Reimagining the future

What if taking climate action wasn't just an obligation, but a strategic advantage? The story of ACCIONA shows how personal leadership can turn legacy into leverage.

ACCIONA, once a traditional Spanish construction and engineering firm, is now a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. This remarkable transformation was led by José Manuel Entrecanales, the third-generation heir who took over in 2004 and made sustainability the company’s core business, long before it became a boardroom buzzword.

Under his leadership, ACCIONA became carbon neutral in 2016, an extraordinary achievement in an industry known for its emissions. Today, the company operates in more than 50 countries, with wind farms, solar megaprojects and water solutions that are shaping a net-zero future. This year, Entrecanales was named Net Zero Champion of the Year by Environmental Finance, recognized for showing that sustainable business isn’t just possible, it’s profitable.
His story reminds us that big change doesn’t always start with big systems, it often starts with one person who dares to lead differently. This is not just about the next generation, but about anyone - at any level - choosing to act in the face of complexity. Personal leadership, vision and courage can create ripples that move entire industries.

Whether you're part of a family business or a corporate board, the real legacy might not be what you’ve inherited but what you choose to create next.

Where in your organization could a bold individual step forward and lead a new direction? What would help your team move from intention to real, future-shaping impact?