Impact Interview: Niels De Fraguier

Name: Niels De Fraguier

Role/Function: Author of The Regenerative Enterprise, Founder of Positive, and Editor of FUTURs

What He’s Currently Working On: 

I recently published The Regenerative Enterprise, which outlines an inspirational and practical pathway for businesses to transition from sustainability to a regenerative and just approach that actively fosters life on Earth. This journey is vividly depicted through numerous instances drawn from the 3.8 billion years of research and development in nature, combined with indigenous principles. Furthermore, it showcases over 120 examples of pioneering companies that are at the forefront of this movement, ranging from efforts to restore ecosystems, promote workplace inclusivity, redefine ownership structures, and convert waste into wealth.

The book is the result of our work at Positive, an ecosystem facilitating community, events, networking and peer learning. We have been empowering purpose-led SMEs and midsize companies to take sustainability to the next level. 

While sustainability is about doing less harm, it has not delivered on the expected results our planet and people are in need of. We need to build an economy that operates within planetary boundaries, shifting from extraction and exploitation to caretaking and restoration.

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

My social impact journey started at a very early age. Highly impacted by my childhood, I felt a profound sense of duty to others. I realized that being in service of others was profoundly nourishing and inspiring. It helped me discover my North Star: empowering others. 

Since then, it never left me and helped me be the person I am today. I source my energy from within and fully embrace vulnerability, empathy and compassion. Being ourselves is the way to go.

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

I knew this endless energy within me was a call to make the dream a reality – go meet and help others. I had a strong desire to explore differences, learn from others and lead positive change. I started by reaching out to hundreds of leaders, proposing ideas and asking for their guidance. 95% of the time, I wasn't getting any answer. I was "young and inexperienced.” Disappointed by the situation, I decided to leave the place I called “home” to explore what the world had to offer. I was convinced that if no one would give me a chance, I would take it myself!

Fully determined, I made my way. I ended up spending time studying and working on projects empowering refugees, youth and women in various regions of the world, with multilateral organizations including the UN, the EU Commission, International NGOs, and grassroots initiatives. This brought me to refugee camps in Greece, deprived communities across Europe, informal schools in Ethiopia, or local communities in Ghana. I was getting the chance to listen to hundreds of stories, meet dozens of communities and collaborate with various leaders around the globe. The dream was coming true, and it was worth the struggle!

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

The next 10 years will shape the next 10,000.

While our humanity is facing the greatest challenges of its history, we have the incredible opportunity to flip the board and succeed together.

I believe the recent extreme weather events around the globe have been an awakener for citizens. While most climate change-related events used to affect the most deprived, everyone is now aware that climate change is at their door.

We need to build on this momentum, empowering world citizens to take action. Impact professionals need to speak an inclusive, inspiring and empowering language helping every citizen to become an agent of change. Everyone needs to be part of this journey.

I believe in tangible and practical actions. We need to reconcile the tension between immediate actions and long-term thinking. The era for commitments is over. It is now about accountability and radical transparency.

Time for a radical shift. Together.

FOR MORE “5 QUESTIONS” INTERVIEWS ALONG WITH CURATED NEWS, JOBS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE WORLD OF CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT, SIGN UP FOR THE RECONSIDERED NEWSLETTER.