My Journey: The Sweet, the Spicy, and the Nutty Corners of Sustainable Investing

As a student that was bred as consultant, I carry a professional consulting stigma with me – MECE principle, pyramid communication, structuring, and all that. Being introduced to the realms of sustainable practice, every project feels like an adventure into uncharted territory. However, the recent venture with a family-owned Mexican hazelnut spread company, has been an actual rollercoaster ride that has simultaneously evoked excitement, anticipation and yes, a healthy dose of overwhelming feelings.

When we first heard about the company, it was easy to be smitten. The company is a heartwarming blend of traditional family values and an unquenchable thirst for healthy products, expansion, and innovation. Nestled in Monterey, Mexico, they represent the dreams of a family committed to producing socially responsible and financially sustainable hazelnut spreads. I’m a big fan of nut-based spreads (mostly peanut-based), I have a taste for a good nut spread. Having tasted their new products, I can attest that their passion translates into every spoonful. It's this complex yet delightful interplay of ethics, nutrition interest, and flavors that has me eagerly waiting to board my flight to Mexico for an on-site visit.

Their story is the bread and (hazelnut) butter of any aspiring consultant, pun intended. A family company making a tangible product, with solid profits, struggling with expansion and big company’s problems. Thus, I am beyond excited to immerse myself into the company’s business case. The excitement is palpable, not just because of the case but because of the owner's sheer drive and emotional investment in the company. The prospect of diving deep into the business to dissect its challenges, suggest new avenues for growth, design Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and develop a comprehensive sustainable strategy is exhilarating.

However, the project has its share of formidable challenges. The owner's enthusiasm, while infectious, also brings immense expectations. The aspiration to achieve transformative changes (some of the challenges like fixing the financial sustainability) in just one semester and through a single course is, to put it mildly, daunting. We're students (yes, former consultants, but still students), learning the ropes, and this experience is quickly turning into a crash course in project management, client expectation setting, and problem structuring. The weight of these tasks, combined with the actual deliverables we need to focus on, sometimes feels overwhelming. Learning to prioritize is one of the key lessons this project. With a multitude of objectives and limited time, understanding what needs immediate attention and what can wait is crucial. It's a valuable skill, not just for this project but for my future roles, whether they be in sustainable investing, consulting, or development practice.

As I prepare for the trip to Mexico, my feelings are mixed but mostly positive. Despite the challenges and the steep learning curve, the project with the company offers a unique blend of professional and personal growth opportunities that I wouldn't trade for anything else. Yes, it's a lot to take in, but then again, the best adventures usually are. It’s both challenging and exciting to meticulously plan our business trip – from planning the agenda, to wordsmithing the right interview questions for workers.

In sum, this project is shaping up to be a cornerstone experience in my journey through sustainable investing and development practice. It's a real-world test of not just my academic skills but my ability to navigate complex human emotions, expectations, and ethical considerations. As I juggle the excitement and the overwhelming aspects, I can't help but feel that this is exactly where I want to be right now. And so, with a jar of hazelnut spread in one hand and a suitcase full of anticipation in the other, I'm ready to take on Mexico and whatever challenges and opportunities it brings. This is more than just a class project; it's a microcosm of the real world of sustainable investing, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.