Why Building this Collab?
Twenty years ago, I stepped into the world of sustainability as a key account manager for a leading recycling firm in the Netherlands. Back then, I thought I understood waste and efficiency. But one project shattered my assumptions and changed the course of my life.
A major client—the largest sports brand in the world—sent three massive trailers to an incinerator in Rotterdam. They were filled with perfectly good products: golf clubs, footballs, and apparel. None of it was defective; it was surplus, discarded to make room for the next season’s collection. Standing there, watching those items burn, I felt something inside me ignite—a determination to challenge the systems that made such waste acceptable.
Determined not to return to “business as usual,” I joined colleagues and clients to create a new approach inspired by Cradle-to-Cradle principles. Instead of waste, we recovered and upcycled materials. That small project felt like a victory—a glimpse of what was possible. But it also left me with a burning question: how could I dedicate my life to creating lasting change?
With encouragement from my sister, a CSR manager at Fuji, and my CEO’s support, I began exploring ways to contribute to a more sustainable society. It was the start of a journey that would take me into the heart of systemic challenges and reveal the transformative power of collaboration.
Lessons from the Early Days
Starting an NGO for sustainable procurement was my first big leap. We built tools to evaluate products’ ecological and social impacts, helping governments and businesses make informed choices. But even with the best intentions, I kept running into the same obstacle: the gap between ambition and action.
One vivid example stays with me. I was part of a task force creating sustainable procurement standards for governments. The vision was bold—criteria that would spark innovation and reward truly sustainable solutions. But as industry lobbying began, those ambitious plans were chipped away until we were left with checklists that delivered little more than incremental change.
Even amidst these setbacks, bright spots shone through. Companies like Interface, Philips, and Herman Miller embraced sustainability with creativity and courage. Inspired by their success, we built a community hub in 2009: a 4,500m² space in the Netherlands, alive with possibilities. It wasn’t just an exhibition; it was a gathering place with offices, a café, and a stage for events. Visitors could see sustainability in action—proof that doing good for the planet could align with doing good for business. Over 45,000 people came in the first year, connecting ideas with action.
Finding Systems and Leaders
Around this time, I met Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt, founder of The Natural Step. His mentorship introduced me to the power of systems thinking and showed me how sustainability could unify seemingly disconnected efforts. Together, we worked with cities like Eindhoven and companies like Philips to create roadmaps for change.
Yet even with great frameworks and motivated leaders, I began noticing a troubling pattern. Plans weren’t enough to create lasting impact. True transformation required something deeper—courageous leadership, collaboration, and a connection to the communities being served.
Discovering the Missing Pieces
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a pause for reflection. Conversations with early-career professionals revealed struggles that mirrored my own from years ago:
- Feeling overwhelmed by complex systems with no clear solutions.
- Lacking the leadership skills to build coalitions and face resistance.
- Feeling isolated without mentors or a supportive community.
At the same time, I discovered the work of thinkers like Tomas Björkman and Erik Fernholm, who emphasized “inner leadership”—the resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence needed to navigate uncertainty. I realized these inner skills were the missing link for many would-be change makers.
Looking back, the most successful leaders I’d worked with weren’t just technically skilled. They were adaptable, empathetic, and deeply connected to their communities. They thrived in ambiguity and inspired others to act.
The Power of Community
Sustainability is not a solo journey. It thrives in connection. Yet so many change makers work in silos, feeling alone in their struggles.
This realization shaped the vision for FutureFit Collab. I didn’t want to create just another learning platform. I wanted to build a community—a space where sustainability professionals could find support, mentorship, and a sense of belonging.
Our first local hub in the Philippines, led by Dr. Gem Brion Zabala, exemplifies this vision. Rooted in the local culture, it blends global learning with community action. Dr. Gem’s work, including the annual Sustainability Summit, shows how transformative change happens when sustainability meets local needs and strengths.
FutureFit Collab’s Approach
FutureFit Collab stands on three pillars:
- Leadership Skills: Building emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and resilience.
- Mentorship: Connecting early-career professionals with experienced mentors to guide their journey.
- Community: Offering spaces for collaboration, shared learning, and cultural exchange.
Global Learning, Local Action
We believe sustainability is both universal and deeply contextual. Our hubs, like the one in the Philippines, draw from global best practices while honoring local traditions, ensuring efforts are culturally relevant and impactful.
A Movement for the Future
FutureFit Collab isn’t just a program; it’s a movement. Our goal is to accelerate growth for early-career sustainability professionals, helping them achieve in one year what might take five on their own. Through e-learning, real-world projects, and peer mentorship, we’re building a community of change makers ready to tackle the world’s toughest challenges—together.
