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5 questions for Constance Mathieu, Advisor Sustainable IT at Paradigm

In a world where technological innovation is advancing at breakneck speed, how can we reconcile digital performance with environmental and social responsibilities? Constance Mathieu, Advisor Sustainable IT at Paradigm, supports Brussels administrations in their transition to a more ethical, sustainable and human-centred digital environment. Coming from the world of ecological transformation, she has made digital technology a lever for positive impact. Meet a committed woman who proves that technology can also go hand in hand with conscience.

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  1. What made you want to get involved in sustainable IT?

Before joining Paradigm, I was already working on ecological transition issues. Digital technology came quite naturally: it is unavoidable in all areas of our lives, bringing opportunities but also challenges that cannot be ignored. What appealed to me was the idea of putting technology at the service of meaning, questioning its use and our relationship with it, and making it a driver of positive change rather than just a performance tool.

  1. Can you tell us about your career path and what led you to your current role at Paradigm?

I started my career in the public sector, working in communications and marketing. I then moved on to consulting and change management roles for hospitals. The healthcare sector was undergoing profound organisational change, and the challenges in terms of managerial support, quality of life at work and organisation were significant. Following this experience, I trained in environmental issues and then launched my own independent consulting business. I worked with citizen groups and supported a variety of projects in companies and local authorities. Today, at Paradigm, I find myself following the same path: convincing, facilitating change and helping to put sustainability and people at the heart of concerns. Sustainable IT is not just a matter of technical solutions; above all, it is a story of acculturation, motivation and people. That is what motivates me. And then, working for the public service, serving citizens, has always been very meaningful to me.

  1. What achievement are you most proud of?

I would say the Sustainable IT Deployment Kit. Even though there is still work to be done, it is already a great success. This Kit is the culmination of a collective investment and demonstrates that what we bring to Paradigm is not just technical expertise. Our added value is our method and our comprehensive approach: we take change into account in all its dimensions—tools, processes, and also the human dimension. For me, this Kit sums up what we do best: raising awareness, experimenting, and taking action by listening to the needs on the ground. It's this combination of practical action and systemic thinking that makes me most proud.

  1. What are the major challenges for a more sustainable digital world today?

In my opinion, the biggest challenge is reflexivity. Learning not to rush headlong into every new innovation, but to question its purpose and impacts: environmental, social and societal, geopolitical... It's difficult to take a step back from the technological frenzy, and we tend to marvel at every new innovation without always assessing its consequences. Fortunately, I feel that things are changing: there is growing awareness of the digital footprint and its darker side – rampant energy consumption, our dependence on digital giants and the risks this poses to our sovereignty, the impact of social media on mental health and democracy, etc. Citizens and institutions alike are beginning to realise that digital technology has a very real footprint — and that we need to act now.

  1. As a woman in tech, how do you feel about your career path? What message would you like to convey?

In the field of Sustainable IT, there is more diversity than in other branches of tech. However, I have sometimes found myself leading workshops where I was the only woman, which can be surprising. This motivates me to continue showing that it is possible to find your place in tech, even if you come from a different background.

My message? Don't be afraid to take the plunge. Digital technology should not be a space reserved for technical experts. With curiosity and motivation, anyone can learn, understand and contribute. Above all, diversity of backgrounds and perspectives is a valuable asset: it helps everyone progress.

 

Thank you to Constance for this inspiring conversation, which shows that a more sustainable digital world is not built solely with lines of code, but with conviction, listening and a true vision of society.

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