Is the Journey Worth It?

Why It's so Hard to Find the Right Sustainability Education Programme -And Why It’s Worth the Journey.

"Is it crazy to want more from my job?"

"How do I break out of this rut and do something that matters?"

These questions keep coming up in many of my conversations with supply chain executives, and honestly, I’m not surprised. Most are fed up with feeling stuck.

Just last week, I got a call from an executive tired of his “just procurement” role. He wants to pivot into sustainability but doesn’t know where to begin.

And here’s the thing: he's not alone.

More and more are reaching out, all feeling the same frustration. They want to do something that matters, but they're lost.

And I get it. I really do!

Especially, when there are so many courses out there, so many choices—it’s overwhelming. And let’s be real: no one wants to waste time chasing the wrong thing.

That’s why I’m sharing some no-nonsense tips, personal journeys, a few trends and insights to help cut through the noise and make this journey, let's say... less painful.

So go & grab a cup of coffee or frothy turmeric chai [my favourite], and breathe easy!

Wise words from Jane Goodall.

The decision to pursue a sustainability programme often comes with the pressure to not only invest time and money but also to align it with your career goals and values.

But, choosing a course that equips you with the right knowledge and skills for a rapidly evolving market feels like a daunting task.

You might wonder, “Will this programme give me what I need? Am I making the right choice for my future?

So, before you pick a course of your choice, here are...

5 Tips to Consider Before Embarking on a Sustainable Supply Chain Programme.

✅ Assess Your Current Skills. You don’t have to switch careers to enter sustainability. Start by looking at your existing skills. If you’re a supply chain expert, look up sustainable sourcing or circular economy models that could be your thing. This helps ease the transition without feeling overwhelmed by a completely new field.

✅ Research Industry Needs. Sustainability is vast. To avoid getting lost, focus on understanding specific challenges businesses face today, especially in the Supply Chain - is it in ethical sourcing, optimising transport routes, reducing waste in packaging, or reducing SCOPE 1,2 & 3? Once you know the pain points, you can tailor your skills and knowledge to address them, making yourself a valuable asset in the field.

✅Network, Network, Network. Surround yourself with people who are already in the field. Join sustainability-related LinkedIn groups, follow supply chain thought leaders, attend virtual conferences or participate in webinars. Networking also gives you an inside look at how companies implement sustainable supply chain practices.

✅Get the right knowledge & Skills. Formal education and certifications can boost your credibility. Whether you’re looking at GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) for sustainability reporting, INSEAD (Becoming Sustainable Leader), or B2G Academy's Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Professional programme (CSSCP). Furthermore, earning a certification shows your commitment and helps you stand out in the job market. Certifications also equip you with specific knowledge that you can apply immediately within your organisation.

✅Start Small, Think Big! You don’t need a full-time sustainability role to make an impact. Start by integrating sustainability into your current job. Pitch small projects like implementing energy-saving practices in warehouses and transportation. These small wins can demonstrate your initiative, help you gain practical experience, and set you on the path to a full-fledged sustainability career.

Leading the CSSCP Way …

Brett Marshall, a former Vice President @ Zuellig Pharma | Quality Assurance, HSSE shares his sustainability journey with us. Brett completed the Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Professional (CSSCP) programme in 2021 and here’s a brief take on his journey.

It all started with a simple but powerful question... from his (then) 18-year-old daughter Eliana over breakfast,

“not them Dad, what about you….what are you doing?”

Brett Marshall a seasoned supply chain professional with almost 30 years of experience, realised that while he was supporting sustainability efforts at work, he wasn’t fully embracing those principles in his personal life.

His daughter's question hit home; he immediately signed up for B2G Academy's Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Practitioner (CSSCP) programme.

Brett indicated that the "course gave me a deeper understanding of sustainability, especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the complexity of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in the supply chain. It also sheds light on the often-overlooked social aspects—like access to clean water, nutritious food, healthcare, and freedom from conflict".

Here are some key takeaways shared by Brett as he reflected on his sustainable supply chain journey and renewing his CSSCP certification recently:

✅ Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility in the organisation;

✅No company starts their sustainability journey from ground zero – there are always existing activities that the organization is not seeing through a sustainability lens;

✅Do not re-invent the wheel - benchmark against industry peers and competitors to identify initiatives

✅Do not see Sustainability purely as a cost to business, but as an opportunity to create value by starting early on the journey – a majority of sustainability initiatives can be actioned as part of normal future budget and investment planning cycles;

Wise words from the expert! Congratulations Brett!

What Skills are in Demand for the Future?

The World Economic Forum (WEF) - Future of Jobs report highlights analytical thinking, creative thinking and AI and big data will be top in-demand skills by 2027.

Surprised?

The report estimates that 83 million jobs will be lost and 69 million new ones created. This will result in a big wave of change for skill sets in the workplace and job market.

The research identifies the top five "skills on the rise" starting with Creative Thinking, Analytical thinking, Technological literacy, Curiosity & Lifelong learning & Resilience, and Flexibility & Agility.

What’s fueling the growth? While technology and expanded global digital access play key roles, the localisation of supply chains and a shift toward sustainability are also significant factors. As businesses adapt, skills like creative thinking, self-awareness, programming, and big data will become increasingly sought after to address the demands of complex business challenges.

As the increase for new competencies will be greater than we've ever seen, emphasising the importance of lifelong learning and staying ahead in an ever-changing job market; if you want to stay ahead of the change curve, here are some key growth skills to upgrade to from now to at least 2027!

Sustainability Supply Chain Programme – What’s in Store?

At B2G Academy, we’ve trained over 200 professionals through our online Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Professional (CSSCP) programme.

Join the ISCEA-accredited CSSCP programme today and take steps toward a more sustainable supply chain future with us!

Save 10% when you enrol 10 or more participants from your organisation, drop a note to register - jay.kostos@b2g-consulting.com.

For more information on the programme click on the link B2G Academy.

So, re-assess your current situation, do your research, and speak to industry supply chain leaders leading sustainability to understand what works and what doesn't before embarking on your education in sustainable supply chain.

Importantly - when you take action, there is a clear path forward. You’ll be able to make informed decisions that align with your personal goals. With the right foundation, your actions will lead to meaningful changes, and contribute to a positive impact on both the planet and future generations.

I hope these tips inspire your journey, just as Brett's story has inspired me. Remember to stay aware of the new future skills required & get ready for new opportunities.

If you wish to learn more about our CSSCP programme and prefer a 1:1 session, drop me a note at jay.kostos@b2g-consulting.com

At B2G Academy we are all about "EMPOWERING SUPPLY CHAIN PROFESSIONALS TO WHAT MATTERS MOST!"