Breaking into ESG: A Guide for Newcomers and Career Shifters to Navigate the Path of a Sustainability Manager "Edited"

What is the big fuss all about? What do sustainability professionals do?

Corporate sustainability or ESG is far more than doing good, that one was CSR or corporate social responsibility. Today, sustainability is about balancing environmental care, social responsibility, and economic resilience—a complex integration that requires not just expertise, but systems thinking.

If you're considering a career shift or are new to the field, grasping this multi-dimensional nature is key. Sustainability isn’t a single action; it’s a way of seeing the world, connecting the dots, and understanding how actions in one area impact everything else.

Companies are investing in specialized roles and full departments to lead their sustainability journey. Here are a few positions essential to making an impact:

These roles cover three essential dimensions: Strategy, Disclosure, and Practice. Every action in sustainability will align with one of these.

• Strategy: Shaping the organization's vision, goals, and sustainable pathway.

• Disclosure: Accurately reporting sustainability performance to stakeholders.

• Practice: Implementing on-the-ground actions that create tangible change.

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When people imagine a “sustainability team,” they might picture a small group in a dedicated office, brainstorming ways to reduce emissions and promote recycling. But in reality, sustainability is far more complex and far-reaching—it touches every corner and function within an organization.

The truth is, no single team, no matter how talented or dedicated, can tackle the vast landscape of today’s sustainability challenges alone. From climate change and biodiversity loss to resource depletion and worker safety, the issues are as diverse as they are urgent. Companies are confronted with an endless array of projects, risks, and opportunities that all demand action.

So, who actually does the work? Who turns sustainability strategy into real, measurable change?

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The answer: Everyone.

Sustainability is not about placing all the responsibility on one small team—it’s about engaging the expertise of subject matter specialists across departments, each contributing to sustainability in ways that align with their unique skills. And the organizations that excel are the ones that ensure every department is on board, working toward a shared goal.

The biggest responsibility of a sustainability team? Getting everyone aligned.