Green business spotlight: Hayatte Loukili

Welcome to our interview series where we speak with purpose-driven business owners and ecopreneurs from around the globe. Every few weeks, we’ll dive into their journeys, learn about their wins and challenges, and the resources they couldn’t do without.

Prepare to be inspired and learn something new!

Today’s guest is Hayatte Loukili from EnableGreen.

Please tell us a little bit about who you are, your background, and what you did before starting your own business.

With twenty years of experience in finance, I have started my career in financial audit, strategy, finance, and risk management consulting working for industry leaders like Deloitte and Accenture. As my interest in addressing climate change grew, I pivoted toward green energy, taking on a role as Senior Investment Advisor at Engie, a global Independent Power Producer. This journey continued when I joined Cubico Sustainable Investments, a major player in the renewable energy investment space before starting my Sustainability Recruitment Business. 

What inspired you to create a purpose-driven company and how did you come up with the business idea?

The inspiration to create a sustainability recruitment and executive search firm came from recognizing the critical need to bridge the gap between talented professionals and organizations aiming to build their sustainability DNA. However, the sustainability job market is facing a significant skills gap and a shortage of qualified professionals, making it difficult for companies to find the perfect match in such a narrow market.

My motivation lay in facilitating this connection. There are growing numbers of senior professionals with relevant sustainability competencies who may not necessarily want to change jobs, while other experienced businesspeople are committed to transitioning into sustainability roles, adding a valuable perspective to their business expertise. On the other side, organizations often struggle to understand sustainability regulations, identify their priorities, and clarify their hiring needs to build effective sustainability teams.

By launching the firm, I aimed to help these companies recruit talents who could lead them toward sustainable business practices. It’s about more than just filling positions—it’s about building teams to drive meaningful change and position businesses at the intersection of sustainability and corporate success.

In your experience, what are the main challenges of starting and running a green business?

Starting and running a green recruitment business comes with its own set of unique challenges. One of the primary difficulties is the talent gap within the sustainability sector. There is a noticeable shortage of professionals with the necessary expertise in ESG, sustainability, and green energy, making it difficult to match companies with highly qualified candidates. I often advise my clients to keep an open mind when attracting the best talent. Sometimes, this means considering well-rounded profiles with strong soft skills, adaptability, and a genuine motivation to shift into sustainability roles, even if they may need some training. Other times, we encounter candidates who perfectly match the job requirements but may need additional incentives to leave their current roles. Factors like company culture, a strong commitment to sustainability, opportunities for personal development, and an attractive package all need to align to successfully encourage these professionals to make a move.

Another challenge lies in staying updated with the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Sustainability standards and frameworks are constantly changing, so it’s crucial for a green recruitment firm to remain informed in order to effectively advise both clients and candidates. Educating clients on the importance of sustainability within their business strategies is also key, especially since many organizations are still in the early stages of understanding how to integrate ESG into their operations.

Lastly, building trust and long-term relationships with both businesses and candidates is critical. Recruitment in such a specialized field requires strong networks and a deep understanding of the industry to make the right connections—ones that will drive meaningful impact for both the organizations and the individuals involved.

What is your business mission & purpose and why?

EnableGreen is an ESG and Sustainability Recruitment Agency that aims to connect companies with highly skilled individuals. We guide and support organizations in sourcing the best candidates to help integrate ESG principles and practices. In doing so, we contribute to addressing global challenges while fostering growth and value for our clients.

How does your work address societal and/or environmental issues?

Our work directly addresses societal and environmental issues by helping organizations build teams that are capable of driving positive change in these areas. As a recruitment agency focused on ESG and sustainability, we identify and connect companies with talent that possesses the expertise to integrate sustainability practices into their operations. This includes professionals in renewable energy, climate change, and responsible investment, all of which are essential in tackling pressing global challenges like climate change and social inequality.

By placing individuals who are passionate about making a difference, we empower businesses to align with global sustainability goals, such as the United Nations’ SDGs and the push toward Net Zero. Ultimately, our work helps organizations adopt more sustainable business practices, reduce their environmental footprint, and contribute to a more socially responsible corporate culture, creating a ripple effect that benefits society and the planet.

What are the most common mistakes you see green businesses make?

One of the most common mistakes green businesses make is underestimating the importance of clearly defining their sustainability goals and aligning them with their overall business strategy. Many companies rush into green initiatives without a comprehensive plan, which can lead to inconsistent efforts, lack of measurable impact, or failure to meet regulatory requirements.

Another frequent mistake is focusing too heavily on “greenwashing”—promoting sustainability efforts that are more about marketing than genuine impact. This can erode trust with consumers and stakeholders who are increasingly discerning about the authenticity of sustainability claims.

In the recruitment industry, green businesses often fail to recognize the importance of building a team with the right expertise. Sustainability is a specialized field, and working with a sustainability-focused recruitment firm that understands your needs and the market can help identify the right talent. Long-term success relies on recruiting professionals who can grasp ESG frameworks, regulatory landscapes, and technical solutions—whether generalists with strong leadership and communication skills or specialists who will drive meaningful change.

What makes your business unique?

What sets our sustainability-focused Executive Search Business apart from competitors is our deep understanding of the job market and the challenges our clients face when searching for the ideal profiles and skill sets to advance their sustainability initiatives. We recognize that leadership, transferable skills, change management expertise, and adaptability are crucial for driving sustainability agendas. Sustainability is not only a relatively new concept but also a constantly evolving field that requires flexibility, innovation, and unwavering commitment.

Our unique approach lies in how we manage both clients and candidates. We work closely with our clients, taking the time to fully understand their specific sustainability goals and challenges, which allows us to deliver tailored solutions. For candidates, we provide comprehensive guidance, ensuring that their skills, experience, and aspirations align with the sustainability-driven roles we present them. This personalised approach fosters a strong sense of trust and collaboration, enabling us to build lasting relationships with both parties.

Operating globally with a strong online presence, we leverage our extensive network to attract top-tier talent while providing customized solutions that align with our clients’ priorities. Our commitment goes beyond just filling roles—it’s about finding the right leaders and professionals who will bring meaningful, lasting change to sustainability-focused organizations.

Is there anything that you do outside of your business that is driven by similar (sustainability) objectives?

Whether it’s matching candidates with client positions or advising on green investment opportunities, I am genuinely committed to facilitating sustainability and energy transition investments. Additionally, I am passionate about women’s empowerment and leadership, particularly in the boardroom, as gender inclusion is a cause close to my heart.

What do you like the most about the work you do? 

What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to make a tangible impact by connecting talented professionals with organizations that are driving sustainability and ESG initiatives. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the individuals I help place are contributing to meaningful changes in areas like renewable energy, sustainable finance, and corporate responsibility. I also appreciate the dynamic nature of the sector—sustainability is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of industry trends keeps my work exciting and intellectually stimulating. Lastly, building strong relationships with both clients and candidates, and seeing the long-term impact of those connections, is something I find particularly fulfilling.

What’s your day-to-day like?

As a recruiter in sustainability and ESG, my day revolves around connecting top talent with organizations committed to sustainable practices. I start by reviewing client job requirements, ensuring I understand the qualifications needed. I then source candidates through professional networks and databases, focusing on those with expertise in ESG, sustainability, and green energy. A key part of my role involves interviewing candidates to assess their skills and passion for sustainability while aligning their career goals with market opportunities. I maintain close communication with clients, providing updates and advising on talent strategies. Additionally, I stay informed on industry trends and regulatory changes to offer the best advice to both clients and candidates. Building strong, long-term relationships is crucial, ensuring successful placements that drive meaningful sustainability outcomes for businesses.

How do you grow and scale your business, and what are the main growth constraints and opportunities?  

We are a niche recruitment firm, and our priority is to address our clients’ most pressing needs, especially in the rapidly expanding sustainability job market. Our growth strategy revolves around building strong, lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. By offering tailored solutions and continuously enhancing our understanding of industry trends, we ensure we stay ahead in identifying top-tier talent for ESG, sustainability, and green energy roles.

Scaling our business involves expanding our global network, leveraging technology, and enhancing our digital presence to attract top talent worldwide. A key growth opportunity lies in the rising demand for sustainability professionals, as more businesses commit to ESG goals and net-zero targets.

However, growth constraints include the current shortage of highly qualified professionals in sustainability and the need to keep up with evolving regulations. As a niche firm, we strive to balance scaling with maintaining the personalized service that sets us apart. As the market matures, more professionals will enter the field, academic programs will offer sustainability training, and the pool of qualified candidates will naturally grow, positioning us well for the future.

What green businesses/sectors do you see growing the fastest right now and/or will become mainstream within the next 10 years?

Right now, the sectors experiencing the fastest growth are renewable energy, sustainable finance, and circular economy solutions. The renewable energy sector, particularly solar, wind, and battery storage, is expanding rapidly as governments and corporations worldwide aim to meet net-zero carbon targets. Additionally, sustainable finance is becoming mainstream, with more investments flowing into ESG-focused funds and green bonds as investors seek both returns and positive environmental impact.

Over the next 10 years, I expect the circular economy to become more prominent, with businesses focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable materials. Clean technologies, such as electric vehicles and energy-efficient innovations, will also continue to gain momentum, driven by advances in technology and stricter environmental regulations. Sectors such as carbon capture and hydrogen energy are also poised for significant growth as they play an essential role in decarbonizing industries that are harder to transition, like manufacturing and transportation.

In your opinion, what are the top skills necessary to be a successful eco-entrepreneur?

A blend of technical, business, and personal skills is crucial for a successful eco-entrepreneur. First, industry knowledge, green technologies, and environmental regulations are vital for understanding the market and its challenges. Staying updated on trends like renewable energy, circular economy, and ESG frameworks helps eco-entrepreneurs remain competitive.

On the soft skills side, strategic thinking and adaptability are also key. The rapidly evolving sustainability sector demands flexibility, allowing entrepreneurs to pivot their models in response to market shifts or regulations. Innovation is essential for developing solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and commercially viable.

Strong leadership and communication skills are equally important. The ability to mobilise dedicated teams and communicating the value of sustainability to stakeholders and customers is critical.

Finally, resilience and passion are essential. Navigating regulatory landscapes and advocating for sustainability can be challenging, but a deep commitment to the mission and perseverance ensure long-term success.

Any “lessons learned” or advice you can share with aspiring or current green business owners?

The most important lessons I’ve learned from my recruitment firm venture include staying adaptable in a rapidly changing market and remaining authentic and true to my values to build trust with stakeholders naturally. Patience and persistence are essential—navigating this evolving landscape can be challenging, but perseverance and a commitment to making a meaningful impact are key to achieving long-term success.

What inspires you every day to wake up and keep going?

What gets me up every morning is the opportunity to make a real impact through my work. Knowing that I can help bridge the gap between talented individuals and organizations driving meaningful change in sustainability and ESG gives me a sense of purpose. I’m passionate about building a future where businesses prioritize sustainability and create lasting positive outcomes. Seeing the commitment of both people and organizations keeps me motivated, even on the toughest days.