How can you build a strong ESG network?

There are a number of ways to build your ESG professional network, and most of them are low- or no-cost efforts. 1. Leverage LinkedIn. Stay active, post comments, read comments, find & follow a diverse array of sustainability specialists; not only will you stay abreast of current thought in the industry, you are bound to grow your network in meaningful ways. 2. Attend events. There are a number of free ESG-related events and conferences on the calendar; attend in person if possible and virtually if not. Use the conference app to make connections with speakers and attendees. 3. Join professional associations. Admittedly, there aren’t very many active ones in the space — and few are “low-cost” — but try anyway. 4. Find a mentor.

Building an ESG Network is essential for many reasons: 1- We don′t and never will know everything 2- Adding new people to your network will add also new perspectives 3- Somebody out there has the solution for your problem 4- You can be the problem solver for somebody else (and that brings a great reward feeling. believe me) So there are many ways to build a strong ESG Network. Here are a few: 1- Sharing your perspective on a current subject like climate change, water or D&I; 2- Interact with the posts of your colleagues and network connections; the more you interact, more visible you become; 3- Go to events; 4- On your presentations, include your linkedIn (I use QR code to my LinkedIn webpage and works wonderfully); 5- Be kind!! always!!

In my experience you need to gain a deep understanding of yourself. What are your strengths, and how can you contribute to make the world a better place. There are many paths to choose and there is space for all skills. If you are a perfectionist and not good with ambiguity you’ll need to carefully consider whether this is right for you. The sustainability results achieved are imperfect. Reporting is complex and challenging. You need to be able to adapt to that. Working with corporates will bring a bigger budget but slower change. Working with SMEs, charities and local governments will be more rewarding but budgets are low. Calculate your long term personal budget and balance that with your desired outcomes.

Building a strong ESG network is no difference from any other type of network building. In today's market where Sustainability & ESG is an increasingly discussed topic across the world, we are also looking increasing numbers of Forums, Events, Symposiums revolving around these. What we can do is leverage on the different channels available to network with ESG professionals. It can be as simple as idea sharing on the direction the ESG ecosystem can move towards & how each individual can contribute towards this Greener Future. Nurturing your connections is like forming a long term friendship with fellow community members. The value-add to each other's business impact will naturally come along the way in the many relationships formed.

Focusing on the aspects of ESG that are relevant to you, can help you find people who can share great insights. Following people who share useful news and updates will assist you in staying up-to-date with new publications, legislative changes, technology, and trends. And this is a sector that has many. Finally, in case you have something important to share that is part of your expertise, remember that it might help someone make this a better place for our kids!

Building an ESG network starts with bringing people together and hearing each other out. We have to have open, respectful conversations to understand different views on environmental, social, and governance challenges. Actively listening is key - let people express what matters to them before reacting. Though we may disagree, if we make an effort to find common ground, we can start working on practical solutions acceptable to all sides. Small steps in the right direction are progress - on the flip side, getting caught out in local minima is something to be aware of.

I like to call this ”doing the homework“. Many people fail in achieving their goals due to lack of information/lack of personal work. Once you know what you really want to achieve in the ESG field, is up to you to put enough effort and intention in finding the resources and enablers that will help you succeed. I strongly advise enrolling in a mentorship program. Having an open mind and a learning attitude is crucial.

It can help to be specific about what sector you want to focus on (e.g., nature positive business) and then research people and organisations working in that sector who have similar values and goals as you. This allows you to network more strategically and unlock possible partnerships and collaborations to help scale the work you're doing. Strategic networking also helps you learn from experts and find opportunities. Networking on LinkedIn has been a really valuable experience for me.

Once your goal is identified, research the diverse options in the ESG field. Utilize online platforms, publications, podcasts, events, courses, and programs to stay informed about trends, challenges, best practices, and innovations. Seek inspiration from role models, mentors, influencers, and leaders who align with your goals. Connect through social media, blogs, interviews, or outreach via email or LinkedIn. This research provides valuable insights and connections to navigate your path in the ESG landscape.

There are numerous ways to engage with your network. Personally, I find having a website, being active on social business networks like LinkedIn, and creating a monthly LinkedIn newsletter are effective ways to connect with people involved in similar ESG projects and initiatives. What excites me the most is the potential for deep engagement on topics such as business sustainability, natural capital, and nature- and climate-positive initiatives. This engagement is a foundational principle of radical collaboration, which I advocate. Additionally, attending business and sustainability conferences and workshops provides invaluable opportunities to interact face-to-face with the ESG community.

Reach out as much as you can. We can always learn from others. Engage, even if rejections will come your way. Participating in forums and groups is a great way to put ESG in practice, and an accurate manner of spreading the scientific approach to the business community.

After researching, engage with your community to build relationships supporting your ESG career. Join relevant online or offline groups, forums, clubs, or associations. Attend events, webinars, workshops, or conferences to network with ESG professionals. Showcase your expertise through content creation—articles, podcasts, videos, or infographics. Engage with others by commenting, sharing, or liking their content, demonstrating appreciation and interest. Active participation in the community strengthens your connections and presence in the ESG field.

Nurturing your ESG network involves proactive follow-up and engagement. Send thank-you notes, feedback, or referrals and seek advice or guidance. Offer support to others and invite collaboration on relevant projects. Acknowledge achievements and milestones of your connections, celebrating their contributions to the ESG field. Maintaining these connections over time fosters a mutually beneficial and supportive ESG network.

Stay in touch, genuinely. As a good practice, when connecting with your ESG network, in LinkedIn for example, I suggest sending a thank you and brief introduction message. Not only will develop your EQ, but will nurture the professional relationship to a different level.

Diverse approach in any conferences/networking opportunities you may attend. ESG is such a wide umbrella of topics that it now draws from people from various different backgrounds, once isolated from each other. Joining niche ESG communities on Linkedin helps with awareness of key topics within the subject and highlights the thought leaders in that space, allowing you to stay informed. Being open to challenges and collaboration from varied fields will allow you to build an holistic ESG network.

ESG isn’t even close to ‘enough’ to help us being life back within planetary boundaries, whilst raising social foundations for those who need it. As a result, my recommendation is to more deeply connect with the communities around the world doing the ambitious and necessary work that gives us a chance. Sensationalist? Only if you’re not paying attention to the empirical data on our scary AF trajectory.

ESG is a constant developing science with deep implications in our economical and societal models. Is vital that ESG and Sustainability professionals know their value and key role in the decarbonisation of the market. Be brave, be bold and own it!