Sustainable Leadership in education and society

Sustainable Leadership in education and society

Sustainable Leadership in education and society 

An interview with Dr Jessica van Wingerden from Dyade

Dr Jessica van Wingerden, Executive Director/CEO of Dyade, shares her vision on sustainability in education and Dyade’s role in promoting quality education, inclusion, and participation. Operating in the Netherlands for over 350 years, Dyade has a strong focus on leadership development, strategic organizational and HR advice, and support for business operations. Dyade aims to create a lasting impact on its employees, customers, and society.

 

The podcast ‘Sustainable Leadership’ 

Dyade is soon launching the podcast ‘Sustainable Leadership,’ where leaders and professionals explore the world of sustainable leadership together. The podcast aims to inspire and provide insights into the strategies and best practices of leaders at the forefront of sustainability. Guests will discuss how they contribute to various aspects of sustainability and align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our Executive Director, Merei Wagenaar, will also be a guest in one of the episodes.

 

Driving positive change together 

In 2022, Dyade joined the UN Global Compact to showcase their commitment to sustainability to its employees, customers, and stakeholders. The organization aims to inspire others to embrace the SDGs and join the UN Global Compact, working collectively to achieve a positive impact.

“If everyone contributes that extra bit from their talents to the SDGs, together, we can achieve so much more.”

Impact through Dyade 

Dyade primarily focuses on SDGs 3 (Well-being), 4 (Quality education), 5 (Gender equality), 10 (Reducing inequality), 13 (Climate action), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals). These goals closely align with Dyade’s DNA. They reflect what the organization concretely does, both internally as for its customers and society.

 

Dedication for sustainability 

In addition to her work at Dyade, Jessica is actively involved in promoting equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion in her private life. She serves as a commissioner at the housing corporation Hef Wonen in Rotterdam and is a member of the General Board at the Foundation for Public Education in Rotterdam (BOOR), both focused on enhancing equal opportunities for everyone in the city. In her private life, she consciously engages in sustainability by choosing local and natural consumption and practicing conscious consumerism to reduce her ecological footprint.

“Small steps make a big difference. Translate big dreams and goals into small concrete steps. You will find them easier to realize.”

Ambitions for UN Global Compact Network Netherlands 

As a Board Member, Jessica aims to actively contribute to the growth, development, and visibility of the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands. She will utilize her network, knowledge, and experience to inspire leaders to engage with sustainability goals. Additionally, she wants to showcase the essential role that SMEs can play in achieving these objectives.

Quality over quantity 

Jessica advises organizations and young professionals to prioritize quality over quantity when embracing the SDGs. It is crucial to create concrete action plans and take small steps to make goals more achievable. She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and focus, allowing organizations to identify with sustainability initiatives like the UN Global Compact, promoting inclusivity and creating a visible positive impact.

The interview with Jessica showcases her passion and dedication to sustainable leadership. Dyade’s commitment to quality education and sustainability is evident through its focus on relevant SDGs. Jessica’s involvement with the UN Global Compact and her pursuit of inclusivity and positive impact reflect Dyade’s core values and her mission to contribute to a better society.

Dr Jessica van Wingerden

Dr Jessica van Wingerden

Director / CEO, Dyade

Using entertainment to drive impactful change at WaterBear

Using entertainment to drive impactful change at WaterBear

Using entertainment to drive impactful change at WaterBear

Poppy Mason-Watts, Chief Growth and Impact Officer at WaterBear, is dedicated to leveraging the power of entertainment to inspire positive action. WaterBear is a leading free streaming platform and publisher that offers a wide array of award-winning and sustainably certified films. By encouraging viewers to shift away from mindless scrolling and engage with thought-provoking content, WaterBear aims to address environmental and humanitarian issues. With a strong focus on collaboration and impact, Poppy, along with the dedicated team at WaterBear, strives to make a tangible difference in the world. In this interview, Poppy shares insights about WaterBear’s mission, joining the UN Global Compact, their impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and personal commitments to sustainability and human rights.

Inspiring action through entertainment 

As part of the founding team and a company director, Poppy Mason-Watts holds the role of Chief Growth and Impact Officer at WaterBear. Her responsibilities encompass driving impact through productions and partnerships, ensuring brand partners prioritize impactful marketing and content production, formulating growth strategies for the platform, and engaging a global audience in conscious thinking. Despite the challenges that come with the role, Poppy is driven by her passion for making the world a better place and utilizing the power of film and entertainment as catalysts for change.

Motivation and alignment 

WaterBear firmly believes in the power of radical collaboration for good, bringing together NGOs, brands, philanthropists, filmmakers, and Fortune 500 companies. Recognizing that brands and businesses hold significant trust among Gen Zs and millennials, WaterBear actively collaborates with them to drive meaningful change. Joining the UN Global Compact, an organization with an extensive network of businesses that share a commitment to driving positive impact, was a natural alignment for WaterBear’s mission and values.

“I go to work wanting to make the world a better home, using entertainment and film as a lever to drive change – what more could you really want in a role?”

Impact across the SDGs: Stories as tools for change 

WaterBear aims to effect change across all the SDGs by utilizing stories as powerful tools. Their films and campaigns cover a diverse range of topics, including biodiversity conservation, climate change, human rights, and more. Since its launch a few years ago, WaterBear has prioritized impact at every level of its operations. From launching impactful campaigns aligned with film releases to measuring the tangible effects of films and campaigns, WaterBear embeds ethical and sustainable practices throughout the organization. The entire team at WaterBear shares a common goal of making a difference, and every initiative is designed to foster collaboration and drive progress towards the SDGs.

Personal commitment to SDGs: Fast fashion and human rights 

For Poppy, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) hold significant importance. She is particularly passionate about addressing issues related to fast fashion and human rights. Inspired by friends who work in the slow fashion industry, Poppy strives to make sustainable choices, such as reducing waste, supporting second-hand brands, and purchasing from small brands owned by friends. WaterBear has recently initiated a partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, focusing on promoting circularity as a cultural concept. Additionally, Poppy’s strong commitment to human rights led her to embark on a swimming challenge across the English Channel to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing migrant crossing disasters.

“Don’t give up – if you face challenges making a change in your organization, find another way. Small steps are key – find your sword, the one thing your brand feels comfortable championing.”

Joining the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands’ Board: learning and collaboration

Poppy’s decision to join the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands’ board stemmed from her desire to learn from individuals and businesses actively driving positive change. Drawing from her extensive experience in media, entertainment, and marketing, Poppy aims to bring a fresh perspective to the board. She recognizes the pivotal role that stories play in transforming mindsets and uniting communities and looks forward to exploring how the UN Global Compact’s work can be amplified through powerful storytelling, empowering businesses to embrace sustainable practices.

Integrate the SDGs into your business and personal live

Poppy offers valuable advice to organizations and young professionals seeking to integrate the SDGs into their endeavours. She emphasizes the importance of persistence and finding alternative routes when faced with challenges. Small steps are key, and it is crucial to identify the one cause or initiative that aligns closely with one’s brand values. Poppy underscores the significance of storytelling, highlighting that audiences are more engaged by compelling narratives that champion underrepresented stories and reflect the genuine commitment of businesses to their sustainability goals.

Poppy Mason-Watts

Poppy Mason-Watts

Chief Growth en Impact Officer, WaterBear

Stakeholder Inclusion is Key to Overcome Scope 3 Data Challenges

Stakeholder Inclusion is Key to Overcome Scope 3 Data Challenges

Stakeholder Inclusion is Key to Overcome Scope 3 Data Challenges

This year, UN Global Compact Network Netherlands is piloting two peer learning groups, one on Gender Equality and one on Climate Action. The goal is for the participating companies to learn more about these important topics, dig into the challenges that they are facing, and exchange best practices that can help overcome these challenges. This blog captures our companies’ peer learning journey.

Our climate action peer-learning group has reached full speed now. In April the second Climate Action peer-learning session took place at Bugaboo HQ on the topic of Scope 3 Data, and last week we dived into the topic of stakeholder engagement with regard to corporate climate action at the hypermodern automated and robotized small package sorting center (SKP) of PostNL. We highly recommend watching this video to learn more about the SKP.

The preparation assignment for the participants was to clarify what scope 3 categories are significant (material) for their company. Most of them identified the categories:  purchased goods and services, distribution and transportation, and commuting/business travel. In smaller break-out groups, there was a chance to reflect on challenges, tools, and tips for managing the data of these different emission categories.

Some companies struggle to determine the emission factors of the goods they purchase from suppliers. That could be partly due to, for example, fluid relationships with lots of different suppliers. Many data sources such as the CDP Suppliers Program, the CEDA database, IDEMAT, co2emmissiefactoren.nl, and the GHG protocol scope 3 (SBTi) were discussed.

Additionally, other shared challenges have to do with reaching out to suppliers to get real data and the course of action to get suppliers on board. This is where stakeholder engagement becomes key. All companies need to work together with different internal and external stakeholders during their sustainability journey. How to measure the quality of the relationship with your stakeholder? The report of the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands on stakeholder inclusion explains a model with four levels of engagement. The levels are determined by 4 elements:

  • First element “Motivation”: What is your reason for engaging with stakeholders?
  • Second element “Orientation of stakeholders”: What is your relation or ground of working together with the companies?
  • Third element “Pursued Outcomes”: Are you, for example, looking for validation or insights?
  • Fourth element “Disclosure”: Are you only doing the mandatory, bare minimum?

With this model in mind, the participants got the chance to discuss their challenges and opportunities to evolve their stakeholder engagement activities. When it comes to senior leadership the participants discussed the importance of persuasive pitching, regularly informing and consulting the C-suite, and the effectiveness of using peer pressure by comparing to competitors.

It is important to keep in mind that too much criticising, repetition, negativity, or only presenting problems, will probably cause backlash. To work more effectively with procurement colleagues the importance of educating yourself as a sustainability professional on the basics of procurement is key. Other suggestions that came out of the peer-learning discussion were the introduction of shared targets for the sustainability and procurement departments, and to be culturally sensitive when your stakeholders have a different cultural background. Working together with stakeholders on shared climate goals is essential. 

Please reach out if your company is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, and interested in joining our climate action peer-learning group. Mail to swan@unglobalcompact.nl.

Business Strategy Internship

Business Strategy Internship

Posting Title: Business Strategy Internship
Duration: 4 to 6 months (start in September/October 2023)
Location: The Hague, the Netherlands
Compensation: €600 per month (for 4 days a week)
 

Do you want to help accelerate and upscale the positive impact of Dutch businesses to improve the lives of current and future generations? Ever wondered what it’s like to work for a UN initiative? Are you passionate about business strategy and engaging with stakeholders?

If you answered yes to all three, come join the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands as our new Business Strategy intern!

 

BACKGROUND

The United Nations Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world. It has an unparalleled global reach and the exclusive opportunity to activate a diverse network of businesses to advance sustainable development in collaboration with investors, Government, UN, and civil society stakeholders.

The UN Global Compact Network Netherlands’ 2022-2024 strategy is based on three key pillars: Build, Reach, and Engage. At the moment we are working on a strategy refresh to enhance our growth ambition. You will be part of this process! 

 

POSITION SUMMARY

As our Business Strategy intern, you will work as part of a young, diverse, and ambitious team on the development of our strategy for 2024-2027. You will support on:

  • Near & long-term vision and strategic agenda – supporting the Executive Director in driving and prioritizing the vision and strategic agenda on a corporate level, based on outside-in trends & benchmarks and both internal and external analysis. 
  • Analyzing and assessing initiatives and programmes in our local network and comparing them with other local networks worldwide. Identifying improvements, opportunities, and threats.
  • Client satisfaction and feedback from Key Accounts and representative sectors.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Current Strategy Analysis and Evaluation
  • Company situation analysis
  • New Strategy Draft 2025-2027: Compared to other networks in Europe
  • Support on engagement and activities developed by the team

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • In the final year of an MSc University Degree in Business Management, Global Business & Sustainability, International Management, Business Analytics & Management, Strategic Entrepreneurship or similar
  • Excellent communicator in English, both verbally and in writing, Dutch is a plus 
  • Basic knowledge of strategy & business analysis methodologies
  • Analytically driven – strong quantitative and analytical capabilities
  • Flexible, team player with a can-do and eager-to-learn attitude
  • Curious & Innovative

 

SUPPORT 

During your internship, you will work with and receive professional support from Monica Pascual (Participant Engagement Manager) and Merei Wagenaar (Executive Director). You have the option to write your thesis on the topic of this internship.

 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please include the below documents in your email to Merei Wagenaar, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Netherlands, wagenaar@unglobalcompact.nl before 1 September 2023. 

  • Cover letter (max 1 A4)
  • Resume

If you have any questions please get in touch with Monica Pascual, Participant Engagement Manager at pascual@unglobalcompact.nl. If selected for the interview round, you’ll be invited for an in-person meeting at the Malietoren (Bezuidenhoutseweg 12, The Hague) in September.

Women in Leadership: Unseen barriers and what to do about it

Women in Leadership: Unseen barriers and what to do about it

Women in Leadership: Unseen barriers and what to do about it

This year, UN Global Compact Network Netherlands is piloting two peer learning groups, one on Gender Equality and one on Climate Action. The goal is for the participating companies to learn more about these important topics, dig into the challenges that they are facing, and exchange best practices that can help overcome these challenges. This blog captures our companies’ peer learning journey.

After a session on inclusive work environments (hosted by co-lead Deloitte) and a session on equal pay (hosted by co-lead Oxycom), our third gender equality session covered the topic of women in leadership, hosted by co-lead AkzoNobel at their Amsterdam office. We were joined by colleagues from AkzoNobel’s global Women Inspired Network.

Women in leadership

We explored what is currently hindering women to move into leadership positions and how to help them in preparing for leadership roles, getting into those roles and staying there.

Bingo

The session started with a bingo game to get to know each other better, including some of the barriers people may face to reach or stay in a leadership position. Then it was time for some key facts and research. 

Are these on your bingo card of knowledge about women in leadership?

A book mentioned by Deloitte, “What Works for Women” (Joan C. Williams, 2014), explains the underlying mechanisms women have to deal with to get to a leadership position and stay there. To achieve balanced gender representation in corporate leadership, structural changes are needed. 

On the other hand, sisterhood between women is of great importance. The so-called Queen Bee phenomenon shows that women can express prejudices and stereotypes about other women. But, as women belong to the group to which the prejudices apply, they are more likely to be believed and such views are less likely to be considered as sexist. This type of behaviour can help to legitimize the current gender hierarchy.

What can encourage women leadership?

In smaller groups, companies discussed which policies and initiatives promote women in leadership. They mentioned coaching, mentoring, and sponsorships as ways for women to increase their skills, opportunities, and visibility within their organizations. Philips mentioned their Women’s Circle, Johnsen & Johnsen mentioned their I Am Remarkable program, and Deloitte talked about their Reverse Mentoring Program. The companies also underscored the need for male colleagues to get involved and support the plight for gender equality.

At the end of the session, Sirvan Canitez shared her journey to a top-management position at AkzoNobel as Commercial Director of Powder Coatings in South Asia. Her main takeaway to inspire other women is to keep challenging yourself. In response to criticism from colleagues who thought she was too eager or impatient, she had her argument ready: “if I work more than the regular employee, then it makes sense that I learn and can take on more responsibility more quickly.”

The next session will be on the 14th of September, on the topic of Recruitment & Retention of Women Employees.

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