Helen Neil, a sustainability communications expert and founder of HN Communications, joined Kirsty van den Bulk on The Wise Why.
Despite some technical hiccups with the live-streaming software, they delved into the world of sustainable business practices and upcoming changes in regulations.
Helen explained that her agency specializes in helping large corporations and global NGOs communicate their sustainability efforts effectively. She emphasized embedding sustainability within a company's strategy rather than treating it as an add-on or separate entity.With new European regulations like CSRD on the horizon, businesses will need to focus more on reporting their environmental impact.
Helen provided practical advice for small businesses looking to improve their sustainability efforts, including using tools like Ecology for tracking carbon emissions linked to business activity.She also discussed consumer power in influencing businesses towards greater environmental responsibility through purchasing choices. Additionally, Helen shared personal insights about transitioning from corporate roles at Virgin Atlantic and Nissan to running her consultancy after motherhood challenged her work-life balance.Inspired by other women business owners' journeys, Helen talked about overcoming fear and embracing success while maintaining family life balance. Looking forward, she aims to bring together female leaders in sustainability to foster dialogue and action.
Kirsty reflected on similar experiences balancing work with parenting duties and admired Helen's journey. The conversation concluded with Helen asking how we can encourage more women to confidently share their successes publicly without feeling held back by societal expectations or self-doubt – a challenge Kirsty acknowledges starts early but can be overcome through support networks and changing narratives around ambitious women.
Chapters:
00:17 Technical Issues00:59 Helen Neal 01:48 CSRD Impact02:19 Sustainable Business04:26 Ecology 06:46 Carbon Footprint07:22 Small Changes10:14 Accidental Careers12:46 Mothers in Business15:58 Fear of Success18:03 Inspiring people19: 59 What’s Next20:52 New York Climate Week24:36 Women and Confidence25: 24 The Words We Use and Hear26: 27 Labels are Limiting29:13 Society Needs to Change20:18 Be Kind 32:51 Close
Contact Helen: https://www.hncomms.co.uk/
Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk
#sustainability #womeninbusiness #workingparents
