This personal anecdote explores how the stages of physiological shock mirror the emotional and cognitive strain many development professionals now experience. It asks whether what we’ve come to label as “apathy” is, in fact, a natural response to prolonged exposure to global emergencies, institutional inertia, and the relentless urgency that defines our work. Ultimately, this is not a story about resignation, but about recalibration and finding pathways back to clarity, purpose, and engagement in a world that increasingly demands numbness from those working to improve it.

Businesses are increasingly facing climate risks, evolving regulations, and shifting market expectations. As I build a consulting practice focused on climate adaptation and sustainable business strategy, I want to tailor my services to what you actually need. Your input in this short survey will shape practical, targeted offerings and shape the tools, partnerships, and offerings I create next. My goal is to co-design solutions that make sustainability and resilience into your core strategy accessible, actionable, and meaningful for businesses of all sizes.

FIGA was born from the recognition that the principles guiding empowerment and sustainability in humanitarian and development contexts hold profound relevance for the private sector. What follows is the story of how these lessons, combined with a personal legacy of resilience, courage and determination, became the foundation of a method designed to bridge sectors, unlock opportunities, and stronger connections between sectors.