Lessons from a battle-tested project manager
Having managed my fair share of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting projects, I've seen it all, maybe not all… but certainly I've learned firsthand how a little bit of careful planning and a lot of collaboration can turn what feels like an overwhelming process into a genuinely rewarding one. Over the years, our team at Red Rocket Creative has hit a few bumps and implemented improvements that really make a difference. Now, we’ve got a well-established process that streamlines the whole project, and honestly, we get better at it every year.
My biggest lesson? Proper planning makes all the difference. Here’s my playbook:
- Clearly define project scope, design expectations, report length, and key dates
- Start your asset collection early: Successful ESG reporting begins with gathering all necessary data, images and brand assets (such as guidelines, logos, design references) from the start.
- Structure the report before you start writing: There’s a lot of information to report on, so agreeing on a structure before anyone starts writing is key. It makes content development smoother and saves your designers from a meltdown.
- Label your files like you mean it. Well-prepared content files with simple design instructions, references, and image notes are a designer’s dream. It streamlines production and keeps everyone happy.
- Organized assets: Creating separate folders really helps. For example, the content for each report section should be labelled: photographs, tables, and graphs. This makes it easier for everyone involved to locate resources efficiently.
- Consolidated feedback: Using tools like Adobe commenting ensures feedback is streamlined, which reduces confusion and eliminates lost edits. For complex feedback, I prefer to schedule one-on-one meetings to foster constructive discussion.
- On the client side, establish one key contact. This is a lifesaver. Assigning a single point person who is responsible for collecting and consolidating feedback from all reviewers before sending it to the agency avoids duplicate feedback and contradictions. Trust me, it’s worth it.
- Sticking to the schedule: Teams following timelines and communicating about any necessary changes early help reduce last-minute surprises.
Of course, no project is flawless:
- Splitting sections for simultaneous editing can speed up collaboration, but may complicate narrative development for writers. It's important to balance efficiency with coherence.
- When clients send new edits before old ones are processed, it’s a recipe for chaos. Submitting multiple proof files and back-to-back emails just creates confusion, increases the risk of missed changes, and ramps up the stress for everyone. Pro tip: only one proof should be in circulation at a time.
- Scattered feedback channels (PDFs, emails, chats, etc.) and a dozen different stakeholders trying to direct changes is a nightmare. Establishing one official feedback method and appointing a single project owner to consolidate input ensures clarity and keeps the project from going off the rails.
- Delayed thorough review, some clients treat multiple proof rounds as a chance to be relaxed at the start, postponing careful review until the final stages. This often results in a surge of last-minute text changes, which can prolong timelines, increase revision workload, and make it harder to maintain report quality and consistency.
Best Practices for ESG Project Managers:
- Set clear, shared instructions for providing feedback and encourage a unified tool for comments.
- Allow clients and stakeholders enough time for thoughtful reviews, but stay adaptable when schedules shift.
- Maintain well-organized shared folders, labelling every asset clearly from the start.
- Don't hesitate to hold meetings when tough issues arise—live discussion is often the fastest route to a solution.
- Monitor the project plan closely, and communicate changes promptly to avoid surprises.
- Above all, practice patience and respect: everyone involved wants to be proud of the final report!
Personal Reflection
Seeing improved ESG reporting processes come together is genuinely satisfying. When projects are less stressful and collaboration is strong, both the team and clients feel proud of the results. Each successful project boosts confidence and sets a higher standard for the ones to come.
Ready to make your next ESG report a success?
At Red Rocket Creative, we bring proven copywriting, creative design, project management and dedicated collaboration to every ESG reporting project. If you’re looking for a partner to help you navigate the process, ensure smooth execution, and deliver a final report you can be proud of, reach out to us today. Let’s create something impactful together.
Biggest Lesson:
Great ESG reports aren’t just about beautiful design or well-written copy—they’re about teamwork, learning from experience, and the discipline to keep improving every step of the way.
Proof of our process is a happy client:
Your professionalism, reliability and responsiveness has been the best we have experienced in this process, by a significant margin. It has been an absolute pleasure to have partnered with you and the product you’ve helped us create is something we can all be incredibly proud of.
Brandis Bruyere
Director, Sustainability Performance - West Fraser