Meet Olivier.
As we’ve just launched, we’d like to take this opportunity to properly introduce you to the faces behind The Overview Effect. Every week, we’ll be spotlighting a different team member through a quick interview to give you a feel for their expertise and journey. We’re kicking off with our co-founders. First up: Olivier Benz.
How did you get into sustainability and eventually become a co-founder of The Overview Effect?
It started quite early, thanks to my parents. In the 1990s, my mother volunteered at a fair-trade shop, which exposed us to issues like human rights in the (food) supply chain. Additionally, we made an active decision in 1994 not to own a car and joined a car-sharing program. My father was even responsible for maintaining two cars in the program.
For six years, Lena and I worked together to set up Sustainalize in Germany (which later became part of ERM) under her leadership. We complemented each other well, and the collaboration was successful and enjoyable. When Lena reached out to me again to start something new, I didn’t need to think twice about it.
What do you find the most challenging aspect of sustainability today, and how does The Overview Effect approach it?
Sustainability touches on so many aspects, and there’s rarely a “silver bullet” solution, so you need to weigh your options carefully. The issue is that there’s real urgency around climate, biodiversity, and also human rights. At The Overview Effect, we try to balance pragmatism with activism. There are planetary boundaries we simply cannot cross.
If you could change one thing about how companies approach sustainability, what would it be?
The implementation and use of renewable energy—without waiting for further innovation. We already have the means to produce renewable energy; it’s time to use it on a massive scale (along with ensuring the efficient use of energy). If this were already a reality, it could create a huge boost.
