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The only way we're going to make substantial progress on the challenging problems of our time is for business to drive the solutions.

Wendy Woods is Boston Consulting Group's Vice Chair, Social Impact, Climate & Sustainability. Currently based in Boston, she has also worked extensively across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Wendy is responsible for BCG's work in climate and sustainability; sustainable and innovative finance; diversity, equity, and inclusion; global health and development; education; and humanitarian response. She works with businesses, investors, governments, and social sector organizations to create sustainable strategies and partnerships that help clients create positive impact in the world, strengthen their competitive market position, and build resilience.

Wendy is passionate about cross-sector cooperation and sustainable value creation, as highlighted in her TED talks, “The business benefits of doing good” and "Collective cooperation in the social sector.” Her recent publications focus on the importance of scaling climate finance.

Wendy is a member of the Executive Committee of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Advisory Council for the Tent Partnership for Refugees, as well as a board member for the Elevate Prize Foundation, Plaksha University and OpenSC, a company focused on creating transparent, verified, sustainable, and fair wage supply chains.

Prior to joining BCG, Wendy worked as a consultant for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and as a Senior Economist for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • MBA, Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University
  • BA, economics, University of Michigan

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Women Leaders in Consulting Award, Consulting magazine, 2015

Publications and Videos

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Predicting the Impact of Climate Change on Malaria

Extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods will drive increases in the incidence of sickness and death from malaria in Africa, according to a new study.
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Global Cooperation Is More Critical Than Ever

Forces such as climate change and AI are transforming society and posing new challenges. A new level of international collaboration is required to meet this moment.

The Year Ahead with the NYCE

From climate literacy to technology incubation, NYCE CEO Steve Hammer and BCG’s Wendy Woods discuss the priorities of the New York Climate Exchange for the year ahead, and why it is vital for the private sector to partner with organizations like the NYCE.

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What Investors’ Attitudes Reveal About the Future of Climate Finance

The field of climate finance has come a long way in recent years, but questions remain about the market for investment in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience—even as demand for capital continues to grow.
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Mobilizing the Private Sector for Sustainability

Companies can advance the SDGs while simultaneously expanding their business, bolstering the bottom line, and managing risk. It’s time to double down on the opportunity.

Driving Social Impact 

Hear from Wendy Woods, vice chair of our Social Impact and Climate & Sustainability practices, on how we’re working with our clients and partners to drive positive societal and planetary impact.

The Global Water Imperative

Henk Ovink Dutch, Special Envoy to the UN for Water, joins BCG’s Wendy Woods to discuss the importance of water and how to deal with the ever-growing challenges of water scarcity and pollution around the world.

Net Zero, Nature Positive, Equitable

How do we make progress on each of these challenges simultaneously—and not one at the expense of the other?

Our Best Bet for Progress

Sanda Ojiambo, assistant secretary-general and CEO of the UN Global Compact, speaks with BCG’s Wendy Woods about the need for public-private partnerships and coalitions to advance the climate agenda.

Embracing New Possibilities

In this far-reaching conversation, BCG’s Wendy Woods joins Google’s Kate Brandt to discuss greener cities, emerging AI capabilities, accurate emissions measurement, and empowering individuals to make a sustainable impact.

Better Climate Financing Depends on Better Data | rectangle

Better Climate Financing Depends on Better Data

A new report by The Rockefeller Foundation and Boston Consulting Group finds that without standardized taxonomies, it can be difficult—if not impossible—for catalytic investors to trace financing flows and pinpoint gaps that they can meaningfully target.

The Role of Business in Global Crisis

BCG's Wendy Woods outlines three things businesses can do in response to the current global crises.