Impact Interview: Begüm Kürkçü
Name: Begüm Kürkçü
Role/Function: Global Head of ESG, On
What are you working on these days?
I am currently focused on building up a new strategy and assembling an international team at On that will accelerate our sustainable business transformation. On is an innovation, sustainability, and design-led brand, delivering industry-disrupting premium footwear, apparel, and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, and all-day activities.
What was the “aha” moment that sparked your interest in social impact?
The "aha" moment that ignited my interest in social impact came during my first job, working with the UK government to bring environmental technologies from the UK to Turkey. It really highlighted how big this topic is and how many opportunities there are for countries to collaborate under the sustainability umbrella.
Also, in 2018, I joined the UNLEASH program and met with over 1000 young people working on ideas that would contribute to the sustainable development goals. This was really special work for me, and helped me to truly realise what it means to be a citizen of the world; part of something bigger than just me.
How did you break into the social impact space?
It very much depends on how you define working in social impact. I see working in the sustainability strategy space as part of social impact. However, other people may not agree. My main advice to others looking to get into social impact would be: do not get caught up with looking for the “perfect” role. Any position where you feel like you can make a positive contribution on any level is a great way to start. Then, when you are on your journey, your idea of what impact looks like gets transformed along the way. In my own career, I don’t have an ultimate “goal moment” that I’m striving for, I consider the process as an ever-evolving journey.
Working in social impact is often about driving change. What is the skill or trait that has been most important for your work as a change agent? How did you learn or hone it?
The most important skills for driving change, in my experience, include:
Bringing others on board with enthusiasm and positivity and creating excitement for them
Being a good listener — you don't, can't and shouldn't have all the solutions yourself :)
Being strategic and flexible enough to adjust and adapt along the way
Celebrating small wins along the journey, not just focusing on the end result
What most excites you about the social impact space right now?
What excites me most about the social impact space is the increased vocalization from the younger workforce and younger consumers. Their demands for sustainability, purpose, social impact, and inclusion and diversity (I&D) from the companies they work at and the brands they engage with, will bring a dynamic energy but also big responsibility to the landscape.
FOR MORE IMPACT INTERVIEWS ALONG WITH CURATED NEWS, JOBS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE WORLD OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS, SIGN UP FOR THE RECONSIDERED NEWSLETTER.