When an ESG strategy must come alive in everyday practice: Julia Pars draws on experience, education and authenticity – and shares 3 tips for change agents
Sustainability is not only about data, reports and strategies. It is just as much about authenticity and personal leadership.
This is something Julia Pars, founder of the consultancy and course provider Relatepeople, discovered early in her career working with CSR, ESG and sustainability.
“My decision to work with sustainability stems from a deep desire to contribute to the world in a meaningful and positive way,” says Julia.
Before establishing Relatepeople, Julia held senior management roles as Director and Deputy Director at Visit Greenland and Katuaq Cultural Centre.
These experiences sharpened her passion for sustainability and strengthened her understanding of the need for a strategic approach to change.
Strategic Advisory Focused on Clients’ Needs
Today, Julia works as an independent consultant, helping companies and organisations develop and implement sustainability strategies.
She supports clients with everything from analysis and strategic planning to designing processes that ensure sustainability becomes embedded in daily operations.
This role demands clear methods, a strong sense of direction and the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
An Education that Provided New Tools
To strengthen her consultancy practice, Julia chose the practical Mini MBA Sustainable Business Change Manager (SBCM) programme.
“I chose the SBCM programme because it focuses on how to implement sustainable change in businesses, both practically and strategically,” she explains.
Prior to completing the programme, Julia often encountered clients who lacked structured processes to translate sustainability strategies into action. Many needed methods and tools to ensure that the strategy became more than an intention – and actually took root in the organisation.
Barriers and Solutions in Clients’ Work
A typical challenge for Julia’s clients is achieving deep involvement of both employees and management in sustainability initiatives.
The SBCM programme has equipped her with tools to translate visions into concrete steps, secure broad engagement and create ownership among all relevant parties.
Authenticity as a Driving Force
“The hardest part of CSR and ESG is making the strategy come alive in practice. Without authenticity, the strategy can quickly become an empty shell,” says Julia.
In this context, authenticity means that sustainability work is firmly rooted in what the business truly is, does and stands for. A genuine strategy:
- builds on the organisation’s real values, mission and culture – not only on what looks good externally,
- is integrated into the business model and core activities,
- and aligns with the practices the company lives by every day, internally and externally.
This is why Julia always ensures that her clients’ strategies grow out of their unique strengths and purpose – so sustainability becomes a genuine competitive advantage, not just an add-on activity.
From Theory to Practice
Julia now actively applies her SBCM tools in consultancy assignments to bring structure, identify realistic initiatives and support clients in delivering them.
She helps with both strategy development and practical implementation, ensuring the work generates measurable, tangible value for businesses and their stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
For Julia, the greatest learning has been recognising just how crucial personal authenticity is in sustainability work:
“Without a connection to the business model and core activities, a strategy can easily become an empty shell. The programme strengthened my ability to bring both strong professional expertise and a personal touch to my work – also when advising others.”
Her future goal is clear:
“I want to continue helping companies and organisations develop and implement strong sustainability strategies that are both measurable and meaningful, internally and externally. I want to help create real change.”
Julia’s 3 Key Tips for Change Agents
- Bring your personal touch: Authenticity is essential to drive real change. The strategy must reflect both the organisation’s goals and the leader’s values.
- Ensure involvement: A strategy only works if it becomes part of daily life. Involve key stakeholders early.
- Be patient: Sustainable transformation takes time – stay committed to the direction, even when results take longer to appear.
For more information about how Julia Pars can support businesses, visit www.relatepeople.com.
Sustainable Business Change Manager (SBCM)
The Sustainable Business Change Manager is a practical mini MBA with certification for specialists, leaders and advisers who want the knowledge and tools to embed ESG and sustainability at the heart of business and organisational strategy in a systematic, value-creating way. Learn more about the programme here.
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