I had a very interesting discussion yesterday with a very focused individual that wanted to have maximum impact on global sustainability. Topics we discussed included:
- Whether it is smarter to work for a ‘bad’ (less sustainable) company or a ‘good’ (sustainable) company?
- To work as a ‘Sustainability Expert’ in a staff function or to work more broadly with sustainability in a line position?
- To work inside the domain of policy/politics, NGOs, research or in the private sector?
My take is that you need to find the tools/resources you need within the organization and also get enough ‘space’ to have an impact:
- I think that it is probably better to work for a ‘bad’ (less sustainable) company, as you can have a greater impact there – provided that there is a clear commitment for change from senior leadership.
- If that commitment is there and is genuine, then it does not matter much whether you work in staff/HQ functions or in a line position.
- Which field you go into (policy/politics, NGOs, research or the private sector) probably depend a lot on how much patience you have and how quickly you get bored or in need of new challenges.
- The pace in politics is by default slower, but the impact can be huge in the end (think Paris climate agreement), while the private sector is probably giving you quicker feedback, but less impact due to size. But is does not have to be an ‘either/or’ type of decision – many people get involved in policy/politics part-time – as they feel committed to this specific cause.
Regardless, it was very inspiring to have the discussion yesterday and I feel hope for the future, as the younger generation have such a strong feeling for sustainability and the circular economy and a vision that they will make an impact.
Simon said... 