As readers, we rarely stop to think about what actually brings someone to write a book—and what that process means for their family, their friends, their “village”. What we usually see is the final result, neatly placed on a bookshelf or glowing on our screens.

But sometimes, behind a great book, there’s an even more fascinating story. One of personal ambition. One of global purpose. One that reminds us that, yes, it takes a village not only to raise a child—but also to write a book.

And that’s the story I want to shine a light on today. By talking to Marlot.

About Marlot & me

Marlot and I go way back… all the way to the days when we were supposed to be competitors. She was heading sustainability at Ace & Tate—the cool, fast-growing eyewear brand based in Amsterdam. I was leading sustainability at GrandVision—what used to be the largest optical retailer in the world.

But the truth is, we were never rivals. We were always accomplices. And then friends. The kind that share long lunches in beautiful corners of the city—because let’s be honest, lunches are the most realistic option when you’re a working parent 🙂

Fast forward to today: Marlot is Sustainability Director at Karl Lagerfeld and a published author. Her book? De impactmissie (“The Impact Mission”). 

And me? A “newborn” founder of the sustainable link & co., grateful to now be the one interviewing her—not just to talk about the book (which you should absolutely buy), but to tell the story behind it.

Because if there’s one thing I love, it’s a good story. And trust me—she’s got one.

About Marlot & her impact mission

• Marlot, what inspired you to go on an impact mission—something so bold and “unstructured”—instead of choosing a more traditional path?

For years, I was ticking all the boxes—great roles, respected companies, clear career growth. But at some point, I felt a growing disconnect between my work and what I believed in. I started asking deeper questions: What kind of impact do I really want to have? Where can I make a difference that feels true to me? That’s when I knew I had to step off the beaten path. It wasn’t about rejecting structure for the sake of it—it was about making space to build something new. The mission became clear: to show that creating a positive impact and business can work together in a way that’s both ambitious and authentic.

• When did the idea to write ’De impactmissie’ first spark?

The idea to write ‘De impactmissie’ began when I realized there was a need for practical guidance on how to make sustainability work within the framework of a commercial organization.

I’ve been driven by the need to bridge the gap between business and sustainability. With my background in commercial economics, I understand that aligning sustainability with business objectives is crucial. But this alignment isn’t just about theory; it’s about finding common ground between what everyone wants—a better future—and how we can make that future possible within the boundaries of a commercial organization.

Through guest lecturing and conversations with professionals in my network, I came to see that many of us were facing similar challenges—challenges that go beyond any sector. These challenges are often rooted in resistance, resistance to change, to new ways of thinking. 

Moreover, I learned how much we could learn from each other if we shared our lessons and experiences. That was the turning point for me. I wanted to write something that could sit on someone’s desk and help them move forward. So I gathered everything I’d learned—failures, wins, lessons from others—and shaped it into something real. That’s how De impactmissie was born.

• What’s something people don’t realize about writing a book?

One thing people often don’t realize about writing a book is how much unravelling it takes—before the writing even begins. For me ‘De impactmissie’ wasn’t just about sharing what I had learned; it became a way to peel back all the layers of what makes sustainability so complex in a commercial world. I kept asking: Why doesn’t this work? What’s underneath that resistance? And through deep conversations with peers—like you, Darina—who were navigating similar challenges, I started to see patterns emerge. The book is my attempt to make those insights accessible. It’s not a manual with all the answers, but a practical, honest guide for anyone trying to drive impact from the inside out. It shows that sustainability and business don’t have to be at odds—and that you can move things forward without losing yourself in the process.

• And what about promoting it—what caught you off guard there?

What caught me off guard was how vulnerable it felt to promote something so personal. Writing the book was already a deep process, but putting it out into the world—sharing it, talking about it, asking people to read it— takes a different kind of courage. I also realized that promoting a book about impact isn’t about selling a product, it’s about opening a conversation. A conversation about building resilience and empowering others to take action.

• You dedicated your book to your daughter. What kind of future do you dream of for her—and future generations?

I dream of a world where we remember that we are nature—not separate from it. 

I hope she grows up in a world where we no longer see sustainability as a ‘project,’ but as something fully woven into how we live, work, and lead. Where business doesn’t just extract, but regenerates. Where we measure success not only in profit, but in well-being, equality, and balance. I want her to live in a society that works like an ecosystem—where people support each other like trees in a forest. That kind of care and interdependence should be at the heart of our systems and communities.

Creating De impactmissie is my small contribution to that vision. And what made it even more meaningful was that the generation before me—my mother—illustrated the book. To have her illustrations woven into the pages felt like bridging generations. 

• How can we, as readers and change-makers, use your book to help create that future?
  

The book is a practical and honest guide for anyone working toward change—especially now, when sustainability often risks becoming just a compliance exercise. With shifting political winds and fluctuating external pressure, it’s more important than ever to act from intrinsic motivation and build a business case—one rooted in values and a commercial framework. It offers tools, reflections, and real stories to help you navigate resistance, stay close to your purpose, and take consistent steps that lead to lasting impact. 

• If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about starting their own impact mission, what would it be?

Start before you feel ready—because waiting for the perfect moment often means never starting at all. Creating impact isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about being willing to learn, experiment, and adapt along the way.

Focus on where your purpose meets real-world business challenges. That’s where the magic happens—when you can link your intrinsic motivation to commercial relevance. And know this: you’re not alone. There’s a whole network of professionals navigating the same complexities. Find them, exchange ideas, share what works (and what doesn’t), and grow together. Because change is never a solo mission—it’s something we build collectively.

Conclusion:

Stories matter. They remind us why we do what we do—and who we do it for.

Marlot’s journey is not just about writing a book. It’s about daring to ask big questions, make bold moves, and keep going, even when the mission feels messy and uncertain.

In a world full of surface-level noise, De impactmissie invites us to go deeper. To act with purpose. To embrace complexity. And to believe that our small, consistent steps can ripple outward in big, unexpected ways.

And maybe, just maybe… change the world.

P.S. You can order your copy of Marlot’s book here.

Author: Darina Elencheva, Founder & Sustainable Business Transformation Strategist at the sustainable link & co.