Some leaders talk about sustainability; others live it through every decision, meeting, and conversation.
Amlan Shome belongs to the latter group, a new generation of changemakers redefining what it means to create business value with purpose.
With experience spanning ESG technology, corporate sustainability strategy, and stakeholder engagement, Amlan has worked across startups, consulting firms, and now with A.P. Moller – Maersk, helping global organizations integrate climate goals with real-world impact.
His story is about how curiosity evolves into conviction and how conviction can reshape industries.
Tell us a bit about your background
My journey has been a mix of sustainability, business development, and storytelling, all tied together by a deep curiosity about how change actually happens. I began in the fast-paced world of ESG technology, helping an emerging startup grow from the ground up, which taught me how to balance ambition with realism.
Later, I worked with consulting teams to help climate-tech firms shape growth strategies and integrate sustainability into their core operations. Today, at Maersk, I bring those lessons into a global setting, helping companies decarbonize their logistics and align their actions with science-based goals.
Along the way, my time at the Quaker United Nations Office exposed me to diplomacy and the power of negotiations and multilateralism in driving collective progress. Every project I take on is a chance to make business a force for good.
What first inspired you to begin this journey or take on the role you are in today?
My journey began with a simple realization that climate change is not a distant issue, it is happening around us every day.
Growing up in Northeast India, I saw firsthand how rising temperatures and erratic weather disrupt livelihoods. That experience stayed with me and slowly shaped how I wanted to contribute to the world.
When I entered the corporate space, I realized sustainability could be the bridge between profit and purpose. The idea that businesses could drive large-scale positive change really inspired me to pursue this path. It has been a journey of aligning my personal values with professional impact.
Along the way, what has been one of the most defining challenges you faced, and how did you navigate it?
One of the biggest challenges was getting people to see sustainability as a long-term business opportunity rather than a compliance checkbox. Early on, I learned that facts alone are not enough, you need stories, data, and empathy to make people care. There were moments when progress felt slow, but I kept reminding myself that systemic change takes time.
I focused on building credibility through results, even small ones, that demonstrated tangible value. Over time, that approach helped shift perceptions and open new conversations. It taught me that patience and persistence are two of the most powerful tools in this field.
What impact do you feel your work has created so far for people, communities, or within your industry?
I have seen my work help organizations take their first confident steps toward ESG and more responsible business practices. From shaping business strategies to driving sustainability awareness within teams, every effort has created ripple effects beyond the company walls.
Some of the projects I have led have inspired suppliers and partners to adopt greener practices too. The real impact, though, lies in changing mindsets, helping people see that sustainability and profitability can coexist.
I have also had the privilege of mentoring young professionals who are passionate about this field. Watching them grow into change-makers gives me a sense of hope for the future.
Looking ahead, what is your vision or goal for the future?
I want to help build a world where sustainability is not a department but a mindset that guides every decision. My goal is to bridge the gap between ambition and action, especially in industries where transformation feels daunting.
I envision companies using data, technology, and collaboration to integrate ESG faster and smarter. Over the next few years, I want to focus on scaling sustainable solutions that work both environmentally and economically.
I believe the future belongs to those who can innovate responsibly. That is the vision that keeps me motivated every single day.
Finally, what message would you share with others who want to create positive change but are unsure where to start?
Start small, but start now. You do not need a grand plan to make a difference, what matters is consistency and intent. Pick one issue that speaks to you and learn everything you can about it.
Change does not happen overnight, but it grows through every conversation, every action, every example you set. Surround yourself with people who care, because collective energy can turn ideas into impact. Most importantly, remember that optimism is contagious, use it to inspire others to believe that a better world is possible.
The future of work will belong to those who see sustainability not as a checkbox, but as a compass.
Leaders like Amlan Shome are already showing us what that future looks like – grounded in collaboration, data, and values that drive real progress.
At UPDEED, we spotlight such chagemakers not just to inspire admiration, but to spark alignment, between purpose, people, and measurable outcomes.
Because when impact is visible, accountability follows and that’s how industries evolve.
UPDEED – Where changemakers lead, and their impact speaks.
