![[Portrait] A change agent’s experience: From scattered ESG initiatives to strategic direction](https://www.taniaellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/baeredygtighed-i-praksis-case-website_opt.jpg "[Portrait] A change agent’s experience: From scattered ESG initiatives to strategic direction")
How do you bring sustainability to life in a company where it is not yet strategically anchored? For Linda Drud Søgaard, it’s all about persistence, change management and creating an understanding of the link between business and ESG.
As Marketing & Sustainability Lead at Micro Technic A/S, Linda Drud Søgaard has spent the past few years in the midst of the green transition. A journey she has strengthened through the Sustainable Business Change Manager education. Her role is not only to drive marketing, but also to ensure that sustainability initiatives turn into tangible action.
The company develops and produces industrial electronics and IoT solutions that enable innovation and sustainable choices for example through its self-developed Skylark series, which combines data logging, solar energy and wireless technology for more efficient operations.
ESG Across the Organisation
The biggest task right now? Strengthening prioritisation and building understanding of how a more structured approach can support both the business and sustainability.
“We’re working on sustainability in different directions, but it’s not yet fully integrated as a strategic part of the business. So, it’s not yet a targeted or structured effort,” she explains.
Linda leads the company’s sustainability initiatives, oversees implementation, maintains close dialogue with major customers about ESG requirements and holds overall responsibility for marketing. With only a student assistant to help, time and resources are some of the biggest barriers she faces.
Involving the Whole Organisation
This reality has given her insight into how crucial it is to link sustainability directly to the business. For it to be prioritised and embedded, it must create value for both customers and the company.
“It requires involvement and education of management so they can see the importance of this work. We’ve involved our employees, customers and partners to learn which areas they consider most material,” says Linda.
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Change Management and Employer Branding
Linda is especially passionate about employer branding. She sees it as an important factor in attracting and retaining employees, while strengthening the company’s profile as a responsible workplace.
“Driving this agenda takes real engagement. Change management and employer branding are central because it’s about getting the whole organisation on board. The most important thing is to strengthen employees’ motivation and pride – while management creates the framework for wellbeing and community.”
“Right now, we’re working on mental wellbeing in the company through a project with Velliv. It’s providing valuable insights from employees that allow us to take more focused action.”
From Tools to Action
Although Micro Technic has not yet launched large-scale sustainability projects, Linda is working systematically to build the foundation. A key part of her work involves applying the methods and tools gained through the Sustainable Business Change Manager programme.
“The best part has been being able to process all the knowledge we’ve gained through so many different tools. It means the learning is not just theoretical. It’s been transformed into better competencies we can use going forward,” she says.
For Linda, it has been particularly important to bring structure to the ESG efforts, moving from scattered initiatives to a coherent, strategic foundation that can show both management and employees how sustainability links directly to business.
Another major gain has been the network. During the programme, she met like-minded professionals who shared both challenges and solutions, and the Alumni Network continues to offer opportunities for sparring and knowledge sharing.
Maybe you would also like to read: Sustainable Change Management in Greenland with a Personal Touch
The Future: A 100% Focus on Sustainability
Linda dreams of dedicating herself fully to ESG. She sees great potential in changing how companies view sustainability. From being an extra initiative to becoming a core business strength.
“I want to work 100% in this field and help create understanding of how companies can change their view of sustainability, and see the business advantages of working strategically with it. I want to help make a positive difference for people and the environment.”
Linda’s Three Tips for Other Change Agents
Based on her experience, Linda offers three clear pieces of advice for others working with ESG and sustainable change
- Be persistent. Change takes time and patience.
- Step into others’ shoes. Understand where the organisation is on its journey and build from there.
- Share your knowledge. Use what you’ve learned and share it. Knowledge sharing helps others see the value of your work and the opportunities that unfold in this field.
Sustainable Business Change Manager (SBCM)
Sustainable Business Change Manager is a practical mini MBA with certification for specialists, leaders and advisors who want the knowledge and tools to integrate ESG and sustainability into the heart of business and organisation – strategically, systematically and with lasting value.
