Being a working mom is a role that is often underappreciated, but it can also provide valuable insights and wisdom. If you’ve ever wondered how I manage to balance raising 4 kids while also developing sustainable seafood strategies for companies of varying sizes and scopes, you’re in for a treat!
1. Get to know your client/company you work with.
Understanding the unique qualities and goals of the company you work with is critical to developing an effective sustainability strategy. Just as children have their own distinct personalities and preferences, companies have their own values, limitations, and goals. It’s essential to take the time to get to know the company, its team, and its strengths and weaknesses. This helps you manage their expectations and frustrations and tailor your approach to their specific needs. By developing feedback mechanisms, you can also ensure that you’re meeting the company’s needs and continually improving your sustainability strategy.
2. Meeting companies where they are in terms of sustainability is key to success.
Just like children, companies have different levels of readiness and development. Setting objectives that are too lofty can lead to frustration and resistance from the company or suppliers. It’s important to assess the company’s current sustainability practices and work with them to identify areas for improvement that are both ambitious and realistic. This can help avoid resistance and frustration, and create a more sustainable long-term strategy. It’s also important to communicate the benefits of sustainability to the company, beyond just financial return on investment, such as reputational benefits and the opportunity to attract customers who prioritize sustainability.
3. Setting realistic objectives leads to better outcomes.
Similar to how setting achievable goals for children can motivate and encourage them to achieve more, setting realistic and achievable objectives for companies can lead to better outcomes. When companies are able to achieve their goals, they feel a sense of accomplishment and are more likely to continue investing in sustainability initiatives. On the other hand, setting unattainable objectives can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation to continue with sustainability efforts.
4. Flexibility and Communication is key.
Clear and open communication is crucial in both parenting and working with companies. It’s important to be transparent about expectations, progress, and challenges, and to work collaboratively to find solutions. Building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders through effective communication can help to build trust, improve outcomes, and foster a shared sense of responsibility for sustainability efforts. Just as you need to be flexible when parenting four kids, you also need to be flexible when working with companies as a sustainable seafood strategist. Companies may face unexpected challenges or changes in priorities, and it’s important to be able to adjust your approach accordingly. This may mean revisiting your strategy or finding creative solutions to problems that arise. By staying flexible and adaptable, you can help companies navigate the complexities of sustainability and find success in their efforts.