Hi Reader,

Would you agree that ESG journeys often begin the wrong way around?

A company is measured against disclosure frameworks, reporting standards, and international benchmarks before anyone has taken the time to really understand the business itself. I’ve seen the frustration that comes with this “outside-in” approach. One company told me they’d had three different consultants line them up against various frameworks, but not one had asked the basic question: what’s already working here?

The result is predictable. Leaders end up with gap-analysis documents that feel alien, rather than empowering. They’re left trying to retrofit operations into a template instead of building on existing strengths. That’s not progress - it’s friction.

On the other hand, I’ve also seen how powerful an “inside-out” approach can be. When we start by listening - really listening - to the business, its operations, and its priorities, we uncover assets that already count as ESG credentials. Water and energy continuity plans, HR policies, supply chain relationships: these are not starting from zero, they’re real building blocks. From there, mapping to external frameworks becomes smoother, less painful, and far more credible.

The same mistake happens with platforms. Too many are priced in dollars and pounds, designed for large corporates in Europe or the U.S., and simply don’t translate well into African contexts. Businesses here struggle to activate them - not because they don’t care about ESG, but because the tools weren’t built with their realities in mind. That’s outside-in thinking again.

For my peers in the consulting and advisory world, this is a gentle challenge. Our job isn’t to force templates on clients but to build frameworks around what’s already there. Yes, that takes more empathy and effort upfront, but it pays back in trust and relevance. And for those of you reading this who have felt cautious, sceptical, or worn down by your ESG journey, perhaps it’s worth exploring whether an inside-out approach could remove some of the roadblocks
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It's for these reasons that we developed our ESG Credentials Diagnostic. It helps businesses evaluate what they already have under their belt, align it with relevant ESG imperatives, and see where the real gaps - and opportunities - lie. No extra chasing, no template overload. Just clarity and next steps.

Tip for you this month: If you’re considering any ESG tool, advisor, or consultant, ask them to explain how they’ll start by understanding your business before mapping you to a framework. It’s a simple question that often reveals whether you’re about to embark on a helpful partnership - or a frustrating exercise.

Here's a bit more on the Credentials Diagnostic if you've got another 38 seconds ...

Unifi ESG Credentials Diagnostic

The Unifi ESG Credentials Diagnostic is designed to help organisations understand where they stand today and how to leverage what they already have for strategic advantage.

In just 2–4 weeks, we deliver a board-ready evidence pack that:

• Maps existing ESG data to identify strengths and gaps.
• Evaluates current activities that can be credentialised for reporting, bids, and compliance.
• Highlights cost-saving opportunities across energy, waste, logistics, and finance.
• Identifies growth potential where ESG efforts can unlock new revenue and commercial value.

The outcome: a clear, actionable view of your ESG position and the opportunities ahead — without adding unnecessary complexity or workload.

Email me back to learn more about the ESG Diagnostic!