ESG Principles: The 5 Ts of ESG Flo Culture

An exclusive interview with Patrick Obeid, our Founder & CEO

In an era where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly defining for business - with the rise of mandatory disclosure regulations worldwide - ESG Flo emerges as the solution to companies’ biggest hurdles related to sustainability reporting.

Central to our ethos are the 5Ts: Trust, Totality, Traceability, Time, and Truth. These pillars not only define ESG Flo's culture but also distinguish us in a new, yet, competitive market. They are the guiding principles of our product’s design, deriving from our customer-obsessed mindset.

Today, we sit down with Patrick Obeid, the mastermind behind ESG Flo, to delve deeper into these core values and explore how they are reshaping the landscape of sustainable business practices.

What are ESG Flo's 5 Ts?

Q: Patrick, let's start with 'Totality.' How does this principle guide ESG Flo's approach to sustainability?

Patrick: Totality is about understanding the full spectrum of a company's environmental footprint. It's not just about emissions or water use; it's about connecting every dot - from resource consumption to financial implications. At ESG Flo, we believe in a comprehensive approach where every piece of data counts, ensuring that companies have a complete picture of their impact and can make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals. It’s also a crucial feature of a company’s sustainability report, under the ever-growing pressure from regulatory bodies, such as the CSRD in the European Union, and the California Act and SEC climate rules for the United States.

Q: Traceability is a key differentiation point of ESG Flo's solution. Could you expand on its significance?

Patrick: Traceability is crucial for ESG data. It's not just about collecting data but understanding its origin and ensuring its accuracy. Our ingestion engine is specifically designed to establish a solid data foundation, tracing each datum back to its source. This level of traceability is essential for accurate reporting and ensures that our clients can confidently stand behind their sustainability claims.

Q: Trust is a foundational element in business. How does ESG Flo build and maintain trust with its clients and stakeholders?

Patrick: In the world of ESG reporting, trust is everything. We build trust by providing a platform where accuracy is paramount. Allowing external auditors direct access to our data instills confidence in our clients and their stakeholders. It’s one of the features that make ESG Flo stand out from other solutions: our platform is built from the ground up with third-party auditability in mind, aligned with requirements from regulatory standards such as the ESRS from the European Union’s CSRD. It's about creating a transparent environment where the data speaks for itself, and stakeholders can rely on the information provided.

Q: The principle of 'Truth' is intriguing. How does ESG Flo ensure the veracity of its data and reports?

Patrick: At ESG Flo, truth is synonymous with accuracy and precision. Our modular platform is designed to not only collect data but to verify its authenticity. Whether it’s through direct supplier data or various calculation methods such as volume or spent-based approaches, we ensure that the final output reflects reality. This dedication to truth helps companies make responsible decisions based on factual, reliable data while optimizing the data sources and infrastructure your company already has access to.

Q: Lastly, could you tell us more about the importance of 'Time' in ESG Flo's philosophy?

Patrick: This point is particularly important for me for three reasons: Firstly, it represents the immediacy of accessing real-time data. Secondly, it showcases the efficiency we bring by saving time in data collection and processing. Thirdly, and most importantly, it provides companies with the opportunity to focus on proactive sustainability initiatives. In a world facing urgent environmental challenges, giving our clients this time means empowering them to be part of the solution rather than just reporting on problems.

Patrick Obeid’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the driving forces behind ESG Flo. The 5Ts are not just guiding principles; they are the foundation of a robust, transparent, and efficient platform that empowers companies to meet their sustainability goals.

If you are interested in learning more about Patrick's innovative journey and ESG Flo's groundbreaking approach, we encourage a visit to his LinkedIn profile. Join us in embracing these values and being a part of a business world where ESG considerations are as important as financial ones for decision-making.

Who is Patrick Obeid?

The energetic, passionate, and dynamic Founder and CEO of ESG Flo, is a figure of innovation and strategic foresight in the realm of sustainable business solutions. His journey began at the American University of Beirut, where he honed his technical and analytical skills with a Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Further shaping his business acumen, Patrick pursued and completed a Master of Business Administration at the prestigious Columbia Business School.

Patrick's professional odyssey is marked by a significant tenure at Bain & Company, where he served as strategic consultant for over nine years. His time at Bain was a period of profound growth and development, where he engaged in sustainability strategy and energy-efficiency projects for public, private, and third-sector organizations. It was here that Patrick's entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured, culminating in his role as the first graduate of the Founder’s Studio, Bain’s internal incubator unit.

At the forefront of ESG Flo, Patrick has been instrumental in revolutionizing how companies manage their ESG strategy. His vision extends beyond mere business development; it encompasses a mission to create equitable and sustainable corporate practices globally. Patrick's approach is deeply rooted in his belief that technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) are key to building an accurate ESG data infrastructure.

His journey from Bain consultant to CEO of an AI startup is a testament to his ability to connect the dots intuitively and solve problems creatively. Raised in Lebanon, Patrick attributes his problem-solving nature and entrepreneurial mindset to his upbringing in a challenging environment. His background in sustainability projects at Bain, combined with his passion for the ESG space, perfectly positioned him to lead ESG Flo towards its mission.

Patrick's story is one of serendipity, strategic thinking, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact. His journey from a stable consulting career to the uncertain yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship reflects his methodical approach to life and his desire to make an impact.