How a former industrial engineer found freedom in sustainability work
In this episode, I speak with my friend and colleague Kurt Klusch about his radical transformation from industrial engineer to sustainability consultant. We both share a passion for systems thinking and the FSSD framework, which we actively use in our work with organisations. Kurt opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to quit a high-paying corporate job with an american company and embark on a painful, yet liberating three-year inner journey towards alignment with his inner compass. He shares how coaching, self-reflection, and introspection shaped his shift toward meaningful work.
Together, we explore the tension between corporate logic and purpose-driven change, and how resistance in organisations often collides with the urgency of sustainability. Kurt also explains why emotional literacy, credibility, and pragmatic strategies are essential when facilitating transformation. We reflect on the limits of change in rigid systems and the power of individuals. His story shows what’s possible when you dare to leave behind what no longer serves you.
💡 HIGHLIGHTS of this Episode
✨ How a bonfire and a missed flight sparked a profound career change
✨ The emotional cost of chasing promotions without purpose
✨ Concrete tools and practices that helped Kurt find his path to becoming a sustainability practitioner
✨ Honest reflections on resistance to sustainability in big companies
✨ Why internal transformation is key to external impact
👋 ABOUT Kurt (him/he)

Kurt has extensive experience in both the educational NGO field and industry sector, specialising in climate action, systems thinking, and transformational leadership development. He is a seasoned learning program designer and facilitator who has partnered with organisations such as the Joint Research Council, EIT Climate KIC, and the United Nations PRME to deliver impactful programs for policymakers, innovators, and students.
He brings deep expertise in climate strategy consulting, sustainability leadership mentoring, and supporting NGOs globally in advancing systems transformation. His work is grounded in strategic sustainability, participatory approaches, and leadership capacity building. Kurt holds a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and an M.Sc. in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability, complemented by advanced certifications in systems thinking, multi-stakeholder facilitation, and behavior change for sustainability.
🔗 CONNECT & follow Kurt's work
👉 LinkedIn
💌 CONNECT & engage with Pia

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn to follow and support each other’s work. 🤗

You want to change career paths and don't know where to start?

I accompany people on their "pathway to sustainability" through my 1:1 and Group Mentoring programmes for aspiring purpose-professionals.

To see if we are a match, let's get to know each other in a Free Exploration Call. ☎️

👉 Share a few details about yourself in advance via this survey to see if I could help you with your goal.

Take care of yourself and others!

Pia 🤍

P.S. You can also watch this Episode on our YouTube Channel to see our faces 👋 🙂

#careerchange #sustainability #systemsthinking #innerwork #career #careerladder #corporatejob #coaching #careercoaching #changemanagement #purpose #leadership #transformation #changemaker #impactdriven