Sustainability Without the Overwhelm: Why People and Leadership Matter Most

When I think about where my journey has taken me, it’s quite humbling to see how it’s all come together. My focus has always been sustainability—but through the lens of people, inclusion, and leadership. That’s where I’ve found my sweet spot, connecting these dots to drive meaningful change in the construction industry and beyond.

I recently had an amazing conversation that really brought home why this work matters so much. We delved into everything from leadership to low-carbon concrete, hydrogen projects, and the power of individual and collective action. And honestly, it all reaffirmed what I’ve believed for a long time: real change happens when people come together with purpose, passion, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Finding My Why: From Inclusion to Leadership in Sustainability

I didn’t start out in sustainability—it’s been more of an evolution. My background is rooted in education and inclusion, especially focusing on diversity in schools. Over time, that grew into a deeper passion for how inclusion, leadership, and well-being intersect with environmental sustainability. Whether it’s through carbon literacy training, championing Passivhaus principles or advocating for a circular economy, I’ve realised that the solutions are already out there.

The real gap? People.

The construction industry, for example, still struggles with a lack of diversity in leadership, and I’ve seen firsthand how that impacts progress. We can’t tackle the climate crisis or embed sustainability into organisations without bringing more diverse voices to the table. That’s what drives me in everything I do—whether it’s mentoring, podcasting, or dreaming up a sustainability network. I want to create spaces where people feel empowered to act and make a difference.

Engineers, Energy, and Big-Picture Thinking

During this conversation, I got to hear a brilliant perspective from someone whose journey started in engineering. They’ve worked on everything from hydrogen and utility storage to renewable energy zones in Australia. What stood out to me was how they framed the potential for systemic change. It’s easy to think of corporations as these faceless entities, but at the end of the day, they’re made up of people. Change a person’s mindset, and you can change an organisation. Change enough organisations, and you start to shift entire systems.

They also talked about some incredible projects, like decarbonising the UK electricity system. It’s one of those conversations that leaves you thinking, "Wow, there’s so much potential if we can just get the right people in the right rooms." That’s where leadership in renewable energy and decarbonisation comes in. It’s not just about being in charge—it’s about inspiring others, simplifying complex ideas, and creating a sense of urgency around what’s possible.

The Soapbox Project: A Model for Action

One thing that really sparked my interest was the Soapbox Project, founded by Nivi Ashanta. It’s a network designed to bring people together to take action on sustainability. I loved this idea because it mirrors what I want to do with Aurelia—a sustainability network that’s all about collaboration, breaking down silos, and empowering collective action.

We need more spaces like this, where people can connect, share ideas, and feel like their actions matter. Sustainability isn’t something you can tackle alone, and it’s definitely not about perfection. It’s about making progress, one step at a time, and amplifying each other’s efforts. That’s how you turn individual actions into collective momentum.

Simplifying Sustainability: Why Messages Matter

Let’s be real—sustainability can feel overwhelming. There’s so much jargon, so many competing narratives, and it’s easy to feel like nothing you do will make a difference. That’s why simplifying the message is so critical. If we can make sustainability accessible and relatable, we can help more people see where they fit into the bigger picture.

For me, this comes down to storytelling. Whether I’m recording a podcast episode or speaking at an event, I try to frame sustainability in a way that resonates with people. It’s not about lecturing or guilt-tripping—it’s about showing them what’s possible when they step into their power. One of my goals is to make my podcast CPD-worthy, so it’s not just inspiring but also practical and actionable. This is how we can address climate change storytelling effectively.

Leadership, Controversy, and Bold Ideas

One of the highlights of our conversation was talking about bold, controversial leadership. We mentioned Dale Vince and his "Zero Carbonista" podcast, which challenges people to think differently about climate change. I love that approach—being unapologetically bold to get people’s attention.

That’s something I want to lean into more. Sometimes, you have to shake things up to wake people up. If we keep playing it safe, we’ll never move the needle on the big issues. Leadership in sustainability is about making people a little uncomfortable in the best possible way—enough to get them thinking and, more importantly, acting.

A Call to Action: Let’s Do This Together

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that none of us can do this alone. Sustainability is a team sport, and we need all hands on deck. Whether you’re an engineer working on hydrogen projects, a leader in construction, or someone just starting to explore what sustainability means to you—your voice matters. Your actions matter. And together, we can make a massive impact.

So, here’s what I’m asking: let’s start talking more, collaborating more, and challenging each other to do better. I’m building a sustainability network because I believe in the power of collective action. If that’s something you want to be part of, let’s connect.

And if you’re still not sure where to start, here’s a quick list of actions from our conversation:

• Check out the Soapbox Project by Nivi Ashanta for inspiration.

• Read "What We Think About When We Try Not to Think About Global Warming" by Per Espen Stoknes

• Dive into Dale Vince’s "Zero Carbonista" podcast.

  
  

Big change starts small. Let’s take that first step together.