Show Notes
E186: Show Notes Title: Exploring Careers in Sustainability In this episode, hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton explore the booming landscape of sustainability careers, a sector that has witnessed huge growth in the UK job market. With sustainability-focused roles accounting for 1/3 of UK job postings, the industry has become a focal point for professionals looking to make positive environmental impact. To delve into this topic, we are joined by Serrol Osman, Director of Verdant Search, a renowned firm specialising in Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and sustainability recruitment. Together, they unpack the evolving dynamics of the industry and provide invaluable insights, advice, and strategies for individuals looking to transition into sustainability careers. 1. Market Dynamics and Industry Disruption: · Serrol reflects on the rapid growth of sustainability careers up to 2022, noting a slowdown due to global economic factors. · The discussion covers shifts in salary structures, challenges in accommodating rising costs, and talent shortages at mid-level positions. · Despite uncertainties, Serrol predicts continued growth driven by regulatory changes and corporate sustainability initiatives. 2. Confusion and Evolution in Job Descriptions: · The podcast addresses confusion in job descriptions amidst the fast-paced evolution of sustainability roles. · Serrol discusses challenges in finding the right talent, inconsistent salaries, and the need for clear job definitions to streamline recruitment processes. 3. Demand for Purpose-Led Companies: · Both hosts emphasise candidates' desire to work for purpose-driven companies. · Serrol underscores the importance of aligning company values with employee aspirations for enhanced retention and growth. 4. Evolution of Recruitment Profiles: · Serrol predicts that, like digital transformation, specialised sustainability roles will be integrated into traditional business operations. · The discussion highlights the role of sustainability leadership and reporting structures in driving meaningful organisational change. 5. AI and Future Job Trends: · Serrol offers insights into AI's potential impact on green jobs, predicting shifts in productivity and new roles in design, research, and policy. · Serrol stresses the significance of soft skills and emerging opportunities within the sustainability domain. 6. Advice for Aspiring Professionals: · Serrol advises aspiring professionals to assess their skill sets and explore opportunities in education, voluntary sectors, and current companies. · The discussion emphasises starting with broad sustainability concepts before specialisation and the value of diverse skill sets, including communication and adaptability. Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub. Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount. A big thank you to our sponsors! This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency. They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change. Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares
More from Sustainability Solved
I was told I did not have the academic ability to finish my masters in a year. I finished in a year, with good results. Part six of seven on why Sustainability Solved is changing format. In this episode: the one person who could say that sentence and get the result she wanted, why the messenger is half the job, and why we are going three episodes deep instead of one. Read the written version: https://willsussolved.substack.com Subscribe for weekly sustainability intelligence that actually moves the needle.
A travel agent sold me a round the world ticket in ten minutes. A thesis on snowboarding in the Cairngorms quietly built the rest of my career. Part five of seven on why Sustainability Solved is changing format. In this episode: three students selling me their cities, why the best-told pitch always wins, and how to use what people are genuinely interested in. Read the written version: https://willsussolved.substack.com Subscribe for weekly sustainability intelligence that actually moves the needle.
At nineteen I was offered the chance to be the youngest pub manager in the UK. I turned it down because of who told me to. Part four of seven on why Sustainability Solved is changing format. In this episode: managing staff at nineteen, the offer with the title and the money losing to the couple I actually trusted, and the sentence that is the whole reason Sustainability Solved Podcast is changing. Read the written version: https://willsussolved.substack.com Subscribe for weekly sustainability intelligence that actually moves the needle.
I walked into hundreds of pubs before one offered me a job, on condition I dressed up as a chicken. It is still the best lesson in communication I have ever had. Part three of seven on why Sustainability Solved is changing format. In this episode: why they tested the chicken suit and not my CV, how I was sacked repeatedly without ever being told, and why people have switched off from climate messaging. Read the written version: https://willsussolved.substack.com Subscribe for weekly sustainability intelligence that actually moves the needle.
Rainwater harvesting, a reed bed and a solar thermal shower in a Welsh cow field. The engineering was never the hard part. Part two of seven on why Sustainability Solved is changing format. In this episode: how a caravan nobody wanted became a log cabin everybody agreed to, why my dad shipped it from Canada when he should have bought it here, and what to do about the site or supplier where your plan is going slowest. Read the written version: https://willsussolved.substack.com Subscribe for weekly sustainability intelligence that actually moves the needle.