Impact Interview: Katie Kross

Name: Katie Kross

Role/Function: Managing Director, Center for Energy, Development and the Global Environment (EDGE) at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, and Author, Profession & Purpose: A Resource Guide for MBA Careers in Sustainability

What She’s Currently Working On: 

I’m very excited about the launch of our new knowledge platform — MBA EDGE — which is publishing timely, content-rich briefings on social impact and sustainability issues for a business audience. Many of the briefings might be of interest to Reconsidered readers – I’d suggest starting with “Sustainability & Business: What Every MBA Needs to Know.” If you love it, please share! All of the content is free and easily accessible. Our goal is to educate more current and future business leaders about how social and environmental impact considerations factor into business decision-making.

1. What was the “aha” moment that sparked your interest in social impact? 

I was a first-year MBA student studying entrepreneurship in 2002 when a friend invited me to tag along to a Net Impact chapter meeting. Net Impact is an amazing global network focused on socially responsible business. I had never heard the term sustainability before but was instantly hooked. If I could use the skills that I was gaining in my MBA program — strategy, finance, marketing, operations, entrepreneurial thinking — and apply them to make the world a better place, why would I do anything else with my career? I left that meeting with a copy of Natural Capitalism (still my favorite sustainability book) and a new mission.

2. How did you break into the social impact space? 

During my second year in business school, I spent most of my time working on a business plan for a social impact venture in West Africa. It was an exciting opportunity, and I was collaborating with a visionary partner and mentor, Emeka Nwankwo. But, as with many entrepreneurial ventures, ours struggled with funding.

While still hoping that venture would eventually pan out, I took what I thought would be a temporary career move – leading the Center for Sustainable Enterprise at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. In the process, I discovered that I love academia. I love working with students, engaging with thought leaders, and designing meaningful (sometimes life-changing) educational programs. And I love helping students and professionals connect their passion for social impact with meaningful career opportunities.

After 5 years at UNC, I moved to Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business to help build the Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment with another inspiring mentor and colleague, Dan Vermeer. I’ve spent the last 12 years at Duke, helping to launch programs like ClimateCAP: The Global MBA Summit on Climate, Capital & Business, developing publications and career resources and advising students.

3. What most excites you about the social impact space right now?

As someone who has followed (and tweeted about) the sustainability job market for years, I am really excited by the wealth of social impact and sustainability career opportunities that are open right now. From new roles leading circular economy and environmental justice initiatives to Chief Sustainability Officer and ESG investing positions, there are more ways than ever before for professionals to put their expertise to work in a role focused specifically on social impact.

Most of all, I am inspired by the incredibly talented and motivated students and young professionals I work with every day. The challenges that our society faces —from racial injustice to income inequality to the climate crisis — are daunting. But every day, I encounter brilliant minds who are working on innovative solutions with fresh thinking and unflagging perseverance. Tackling our planet’s current crises will take every ounce of our collective intelligence and creative energy. I’m inspired to be in such great company as we work towards making a positive impact together.

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