Did you enjoy school?
From an early age, I was taught that success could only be accomplished through school, a belief instilled in my parents due to their upbringing. Having been raised by hard-working parents, I observed first-hand the sacrifices and challenges encountered by individuals. This influenced my beliefs towards education and fostered a deep appreciation for all I have. I wholeheartedly welcomed, valued, and appreciated all my educational experiences.
What qualifications do you have?
I’ve made an effort to acquire knowledge in various fields such as finance and accounting, business administration, farming, IT operations and management. I view myself as a lifelong learner and have been privileged to acquire multiple certifications and credentials and pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sustainability. This is also why I’ve stayed in academia continuously teaching at university institutions and on MBA programmes.
Has your career path been a smooth transition, a rocky road or a combination of both?
A career is a journey, which inherently implies challenges. At times, my career has progressed seamlessly, while in other instances, I have had to make an effort to overcome obstacles. I have consistently strived to foster strong professional relationships with my mentors, bosses, coworkers, and collaborators. This, combined with my strong work ethic, has enabled me to overcome challenges.
What is the best career advice you can give to others?
Foster strong professional relationships with mentors, bosses, coworkers, and collaborators. Always possess a robust work ethic aimed at surpassing expectations and a commitment to resolving obstacles. Determine your goals and career path and specialise accordingly. Develop your resilience; nothing in life is attained easily.
If you had to pick one mentor, that had the biggest influence on you, who would it be?
Selecting a single mentor is challenging, as I have had numerous mentors and exceptional bosses throughout the years, each imparting significant knowledge. The fundamental lesson derived from all of them however is the capacity to remain resolute in the face of adversity and the strategies for navigating different situations.
From where do you draw inspiration?
Individuals derive inspiration from various sources, including their own experiences, connections, and the surrounding environment. My inspiration comes from various sources, including my faith and observing both women and men from all walks of life excel in their fields. Furthermore, seeing the caring and compassion we extend towards one another and our environments inspires me greatly.
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What is the biggest challenge you have faced to date?
The primary challenge as a chief sustainability officer is to engage all stakeholders in sustainability initiatives. Individuals inherently originate from different backgrounds that influence their perspectives on sustainability. Analysing the factors that have influenced their viewpoints requires time and meticulous attention which I’m always committed to.
What qualities do you feel makes a good leader?
Leaders must recognise that employees and teams are the driving force behind a company’s success. Consequently, engage in active listening, include individuals, and harness the creative energy of others. Programmes flourish through diverse perspectives. Utilising many views enables us to enhance ideas and gain a more comprehensive understanding of our customers.
From a work viewpoint what has the last 12 months been like?
Our team and organisation have experienced a highly successful year. We have strengthened our credentials, received many accolades for our ambitious yet achievable programmes, assisted numerous clients in achieving their sustainability goals, and collaborated with our broader ecosystem. I am tremendously proud of our accomplishments.
What would you say are the biggest tech-based challenges we face today?
Technology serves as a double-edged sword in the realm of sustainability. On one hand, it exacerbates broader sustainability issues, such as heightened e-waste, emissions, and inequities. However, it has the potential to address numerous global concerns in pursuit of sustainable development. Consequently, our primary objective is to acknowledge the role of technology and mitigate any negative effects.
What can be done to encourage more women into the industry?
Increased exposure to something facilitates the tendency to emulate it. Consequently, an increased presence of women from varied backgrounds in leadership roles will ultimately attract, excite, and inspire others, which is essential.
Give us a fact about you that most other people wouldn’t know.
I have authored two books about sustainability: one titled ‘Breaking the Cycle: From Anthropocene to Generation Alpha’ and the other, a children’s book, titled ‘The Rainbow Park.’ All different, all equal
