I truly believe that ESG reporting is not just about compliance - It's an opportunity to adjust business strategy.
As a finance and business planning professional, I have always been interested in how finance and reporting can support business decisions and business strategy. My key objective in taking ESG and Sustainable Financial Strategy course was to understand better how ESG impacts the long-term financial performance of the companies and investors' decisions.
In this blog post, I share my experience, from the structure of the programme to the valuable insights and personal growth I gained.
The ESG and Sustainable Financial Strategy course was structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role ESG plays in today's business world. Spanning over 6 weeks, the programme was divided into modules, each focusing on different aspects of ESG, from understanding the fundamentals to applying these principles in financial strategies.
I liked that the structure of the course comprehensively covered all relevant aspects of ESG, focusing on:
- history of ESG and its impact on finance and risk management. That was important to understand where different concepts come from and how they developed to impact business decisions.
- business rationale and business benefits. These were based on real-world business cases where companies successfully incorporated ESG principles into their core strategies. It was interesting to see how companies integrating ESG into their strategies are not only mitigating risks but also uncovering new investment opportunities. For example, firms prioritising sustainability and ethical governance are attracting more investors and achieving higher valuations. Understanding these dynamics has given me a new perspective on how ESG integration can drive both financial performance and long-term resilience.
- financial impact assessment and reporting requirements. I liked that this part was linked to business strategy and the decision to be transparent. While the course covered all key reporting frameworks and requirements, we learned it as a logical result of business strategy, not a standalone necessity.
The flexible nature of the online modules made it easier to manage my time effectively.
The course content was rich, engaging, and structured in a way that encouraged microlearning. I was going through the required materials on my phone when I was queuing in the grocery store, when I was waiting for a tram, or during the coffee break. This felt like a very effective way of learning.
Another highlight was the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals. Engaging in discussions about the latest trends and other companies practices has expanded my understanding and inspired me to think differently about some aspects of ESG strategy implementation.
Overall, this was a very practical course that covered not only the financial aspect of ESG but also the broader concept including history, strategy, and business rationale. This makes the course knowledge immediately applicable in business.
Completing this course has provided me with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable business practices. For anyone considering a similar programme, I highly recommend it. The insights you gain will not only enhance your professional skills but also equip you to make a meaningful impact in the world, starting from your closest business environment.
