My journey into sustainability started with a BSc in Chemistry and Biology, followed by a Master’s in Environmental Science. From there, moving into sustainability felt like a natural next step.

But my connection to the environment goes back much further. I grew up surrounded by nature—literally. My family lived in a forest for several years while my father worked as a forest ranger. That early exposure instilled in me a deep sense of environmental stewardship.

Looking back, it’s hard to say whether I chose sustainability or it chose me.

I started Sustainao to make sustainability more practical and achievable for companies. We help them navigate complexity by focusing on what matters most, setting clear goals and building momentum step by step.

Our team works across a wide range of themes, from ESG benchmarking and strategy development to technical areas like carbon accounting and sustainable procurement. We also focus on enabling cross-functional integration of sustainability, helping clients embed it across different departments.

Internally, I prioritise fostering a healthy and supportive workplace. Having experienced fast-paced settings, I set out to shape a culture that emphasises flexibility, well-being, and purpose. 

My aim for Sustainao is to embody the sustainability we advocate for—both through our services and how we operate.

Two of my biggest challenges in sustainability are its broad scope—covering a wide range of interconnected topics—and the diverse group of stakeholders involved, each with different priorities and expectations. Navigating both at the same time requires a systems-thinking mindset and the ability to communicate across disciplines.

Climate action is a good example. It is often seen as an environmental issue, but in reality, it touches nearly every part of an organisation—from operations and finance to HR, marketing, and beyond. A decision to reduce emissions might require investments that impact budgeting, influence how products and services are marketed, or even shift internal ways of working. If these ripple effects are not considered early on, sustainability efforts can lose traction or create unintended resistance.

I manage this by using materiality and risk assessments to identify priorities, then working across departments to align actions. Involving the right people from the start and tailoring messages to different roles helps ensure sustainability is integrated across the organisation.

I feel a deep sense of satisfaction when our clients are recognised for their sustainability efforts, whether through awards or ESG ratings. It’s rewarding to know that our work has contributed to their progress and impact.

What’s even more meaningful, however, is seeing real outcomes for people on the ground. For example, hearing stories of female students receiving scholarships as a result of a client’s program or witnessing a reduction in a customer's GHG emissions. These moments bring our work to life in a very tangible way.

I’m also grateful for the long-lasting relationships we’ve built with our clients. Through our retainer model, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside them over the years, providing consistent support and fostering deeper collaboration. This continuity not only allows us to deliver strategies but also helps shape how people experience sustainability within their organisations.