Kim Jeanneret, Chief Financial Officer, BioPak
Amidst the bustling rhythms of a metropolis, where the clinking of coffee cups and the hum of urban life harmonize, there exists a silent revolution—a journey embarked upon by Kim Jeanneret, a trailblazer weaving through the currents of sustainability. Picture a young girl, Kim, with dirt-stained hands and a heart brimming with curiosity, tending to a humble vegetable patch under the sun-kissed skies of her childhood home. Little did she know, that those tender roots planted in the soil would blossom into a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
From Fast Fashion to Sustainable Finance
Kim’s career journey began in the rigorous world of chartered accounting, where she built a strong foundation in financial practices. However, her passion for problem-solving and working with diverse teams soon led her to the dynamic field of commercial accounting. Achieving her CPA, Kim embraced the fast-paced environment, where she could help different business areas navigate their financial landscapes.
Kim shares, “I started working in a chartered accounting firm, and while it gave me a good foundation in practice, I quickly moved to commercial accounting and subsequently did my CPA. I like the challenge of problem-solving in a fast-paced environment working with people across different business areas, discovering their needs and helping them make decisions.”
Her tenure as the Finance and Operations Manager at a fashion brand, however, became a turning point. Confronted with the environmental damage caused by fast fashion, Kim could no longer ignore the dissonance between her work and her values. She boldly decided to resign, even without another job lined up, determined to find a role that aligned with her principles. Growing up with a vegetable garden, fruit trees, and solar panels, sustainability was not just an abstract concept for Kim—it was a way of life.
As if by fate, the opportunity at BioPak emerged at precisely the right moment. The company’s mission to eliminate waste resonated deeply with Kim, and she joined them when BioPak was still a young startup. The rapid growth and daily learning experiences reignited her passion for innovation and sustainability. Five years on, Kim still feels the excitement of her first day, driven by the continuous opportunities to learn and grow.
Merging Financial Success with Environmental Goals
BioPak’s mission is clear: to create a world without waste. For Kim, achieving financial success is not about profits at any cost but about making a positive environmental impact. BioPak’s strategies, including mergers, acquisitions, and geographical expansion, are designed with long-term sustainability in mind.
One strategy in achieving this mission is acquiring companies like Huskee, a reusable cup manufacturer, allowing BioPak to scale sustainable solutions to broader markets. As a profit-for-purpose business, BioPak commits 5% of its profits to environmental and community initiatives. For instance, their partnership with MedEarth repurposes medical supplies as humanitarian aid, aligning financial success with their mission to protect the environment.
In discussing the alignment of financial goals with environmental mission, Kim explains, “Our financial goal is not to make money at all costs. Our mission is to have a world without waste, and we help all stakeholders align with this vision, enabling them to grow and be financially successful whilst pushing them to be the best in their industry.”
As the Chief Financial Officer at BioPak Pty Ltd, Kim plays a crucial role in aligning the company’s financial strategies with its environmental mission.
Leadership and Personal Growth: Shaping Kim’s Journey
Kim’s journey in leadership has been shaped by invaluable lessons and challenges. Her early inclination towards leadership was evident when she managed an international food franchise at just 16. In her professional career, she quickly rose to a senior role, where a Managing Director’s advice reshaped her understanding of leadership.
“At the beginning of my career, I secured a relatively senior role and I received one of the best pieces of advice from the MD,” Kim recalls. “He helped me understand that people have different challenges and priorities and that being a leader is not just about completing the task at hand.”
At BioPak, Kim fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Regular team meetings and open forums encourage the exchange of ideas, empowering the team to explore new processes and automation methods. This collaborative environment allows for risk-taking and learning from both successes and failures, driving BioPak’s success. Kim also emphasizes the importance of balancing professional and personal life. She meticulously plans her schedule, prioritizes self-care through physical exercise, and enjoys podcasts on technology and AI, integrating these insights into her role and personal growth.
Legacy of Empowerment and Accountability
Kim Jeanneret aims to leave a legacy that empowers women and leverages technology for sustainable practices. She is passionate about inspiring women to take on leadership roles and ensuring equal representation in decision-making positions. Despite progress, women still hold only 35.1% of key management roles in Australia, a statistic Kim is determined to change.
“I’d like to do two things – empower females to be strong leaders and implement innovative tech that holds us accountable,” Kim emphasized.
Moreover, Kim is committed to integrating smart technology to enhance accountability and drive sustainable business practices. This focus on innovation benefits not only BioPak but also its partners, ensuring a broader impact. Kim’s journey from chartered accounting to leading financial operations at BioPak highlights the power of aligning one’s career with personal values.
Reflecting on her career, Kim celebrates every step of her journey. Her decision to leave the fast fashion industry, driven by her commitment to sustainability, is a move she cherishes. It reinforced her belief in aligning professional pursuits with personal values, and through her leadership, she continues to inspire others to embrace sustainable practices and drive meaningful change in the business world.