Impact Interview: Janice Lee

Name: Janice Lee

Role/Function: Director of ESG and Impact, Alignment Health

What are you working on these days?

We launched our third annual ESG Report a few weeks ago and are having conversations again on the future outlook of ESG at the organization, the broader impacts of this work and how it's landing for different audience groups. I'm excited about our focus on greater health equity, access to quality healthcare and how we're going to continue leading with one of our core values of having a serving heart which for me translates to, "How can I be of better service to our mission and members?". On a personal note, I'm excited about becoming a new mom (and will probably be on maternity leave by the time this is published).

What was the “aha” moment that sparked your interest in social and environmental impact? 

I don't think I had a singular "aha" moment. I've always been in tune with my environment and surroundings and never wanted to contribute any harm to any living thing — whether it be people, animals or nature. I recall asking my mom if I could be a vegetarian at around age six when I learned that meat came from animals that were slaughtered. I continued on a vegetarian journey for the next 20 years when I also learned of the negative environmental impacts of consuming animal meat. Consequently, I started eating meat again when I opened a sandwich shop (that became a social enterprise) and educated myself on ethically sourced food around that same time. Creating a community by running a small business/cafe centered around good food culture catalyzed my future work in social impact/ESG.

How did you break into the impact space? What career advice would you give to professionals who are just starting out or looking to transition?

I went back to earn my Master's degree in social entrepreneurship after I closed the cafe and I'd say the transition into the corporate sustainability/impact space wasn't easy nor immediate. In the interim, I worked temp jobs and volunteered at non-profit organizations that I was interested in. I focused on companies with a strong mission and purpose. I honed in on what my value-add could contribute to the organization rather than a job title. I understand it's an increasingly competitive job market for impact roles so my advice for professionals just starting or looking to transition is to start with the company/industry — make sure their vision, mission and values align with what you envision/where you want to be.

Working in 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?

I find that one of the most important skills to have and the trait that I anchor my work in is being an effective communicator. Being an effective communicator encompasses both verbal and nonverbal skills while understanding interpersonal dynamics. My background as a trained theatre actor has helped me in this regard. Driving change isn't always big and showy. Often it's a quiet conversation or a nod of understanding and empathy. Being able to listen and share ideas that are clear and purposeful is critical for this work.

What most excites you about the impact space right now?

I'm hopeful that this work just keeps businesses honest. I'm excited about more transparency in how companies are living out their commitments to their various stakeholders. With the inevitable convergence of AI in data collection and storytelling, I'm also interested in the battle of authenticity with future reporting.

This season, our Impact Interviews series features members of the Change Hub, our membership community for busy sustainable business professionals. Tap into trainings, tools and a trusted network of fellow impact practitioners (including Janice!) by JOINING US HERE.