Redefining Sustainable Finance: A Journey of Growth and Reflection

In the world of sustainable finance, we often focus on the glamorous aspects—large-scale investments in green projects, private equity (PE) funds backing renewable energy, or venture capital (VC) funneling into tech solutions that reduce carbon emissions. At the outset of my project, my understanding of sustainable finance aligned with these grand ideas. However, my consulting project shifted my perspective entirely. Our client is a global platform within the financial markets industry, focused on enhancing ESG performance by bringing together investors, companies, regulators, and other key stakeholders to improve corporate transparency and drive sustainable investment. Their goal is to create a collaborative environment that encourages responsible investment practices and better alignment with sustainability goals. They achieve this through policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and providing technical assistance and advisory services. For this project, they tasked us with an essential yet often overlooked challenge: mapping disclosure requirements across various sustainability frameworks. 

The project centers around comparing three key frameworks and analyzing them against the regulatory mandates of a specific region. The final deliverable will be a comprehensive guiding document aimed at helping companies understand overlaps between these frameworks, ensuring clearer, more transparent reporting. This experience revealed a truth I had previously underestimated—sustainable finance isn't solely about where capital is directed. It's also about how we create systems that support transparency and accountability in financial markets. Without these systems, the flow of capital into sustainable projects would be hindered by uncertainty, inefficiency, and lack of trust. In many ways, building these foundations is just as crucial as the actual investments.

I feel fortunate to be working with such a diverse and talented group of people, each bringing a unique background and perspective to the project. This diversity has enriched our discussions and broadened my understanding of our work. Since my teammates come from a policy background, it has allowed me to learn more about policy analysis, an area I’m eager to explore. In return, with my background in sustainable finance, I’ve been able to offer insights into an area my teammates are keen to dive deeper into. Our project has just begun, so we haven’t encountered significant challenges yet, aside from coordinating our schedules. Many of my teammates are in their second or third semesters with heavy course loads, which makes aligning meetings difficult. This has been a humbling reminder of the importance of empathy. Recognizing that my own schedule is lighter, I’ve made an effort to be flexible and accommodate their availability. I’ve also tried to complete my assignments quickly so I can offer support wherever needed. I’ve learned that teamwork isn’t about distributing tasks equally but about ensuring everyone can contribute without feeling pressured. By completing my work efficiently and staying adaptable, I help the team move forward while fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.

Beyond these logistical challenges, this project has also encouraged me to rethink my approach to learning. Having already taken courses on ESG reporting; I was initially confident in my understanding of the topic. But I soon realized that this prior knowledge could sometimes limit my curiosity. I’ve learned to unlearn and relearn, reminding myself that every reading, lecture, or project presents new perspectives. Staying curious is vital because each consulting client comes with unique needs, and my previous experiences, though helpful, may not always provide the right solution. I’ve embraced the mindset that while past knowledge is valuable, it must be constantly re-evaluated to fit the specific context of each client. This has been an important lesson in listening, adapting, and being open to new ways of thinking. One important reflection I’ve had throughout this process is also about mental health. During 2022, I made time for daily meditation, which helped me live in the present and approach each moment mindfully. But after 2023, I let the practice slip, and I found myself moving through life too quickly, not fully aware of each moment. This class reminded me of the value of mindfulness, and I’ve begun meditating again. It’s helping me slow down, live more intentionally, and approach my work with a clear mind.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where this project will lead. Prior to our first meeting, I explored the organization’s website, where they compare sustainability reporting standards between countries, and was struck by how far behind my home country is in sustainability reporting. While policies are in place, the absence of clear frameworks makes implementation challenging. This reminded me of my initial motivation for studying at Columbia—I want to help my country not just survive but thrive in sustainable finance. To empower others, I must first empower myself through learning and growth. Being part of this project has shaped the way I think and behave, which will ultimately help me contribute to meaningful change back home.