Business leaders and their academic trainers must embrace the concept of sustainability to prepare future leaders with the understanding and tools necessary to make key decisions based on more than "just the numbers." The economic competitiveness of this country and the survival of our species require a deeper understanding of nature if we are to meet the demands of an expanding population and their expectation for improved quality of life. Competition for finite raw materials and resources will continue to expand despite the momentary speed bumps of the current economic slowdown. A model for enhanced decision making is presented that is based in the simple notion of effective communications. A personal example of strategic decision making translates into lessons learned. (Contains 1 figure.)