So, What Do You Do?
It’s one of those questions that people ask you at business events, social gatherings, and countless other settings. So, what do you do?
When you work at a company that most would know–Apple, BMW, Nike–people might smile and say, amazing! And there it ends.
When you work at a small firm that’s not a household name, however, you might get another question. What’s that? When the name isn't instantly recognizable, the follow-up is inevitable: 'What exactly is it that you do?'
After a year at DevryBV Sustainable Strategies, I've learned firsthand the breadth and depth of our work. Boiling it down to a concise answer took time, but here's how I now respond to 'So, what do you do?’
Enhance Profitability. We help clients find ways to become more profitable by looking at how their business impacts two things: nature and people. Sustainability isn’t “pixie dust”; it’s about bringing companies into the new economy. There’s green in being green.
Business Strategy. We align business strategy and culture to unleash hidden value and generate new revenue streams. Our approach involves developing robust sustainability strategies, rigorously analyzing data, engaging stakeholders effectively, and embedding sustainable practices to drive tangible profit growth. This isn't PR; it's fundamental change management.
Client Partnerships. What our clients do says it best. One makes sustainable molecules so that fewer sharks are killed to produce medicines. Another is creating a market for jackfruit, the most sustainable source of protein on the planet. Another has invented a way to increase yields while reducing harmful emissions, using less water and less energy in meat processing plants. Our clients’ sustainability stories help tell ours.
Beyond our core approach, another way to understand DevryBV is by listening to the challenges our clients bring to us. I asked around the office, and here are things our team has been hearing lately when clients reach out.
“Geopolitics and trade friction are upending our business. We want to be more resilient and get in the driver’s seat. Help!”
“We need a sustainability strategy, but where to start–we don’t know what we don’t know. How do we get started, and who in the business needs to be involved for it to work?”
“Our customers and governments are demanding our data to report on ESG. The surveys and reporting are consuming more time than ever. How can we get ahead of it?”
“My business wants an updated materiality assessment–we need to know and quantify our risks.”
“We want to improve a brand’s performance. Will communicating our sustainability story lead to better financial results–i.e. do our customers really care about this?”
“My company’s data needs to be centralized to improve our performance and sustainability indicators.”
“My company wants to update its public policy playbook and engagement with policymakers to minimize legal and regulatory interventions on environmental and social issues.”
Bottom line.
The bottom line is the bottom line. Ultimately, DevryBV focuses on building resilient and thriving businesses in the new economy. Think of it as future-proofing your operations while creating a positive impact for nature and people.
We work with clients to understand their risks and opportunities related to resource efficiency, supply chain resilience, and stakeholder expectations, ultimately turning sustainability from a cost center into a driver of innovation and growth.
In this era of economic transformation–where geopolitical instability, regulatory demands, and brand performance are intertwined with sustainability–trusted guidance is essential. Consider us your partner in navigating the complex business landscape. I encourage you to reach out–we'd be keen to hear more about what you do!
Erik Brand is the External Affairs + Stakeholder Relations Lead at DevryBV Sustainable Strategies.
