Equipping Leaders for Climate Action: A Director's Testimony

A testimony from Cécile Coune - Independent Non-executive Director

My executive career was in the financial sector, with leading roles in several insurance companies. I also became a partner in a large law firm. Since 2018, I’ve been an independent non-executive director serving on the board of several large organisations, including Proximus, QBE, Credendo and Securex.

I have always been engaged in social issues – with regard to gender diversity, I co-created Women on Board Belgium and European Women on Boards. Today, I chair the Belgian Federation of Philanthropic Foundations, and I am a mentor in several non-profit associations (including Duo for a Job).

My challenge in this non-executive role is to raise the priority given to ESG strategically, in a constructive and collaborative way.

That’s why I was so excited when Proximus offered to send its INEDs to the Director Climate Journey programme – provided by Vlerick and Chapter Zero Brussels – as I saw that it is particularly geared towards my own goals as a non-executive director. A colleague and I were the first to raise our hands, and so we were given the opportunity!

The programme offers a good mix of online and in-person sessions, great and insightful speakers, and the opportunity to voice concerns and challenges as well as opportunities ‘in a safe place.

The fact that I participated with a board colleague made it even more powerful: we have since compared our notes and touched base with management to share ideas and suggestions around our own climate journey. I don’t know yet how far this will take us, but the quest itself is important.

I see the Director Climate Journey as an eye-opener into facts and science-based conclusions that cannot leave us indifferent or inactive. There has got to be a way for the market to play a bigger part in the climate transition.

The Director Climate Journey programme helps directors to develop the knowledge, tools and network they need to understand climate risks and opportunities – and act on them. It’s brought to you by Vlerick Business School and Chapter Zero Brussels.