... gone  ...

After 35 years as an ESG manager and a journey full of ups and downs, I am writing these lines today to announce my departure from this consulting industry.

Despite the current circumstances (OMNIBUS), I'm not bitter – I'm grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference for more than three decades, and grateful that I can now allow myself to say: I've done my part for #positivechange, now it's enough.

Thirty-five years ago, I held my diploma thesis, "Organization of Corporate Environmental Protection," in my hands and began my career as an ESG manager. Back then, there were no ESG ratings and no corporate social responsibility. Responsibility departments, just like today. There were people like me who firmly believed that companies could be part of the solution by acting in a way that is sustainable for future generations. And we were right. I witnessed how small initiatives grew into major movements. Companies that are pioneers in sustainability today because we had the courage back then to tackle the "triple bottom." to make " line " the topic and then act accordingly. I fondly remember the first company I had the privilege of working with, which even today remains an exceptional example of sustainability management in my eyes. These were companies from various sectors and of varying sizes, from classic SMEs to large corporations. In total, I believe I've had the opportunity to work with around 100 companies. Looking at current companies, the vast majority are still following the programs we developed. Together, we pioneered the establishment of ESG. I consider that my achievement is my legacy.

Of course, I will continue to advocate for ESG issues. I will continue to fulfill my teaching obligations, give talks on topics close to my heart, and support startups and NGOs that are committed to transformative business and social models. This will remain my calling.

Admittedly, the endless discussions with skeptics were tiring, too. But for every skeptic, there were also entrepreneurs who understood the importance of sustainability. I'm disappointed, but certainly not bitter. I'm leaving, but I'm not giving up on #positivechange. For every setback, there were also successes, and overall, I can say: the balance sheet is correct.

Leaving a movement, I've been involved in from the beginning isn't easy for me. But ultimately, it's also liberating. I can think freely again, without having to consider GRI, CSRD, VSME, CSDDD, GHG, SDG, etc., and the resulting compliance requirements. I can be an idealist again, without having to worry about deadlines, plans, and budgets. I can be a visionary again, without having to immediately think about tomorrow's consulting appointments.

I retire with pride, with pride in everything we have accomplished together.

The future belongs to those who carry on. The young generation of consultants will continue in our spirit and perhaps even do it better than we did. The entrepreneurs who have long understood what's at stake. The politicians, who have the courage to change and champion the necessary transformations.

To the young colleagues who are fully committed to a better world: keep fighting, but don't lose yourselves in the process. Don't let anyone tell you that compromises are always necessary. Sometimes it's better to leave than to be broken.

To the companies: Stop with the fine words and start making tough decisions. You know exactly what's right. You just have to do it.

To everyone else: Don't forget what this is really about. Not ratings or reports. It's about our planet Earth and our future as human beings on it.

The future of our planet and our society does not depend on promises and improved ESG reporting, but on a fundamental reconceptualization of how we create value, measure success, and define progress. This reconceptualization requires bold, systems thinking that goes beyond the current ESG paradigm.

I remain confident that such change is possible and look forward to exploring new ways to contribute beyond the boundaries of traditional consulting.