Are knowledge gaps or disparities blocking your sustainability success?

Maria Coronado Robles, Head of Sustainability Content at xUnlocked, was recently delighted to be interviewed by Santander Navigator for a piece exploring the vital ways in which an organisation’s intellectual capital helps steer a course through the ever-changing landscape of ESG requirements.

In the full article at Santander Navigator, Why intellectual capital can help to drive ESG-related success, Maria considers the challenges companies face in building the right internal knowledge and skills to meet sustainability goals, and shares advice for ways to accelerate progress.

What are the ESG skills we need to move forwards? Five interview highlights:

1. Think of ESG as a journey on a ship, in which your intellectual capital is your crew: No matter how detailed your map – or strategy – if your crew doesn’t know how to handle the sails, read the currents or work in sync with each other, you won’t reach your destination. Success depends on having knowledgeable and adaptable people who can work together, anticipate risks, and translate values into action. 
2. Identify strengths and gaps in your ESG knowledge: Organisations should focus on existing assets and identify gaps in skills, tools, and systems needed to meet ESG goals. Start with a "knowledge balance sheet" to map current capabilities and future needs. It is crucial to be honest and transparent about challenges and progress. ESG is about intent and improvement, not perfection.
3. Address knowledge disparities: A common challenge is that employees often have different levels of understanding about ESG, which hinders collaboration and progress. Foundational training in core ESG and sustainability concepts creates a shared understanding and common language around sustainability. Organisations can then layer on more specialised skills training to tackle more complex themes and challenges. 
4. AI, data and the evolution of ESG: As AI handles more data analysis, human skills like communication, relationship-building, and leadership will become even more critical. While technology can provide data, people are needed to interpret it, build trust with stakeholders, and drive change. In ESG, where difficult conversations and stakeholder engagement are common, these human skills are essential for turning knowledge into results.
5. Challenges for SMEs: Smaller companies may face the challenge of implementing ESG with more limited resources. Utilise existing knowledge and resources rather than focusing on what may be lacking. Leverage the advantages of agility, close stakeholder relationships, and transparency to make progress on the ESG journey. Prioritise an approach that works for the team, customers, and community.

ESG isn’t about claiming perfection. It’s about showing intent, making progress and being honest about the course corrections needed along the way. If more businesses shared where they struggled, we’d all move forwards faster.

Read the full interview, including more insights into effectively navigating your ESG journey, at Santander Navigator: Why intellectual capital can help to drive ESG-related success.