Damilola Adeyanju, Systems Programme Manager, Amsterdam

August 1, 2025 3 min read

Welcome to our employee interview series. Read on for a glimpse into what working at Climate Group looks like.

Why Climate Group?

I wanted to work for Climate Group for their ability to convene diverse stakeholders across governments and businesses, turning dialogue into action. The breadth of the organisation's network and strategic focus on unlocking systemic change at scale and speed stood out to me.

Coming from a background in energy and sustainability, I’ve long believed that real climate progress depends on coordinated, cross-sector action. Climate Group’s mission deeply resonated with me when I made the decision to join the team, especially as the window to act on the climate crisis continues to narrow.

I wanted to be part of a team that understands the urgency, works with the levers of change, and brings the credibility, networks, and systems thinking needed to deliver impact at scale. For me, it’s not just about working on climate, it’s about helping shape the frameworks and partnerships that make net zero achievable. And Climate Group is uniquely positioned to do just that.

What does a regular day look like for you as a Systems Programme Manager?

As a Systems Programme Manager based in our Amsterdam office, I sit within the Energy Systems team but also collaborate closely with colleagues in the Industry team and our Governments & Policy team - particularly on building decarbonisation. My role involves managing and delivering a range of projects. I work on a dynamic mix of project management, systems thinking, policy insight, and stakeholder engagement. 

I find it exciting to operate at the intersection of energy, buildings, and industry - understanding how these systems link together and how we can enable collaborative action. On any given day, I might be convening expert workshops, coordinating technical advisory groups, facilitating high-level roundtables, or managing data collection to facilitate report insights.

What do you enjoy most about working at Climate Group?

The people, no question. It’s rare to find a work environment that blends purpose, collaboration, and action so seamlessly. I’ve had the privilege of working with colleagues who not only bring expertise, but also share a genuine commitment to challenging the status quo and accelerating real progress.

I also have a supportive line manager who actively encourages my personal development and listens to my ideas and approach. That kind of leadership has made my experience here truly enjoyable and has enriched my day-to-day work.

I also love being part of high-impact, visible initiatives that offer exposure to a diverse and forward-thinking network. Having relationships with innovators in the private sector, policy makers, and global thought leaders gives me first-hand insights into emerging trends across the energy and climate space.

What have you learnt from your time here?

I’ve learned a lot, but one of the most powerful lessons has been the true value of convening to solve the climate crisis. When you bring the right stakeholders into the room and align them around a shared agenda, real transformation becomes possible. I’ve witnessed this through the impact our team consistently delivers, especially in shaping policy dialogues and influencing change at both national and international levels.

I’ve also learned to better navigate the space between global policy and local implementation, a space that requires systems thinking. Working across energy and industry has shown me how essential cross-sector collaboration is. The climate transition doesn’t happen in silos and the more we connect people, data, and decision-making across value chains, the more powerful and lasting the outcomes can be.

Who or what inspires you in your work?

What inspires me most is seeing the tangible impact of our work. I love seeing the passion and resilience of our partners from local governments to industry actors who show what’s possible when bold action meets collaboration. It’s incredibly motivating to know that what we do contributes to real change. 

How do you stay motivated to keep driving climate action, fast?

For me, climate action is deeply personal. It’s an existential challenge that transcends borders and the impacts are already visible. Whether it’s droughts in the Horn of Africa, floods displacing communities in Asia, or heatwaves scorching cities across Europe, the climate crisis doesn’t recognise geography. The cost of inaction is enormous. 

That truth reminds me that while the challenge is immense, I have both the opportunity and the responsibility to help shape the solution. The collaboration, systems thinking, and tangible outcomes we deliver make it clear that our work truly matters. The vision of a cleaner, more sustainable planet keeps me going.

Climate Group , Europe Office at Climate Week NYC, Sept 2024

Climate Group, Europe Office at Climate Week NYC, September 2024