Entrepreneur Interview: Diana Verde Nieto

February 23, 2023

As part of our upcoming International Women’s Day event, we had the pleasure of getting to know one our guest speakers Diana Verde Nieto, Co-founder of Positive Luxury–  a company that helps brands adapt to the new sustainability economy. Diana is a pioneer in sustainability and a globally recognised figure in the field, having been trained by Al Gore at the Alliance of Climate Protection and subsequently being honoured by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader in 2011, also serving as a board member for the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader community. Diana is also an honorary Professor at The Caledonian University.

 

Tell us a bit about your experience prior to launching Positive Luxury?

I have dedicated the last 25 years to sustainability. Why? Because governments cannot transform the status quo alone, whole industries need to shift, (and fast), and this has been and continues to be, my focus. Working in the luxury, fashion and beauty sectors, the path has not been straight or smooth, but it has been, and still is, incredibly rewarding.

I have founded two companies now, both dedicated to helping businesses on their sustainability journey. I have trained with Former Vice President Al Gore at The Alliance of Climate Protection, been recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and studied at Harvard. As Founder and CEO of Positive Luxury, I currently work with brands such as MCM, Dior, IWC, Tom Ford Beauty, La Perla, etc

I’m more optimistic and energised more than ever by the power of business. I have seen the courage and conviction of its leaders to step up to their responsibility and I am dedicated to my path of helping them transform the way they operate and deliver for generations to come.

 

In your own words, what do you do?

Positive Luxury helps luxury companies forecast and mitigate their sustainability and ESG risks and adapt their businesses to upcoming sustainability regulations and challenges globally. We do this by showing our members where their sustainable opportunities lie, and how to embed them into their businesses to ultimately create business resilience.

 

As a female leader, what impact would you like to have on the business world? I would love to see younger women be able to raise money without all the barriers that my generation had to deal with.

 

If you had to pick 3 crucial areas that businesses should focus on to adapt and transition to a new climate economy, what would they be? Have goals, set clear plans to deliver on those goals, and have great incentives for people to do so.

 

 What steps do you take to make your life more sustainable?

Living a sustainable lifestyle is about mindset, my suggestion is to start by being conscious of what is important to you, think about your actions and the impact they may have on others and in the world, and don’t worry if you mess up – the most important thing is to get back on the saddle and continue on your path…

 

What has been your biggest professional or personal achievement to date?

Supporting almost 200 luxury business to commit to be on a journey of continues improvement towards excellence in sustainability. I am proud to see the Butterfly Mark certification grow globally but most importantly that our community is a diverse mix of brands starting their sustainability journey to those that maintain their existing relationship with Positive Luxury on their journey towards sustainability excellence.  –

 

Quick Fire

  1. If you could have one hour with a world leader, who would it be? Nelson Mandela
  2. Favourite sustainable hotel or other place to stay? The Marbella Club
  3. Favourite restaurant? Rick Stein Fish and Chips shop in Cornwall – my guilty pleasure
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