders. His work centers on empowering consumers and holding corporations to higher standards of transparency and sustainability.