About

Tagline

Real-world commentary on sustainability, capitalism, and climate change.

What is Heavy Lifting?
Heavy Lifting is where I share real-world commentary on sustainability, capitalism, and climate change. It’s a space for clear-eyed thinking about complex systems—and the work it takes to change them. My focus is creating common ground for conservatives and liberals who want to make real progress.

Who am I?
I’m Bob Eccles, and yes, a literal heavy lifter. My personal record for the deadlift is 410 pounds, which I hit at 70 years old. Professionally, I write about sustainability, sustainable finance, corporate purpose, corporate reporting, the ESG culture wars, and—more recently—climate change. I was a tenured professor at Harvard Business School and currently hold an appointment at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

What you’ll find here:
Essays, analysis, and reflections on these topics. Sometimes I’ll re-publish from other platforms (when that’s allowed). Sometimes I’ll share adapted versions of earlier work. I’ll also highlight work by others that catches my eye. And of course, you’ll get fresh takes and unfiltered perspectives. Expect clarity, not consensus. Also expect some humor, some boundary-pushing, and a little edge. That’s who I am.

Why Substack?
I’ve written for many publications over the years, but it’s time to have my own platform. The media landscape is shifting, and traditional outlets no longer define the conversation. I want a place to speak directly—with more freedom and less formatting. Heavy Lifting is that place.