Brondwyn is a Sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Specialist with 17 years of industry experience based in Cape Town, South Africa. Her principal focus over the last 10 years has been on ESG due diligence, ESG/Sustainability management systems development, sustainability strategy development, as well as reporting and associated performance management in line with internationally accepted standards.

The majority of her experience has involved supporting organisations, and their respective portfolio companies, in implementing systems and processes to meet investor requirements and adhere to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards.  From a governance perspective relating to ESG, Brondwyn has experience in the development of appropriate sustainability strategies for material risks, associated metrics and targets, reporting systems to collect and analyse data across an organisations footprint and assurance activities such as compliance auditing and data verification.

Brondwyn is also an avid fly-fisherwoman and until recently she was the secretary of the Cape Piscatorial Society. Linkedin.

How did you first learn about GCX and what first drew you to the company?

I was introduced to GCX by a recruitment agent and through Linkedin. The energy and vision of the company drew me to them.

What do you like the most about GCX and what is your favourite part of working there?

GCX is passionate about what they do and they do it well. They have developed a tool that really helps clients manage ESG performance. It is not just a data repository. The team at GCX is my favourite part.

Is there a particular project you’re currently working on that you are really enjoying? If so, why?

I am currently assisting the GCX development team build additional ESG capability in the tool. I am particularly enjoying this as it is pushing me around what ESG metrics mean for an organisation and how they should be used to drive performance. It is more than a tick box approach at GCX. It becomes meaningful and adds value to clients.

What, in your opinion, are the three words that best describe GCX?

Passionate. Capable. Innovative

What are your hopes for the sustainability industry, and in particular GCX’s clients?

My biggest hope for sustainability is the opportunity I see for businesses to make a difference through leading by example.

I’m confident that sustainability will move one step closer to “default status” across industries.

Before working at GCX, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I worked for the Kwazulu Natal Nature Conservation Service assisting them in the protection of the loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the coast between Kosi Bay and Cape Vidal. This involved tagging the laying females as well as moving nests that were below the high water mark.

What would you say is the biggest career lesson you’ve learnt thus far?

Change is a constant and one has to be adaptable in one’s career and life choices to become resilient. 

What are some of the books you’ve read recently and would recommend to others?

A Wilder Life by Joan Louwrens.

The book is an autobiography about her life as a doctor – she threw herself wholeheartedly into ‘adventure medicine’, seeking out the world’s most remote corners – on land and at sea – to practise healing, both her own and others. 

Where is your favourite holiday destination in South Africa?

Anywhere I can take my fly rod. The Orange River and Plettenberg Bay feature on my list of favourite places.