“By making small, intentional changes, individuals can drive demand for better, more sustainable products.”

In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, the focus has shifted to creating tangible, actionable solutions for individuals and businesses alike. Courtney Holm, a climate change adaptation specialist, award-winning leader in sustainable business, and founder of The Holm Edit, is on a mission to bridge the gap between systemic change and individual action. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Courtney offers a unique perspective that blends corporate strategy, community resilience, and personal sustainability.

We sat down with Courtney to discuss her journey, the evolution of her career, and her vision for a more sustainable future.

From Nature to Strategy: A Career Shaped by Curiosity

Courtney’s path to becoming a leader in sustainability started early, influenced by her father’s encouragement to pursue environmental science. “When I was 17, my dad said the world needs more people who understand the environment and can make a difference. That advice shaped everything,” she recalls. She began her studies in environmental science at Paul Smith’s College, focusing on forest ecosystems, before earning degrees in sociology and literature to explore the deeper connection between humans and nature.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the ways we’ve separated ourselves from the natural world and the impact it has had on society,” Courtney explains. Her studies inspired her to explore cultural narratives, including the works of Shakespeare, to understand societal structures and the human condition and societal structures through her sociology degree. Early in her career, she worked in horticulture and forestry, nurturing her passion for nature and hands-on problem-solving. However, as sustainability began gaining prominence in the corporate world, Courtney realised she could leverage her expertise to drive change at a larger scale.

After earning an MBA, she transitioned into corporate sustainability roles, including work at Unilever, where she gained a deep understanding of purpose-led business strategies. But Courtney’s connection to community and her desire to create tangible change eventually led her to take a leap and start her own consultancy, The Holm Edit.

The Holm Edit: Bridging Systemic Change and Individual Action

Founded on the principle that change must happen at all levels, The Holm Edit employs a dualistic approach to sustainability. For businesses, Courtney offers advisory services that challenge conventional approaches to sustainability. “Many corporate sustainability strategies are too broad and focus heavily on reporting rather than impact,” she notes. “I help organizations prioritize their efforts, focusing on a handful of material issues that align with their goals and values.”

This approach, which she calls “doing more by doing less,” is designed to create depth rather than breadth in corporate sustainability strategies. By doubling down on fewer priorities, businesses can make measurable progress that resonates with stakeholders and drives meaningful change.

On the individual level, The Holm Edit empowers people to adopt sustainable lifestyles through tools, education, and actionable strategies. Courtney recently launched an online course to help individuals transition to sustainable living at home with a four step methodology. The course provides practical advice on creating systems that make eco-friendly habits easier to maintain. “Sustainability isn’t just about corporate initiatives—it starts at home,” she emphasises. “By making small, intentional changes, individuals can drive demand for better, more sustainable products.”

Resilience Through Adaptation: Preparing for a Changing World

One of Courtney’s key focus areas is climate adaptation—a critical yet underrepresented aspect of sustainability. As climate impacts intensify, resilience is becoming an essential skill for individuals, businesses, and communities alike.

“We’re already living with the consequences of climate change, and that won’t change even if we reach net zero tomorrow,” Courtney explains. “Adaptation is about preparing for the challenges we can’t avoid, from floods and wildfires to supply chain disruptions.”

Her work emphasises personal resilience as a foundation for broader societal preparedness. She encourages individuals to reduce dependence on ready-made products and cultivate skills that foster self-sufficiency. “The over-reliance on supply chains won’t serve us in the future,” she warns. “We need to rethink how we meet our needs and build systems that can withstand shocks.”

Courtney also advocates for stronger community connections as a cornerstone of resilience. “Community is critical—not just for sustainability but for happiness and mental health,” she says. Drawing on examples from her own life and sociological studies, she highlights the importance of social networks in creating resilient societies. “We’ve lost so much of the human connection that makes us stronger together. Rebuilding those bonds will be essential as we face future challenges.”

Purpose as a Catalyst for Change

Another central theme in Courtney’s work is the power of purpose, both at the individual and organisational levels. “Having a personal purpose is transformative,” she explains. “During my time at Unilever, I saw how aligning personal and organisational purposes could drive incredible results.”

Courtney believes that businesses must redefine their purpose in the face of climate change, moving beyond profit to embrace their role as social actors. “There will be winners and losers in the era of climate change. The winners will be those that rethink their purpose and adapt to an evolving world.”

This message resonates particularly with younger generations, who increasingly seek purpose-driven careers. Courtney encourages businesses to tap into this energy by creating opportunities environments where employees can contribute meaningfully to sustainability goals. “When employees feel connected to a purpose, they bring passion and innovation that can drive real change,” she says.

Hope Anchored in Action

Despite the daunting challenges of climate change, Courtney remains hopeful about the future. “Eco-anxiety is something that I have struggled with over the yearsreal, but action is the antidote,” she says. For her, hope is grounded in the belief that individuals, communities, and businesses all have the power to contribute to a more sustainable world.

Her message to skeptics is simple yet powerful: “We are the economy. Every decision we make—from the products we buy to the systems we support—has the potential to create change.”

Through The Holm Edit, Courtney is proving that meaningful change is possible when people and organisations work together. Her work serves as a reminder that sustainability isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about the choices we make every day.

To learn more about The Holm Edit and Courtney’s work, visit The Holm Edit.

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This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with corporate impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings, and lessons from making an impact in the corporate world. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.

Interview & Article: James Sancto & Laura De Alba