In recent years, the conversation around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has surged, especially with the European Union accelerating its initiatives and regulations in this area. With so many acronyms—CSRD, CSDDD, ESRS, GHG—it can feel like trying to decode a secret language, but it shouldn’t be made so difficult to understand. The core message is simple: we need to care for our planet, our people, and cultivate strong, diverse leaderships.
So, what’s in it for us? For businesses, embracing ESG is an opportunity to identify risks, do good for the planet, cut costs, improve working environments, and attract top talent.
Rethinking packaging and waste is a great example: can we use different materials, create smaller packages, remove unnecessary components, or even question whether we really need plastic-wrapped peeled mandarins?
In the workplace, giving employees a voice can be transformative. Consider organising team-building days focused on planting trees or cleaning up around the business park. These initiatives not only boost morale and build stronger teams but also reinforce our commitment to sustainability.
Reflecting on my own past, I realize how intertwined my life experiences have been with the principles of ESG. Growing up on a self-sufficient organic farm taught me invaluable lessons about respecting the land, weather, crop-growing processes, circular economy and nature.
After graduating from university, I moved to the UK in my early 20s and landed in a vibrant caravan park filled with people from Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, South Africa, and Zimbabwe—all living together like a real-life United Nations. It was there I learned the value of diversity and community, gaining respect for different cultures and realizing that we all have our unique traditions and beliefs—lessons that align closely with the social aspect of ESG.
The governance aspect of ESG calls for strong, well-equipped leaders. I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that capable leaders can have on a team’s culture and direction. As I progressed in my career—from picking strawberries to managing a technical department in a multi-award-winning international company, and now working with ISO standards closely linked to ESG management, conducting B Corp assessments, and educating Food Safety and ESG at a local college—I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors who embody these qualities. They emphasize transparency, ethical practices, motivation, and the importance of continuous education—principles I strive to uphold every day.
Now, having returned to Estonia, just 100 meters from where I grew up, I realize how fortunate I am to be surrounded by clean air, majestic old oak trees, and a forest where wolves, bears, and lynxes thrive. This natural inheritance serves as a daily reminder of our responsibility to protect the environment. It’s a powerful motivator for me to advocate for sustainable practices, not just in my professional life but also within my community. Living in such a beautiful place reinforces my commitment to ESG; it’s a privilege to enjoy nature, and I feel a deep obligation to ensure that future generations can experience the same.
While navigating the complexities of ESG can feel daunting—especially for small and medium-sized companies with limited resources—it’s essential to remember that every step counts. Start small: assess your operations, conduct a simple risk assessment, and make gradual improvements. The impact of these actions can be significant, both for the environment and for your organization’s culture and success.
In conclusion, ESG isn’t just about compliance with regulations, securing funding, or ticking a box. It’s about embracing a mindset that prioritizes our planet, our people, and our communities. As I reflect on my progression from a multicultural caravan park to working within esteemed management frameworks and writing ESG strategies, I’m reminded that we all have the power to contribute to a better world—one decision, one conversation, and one action at a time. Surrounded by nature inspires me to champion these values with passion. Let’s make that commitment together.