Expert Advice in 5 Minutes or Less – William Theisen, CEO, EcoAct North America

William leads a team of experts supporting Global and Fortune 500 companies to develop and implement net-zero strategies. This includes managing projects for the private sector at any stage of their sustainability journey, including assessing emissions both direct and throughout the supply chain, setting and creating roadmaps for Science Based Targets (short-term and net-zero), climate scenario analysis, and alignment with reporting frameworks and guidelines (CDP, TCFD, SASB).

Currently based in NYC, William has an MBA from HEC – Paris and has worked in sustainability and carbon offset project development while based in the USA, France, Mali, and Cambodia.

 Welcome to another episode of "Expert Advice in 5 Minutes or Less." A feature of the new E+E Leader Podcast/Vodcast: Sustainability Unveiled. You are busy. We get it. Sometimes you don’t have time or the bandwidth to listen to an entire episode so this is where we are bringing you, the viewers, a short segment of practical advice from sustainability experts that you can apply to your everyday personal and professional life.  In this episode, Jessica Hunt shares insights from a 2023 conversation she had with William Theisen, the CEO of EcoAct North America

Take a Deeper Dive: "William Theisen" - Environment+Energy Leader

Transcript

Welcome to another episode of "Expert Advice in 5 Minutes or Less." A feature of the new E+E Leader Podcast/Vodcast: Sustainability Unveiled. You are busy. We get it. Sometimes you don’t have time or the bandwidth to listen to an entire episode so this is where we are brining you, the viewers, a short segment of practical advice from sustainability experts that you can apply to your everyday personal and professional life.  I’m your host, Jessica Hunt bringing you insights into a 2023 conversation with William Theisen, the CEO of EcoAct North America

We will be exploring leadership philosophy, which centers around collaboration in the dynamic space of sustainability. He shares how the urgency of addressing sustainability challenges has shaped his approach to leadership. Emphasizing the critical need for transparency and the sharing of information in the pursuit of sustainable practices.

"Sharing experiences so we can all be more effective," William states, underlining the collaborative spirit needed, especially in the sustainability space. He draws attention to the evolving trend of transparency, stressing that it is crucial not only within private industries but also with government agencies. The concept of sharing information becomes a cornerstone, reflecting a shift towards a collective effort in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

The urgency of the matter is palpable in William's words, and he reminds us that time is running out. 

As we move forward, the discussion deepens into strategies for achieving net zero and navigating the complexities of Scope 3 emissions. William sheds light on the practical challenges faced within the sustainability journey, especially when dealing with stakeholders who may not be ready to take the necessary steps.

"We do get on calls with people, with companies that either have unrealistic expectations," William reveals. He emphasizes the importance of a climate risk assessment, urging companies to take a breath and approach the process diligently. The journey, according to William, involves bringing internal collaboration externally, acting as external partners to guide organizations through their first carbon footprints.

The complexity of Scope 3 emissions surfaces in the conversation, with William stressing the need for a balanced and adaptable approach. He discusses the challenges faced when companies aim to address all scopes in a short timeframe, highlighting the importance of managing expectations. EcoAct, under William's guidance, aims to find a middle ground, encouraging companies to understand that comprehensive data collection may take time and needs to be an iterative process.

The next part of our discussion focuses on SEC Guidelines. William shares insights into the evolving regulatory landscape and the role of accurate data in compliance. He delves into the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the context of remote work, which has necessitated a reevaluation of emissions data.

EcoAct's adaptation to the changing scenario is exemplified in their framework for gathering emissions data from home offices. William discusses the development of an emissions methodology, adopted by the GHG protocol, demonstrating EcoAct's commitment to best practices. The importance of understanding the "why" behind data collection is emphasized, as it not only ensures accurate data but also engages individuals in the broader sustainability narrative.

The conversation extends to EcoAct's partnership with Etsy, marking their first North American client. William reflects on the evolution of this partnership, highlighting the collaborative nature where EcoAct supports Etsy in setting science-based targets and focusing on specific areas of the carbon footprint. The partnership is presented as a testament to the effectiveness of a collaborative approach in achieving sustainability goals.

William shares the best advice he's ever received: "Trust in the process." He delves into the profound wisdom imparted by his sister, emphasizing the importance of patience, understanding, and trust in the greater journey.

And there you have it, a summary of my conversation surrounding sustainable leadership with William Theisen, CEO of EcoAct North America. Want to take a deeper dive? Visit E+E Leader’s Website and Search William Theisen. And don’t forget to follow EcoAct and William Theissen on LinkedIn.

Subscribe for more engaging conversations and quick insights from industry experts on "Expert Advice in 5 Minutes or Less." I'm Jessica Hunt, signing off until our next episode!