Integrating sustainability into a family business: Barbara Simons' journey

The beginning of Barbara's journey

Inspiration from family and industry

In the heart of every business lies a story, and within the folds of tradition and innovation, is the journey of Barbara Simons from Hungary, a Master Of Science degree student at Tomorrow University.

Barbara's looking to learn how to integrate sustainability into her family's meat business. Her reflections illustrate her role within her family's business, her insights into sustainability, and her vision for the future.

Discovering sustainability

The spark of passion for sustainability

1. What inspired you to join your family's meat business, and how has your role evolved since then?

My extensive experience working at our family business during numerous summers has been invaluable in shaping my skills, work ethic, and understanding of the industry. Everything I have achieved and own today, I owe to the foundation laid by my family business. It's where I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, and I'm grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me. My role has evolved, which means now I get to work with clients and meet partners, but there is still a lot to learn.

2. Can you share a specific moment or experience that sparked your passion for sustainability within the meat industry?

A couple of years ago we were invited to a huge exhibition in Frankfurt, it was called IFFA (International Trade Fair for the Meat Industry) and it has changed the way I look at sustainability, although it is not easy we are trying to keep up.

The impact of Tomorrow University

Gaining insights and understanding

3. How has your journey at Tomorrow University helped shape your understanding of sustainability and its importance in business?

My journey at Tomorrow University has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of sustainability and its significance in business. Through coursework, discussions, and practical experiences, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between business practices and their environmental and social impacts and there are yet more to come. I am looking forward to the next chapters.

4. What challenges have you encountered in implementing sustainable practices within your family's business, and how have you overcome them?

I have only been a part of this community for a bit more than a month, I have ideas and I have discussed them with my father, but there is no implementation yet, I would rather get back to this question in the future. ☺

Vision for the future

Envisioning an eco-friendly future

5. How do you envision the future of your family's meat business, and what role does sustainability play in that vision?

You know the question is good when you are thinking about it. In my view there would be eco-friendly packaging – but honestly, this is hard because we also transport/deliver casings, but they are usually kept in a barrel of special marinade, so they tend to stay wet, and eco-friendly packaging (those which we have tried) are not suitable enough for longer transportation yet.

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Advice for businesses on eco-friendly practices

6. What advice would you give to other businesses looking to adopt more eco-friendly practices?

I have recently joined LinkedIn and I have found many interesting stories there, so I would suggest them to keep searching and comparing and hopefully eventually they will find the suitable products for themselves.

Excitement for future projects

7. Can you share a successful initiative or project related to sustainability that you've spearheaded within your company or any upcoming projects or goals related to sustainability that you're excited about?

I am super excited to see my peers ’ projects, they have evolved enormously in a short period for and I cannot wait where this road with ToU leads them.

Making a global impact

Local and global aspirations

8. What impact do you hope to make through your efforts to promote sustainability within the meat industry, both locally and globally?

Through promoting sustainability within the meat industry, I aim to inspire local businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices and contribute to a more sustainable global food system. By reducing waste using eco-friendly packaging and sharing their best practices. My goal is to make a meaningful impact locally and globally by fostering a more sustainable and ethical meat industry for future generations.

Learning and community at ToU

9. What have you learned in Tomorrow University so far?

ToU serves as an online community and collaboration, providing a platform for individuals like me to explore and implement sustainable solutions. Through workshops, seminars, and networking events, I've connected with passionate individuals who share commitments like mine or something very different, but we can ALWAYS learn from each other, and I think this could be the KEY. Together, we're exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and catalyzing positive change.

Personal motivations

Barbara's driving force

10. What is your WHY?

Because I want a better future for my kids, you must start small so you can grow.

11. What is your HOW?

As we embark on this transformative journey, I'm committed to sharing our progress and experiences with the ToU community and beyond.

Barbara's commitment to sustainability

Barbara Simons' story reflects her aim to mix tradition with modernity and the commitment to sustainability within the meat industry. As she navigates the complexities of implementing eco-friendly practices within her family's business, Barbara remains determined to create a more sustainable and ethical meat industry with Tomorrow University giving her the tools she needs to make the change.

Join us with Barbara's dedication and passion as she paves the way for a greener tomorrow in the meat industry.
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