Here's how you can connect with sustainability professionals in the corporate sector.

One of the best ways I've discovered to grow my network is through running my own in-person events. I keep them focused on a specific subject (sustainability) and limit them to 25 spaces. this means I have time to connect with each person and they get value out of the event.

Agreed! However these events could also be repetitive in nature without yielding much impact for an individual. So it is important to be careful of your time investment in social networking events. Here’s what I do - Research who’s who - check out proactively who is going to the event and if they can help you meet your goals. If yes, then make an attempt at visiting the networking event and approaching the person of impact to find out.

Sustainability is an area that is constantly evolving. There are many industry events that discuss latest developments These area great avenues to meet like minded people and form a community, to learn and grow together

To connect with sustainability professionals in the corporate sector, attend industry events, conferences, and online communities dedicated to sustainability. Engage in discussions, share insights, and connect with individuals who share similar interests and goals. Reach out directly to professionals to introduce yourself and express interest in connecting or collaborating. By actively participating in networking opportunities, you can effectively connect with sustainability professionals.

Networking is the key to connecting with sustainability professionals in the corporate sector. Meeting people, attending seminars, conferences, and workshops, and delivering speeches wherever possible would help in networking and staying in touch with the latest trends and concepts, thus helping in networking with other such professionals and experts.

Connecting with sustainability professionals in the corporate sector can be achieved by leveraging a mix of networking strategies and platforms. Start by attending industry conferences, seminars, and workshops focused on sustainability to meet and engage with professionals directly. Joining professional associations and sustainability-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn can expand your network and provide opportunities for meaningful interactions. Participating in webinars, online forums, and social media discussions related to sustainability can also facilitate connections.

Online platforms like LinkedIn are vibrant hubs for sustainability discussions. Join relevant groups, engage in discussions, and connect with professionals whose work aligns with your interests. Personalize connection requests to express your shared interests.

Online platforms, backed by data, emerge as bustling hubs for sustainability conversations. According to recent statistics, LinkedIn stands out as a powerful tool for connecting with sustainability professionals in the corporate sector, boasting over 700 million members worldwide. By strategically engaging in discussions within relevant groups, individuals can tap into a vast pool of expertise and foster collaborations aimed at driving environmental impact.

Online platforms are the most democratic way in today’s world of connecting with anyone with a shared interest. LinkedIn remains a favourite platform for many reasons - professional, collaborative, and truly global in nature. What is important is to connect for genuine reasons as the initial introduction is virtual and be balanced in exchanges over comment threads and contribution towards shared articles. A different viewpoint needs to be embraced and not argued with. Be curious - about sharpening the depth of your understanding in Sustainability as it is an evolving field and there is much to learn, discuss and share.

Volunteer work is a powerful way to expand your network in sustainability. Research shows that 85% of hiring managers prefer candidates with volunteer experience (LinkedIn), while 92% of volunteers report skill improvements (Corporation for National and Community Service). By contributing to non-profits, you not only support a good cause but also connect with potential mentors and collaborators, enhancing your impact in the sustainability sector.

I've met the most people working in sustainability by volunteering as a climate fresk facilitator. When you co-facilitate a workshop with someone, or they attended your session, it's at a totally different level than a superficial conversation at a networking event.

I enrolled in a sustainability leadership program offered by a prestigious university. The program brought together professionals from various corporations for intensive workshops and guest lectures. These shared learning experiences fostered strong bonds amongst participants, creating a network of like-minded leaders ready to tackle sustainability challenges together. Learning Together, Growing Together is much more fun

Enrolling in educational programs related to sustainability, such as a university course, an online certification, or a professional workshop, can connect us with like-minded peers and instructors actively working in the field. For instance, joining a sustainability/forestry-focused MBA program at an institute like the Indian Institute of Forest Management not only provides comprehensive education but also facilitates networking with influential figures in the sustainability realm, such as renowned professors and industry leaders. Our active engagement in coursework and seeking opportunities to collaborate on sustainability projects can further solidify these connections, paving the way for future collaborations and career opportunities.

This is extremely powerful advice. I highly recommend Terra.do's learning for action program exactly for this reason. Beyond the learnings I had that got me motivated to take action, I met outstanding, passionate individuals, and I'm still in touch with the community and active there.

Engaging with universities & research institutions which is specialized in renewable energy and sustainability. Also seek for Internship with organizations working in renewable energy and sustainability.

Consider joining organisations that offer valuable sustainability-related resources such as the UN Global Compact, which usually offer access to local networks as well as sustainability-related professional development programmes. Local sustainability organisations such as the Green Building Council of South Africa convene various networking events throughout the year. These will provide you with access to sustainability professionals and practitioners who are open to networking.

Consider joining an industry association that is relevant to your Sustainability niche. There are associations for Sustainable Finance, Resource efficiency, Policy Work and Philanthropy.

Industry associations serve as crucial platforms for sustainability professionals, a sentiment echoed by data from the Global Association of Corporate Sustainability Officers (GACSO) indicating that 78% of respondents find them significant ("GACSO Survey," 2023). Transitioning from merely yours to ours, joining these associations grants access to exclusive events and directories, as evidenced by an International Association for Sustainable Economy (IASE) study where 87% of members reported benefits ("IASE Membership Survey," 2022). Actively engaging in association activities, such as meetings and mentoring, fosters network expansion and drives impactful sustainability initiatives collectively.

Social media is a great way to connect with like minded individuals and also show case your "portfolio" of work. LinkedIn is a great platform because users come with high intent to engage in a professional setting.

I actively followed prominent sustainability leaders and organizations on social media platforms like Linkedin. I engaged with their content, participated in discussions, and even reached out directly with insightful questions. This online engagement opened doors to virtual mentorship opportunities and allowed me to connect with a broader sustainability community beyond my immediate workplace.

If you're reading this, you know the power of Linkedin for this. There are a lot of interesting sustainability influencers to follow and learn from + join the conversation.

Tambien hay grupos de sostenibilidad en Facebook que puedes ingresar y compartir temas de interes, asi como ayudar a personas que requieren ayuda necesaria para informarse o ver puntos diferentes en el ambito sustentable.

1. Join sustainability groups, engage with professionals, and initiate connections. 2. Participate in conferences, webinars, and workshops focused on sustainability. 3.Become a member of associations and organizations for networking opportunities. 4. Follow and interact with sustainability professionals and companies. 5.Find experienced professionals who can guide and connect you with others. 6.Get involved in initiatives within your organization or external partnerships. 7.Network with professionals at events dedicated to sustainability. 8.Connect with consultants working with corporate clients. 9.Leverage your alumni network to connect with corporate sustainability professionals.

En lo personal me ha funcionado lo siguiente: 1. Plataformas en línea. LinkedIn es la herramienta perfecta para ello, me ha permitido integrarme a grupos de sostenibilidad e inscribirme a un sinnúmero de eventos que me han ayudado a expandir mi red. 2. Voluntariado y asociaciones de la industria. Participar activamente en los comités y brindar capacitación pro-bono (mesas de debate, cursos y conferencias), permite ponerte en el escaparate de las asociaciones y demostrar tu compromiso. 3. Programas educativos. Me ha funcionado muchísimo para contactar con profesionales que me han dado excelentes consejos e ideas brillantes. También me ha abierto las puertas a darme a conocer como consultor de sostenibilidad al apoyarlos en sus proyectos.

No hay una sola solución correcta, sino un camino que cada quien escoge en base a sus objetivos profesionales. En mi caso me interesa conectar con profesionales alrededor del mundo y la plataforma ideal es Linkedin. Cuando quiero conectar con profesionales en mi país lo hago en asociaciones locales y cuando quiero saber sobre la región conecto a través de eventos y conferencias presenciales. Los mayores aprendizajes han sido a través de establecer conexiones de largo plazo con profesionales que comparten mis mismos valores y creencias.