AbstractHow leadership is taught and applied must take into account the complexities of socio‐ecological systems, the opportunities found in diverse viewpoints, the ability to parse conflict and power differences, and the ability to resource expert knowledge for more sustainable futures. We discuss and chart resources linked to leadership concepts critical to constructively harness business engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying eight that are primary to active learning and application: systems resilience, strength through interdependence, scaling adaption, innovation for transformation, context and collectiveness, diversity of learning, negotiating power, and elevating the normative nature of the Global Goals.