Nespresso: ‘Sponsorship and development pathways’ will boost DEI in sustainability careers

The data is clear: companies with gender-diverse leadership teams not only outperform competitors on ESG metrics, but they also see a stronger financial return, too.

This is according to data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which analyzed the correlation between ESG and women in leadership, to conclude that achieving a greater gender balance is the “next logical step” for businesses.

In an exclusive conversation with Nespresso’s Sustainability Manager Mary O’Rourke, UNLEASH explores why the link between sustainability and gender diversity is so crucial and what businesses can do to foster a stronger connection between the two.

Elevating women to increase DEI in sustainability

At Nespresso UK&I, O’Rourke leads the sustainability initiatives, while overseeing Nespresso’s B Corp certification, net zero targets, and improvement plans to ensure the company is setting an achieving it’s sustainability goals.

And to achieve these, O’Rourke is equally passionate about ensuring the sector is home to a diverse range of people.

The world of sustainability is evolving every day,” she says, “and it is essential that we have people from various backgrounds, lived experiences, and genders working together to solve these complex issues.”

But for this to be achieved, O’Rourke shares that change needs to be implemented at a systemic level, with two focal places to start: sponsorship and development pathways. 

Sponsorship, O’Rourke believes, is essential to enable women to tap into a wider network, while providing direct contact to advocates who provide support. 

Likewise, she insists that career development should not be a “guessing game.” In fact, it should be carefully measured.

O’Rourke explains: “What gets measured gets done. We believe everyone has a part to play in sustainability, so this is woven into everyone’s career goals at all levels. 

“This not only benefits the women involved but also enhances the organization’s ability to innovate and drive meaningful change, together.”

Likewise, to encourage more women to enter the sustainability space, there needs to be an increased level of women in leadership positions to act as role models.

“Sustainability shouldn’t sit on an island; it must be embedded into how teams function each day.

Leadership, and HR teams, must visibly commit to sustainability by setting a clear vision and integrating it into the organization’s business strategy. When leaders champion sustainability, it signals its importance to the entire organization.”

For Nespresso, the integration goes beyond the business strategy integration – it must feel authentic and simple. 

One way in which the business achieves this is through sharing real-life stories, for example, by showing the connection between the coffee beans, the farms, and the people who grow them.

“Alongside technical knowledge, the ability to bring together the right people is crucial,” O’Rourke notes. 

“Top sustainability leaders are always putting the right pieces of the puzzle together and excel at engaging stakeholders, nurturing partnerships, and leveraging networks to amplify their impact and develop lasting solutions.”

Sustainability work therefore thrives on collaboration, making it vital for teams – especially leadership – to work with and mirror the diverse global communities they serve. 

“Sustainability is an ever-evolving field, and you don’t always have to have the answer – but sometimes what makes you successful is knowing the right person who does. 

“During my time at Nespresso, I’ve found it invaluable to actively engage in sustainability communities, online and offline, with peers and leaders who share my passion. 

“Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for sustainability, having reliable sounding boards helps you stay sharp, learn continuously, and gain unique perspectives to drive impact.”