Sustainability Persists—Despite (and Because of) ESG Backlash

Over the past year, “ESG backlash” has dominated headlines. Critics claim environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices are distractions, or worse, political theater. In the U.S., ESG has been weaponized in political debates, while Europe is doubling down on regulation and disclosure mandates. But amid the noise, one truth holds firm: sustainability is not a […]

Why the EU’s New Sustainability Standard for SMEs Is a Game Changer

The European Commission has taken a bold and necessary step by adopting the new EU SME sustainability standard, part of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). For me, having worked with companies across sectors and continents on ESG integration for over two decades, this is more than a regulatory update. It’s a strategic inflection point that […]

Greenwashing in Net Zero Commitments: A Growing ESG Risk

Greenwashing in Net Zero commitments is one of the most pressing challenges facing the ESG movement today. As someone who has worked in sustainability leadership for over two decades, I’ve seen how ambitious climate pledges can drive meaningful change—but only when they are backed by credible action. Unfortunately, more and more companies are making net […]

Sustainability as Value Creation: A Business Imperative

As sustainability becomes a core element of corporate strategy, a striking 88% of global companies now view sustainability value creation as a business opportunity rather than a cost, according to a recent Morgan Stanley survey. This shift signals more than a trend—it’s a transformation in how leaders approach ESG and long-term performance. As someone who […]

Why Certified ESG Practitioners Are Leading Sustainable Change

Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with professionals who are shaping the future of corporate sustainability. One key thing I’ve learned? Real change is driven by knowledge, credibility, and leadership. That’s exactly what Certified ESG Practitioners bring to the table. In today’s business landscape, where greenwashing is quickly exposed […]

Mastering ESG Alignment: Navigating the Three Leading Global Standards

Aligning with Global ESG Standards: CSRD, GRI, and IFRS Essentials Aligning with global ESG standards is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a business necessity. As sustainability continues to shape corporate strategies, organizations must adopt frameworks that provide credibility, transparency, and measurable impact. Having worked directly with businesses undergoing ESG transformation, I’ve seen firsthand how early […]

EU 2030 Climate Target for ESG Professionals: Key Strategies to Stay Ahead

As someone who has spent over two decades working at the intersection of sustainability, business strategy, and ESG innovation, I see the EU 2030 climate target ESG strategies as a pivotal challenge—and opportunity—for professionals today. This is more than policy—it’s a wake-up call for ESG professionals, and an opportunity to lead the charge in redefining […]

ESRS Simplified: What the 2025 Reforms Mean for Companies and ESG Strategy

ESRS Are Changing: Fewer Data Points, Smarter Reporting — What You Need to Know The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has proposed a significant overhaul of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The goal is to reduce the number of mandatory data points by at least 50%. These changes aim to simplify compliance and […]

The Greenhushing Dilemma: Why Strategic Silence on ESG Can Backfire

Over the past few years, sustainability leaders have faced growing scrutiny over how they communicate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. While some companies are still accused of greenwashing, others are quietly adopting the opposite approach—a greenhushing strategy. This trend, where businesses underreport or remain silent about their climate actions, may seem like a […]

ESG Integration in Greek Companies: My Perspective from the 2025 CSE Research

As someone deeply involved in the sustainability field and President of the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE), I see the findings of our latest 2025 research in Greece as both encouraging and concerning. ESG integration in Greek companies is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. But are Greek companies truly embracing this transformation? Key […]