A graduate of ESSEC, Katia began her career in 2004 by committing to the energy transition of organisations and addressing climate challenges. Since then, she has developed a systemic vision of our economic and social systems. She now supports numerous leaders in structuring and deploying transformation programs to reconcile economic, environmental, and social imperatives. She has co-led the ESSEC Alumni Sustainable Business Club for the past four years. She is dedicated to empowering as many people as possible with the tools to innovate and act for a more sustainable, livable, and equitable world.**

E.S.B.: Can you tell us about your background and what made you interested in CSR?

KR: "When I joined ESSEC, I started to question the direction and meaning I wanted to give to my work. A chance encounter and my fluency in German led me to an internship at EDF. That's where I discovered a passion for the energy sector at a time when climate issues were still barely discussed. My focus on energy gradually led me to an interest in climate, sustainable development, and, eventually, CSR. I was among the first to work on these topics within the consulting teams at CapGemini. Then, in 2016, I joined Ecosys Group, an SME specialising in innovation and data management. I led ambitious ecological transition programs for various industries and organisations. I gradually trained myself on the other pillars of CSR and continue to do so daily through interactions with my clients and members of the Club."

E.S.B.: How does CSR play out in your daily life?

KR: "Today, I work within Bpifrance's consulting division and have the privilege of interacting daily with SME and mid-sized company leaders. Many seek our guidance on structuring and implementing their CSR strategies. This allows me to work closely with those who create jobs and value in local communities. I also support our investment teams in integrating ESG criteria. I sincerely believe that regulation and finance will act as catalysts for change. Additionally, I strive to align my actions with my values, whether through my involvement with ESSEC Alumni or my personal choices."

E.S.B.: How do you define CSR?

KR: "For me, CSR is almost a way of life because it’s about stepping back from our activities and listening to our stakeholders to guide our actions better, innovate, and create value in a way that respects both the environment and others. I believe the key word here is RESPONSIBILITY. As employers, employees, association presidents, elected officials, parents, or citizens, we all have responsibilities and the potential for positive impact within our communities.

CSR has become a profession with growing expertise and reliance on indicators and evidence. This is good as it helps prevent greenwashing and focuses actions on the most impactful levers. However, it can be daunting for leaders who only sometimes know where to start. In such cases, it's important to admit what we don't know (there are plenty of training programs and consultants to help!). The ESSEC Sustainable Business Club also exists for this purpose."

E.S.B.: How is CSR a business catalyst, and what ROI can it bring?

KR: "I'll give you a consultant's answer: it depends on the organisation. In certain industries, CSR is seen as a differentiation lever to attract and retain top talent, capture new markets, or secure financing. In the long run, all organisations will likely benefit from it because their sustainability depends on it. In the meantime, it requires human and financial resources, which are not always available in SMEs and can sometimes be difficult to justify in terms of return on investment. The European regulatory and legislative framework (CSRD, CSDDD, SFDR, Taxonomy) will help align all stakeholders around shared goals. The challenge is accelerating change by adopting purchasing behaviours that reward the most responsible organisations."

E.S.B.: What would you like to say to the ESSEC Alumni Club and beyond?

KR: "I’d say we live in a fascinating time. As a student or recent graduate, I would have loved to hear about these topics. Today, there are many opportunities to get trained in CSR, and no matter your profession or age, there is value to be found. The challenges we face are immense, urgent, and numerous. The solutions are often known, so let’s mobilise to deploy them fairly and responsibly."