An initiative by
Research by Impact Centre Erasmus and TOSCA - Tribe of Sustainability Change Agents into the state of the sustainable transition in the Netherlands shows that 83% of respondents have sustainability goals. Nevertheless, the sustainable transition receives a meagre 5.5, and a third think that it has deteriorated compared to last year. So there is sufficient ambition, but this does not lead to real change.
During the workshop, which TOSCA gave together with Karen Maas, at Transition2026 on Future-Fit entrepreneurship, we reflected on the role of internal Change Agents. These are the people within an organization who ensure that sustainable ambitions do not remain on paper, but are converted into concrete actions. And that is exactly what is needed now. There is no shortage of sustainability goals but of real transformation. How do you recognize someone like that? Or to what extent are you a change agent yourself? Let’s look at the following eight characteristics:
Enthusiastic, passionate, and inspiring
A change agent radiates energy and knows how to motivate others to get moving, for example, by showing colleagues the opportunities circularity offers for the organization and society.
A systems thinker with the ability to solve problems
A change agent looks beyond individual projects and sees connections between people, processes, and systems. For example, by mapping the impact of a sustainability measure on the entire chain and developing solutions that support multiple goals at the same time.
Committed to lifelong learning
The sustainable transition is constantly evolving. A change agent therefore remains curious and continuously invests in new knowledge and skills. For example, by applying insights from education, practical experience, and other sectors within your own organization.
A strong and engaging communication provider
Change requires a clear story. A change agent knows how to make complex topics understandable and appeal to different target groups. For example, by including the board, employees and customers in an appropriate way in the necessity and benefits of change.
Likes to collaborate and facilitate
A change agent connects people, stimulates collaboration, and creates space for joint solutions. For example, by organizing workshops in which colleagues from different departments develop new ideas together.
Proactive and creative
A change agent does not wait but sees opportunities and experiments with new approaches. For example, by starting a small-scale pilot with which sustainable innovations can be tested in practice.
A responsible member of the community
A change agent looks beyond their own organization and feels co-responsible for social impact. For example, by working together with municipalities, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and residents on regional sustainability tasks.
Capable of self-reflection and self-evaluation
A change agent regularly reflects on his or her own actions, learns from experiences, and dares to adjust behavior when necessary. For example, by actively asking for feedback from colleagues and stakeholders after a change process, reflecting on what went well and what could be improved, and consciously including these insights in the next change.
These characteristics are not only relevant for sustainability professionals. Anyone who wants to contribute to a future-proof organization can develop them. This is precisely where the power of change agents lies: they not only make change possible, but also attractive and feasible for others.
Which of these traits do you recognize most in yourself? And which one do you think deserves extra attention within organizations? We would love to hear it!
