HELLO
Thank you for visiting Paulette.Earth.
Let me start with a quote by David Viscott: “The purpose of life is to discover your gift; the work of life is to develop it; and the meaning of life is to give your gift away.”
As you will see on this website, I aim to do all three at the same time. Figuring out how I can contribute to society has been a journey since childhood: from elementary school presentations on child labor to running high school campaigns on topics such as human rights (for Amnesty International) and animal welfare (for IFAW). At age sixteen I became an ambassador in a field journalism project in Uganda, run by a non-profit (Edukans) to raise funds and awareness for the country’s schools. It was a definitive confirmation that I wanted to dedicate my life to making our world a better place. Even if it’s just a tiny bit.
Discovering one’s gifts is a lifelong journey. It’s why, as you’ll see in my biography & CV, I also believe in lifelong learning. Not only in formal, organized ways, but also in every day life. As a student in the 2000s, I saw the untapped “positive impact potential” of the private sector. In the years that followed, I created new sustainability roles at a variety of businesses: both for myself and many others. I was given extraordinary opportunities and trust by various people I am very grateful to. You’ll see some of them in the testimonials.
Developing my skills and experience, in order to be of value to others, has resulted in a laser-like focus on sustainability. In applying this focus, I embrace high versatility in the roles and responsibilities I have. This is why I’m always developing four areas of work: leadership, advice, creative work, speaking. Depending on the role I have and the needs of those I work with, I balance between these areas. My media engagements and publications may also be of interest.
Voluntarily giving away my energy, time and expertise to help individuals and initiatives, that I find important, has become my second nature. I enjoy creating opportunities for others: whether through mentoring young entrepreneurs and professionals or by making meaningful connections. The latter has directly contributed to many partnerships (for example, between large companies and innovative social enterprises) and dozens of long-lasting placements (mostly with non-profit organizations, startups and social enterprises).
While today’s environmental, social and economic challenges are tough, I am still positive about human ingenuity. In order to change the tide, we have to make waves. Together.
This is why I am particularly interested in teaming up with courageous individuals, high-impact organizations, bold initiatives and ambitious brands that directly engage with consumers and/or citizens. As of November 2020, I am thrilled to do so through a new role as Director Health & Sustainability (Europe & Indonesia) at Ahold Delhaize, a global leader in retail. Meanwhile, this website, given its broader function, will of course remain live!
Warm regards,