beyond numbers: building an ESG program that sticks
At qb., we know that creating effective ESG policies, protocols, and oversight requires hard work and behavioral change, which is why we're shining a spotlight on the individuals who are leading the charge. In our new series: “ESG Leaders + Governance”, we highlight the people behind the transformational actions and programs that are shaping the future of business. We’ll talk to ESG leaders from different industries and backgrounds, we'll delve into the challenges they've faced, the strategies they've employed, and the lessons they've learned along the way.
We sat down with Jennifer Yuen, ESG & Sustainability Manager at Alteryx, to discuss her career shift from accounting to ESG, how she approaches internal leadership, and her vision for the future of this space.
published 8.30.23
Here are Jennifer’s 4 nuggets of wisdom:
It’s never too late to change lanes
My professional journey has been quite the rollercoaster, starting with a solid background in finance and accounting; I spent a significant chunk of my career – around seven to eight years – focusing on these areas.
However, my path took a turn while I was working as an accountant in Switzerland. The spreadsheets and numbers started to feel limiting, so I started volunteering. The turning point was my time in a refugee camp during the crisis in Greece. I got a glimpse of a world where professionals merge their passions with their careers — an epiphany that set me on a trajectory toward ESG and social impact.
When I moved into an accounting role at Alteryx, I noticed there was a social impact team. While motivated to shift careers, I recognized the need for a strong foundation. My aspiration to delve into corporate social responsibility wasn't enough; I needed to prepare. I sought out all available resources- webinars, newsletters, you name it - to bridge knowledge gaps. With the growing prominence of ESG, there's ample material to help those from diverse backgrounds to learn and adapt. I engaged in our "For Good" initiative and spearheaded a sustainability-focused employee resource group.
When the company's board acknowledged the necessity of ESG and sustainability, I seized the opportunity. With a year of groundwork behind me, I transitioned from accounting to social impact. This change wasn't serendipitous; it was a blend of the right timing, my readiness, and hard work. Alteryx provided the ideal environment for such a shift. Entering the world of ESG and social impact is rarely a linear journey, and my story serves as evidence of that.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
I recently did a deep dive, reflecting on the evolution of ESG/CSR programs. I observed that the journey from a company's first report to its current state can span years, even decades. This realization provided a sense of reassurance and understanding that meaningful progress takes time. While current circumstances (pressure from investors, the public, your board, etc.) might not allow for the same extended timeline, it's a reminder that the path to comprehensive ESG impact is a marathon, not a sprint.
In the world of ESG, being ahead of the curve carries significant advantages. As a newer, relatively small company, I'm convinced that proactively integrating it will be beneficial. My outlook for the first one or two years for new ESG programs has been recalibrated, knowing that the process is a gradual evolution, and I'm in it for the long run.
It may not feel like it all the time, but ESG regulation is a good thing
In a world that's increasingly interconnected, ESG regulations span beyond national boundaries. This necessitates a global outlook. At Alteryx, we're tracking regulatory changes worldwide, especially in regions like EMEA, where ESG regulations are more advanced. Collaborating with experts and aligning with best practices has become our compass in this dynamic landscape.
At its core, ESG reporting enhances transparency and accountability. By compelling companies to scrutinize their impact, it sparks a commitment to reducing their footprint and driving positive change. Mandatory regulations might feel burdensome at times, but the overarching goal is to foster a better world. It's about raising the bar collectively, and the ripple effect will be profound.
Vive l’évolution…of ESG Reporting
Looking ahead a decade from now, I envision a scenario where ESG reporting has seamlessly integrated into the fabric of businesses. For Alteryx, our realm in data analytics holds immense potential for impact. Streamlining reporting processes, making calculations more efficient, and freeing ESG professionals from data wrangling.
I hope that the spotlight won't be on reporting itself, but rather on the transformative actions businesses are taking. The ideal situation would see people in my role significantly pivoting. Less time is spent on data collection, reporting, and disclosures, and more time is dedicated to devising impactful strategies and implementing tangible changes.
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