Corporate Leadership Through the Lens of Complex Natural Systems
The Human Element of Sustainability Transformation
I trained as a forester at the University of Copenhagen. While this is an unusual route into organisational leadership, it has given me a particular way of looking at organisations and change that most management frameworks do not offer. Working with complex natural systems teaches you that a thriving and resilient system arises not from control but from understanding relationships, feedback loops, and the system’s inherent capacity to adapt.
At Morningstar Sustainalytics, I designed and led a first-of-its-kind global stewardship programme, bringing 50 multinational companies into sustained dialogue on nature and biodiversity risk and their implications for businesses. At M&G plc in London, I was brought in to help build a central sustainability function from scratch, working with the executive committees and board to create shared direction across three previously siloed divisions.
While my experiences at Morningstar Sustainalytics and M&G plc were very different; one focused on facilitating change from the outside-in and the other by changing the system from within, they taught me that relationships and human dynamics are central to sustainability transformations.
I now run Pertou.Co, working with leaders and organisations on the human element of sustainability transformation. I work across corporate sustainability functions, financial services and governance structures that are increasingly expected to account for climate, nature and long-term systemic risks.
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Systemic Thinking and Coaching (ICF Level 2, the professional standard for senior coaching practice), serve as an IDG Ambassador for the Inner Development Goals Foundation, and am undertaking further studies in Adult Learning and Global Change across Linköping University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Western Cape.
"Working with complex natural systems teaches you that a thriving and resilient system arises not from control but from understanding relationships, feedback loops, and the system’s inherent capacity to adapt."
Designed and led a first-of-its-kind global stewardship programme at Morningstar Sustainalytics, engaging 50 multinational companies in sustained dialogue on nature and biodiversity risk. Built the programme from the ground up, including its research foundations, participant design, and commercialisation.
Selected Experience & Track Record
Designed and delivered MBA and master’s-level sessions at Copenhagen Business School integrating systems thinking, governance, and responsible leadership.
Global Stewardship Leadership
Executive & Board Alignment
ESG Advisory & Assurance
At M&G plc, facilitated cross-business strategy development and executive alignment across three previously siloed divisions of a newly formed group sustainability function, working directly with the executive committee and board.
Advised Danish companies and NGOs on sustainability strategy and ESG reporting, and played a central role in developing EY’s methodological approach to ESG-data assurance.
UN Delegation
Academic Engagement
Youth & Values-Based Facilitation
Designed and facilitated personal leadership development and cross-cultural workshops for UWC scholarship recipients and supported values-based candidate selection.
Advised the Danish Ministry of Environment delegation at COP15 in Montreal, advocating for the role of the private sector in the Global Biodiversity Framework.
BSc. Geography and Geoinformatics & MSc. Forest and Nature Management, University of Copenhagen
Rector’s Silver Medal, University of Copenhagen, for academic excellence in research on learning, behavioural change, and environmental advocacy
M.A. in Adult Learning & Global Change (in progress), Linköping University / UBC / University of Western Cape
Credentials & Distinctions
Advanced Diploma in Systemic Thinking and Coaching (ICF Level 2), MurphyBishop
IDG Ambassador, Inner Development Goals Foundation (a global initiative on the human capacities required to navigate complex challenges)
A Note to Potential Collaborators
Building the capacity to navigate complex organisational and planetary transitions is not work that can be done in isolation. I regularly partner with practitioners who bring complementary expertise to design and deliver programmes that neither of us could offer alone.
If you work at the intersection of human development and systemic change, I would be glad to have a conversation.