Sustainable Edge: Trending careers for Gen Z, embracing Ikigai and writing a sustainability report.

Summary

In the 'Sustainable Edge' podcast by Position Green, Joachim Nahem interviews Pola Nachyla, a sustainability professional representing Generation Z. Pola shares her journey into sustainability, starting from an epiphany in China to her role as a senior associate and sustainability manager at Position Green. The discussion delves into the exponential growth of sustainability professionals, the importance of integrating sustainability into business models, and the personal lifestyle choices that contribute to a sustainable future. Pola emphasizes the concept of 'Ikigai' in finding purpose and balance in both professional and personal life, advocating for sustainable pragmatism over perfection.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The podcast 'Sustainable Edge' by Position Green discusses the rise of sustainability as a profession, particularly among Generation Z.
• 🎙️ Joachim Nahem, the Executive Chairman at Position Green, hosts the podcast and engages in conversation with Pola Nachyla, a colleague representing the new generation of sustainability professionals.
• 🔑 Pola has dual roles at Position Green as a senior associate working with clients on strategy, communications, and climate, and as a sustainability manager responsible for the company's ESG reporting.
• 📈 There is an exponential growth in job titles that include 'sustainability' across various sectors such as consulting, professional services, design, and tech.
• 🦋 Pola's journey into sustainability began during an exchange semester in China, where she was inspired by the concept of circular economy and social entrepreneurship.
• 🎓 Pola pursued a master's degree in sustainability and social innovation, reflecting a generational trend of studying and seeking employment in sustainability-focused roles.
• 💡 The discussion highlights a strategic pragmatism in approaching sustainability, focusing on integrating sustainable practices within existing business models rather than as a purely ideological stance.
• 🌐 The podcast touches on the backlash against ESG and the cultural wars in the United States, contrasting the practical approach of Pola's generation to sustainability.
• 🏡 In her personal life, Pola practices sustainable choices without striving for perfection, emphasizing the importance of consistency over perfection in making an impact.
• 🧵 Pola refers to the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai' to explain her career path, which involves doing what she likes, is good at, gets paid for, and contributes positively to the world.
• 🔄 As the sustainability manager, Pola is tasked with ensuring Position Green practices what it preaches, managing the company's own environmental and social impact.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the 'Sustainable Edge' podcast episode?

The main topic discussed in the episode is the rise of sustainability as a profession, particularly among Generation Z, and the role of Position Green in promoting sustainable practices both internally and with their clients.

Who is Joachim Nahem and what is his role in the podcast?

Joachim Nahem is the Executive Chairman at Position Green and he serves as the host for the 'Sustainable Edge' podcast.

What are Pola Nachyla's two roles at Position Green?

Pola Nachyla serves as a senior associate working with clients on strategy, communications, and climate topics, and she also acts as the sustainability manager responsible for Position Green's own reporting and ESG report publication.

How did Pola Nachyla's interest in sustainability begin?

Pola's interest in sustainability began during her exchange semester in China where she attended a panel discussion on recyclable materials and the circular economy, which sparked her fascination with the concept.

What is the 'butterfly effect story' mentioned by Pola Nachyla?

The 'butterfly effect story' refers to Pola's unexpected journey into the field of sustainability, which started with her attending a panel in China and led to her working in social entrepreneurship and eventually joining Position Green.

What is the significance of the Japanese concept of 'ikigai' in Pola's life?

The concept of 'ikigai' is significant in Pola's life as it helped her find her purpose in life and her dream job, which aligns with her passion for sustainability and making a positive impact on the world.

How does Pola define 'sustainable pragmatism' in her personal life?

Pola defines 'sustainable pragmatism' as making conscious decisions to reduce her environmental impact without striving for perfection. This includes limiting flights, reducing meat consumption, repairing items instead of buying new ones, and utilizing public transportation or car sharing.

What is the role of the sustainability manager at Position Green?

The sustainability manager at Position Green is responsible for managing the company's own sustainability reporting, ensuring the organization practices what it preaches to its clients, and working on internal initiatives to reduce the company's environmental and social impact.

How does Position Green approach its own sustainability efforts?

Position Green approaches its own sustainability efforts by tracking and monitoring its impact, setting targets, and involving stakeholders across the organization to drive action where it matters, even though its environmental impact as a professional services business is relatively small.

What is the importance of the 'consistency over perfection' principle in making sustainable life choices?

The 'consistency over perfection' principle is important because it encourages individuals to make sustainable choices that are realistic and can be maintained in the long term, rather than striving for unattainable levels of perfection that may not be sustainable.

How does the podcast episode address the backlash against ESG and its association with 'woke' culture?

The episode addresses the backlash by distinguishing between the commitment to sustainability as a genuine concern for the environment and climate needs, and the perception of ESG as a form of political correctness or 'woke' culture. It emphasizes the practical and business-oriented approach to sustainability taken by Pola and her generation.