No Matter Your Job You Can Think Like a Sustainability Strategist

No matter what industry you're in, no matter your job, everyone can start thinking and acting more like a sustainability consultant. It doesn't take degrees or certifications to be a sustainability strategist - it just takes the willingness to think differently about how we work and live.

I studied Banking and Finance at university. I didn't do a masters and I didn't take any formal qualifications in sustainability. I did land a job as the Environmental Manager of one of the largest globals banks in the world and I co-wrote the award-winning climate strategy at that time. Back then, sustainability was more about spreadsheets with energy usage data and waste streams; it was about volunteering in the community and green teams in the workplace; it was trying to figure out what diversity and inclusion really mean outside fair employment practices. The world has moved on in some ways, but the science and facts have remained largely the same.

What has changed is that more people understand the issues. More people understand the language. More people want to help and make a difference to the way we are doing things and more people want to have more meaning in their work.

So, if you are reading this and think to yourself, I'd love to have a career in sustainability but I think I need to do a masters, or I wish I could make more of a difference in my job as an [insert your kickass job here] but I don't have any idea how, then it’s time to get back into the conversation. No matter your job or industry, no matter your experience or functional expertise; everyone can contribute something here.

So let me ask again: How do you wish to make an impact? What is meaningful about what you do? And who would benefit from that? All these questions have sustainability solutions in them. Let me give you some examples:

Managers: Do you motivate your team on social and environmental initiatives or achieving sustainability targets as much as you do on their sales targets and profit margins? Think about the best way to incentivise your people to not only achieve your commercial goals but make sustainability objectives an equal priority.

Finance Directors: Where your company keeps its money is in your hands. Have you checked the investment policy of your company pension fund? Can you influence where the money the company and your fellow colleagues is being invested? Consider making proactive decisions in sustainable ventures such as renewable technology and ethical companies rather than supporting dying industries such as tobacco, oil & gas, and high-fat-sugar-salt product manufacturers.

Procurement Officers: You are probably already implementing CSR* or ESG** in your buying processes, and if you are not, now would be a great time to start! Look at your procurement budget - where are you spending 80% of your money? Start by looking at the sustainability track record of these suppliers to ensure they are living up to the same environmental, social and ethical standards you hold as a business. Consider also buying smaller and buying local. Working with social enterprises that not only provide the service you are looking for, but are also doing so in a way that tackles a social or environmental problem is a green golden ticket! So many wins for everyone, you'll be patting yourself on the back for days.

You might not think your current job or role has anything to do with sustainability, but I promise you there is always something you can do to think and act more like a sustainability superstar. A piece of paper from a prestigious university might mean something to some people, but the planet needs change-makers and in my opinion those are born on the field. If you want some help check out my coaching package for getting results in record time. I've helped so many others who were faced with this dilemma so don't be shy! Let's talk about how we work through your blocks and get your believing you're a Sustainability Superstar straight away. Until next time…

*CSR = Corporate Social Responsibility (another way to refer to corporate sustainability)

**ESG = Environmental, Social and Governance (a term adopted by the investment community to keep track of the issues at Board level)