Impact Interview: Darja Markek

Name: Darja Markek

Role/Function: Strategic Initiatives Manager, Impact Transformation Program, B Lab Global

What are you working on these days?

It’s a really exciting time at B Lab — we’ve just published new standards after more than four years of work. They mark a significant step forward for how businesses can contribute meaningfully to people and the planet and we're thrilled that they're out in the world!

For the last year and a half, I’ve been part of a team focusing on how we amplify the new standards and support businesses to meet them in the coming years. Alongside the standards, we’ve also launched a new self-assessment tool and a redesigned certification experience is on the way. It’s been a huge undertaking and it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to share it!

What was the “aha” moment that sparked your interest in social and environmental impact? 

I don’t think there was one big lightbulb moment for me — it’s more something that’s always been there in the background. Even as a child, I loved being outdoors and in nature, and I think that gave me a sense of wanting to take care of the world around me. I’ve always liked the idea of leaving things better than I found them.

Over time, my understanding of impact has evolved. Early on in my career, I was drawn to direct, community-based work, seeing change happen up close and feeling connected to the people it affected. As time went on, I found myself wanting to understand the systems that shape those outcomes and how change could happen at scale. I still value the immediacy of local action but now I’m also motivated by the quieter, structural shifts that can unlock long-term progress.

I’ve come to realize that impact isn’t always about the loudest or most visible change. Sometimes it’s about planting seeds and trusting that they’ll grow, even if I’m not the one to see the results.

How did you break into the impact space? What career advice would you give to professionals who are just starting out or looking to transition?

While studying for my Master’s in Global Migration, I was very lucky to do an internship at Women for Refugee Women, a non-profit organization based in London. It gave me the opportunity to learn about how an advocacy organization worked and get a taste of the kind of work I might like to do. Later, I was able to translate that experience to my first social impact job — another non-profit in London that worked on similar issues with a focus on supporting the local community.

There are so many exciting things happening in the impact space right now. My advice would be to follow your curiosity and see where it leads. Talk to people whose work interests and inspires you. I first learned about B Corp by attending a webinar for female entrepreneurs. I didn’t expect to come away with a new framework for thinking about business impact and even less so with a new career path to explore. My career hasn't been linear and I've found that every step on the way (especially the unexpected ones) can open up something exciting.

Working in impact is often about driving change. What is the skill or trait that has been most important for your work as a change agent? How did you learn or hone it?

I love this question! For me, it’s been learning how to clarify the outcomes we’re aiming for — asking things like: What are we trying to achieve? How will we know we’ve been successful? What kind of ripple effects might this work create? And from there, figuring out the best way forward, weighing up the trade-offs of different approaches.

That hasn’t always come naturally. In many of my earlier roles, the focus was on delivery — juggling multiple competing (and always urgent!) priorities. But I’ve learned that stepping back to understand the bigger picture helps me stay focused and intentional about the work.

I’ve honed this skill gradually, mostly through trial and error. There have definitely been times where I’ve gone deep into a piece of work only to realise I didn’t ask enough questions at the start. Those moments can be frustrating but they’ve also been some of the most valuable learning opportunities.

What most excites you about the impact space right now?

One thing that really excites me is seeing sustainability become part of everyday decision-making rather than being treated as something separate. I love the idea behind campaigns that say “every job is a climate job” — it’s a powerful reminder that no matter your role, you can be part of the solution. It shifts the focus from individual effort to collective responsibility, which feels much more hopeful and achievable.

I’m also seeing more organizations being open about where they’re struggling and willing to share what they’re learning along the way. That kind of transparency helps create a culture where progress feels possible — even when the answers aren’t clear yet. That gives me a lot of energy and optimism for what lies ahead.

This season, our Impact Interviews series features members of the Change Hub, our membership community for busy sustainable business professionals. Tap into trainings, tools and a trusted network of fellow impact practitioners (including Darja!) by JOINING US HERE.