Why I Don't Pay for Awards

5 days ago

2 min read

Illustration of a founder at her desk in early morning light, opening an email on her laptop with a cup of chai beside her

This morning I woke up like many other founders do - a little confused, yet deeply motivated.

Running a company alone, without much support, is both a privilege and a test of patience. Every day begins with the same question in my mind: what can I create today that moves things forward?

The email that dropped this morning

Between the usual morning chores, an email dropped on my phone: an invitation to be featured in a well-known business magazine's list of self-made women.

For a moment, I felt an immense rush of joy. Years ago, before turning 30, I had a quiet dream to someday make it to a 30 Under 30 list.

What I've learned about recognition

But as I spent more time in the professional world, I slowly understood something important: many recognitions that arrive in your inbox are not always editorial acknowledgments - they are paid PR opportunities.

Over time, I've received several emails inviting me to accept awards or recognitions. I chose not to pursue them.

Illustration of a trophy with a price tag hanging from it, next to a sealed envelope

Recognition should come from the work you build, the value you create, and the trust people place in you - not from the money you pay to receive it.

The quieter kind of validation

Running Sustainability 101 has taught me that real validation comes in quieter ways:

When a participant tells me a workshop changed how they understand climate and ESG.

When a company trusts us with their ESG and sustainability journey.

When someone chooses to learn with us because they believe in what we are building.

Those moments may not come with trophies or magazine pages, but they mean far more.

So today, like every other day, I'll get back to building. Slowly. Patiently. Authentically. Because the goal was never just recognition. The goal has always been impact.