Joining Deloitte: a perfect match

Nearly two years ago, Dayana discovered an opportunity at Deloitte that perfectly matched her interests and expertise in program management, learning, and sustainability. 'I saw the job posting on LinkedIn and knew it was the right fit', she recalls. Her previous work with NGOs and governments on the sustainable development goals equipped her with valuable skills, but she was eager to see how a global company like Deloitte approached sustainability. Positive feedback about Deloitte as an employer further encouraged her to apply.

Today, Dayana is an integral part of both the Learning & Development (L&D) team and the Sustainability Strategic Growth Offering (SGO) team. 'I am responsible for designing and delivering online and in-person learning programs and journeys that help our 7000+ colleagues to increase their knowledge on specific sustainability topics that are related to their jobs and to also become more sustainable in their private and daily life', she says. This dual focus makes her job particularly rewarding. Dayana’s role is as diverse as it is impactful. 'I very much enjoy being part of two teams with a totally different focus, as this allows me to build new skills on a daily basis. And I like the freedom and flexibility to innovate and experiment. As the first person in this newly created role, I have the unique opportunity to design the learning strategy from scratch.'

Organizing training sessions

One of Dayana's proudest achievements is the development of the four Sustainability Learning Catalogues on Deloitte's internal platform. 'This initiative combines in one place all

the online learning resources that are available for Deloitte employees about sustainability and climate change. Many people in The Netherlands and in other geographies are using it now to find the self-paced online learning resources that suit them the best on a specific sustainability topic, which is really nice to see.' Dayana also played a key role in organizing training sessions on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), a critical EU legislation aimed at improving corporate transparency in non-financial reporting. 'We did trainings for staff from different job levels, industries and businesses and tried innovative, fun ideas', she notes, emphasizing the importance of supporting clients in their CRSD journey. In addition, on behalf of Deloitte and together with the University of Groningen she led the development of an executive learning program for partners called ‘Responsibility for Sustainability’.

Dayana’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her professional life. She practices what she preaches by maintaining a personal garden where she grows her own food, and she has even rented additional garden space for this purpose. 'Despite the challenges, such as needing to fly to visit family in Lebanon, I strive to minimize my carbon footprint by opting for trains when traveling within Europe, buying second hand clothes, eating less meat and saving food from being wasted. It's difficult to do everything correctly, but when it comes to sustainability, every step counts', she acknowledges.

Making an impact that matters

Deloitte’s supportive and innovative environment makes it an ideal place for those passionate about sustainability. 'Deloitte believes in its responsibility to contribute to a more sustainable world, and to make an impact that matters to clients, people and society. Therefore, we have a three-fold approach: the Deloitte Impact Foundation, Deloitte as a sustainable enterprise and the Sustainability SGO. With the Impact Foundation, we share our core competences, knowledge and network in societal initiatives pro-bono for various non-profit organizations. As a sustainable enterprise we have our WorldClimate strategy where we try to drive responsible climate choices, achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, and push climate change discussions into executive agendas', Dayana explains. 'And in the SGO, cross-business and cross-industries teams help clients to close the gap between sustainability ambition and impact by walking with clients every step of the way through strategy, transformation, finance, reporting and assurance projects.'

'Deloitte really cares about sustainability and supports me with my ideas. This is a good place to work because you're taken seriously', Dayana affirms. 'Not only do we want to help our clients become sustainable but also our own organization. You get plenty of opportunities to do things and contribute in a positive way. Joining Deloitte means being part of a forward-thinking organization that values sustainability at its core.'