Sustainability Management: Achieving ESG Goals | Alex Maniatopoulos from Yodiwo

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All right, everyone. Welcome back to Pathmonk Presents. Today, we are here with Alex Maniatopoulos, CEO of Yodiwo.

Alex, it’s an honor to have you on the show. How are you doing today?

Alex Maniatopoulos: I’m fine, Rick. Thank you for having me here.

Rick: Of course. So Alex, I just gave a quick intro and mentioned your company’s name, but we always prefer to hear directly from the source. Can you tell us a little bit about Yodiwo? What’s at the heart of what your company does, and how would you describe it to someone new?

Alex: First of all, you pronounced the name very well—it’s Yodiwo with a Swedish accent because our roots are from Sweden.

For those who don’t know, Yodiwo stands for “Your Digital World.” We are a forward-thinking technology company at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. We specialize in creating cloud-based software tools that empower organizations to achieve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals while optimizing operations and reducing costs by managing facilities and equipment more effectively.

Today, our flagship product suite is called Yodifem, which stands for Yodiwo Full ESG Management Platform. Yodifem is designed to simplify ESG compliance, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce the operating costs of facilities.

Rick: Interesting. So, in a nutshell, you help companies become more efficient. I’m sure that appeals to everyone, but I’m also curious—do you have a specific industry or ideal customer profile (ICP) that you serve best?

Alex: To answer that, I need to mention the regulatory landscape in Europe.

Starting in 2025, large companies—those with a turnover of more than 50 million—will be required to report according to the European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) standards. These standards define key performance indicators for environmental, social, and governance aspects of a business.

From this perspective, our tool functions like an ERP system that can be used by any industry. Essentially, we help companies streamline their ESG strategy and reporting processes.

That said, while our platform is industry-agnostic, our current customers mainly come from three sectors:

• Industrial customers (metallurgy, energy generation)
• Hospitality (large hotel chains)
• Retail

However, we are also in discussions with major medical organizations in Southeast Europe, including hospitals, and we are adapting our platform to their needs.

Rick: That’s interesting. Let’s say I’m in the manufacturing sector and I need a software solution like yours. How would I go about finding Yodiwo? And what are your top acquisition channels?

Alex: Our client acquisition strategy is a mix of different engagement approaches and strategic partnerships that align with our B2B focus.

1. Strategic partnerships – We collaborate with major consulting firms specializing in energy management and sustainability, such as PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG, as well as smaller consulting firms.
2. System integrators – We work with experienced integrators in energy efficiency and optimization, including companies like VolkerWessels in the Netherlands and GlobalSat in Greece, where our product development team is based.
3. Industry events and trade shows – We actively participate in sustainability panels and industry conferences.
4. Business networks – We engage with professional organizations that help promote our solutions.
5. Customer referrals and case studies – We leverage testimonials and real-world examples to expand our network.
6. Digital marketing – We run targeted campaigns, webinars, and thought leadership content focused on ESG and IoT solutions.
7. Value-added resellers – We are building an international network of partners who can use our products to deliver end-to-end solutions.

Rick: It sounds like you’ve got your bases covered! I was particularly impressed by your partnerships with the Big Five.

At Pathmonk, we always say that one of the biggest partners in your strategy is your website. Do you see your website playing a big role in client acquisition? Do you think it has any standout strengths or areas for improvement?

Alex: Definitely. Our website plays a crucial role in our client acquisition strategy. It serves as both the first point of contact and a comprehensive resource hub.

First impressions matter—our website is often the first interaction potential clients have with Yodiwo. If they find clear, engaging, and relevant information, it builds brand credibility and encourages them to reach out.

Our website also serves as an educational platform for those new to ESG regulations. Many visitors are still learning about ESG compliance and strategy, so we aim to provide valuable insights to guide them.

Another key aspect is showcasing success stories. We highlight real-world results, return on investment, and the confidence our clients have in us. And lastly, our website acts as a gateway for partnerships, which are a critical part of our growth strategy.

Rick: That makes sense. You also mentioned partnerships and success stories earlier. That tells me that social proof and connection are major drivers for your business.

People buy from people, and having strong case studies and testimonials is huge. Aside from that, do you have any specific tips or tools that you’ve found useful in improving website conversions?

Alex: One of the most important things is making sure visitors immediately recognize how we solve the specific challenges they face.

ESG and energy management are complex, and organizations handle enormous amounts of data. Our website needs to clearly communicate how we simplify that process.

We also tailor content for different audiences—whether it’s an end customer, a consultant, or a potential partner. Each group has different needs, and our messaging reflects that.

Additionally, we use best practices like lead magnets, sandbox access, and rewards for survey participation. These encourage engagement and help us guide prospects into deeper conversations.

Rick: That’s a smart approach—getting close to your users and truly understanding their needs.

Okay, I want to switch gears and talk about you as a leader. What does a typical day look like for you?

Alex: I see my role as being a servant leader—my job is to remove obstacles for my team so they can perform at their best.

My days are filled with strategic planning, team leadership, client engagement, and ensuring our execution remains sharp across all business units. I work closely with sales, business development, and marketing while also keeping an eye on product innovation.

There’s also a financial side—making sure the company remains healthy, assessing risks, and planning for growth.

And of course, outside of regular work hours, I represent Yodiwo at networking events and conferences. These often extend into late evenings, but they’re valuable and enjoyable.

I do wish I had more time for personal activities like reading and exercise. That’s something I plan to improve this year.

Rick: Sounds like you wear a lot of hats!

Okay, let’s wrap up with some rapid-fire questions. Short and crisp answers only. Ready?

Alex: Yes, let’s go!

Rick: What’s the last book you read?

Alex: Measure What Matters by John Doerr.

Rick: What’s one thing your company is focused on right now?

Alex: Global expansion—West Europe, the Nordics, and the Middle East.

Rick: If there were no boundaries in technology, what’s one thing you’d want for your role?

Alex: An AI-powered decision-making assistant that synthesizes massive amounts of data and provides real-time insights.

Rick: What’s one piece of advice you’d give yourself if you were starting over?

Alex: Build a strong, adaptable team from day one. Success is all about the people.

Rick: Great way to close! Alex, thanks for being here.

Alex: My pleasure. Thank you, Rick.

Rick: Bye, everyone!