Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Sardar Azimov Of Skief Labs Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Martita Mestey
Embarking on this project, I wish I had a clearer understanding of the intricate journey ahead. Initially, I thought my engineering background had given me a solid foundation in sustainability. However, practical application required a deeper, more nuanced understanding. This was especially true while I juggled my business responsibilities and learning new things.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sardar AZIMOV.
Sardar Azimov, founder of Skief Labs, is renowned for his expertise in business growth outbound marketing. A family man and passionate entrepreneur, he balances his professional pursuits with his love for marathon running. Embodying dedication and strategy in both business and athletics, Sardar’s journey encapsulates his commitment to personal growth and environmental sustainability.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
Growing up without a strong focus on sports, I found running later in life as a means to maintain my health. This new hobby not only improved my fitness but also instilled a sense of discipline and organization in me. Balancing running with parenthood and a bustling career wasn’t easy, but it brought unexpected benefits. The solitude of long runs provided valuable time for introspection, aiding my decision-making in business and contributing significantly to my personal growth.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
In 2025, I will be participating in the World Marathon Challenge, a personally driven initiative aimed at addressing the environmental impact of sports-related travel. This endeavor, which consists of running seven marathons across seven continents in seven days, is not just a testament to physical endurance but also a call for greater environmental responsibility within the athletic community. The goal is to use this challenge as a powerful platform to raise global awareness about the ecological footprint of sports events.
Through collaboration with sponsor brands and environmental charities in each marathon location, including my home country, we aim to raise at least $10,000 for each cause. My core mission is to foster a shift toward sustainable giving among runners and event organizers, inspiring athletes and sports institutions worldwide to embrace eco-friendly approaches.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
The environmental impact of my marathon travels ignited my passion for sustainability. This realization came into sharp focus against my childhood commitment to resource conservation. Growing up, I was always mindful of the importance of preserving our planet’s resources. This ethos stayed with me into adulthood. As I got more into marathon running, I traveled to races in different places. I realized the environmental impact of these activities. This awareness galvanized my desire to find a balance. I want to pursue my athletic ambitions while upholding my commitment to environmental stewardship.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
My “Aha Moment” crystallized while reading William MacAskill’s “What We Owe the Future.” It struck me profoundly that impactful actions, like donating to the right causes, could far outweigh the lifetime sum of smaller environmental efforts. This shifted my focus to meaningful contributions. It encouraged me to find initiatives that offer significant environmental benefits.
Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
To start my project, I first measured the carbon footprint of my marathon travels this year, which amounted to around 900kg of CO2. I was inspired by Kilian Jornet’s partnership with Climeworks, and decided to follow suit, arranging to offset my own emissions from the four marathons I ran, including Houston and Boston. It became clear that balancing my passion for running with my commitment to the environment would be crucial, leading me to this sustainable initiative.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
While preparing for the World Marathon Challenge, I engaged with experts on sustainability topics, specifically regarding sustainable reforestation and carbon footprint estimations related to travel. I contacted authors of intriguing studies for insights about my project. Their openness and willingness to discuss their research, despite their busy schedules, were quite remarkable and enlightening. This experience highlighted the collaborative spirit in the scientific and environmental community.
It has been said, that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from that?
When I first began my sustainability journey, I naively believed I could easily quantify the environmental impact of a major event like the New York Marathon with a few quick online searches. As I dove deeper, I was amused to find myself entangled in the complexities of carbon emissions calculations. Each provider had their unique methodology. It dawned on me that this wasn’t a simple arithmetic problem, but a scientific challenge. It required significant expertise to navigate. This experience was eye-opening. It highlighted the need for clearer information and education. It empowers individuals to become proactive in environmental stewardship. It taught me that making a real difference begins with understanding the intricate realities of the problems we aim to solve.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
I have had no personal mentors. However, I’ve been deeply inspired by the actions of world-class trail runners like Kilian Jornet and Xavier Thevenard. Their commitment reminds us that significant environmental stewardship can start with a single, strong personal resolution. Observing Xavier’s and Kilian’s purposeful strides towards environmental conservation has greatly influenced my approach. I aim to merge endurance sports with ecological responsibility. Their passion has shaped my endeavors. It also underscores the importance of individual action in the broader environmental landscape.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
The sports community can advocate for and adopt sustainable practices within all levels of sports. This will address the root of the problem in the environmental impact of sports travel. Society can play a crucial role by educating people about environmental stewardship. Politicians can support legislation that encourages or mandates eco-friendly initiatives. In addition, individuals and organizations can actively participate in or financially support projects that work towards sustainability in sports and beyond.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
Sustainability isn’t just an ethical choice; it can become a smart business strategy. By adopting eco-friendly practices, businesses can enjoy enhanced brand reputation and access to the growing eco-conscious consumer market willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. A shift towards sustainability can also spur innovation, leading to the development of unique products that meet the rising demand for green alternatives. In sports, this could translate to sustainable merchandise, eco-friendly event management, and responsible travel options for teams and supporters alike, tapping into the same lucrative consumer base that prioritizes environmental consciousness.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
Embarking on this project, I wish I had a clearer understanding of the intricate journey ahead. Initially, I thought my engineering background had given me a solid foundation in sustainability. However, practical application required a deeper, more nuanced understanding. This was especially true while I juggled my business responsibilities and learning new things.
Transitioning into future fundraising, I underestimated the breadth of skills and effort needed. The task is not just about having a noble cause. It involved detailed strategizing, compelling storytelling, and a robust network.
Criticism was another unexpected teacher. Advocating for environmental causes while participating in the World Marathon Challenge opened me up to scrutiny. I learned the importance of transparency and ensuring each initiative had a clear, positive impact.
Finding trustworthy partners proved to be a maze of its own. One key revelation was the ineffectiveness of many REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects certified by the world’s leading carbon offset provider, Verra. This discovery was a crucial turning point, underscoring the importance of rigorous vetting and selection of environmental initiatives. It highlighted the challenge of navigating a space where financial incentives sometimes overshadow genuine impact, emphasizing the need for greater scrutiny and commitment to truly impactful environmental actions.
Lastly, the process of making donations needed to be simplified. We needed a streamlined, user-friendly system to ensure that donor goodwill translated efficiently into action. We are aiming to partner with the world’s leading technological platform focused on fundraising for charities to simplify the donation and funds distribution process.
These challenges have been pivotal. They have shaped the project’s trajectory. They ensure each step is thoughtful effective, and contributes to a greener future.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
To young people contemplating making a positive impact, I’d say: Start with small steps. In business, especially when exploring new markets, it’s crucial to pinpoint a clear problem. Then, develop applicable, scalable solutions. Your journey in environmental activism can mirror entrepreneurial ventures. Identify an issue you’re passionate about and steadily work towards effective, replicable solutions. The key is to remain informed, resilient, and persistent. Every small action counts. Collectively, these efforts lead to significant environmental and societal change.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One quote that resonates with me is from “Do Hard Things” by Steve Magness: “Resilience is not about how you endure. It’s about how you recharge.” This quote encapsulates the essence of resilience. It emphasizes the importance of recovery and renewal in the face of challenges. Understanding the balance between pushing limits and taking time to recharge has been crucial in both my athletic and business endeavors. This quote has guided my pursuit of sustainability. It reinforces that true resilience comes from bouncing back and growing stronger from experiences.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Having a private meal with Kilian Jornet would be a dream come true. His approach to balancing top-level athletic performance with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship is incredibly inspiring. Jornet’s actions, from his foundation aimed at protecting the environment to his personal efforts in minimizing his carbon footprint, resonate deeply with my goals and values. Discussing his experiences and insights would be invaluable, offering a unique perspective on combining high-level sports with meaningful environmental advocacy.
How can our readers follow you online?
Readers can follow me on different online media:
- Subscribe to the newsletter specifically focused on the project and its development: https://azimov.substack.com/
- Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sardarazimov/
- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azimov_sard/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Sardar Azimov Of Skief Labs Is Helping To Change… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.