In a world where the challenges of climate change and sustainability are more urgent than ever, Raquel Noboa, Founder and CEO of Fifty Shades Greener, is reshaping the way we think about environmental education. Her journey from a young woman struggling to find her place in traditional educational systems to leading an international Ed-Tech company dedicated to sustainability is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep commitment to making a difference. For their exemplary work, the company was awarded the Princess Royal Education and Training Awards in 2023.
In an exclusive interview, Raquel shares her insights into the intersection of education, sustainability, and leadership, offering a compelling vision for a greener, more inclusive future for both our planet and the people who will inherit it.
Question: How did you first become interested in sustainability, and what was the catalyst for founding Fifty Shades Greener?
Raquel Noboa: My journey into sustainability was not something I planned. In fact, it took years before I even recognized it for what it was. I grew up in a family of academics, so I always felt out of place in traditional education. I didn’t learn well from textbooks. However, I found my true calling when I entered the hospitality industry in the late 90s, right after moving to Ireland. My first job was as a housekeeping assistant. From there, I worked my way up, and it was in the Maldives in 2004 that the course of my life truly shifted. That was when the Boxing Day Tsunami struck the Indian Ocean, and it deeply affected me. For years, I suffered from what I now recognize as eco-anxiety. In 2013, I was appointed as the Green Manager of a small hotel on Ireland’s west coast. That role was my “aha” moment. I was tasked with reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint, and suddenly, I realized that environmental impact could be measured and changed. That realization gave me a sense of empowerment, and from there, I knew that I wanted to help others feel that same power in the face of climate change. In 2017, I founded Fifty Shades Greener to share my experiences and help people across the world make real, measurable impacts on sustainability through education.
Q: You mentioned that traditional education didn’t resonate with you. Can you elaborate on how that influenced your approach to teaching and learning?
RN: I was always the odd one out in a family of scholars, and I never quite fit into the academic mold. I’m a kinesthetic learner—one who learns by doing. Growing up, I struggled with traditional schooling, which made me feel inferior. But looking back, I realize the system wasn’t designed to accommodate people like me. It was an educational system that failed to recognize diverse learning styles. That’s why I believe so strongly in experiential learning, which is the foundation of everything we do at Fifty Shades Greener. Our programs don’t just teach about sustainability; they emphasize action-based learning. Sustainability is complex, but the key to change is making it simple and accessible. Instead of focusing on retaining knowledge, we focus on enabling people to take measurable actions in their daily lives and work environments.
Q: Starting a business is never easy, especially in the field of education. What were some of the toughest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
RN: Starting Fifty Shades Greener came with a steep learning curve. I knew I had a good product, but what I didn’t anticipate was how much more there is to running a business than just developing a program. There’s marketing, sales, legal matters, finance… the list goes on. It can be overwhelming. And then, there’s the loneliness that comes with entrepreneurship. You’re the one making all the decisions, and that can be isolating. But I learned to lean into networks of other business owners and mentors. You don’t have to do everything alone. And with time, patience, and the willingness to keep learning, I built the company into what it is today.
Again, public speaking has always been one of my biggest fears. Early on, I struggled with it, and after a disastrous speech in 2020, I was left feeling utterly traumatized. But instead of letting that fear stop me, I decided to conquer it. I spent the next three years practicing every day. Now, public speaking is one of my greatest strengths, and I even find joy in it. The lesson I took away from this is simple: “Make your fears your biggest strengths.” Facing that fear head-on taught me that there’s nothing I can’t achieve once I set my mind to it. Overcoming this fear has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life.
Q: In your own words, what sets Fifty Shades Greener apart from other educational companies in the sustainability space?
RN: At Fifty Shades Greener, we’re not just providing education; we’re creating real, impactful change. We offer programs for businesses, governments, and educational institutions that focus on upskilling individuals in sustainability, helping them reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact. What sets us apart is our approach: we don’t just provide knowledge; we drive action. Our programs are designed to make complex sustainability concepts easy to understand and apply. Our mission is to help upskill 8 billion people globally, ensuring that every job can be a green job. Our educational model is based on making sustainability not just a theory but a tangible practice that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives and work environments. Here is a video commissioned by UNESCO about our work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUtZzm6kIpM&t=9s.
"At Fifty Shades Greener, we’re not just providing education; we’re creating real, impactful change."
Q: You’re working on an exciting project—the Educators SustainABILITY Academy. Can you tell us more about that?
RN: Yes, the Educators SustainABILITY Academy is a project we’re launching in February 2025, and it’s incredibly exciting. The goal is to help educators worldwide integrate green skills and sustainability into their curriculum, from schools to universities and workplaces. There’s a significant gap in the education system when it comes to equipping teachers with the tools to teach sustainability, and our mission is to fill that gap. By training educators in sustainability and green skills, we’re not only helping the current generation but also paving the way for future generations to be prepared for the green economy. This initiative is in line with global goals like those set by the UN and UNESCO for 2030, and it’s an integral part of our mission to upskill 8 billion people.
Q: Looking ahead, what trends in education are you most excited about, and what role do you think Fifty Shades Greener will play in shaping those trends?
RN: One of the most exciting trends is the increasing emphasis on green skills in education. In Ireland, for example, we’ve seen the launch of the first Green Skills Strategy for the Further Education and Training sector, and from 2025, sustainability will become part of the national school curriculum. This is a monumental shift, and I hope to see other countries follow suit. As an organization, we’re positioned at the forefront of this movement. By helping integrate green skills into every level of education, we’re ensuring that students are not only aware of sustainability but are equipped to be part of the green economy. In the future, I see Fifty Shades Greener as a key player in shaping a more sustainable education system, one that nurtures action-based learning and empowers future generations to lead the change.
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to make a difference in the education field?
RN: To the next generation of women, I would say: Make your weaknesses your biggest strengths. Don’t be afraid to embrace the challenges you face—they can become your most powerful tools. Be kind to yourself and others, define your vision clearly, and surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will help you bring that vision to life. And remember, you don’t have to go it alone. There’s a vast network of support out there for women in education and entrepreneurship, and together, we can create the changes we want to see in the world.
