This article is part of a series of posts we are launching to get to know our 4 new Board Members.
In this edition, we sat down with Beatrice de Mahieu to talk to her about her motivation and hopes for Chapter Zero Brussels.
What motivated you to join the board of Chapter Zero Brussels and get involved in Climate Governance?
I have spent many years of my career focusing on social and digital inclusion. Additionally, I am someone who was fortunate enough to grow up in the countryside, where my mother instilled in my siblings and me a deep appreciation for nature, a love for real and wholesome food, and a strong respect for preserving our beautiful green heritage.
Joining Chapter Zero Brussels as a board member is an opportunity for me to help ensure that this remarkable heritage is passed on to future generations, including my own children. It also allows me to act in my director roles with a comprehensive understanding of ESG principles, recognizing that social and environmental responsibilities are closely interconnected.
What do you see as a major challenge for getting board members engaged and interested in climate change and other environmental issues?
The lack of knowledge and a focus on short-term returns are major challenges. While financial results are important, we have reached a point where no one can be left behind, socially or environmentally. It is now crucial for companies to align their strategies with the principles of People, Planet, and Profit, and for this alignment to be clearly understood and supported by the Board of Directors.
What do you think Chapter Zero Brussels can do, or is already doing, to help overcome these challenges?
Raising awareness among companies and board members about their responsibilities regarding climate matters is a key part of Chapter Zero Brussels’ mission. CZB should focus on creating this awareness not only within large listed companies but also among SMEs, which play a significant role in shaping the Belgian corporate landscape.
What inspires you, outside of your working life?
I’m passionate about the human being—our capacity to adapt and build, as well as our potential to destroy. I am deeply convinced that, at our core, humans are fundamentally good, but we need to face challenges to learn and grow. I am an active sports enthusiast (running, swimming, yoga) and have a strong passion for healthy food and sustainable wines. This passion led me to earn a degree in nutrition and co-found Chill Living Wines, a wine cellar in Tervuren, where we promote organic and biodynamic wines