Sustainability
Gef’s 30 Under 30 Winners: Q&A with Dominic Wall
Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the all-new #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.
The Isle of Man Energy Sustainability winners are taking care of the planet and taking names. They are optimistic about our island’s future, as long as we all start with small positive changes.
What is your name and age?
Dominic Wall, age 28.
Job title or role in the community?
Assistant Manager in the Deloitte Isle of Man ESG Advisory and Assurance team.
How did you start your career or role in the community?
I started an internship with Anglorand Capital in my second year of university in Cape Town South Africa, before going on to join them full time after completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management. I then joined Capital International Group where I gained exposure to investment management and dealing which led me to the Isle of Man. In 2019, In the process of studying further to complete an investment management certificate, I came across a module on Environmental, Social and Governance “ESG” which really sparked my interest. I decided to focus on learning as much as I could about ESG and self-funded four sustainable finance and investment certificates over a three-year period and volunteered in the community. After gaining experience in ESG insights, impact investment, CleanTech industries; I am delighted to now work at Deloitte, assisting entities with ESG to mitigate risks and capitalise on significant opportunities to enhance society and the planet whilst creating long-term value.
Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?
One significant contribution that people often neglect to consider is how their savings are invested. The broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough, has aptly said that investing pension savings into fossil fuels is “crazy” as it supports industries that are threatening the future that pensions are saving for. According to Cushon: “The standard UK pension pot unwittingly finances an average of 23 tonnes of CO2 emissions – each year – through the businesses the pension invests in. It’s a staggering volume, equivalent to running either nine family cars or burning 1,100 coal fires annually, simply as a by-product of saving for retirement.”
Research on behalf of Make My Money Matter found redirecting your pension wealth could have 21 times the impact on your carbon emissions than going vegetarian or giving up flying. Sustainable investing seeks superior risk adjusted returns in the long-term while directing capital towards companies that prioritise people and the planet in addition to profit. As more people choose to invest their savings in sustainable investments, this will have a huge impact on how companies – specifically those seeking finance – will operate in terms of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors.
Have you experienced any hurdles in your career or community efforts and if so, how did you overcome them?
In 2020, I found myself living back in South Africa needing knee surgery after tearing my ACL for the second time. I was unemployed and aimless. Covid-19 lockdowns were initiated and, like many others, my mental health deteriorated. I eventually asked for help and by changing my lifestyle I was able to work towards goals which were meaningful to me. Books I found helpful were The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. I hope by sharing this it may inspire or give hope to anyone struggling with their mental health. By asking for help and making minor positive changes you really can achieve what you set out to do in life.
Who are your role models?
On the island – Charlotte Lewis and Jaime Amoedo are mentors I am lucky to have.
Off island – Sir David Attenborough, Professor Scott Galloway, Louis Theroux.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Nothing is as good or as bad as it seems. This advice has grounded me in times of uncertainty and stress.
What are your plans for the future?
Professionally, we have recently launched the Deloitte Climate Collective in the Isle of Man, our business-led ESG network supported by the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce. Our aim is to bring together communities and businesses to create a sustainable future and make a positive impact by enhancing environmental, social and governance developments. Register your interest via this link to receive our newsletter.
I look forward to assisting companies as much as possible with ESG advisory and assurance services in the future.
Personally, continuing to volunteer with Plastic Busters and learning more about beekeeping. Spending more time with my girlfriend, Sarah (who has been tremendously supportive over the years), friends and family. I would also like to improve my mountain biking and guitar skills.
What changes do you hope to see in your sector or community in the coming years?
I hope to see progress on carbon emissions reporting guidance in the Isle of Man. The Paris Agreement on climate change was formally extended to the Crown Dependencies on 22 March 2023 by the UK. We have committed to being net zero by 2050 but willing companies have little direction on how to disclose their emission from the relevant regulators. Development of sustainable finance regulation in the Isle of Man is also needed to direct capital towards projects we need to see exist in the world.
What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?
The networking benefits on the Isle of Man. It is so valuable having access to people from across industries and many decision makers. If you are persistent enough, some people are open to having a coffee with you. The island offers an excellent quality of life. Safety, healthcare, and access to the outdoors are things you cannot put a price on.
You must be logged in to post a comment.