UNLOCKING ESG SUCCESS: How Intrapreneurs Drive Impact Through Human Connection

Jolana Amara
Jun 6
3 min read

It’s been ten years ago when I sat around a large conference table, enjoying lunch with my colleagues and listening to Keith Weed of Unilever, who sat across the table from me, and who spoke about how “we must do business sustainably or else there won’t be anything to do business with”. This moment particularly stuck in my memory, because it is at this time that I realized the incredible power of intrapreneurship. It was at this moment that I knew I had arrived. I found a window into the corporate community that is looking into doing things differently. Better even. And with that I found something I wanted to stand behind and support.

I found intrapreneurship. Fast forward ten years and I’m privileged with the guardianship of the League of Intrapreneurs, a community of incredible human beings who march their ways into the world's most incumbent organizations with one mission - find how to support their organization become more sustainable and

life-centered. Having witnessed the talent and expertise as well as the exceptional connection among this community, I’ve listened and observed and today the culmination of my observation comes to the following points:

THE POWER OF INTRAPRENEURSHIP TO POSITIVELY TRANSFORM BUSINESSES

One of the biggest challenges intrapreneurs face is coming up with a systemic idea that covers at least the following three areas: solves one of the SDGs*, has a strong business model and generates revenue for their organization.

*I will use the concept of SDGs to define world problems that call for solutions, or to describe the desired world in which all have the opportunity to thrive and succeed in life and where the people and the planet are all in the center.

Learning from Essilor Luxottica’s Eye Mitra program lead by Saugata Banerjee, Leagues Global Fellow, we are inspired by their strong business model and the generation of a multi million revenue stream whilst solving a societal issue, serving underprivileged communities and supporting social mobility all at the same time. Essilor Luxottica gradually expands this model into other regions, reaching new markets and communities.

Their example is a tangible grounding of intrapreneurship, showing us that it is possible and particularly the following three elements are the guiding ingredients to coming up with a similarly powerful and comprehensive idea:

1 | Centre your ideation around the community you want to serve.

2 | Draw a connection between your organization and what your market needs.

3 | Involve invested stakeholders from the beginning.

THE ROLE OF INTRAPRENEURS IN

ESG STRATEGY

As organizations increasingly focus on ESG strategies, intrapreneurs are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between ambition and reality. These individuals are often found not only in sustainability departments but across various functions, ready to innovate within their existing roles. And whilst broader systemic change, regulatory pressures, and significant investment in long-term transformation is necessary, nurturing intrapreneurs across functions can often become the defining aspect of a successful ESG strategy and bring positive results for the organization. The combination of motivated individuals and organizational commitment can become the driving force behind sustainable transformation.

THE CULTURAL SHIFT REQUIRED FOR

ESG SUCCESS

At a recent Sustainability Live event in London, leaders from various sectors emphasized the importance of breaking down silos and embedding ESG strategies across organizational structures. This process requires a significant cultural shift within companies—one that moves beyond isolated sustainability initiatives and integrates ESG considerations into core business practices.

Through our work with a diverse range of organizations, we have observed that achieving this cultural shift requires sustained commitment from both senior leadership and employees at all levels. It is important to accept this isn’t a short term endeavor, rather a multi generational effort to explore uncharted territories in pursuit of a sustainable future.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A HOLISTIC APPROACH IN ESG SYSTEMS CHANGE

A holistic approach is crucial for driving meaningful systems change in ESG strategies. It recognizes that the path to sustainable transformation is not linear, nor is it confined to isolated initiatives or departments. By lifting intrapreneurs across all functions, organizations can harness diverse perspectives and innovative solutions that align with their broader ESG goals. This holistic mindset encourages the breaking down of silos, fostering a culture where ESG considerations are integrated into every aspect of the business.

Intrapreneurs act as catalysts for change, and their efforts contribute to a culture shift that is essential for genuine, long-term impact. By empowering these change agents, organizations can ensure that their ESG strategy is not just an ambition but a reality that supports a more sustainable, resilient future.

If you would like to learn more about how the League of Intrapreneurs can help your organization in embedding sustainability into your core strategies, please reach out to us at jolana@leagueofintrapreneurs.com