In a recent “You Got This” interview with Katharina Engelhardt, our CEO, Karin Ekberg, shared valuable insights on leadership and sustainability. Katharina Engelhardt, a renowned leadership and career coach, is dedicated to empowering women to attain recognition and success in their professional journeys. If you are interested in listening to the podcast you can check it out on Spotify here, or Apple Podcast here. Below are some key takeaways from the engaging discussion.
Karin emphasizes the integral relationship between sustainability and leadership, noting that mere technical expertise is insufficient for driving meaningful change. To effectively implement sustainability practices, professionals must develop leadership skills to inspire and engage others while communicating the business case for sustainability to organizational leaders. This dual focus is vital for embedding sustainability into every aspect of a business.
She advises aspiring professionals in sustainability to pursue a business education, such as an MBA combined with a sustainability education, to gain a comprehensive understanding of corporate dynamics. It’s essential to identify personal passions and commit to continuous learning, as these elements form the foundation of a successful career. Moreover, taking responsibility for one’s career and financial future is crucial, especially for women, who must navigate existing business norms while finding ways to create impact within those frameworks.
Being open to new challenges, presenting oneself effectively, and maintaining physical and mental well-being are also key factors for success. Developing positive habits and maintaining a good work-life balance help professionals thrive in their careers. Karin highlights the importance of being true to oneself, making mindful decisions, and owning one’s career path, as well as considering long-term impacts, such as retirement.
Throughout her international career, which has spanned several countries, Karin acknowledges the sacrifices made, particularly the distance from family. However, these experiences enrich personal and professional growth, offering valuable insights into diverse cultures and practices. She notes that a global mindset is increasingly vital, particularly in leadership roles, as it fosters a deeper understanding of inclusion and diversity.
Success, for Karin, is defined by a sense of contentment, having created meaningful results, and being aligned with one’s purpose. She encourages individuals to seek inspiration from their work and the impact they have on others. With her company poised for expansion into new markets and services, Karin remains committed to integrating sustainability into organizational development, continually questioning whether her organization is set up for success and how it can evolve to meet future challenges.
We at Leadership & Sustainability would like to express our gratitude to Katharina Engelhardt for the recent interview with our CEO. Be sure to check out her LinkedIn for more of these here!
Best sustainable regards,
Karin and the L&S Team
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