The history of BOSS

Sam Wilson is Founder and Managing Director of Syntiro Associates, a specialist consultancy that integrates a blend of international best practice to develop meaningful sustainability strategies and targeted operational toolkits. Syntiro has been specialising in the creative industry for twenty years, taking clients through to a range of certifications and, more recently, utilising a value-led approach to add depth and weight to sustainability reporting requirements.

The first spreadsheet iteration of the BOSS was developed in 2014 as a solution to bring together all areas of sustainability into one tool that had the capability to measure across risk, impact and purpose-driven change. The tool has been developed and fine-tuned over 10 years to include dashboard gamification and a Carbon Action Indicator. However, it still faced technological restrictions that limited its potential.

Sam and Dale met in 2007 and formed a strong bond. Dale, CEO of creative communications group DRPG, was inspired by Sam’s passion for sustainability during an industry panel. Their collaboration led to DRPG becoming the first agency to achieve key sustainability certifications, including ISO 20121 and its predecessor BS 8901. Through their work on DRPG’s Integrated Management System, Sam presented the BOSS spreadsheet to Dale, who suggested that he and his team lift the tool from the sheet to the web and help to realise its potential so everyone could benefit.

Today, the BOSS offers creative industries a powerful integration of strategic planning and targeted action, building resilient brands and driving measurable positive change. Sam and Dale’s journey reflects their commitment to sustainability as an ongoing, evolving process driven by a desire to contribute and help the creative industry leave a tangible legacy for people, planet and prosperity.