Rooted: The Human Side Of Sustainability Leadership

About Rooted: The Human Side Of Sustainability Leadership

Is this the hardest job on the planet? Every day, sustainability leaders are expected to influence without authority, balance commercial priorities with climate ambition, and keep moving forward through uncertainty. It's meaningful work, but it can also feel overwhelming and emotionally demanding. You don't have to navigate it alone. Hosted by transformational coach and former sustainability leader Liv Cropper, Rooted is the podcast for thoughtful sustainability leaders and ESG professionals navigating complex careers with purpose. If you care as much about how you lead as the impact you create, you'll feel right at home here. Each episode features Chief Sustainability Officers and sustainability directors driving change within some of the world's largest organisations, including KPMG, Arriva, Wickes and Sage, alongside founders and experts, all sharing practical lessons from leading change. These conversations explore creating impact, building meaningful careers, leadership, resilience, burnout, wellbeing and the realities of organisational change. Whether you're looking for practical leadership insights, fresh perspectives or simply reassurance that others are facing the same challenges, Rooted will leave you feeling more connected, more confident and better equipped to lead. New episodes every three weeks. Follow Rooted wherever you listen to podcasts. Here’s what listeners are saying about Rooted: “I’m thoroughly enjoying this podcast” “ Very insightful. Great to hear about the people behind the role rather than just about what they do.” “Great, lovely pace and very genuine conversation” “I love them! Liv has a wonderful way of relaxing her guests and encouraging conversations.”

Publisher

Liv Cropper

Category

business · business · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Oct 2025

Latest episode

2 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Nov 2026

   S2 Ep3: After 40 Years on the Environmental Frontline: Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, on Sustainable Leadership and What it takes to Keep Going

   Tony Juniper CBE has spent more than 40 years working for environmental change. In this deeply human conversation, he reflects on what it takes to keep going when progress is slow, political priorities shift and the scale of the challenge can feel overwhelming. From the childhood experience that sparked his activism to the campaign that helped secure the UK Climate Change Act, Tony shares what he has learned about creating lasting change, finding the opportunities where you can make the biggest difference, and sustaining your own energy along the way. He also talks about misinformation, the current downturn in sustainability, the importance of quality over quantity of effort, and why spending time in nature can be an important part of doing good work.

2. 

   20 Oct 2026

   S2 Ep2: When purpose goes into overdrive: Liv Cropper on sustainability, burnout and finding what’s next

   For the first episode of Series 2, I’m turning the tables. My good friend and former colleague Matteo Deidda, Global Net Zero Lead at Tide, takes the interviewer’s seat and asks me about my own journey through sustainability leadership, burnout and career change. We talk about where my drive to solve problems came from, how finding sustainability gave that drive a huge sense of purpose, and how that ultimately contributed to burnout. We also explore what happened afterwards, from navigating career transition and professional identity to building a new chapter and discovering a different way of making an impact.

3. 

   7 Oct 2026

   S2 Ep1: Welcome to Rooted Series 2: New Guests, New Perspectives & A Fresh Look

   A quick introduction to Series 2 of Rooted: The Human Side of Sustainability Leadership. Liv is back after the summer with a fresh look, a broader range of guests and some exciting conversations lined up. And for the first episode, she's turning the tables and putting herself in the interviewee seat.

4. 

   1 Sept 2026

   14: Sustainability is about evolution, not endless cycles with Katherine Rolfe, Director of Corporate Sustainability, Wickes

   What keeps experienced sustainability leaders hopeful when the world around them keeps changing? In this episode of Rooted: The Human Side of Sustainability Leadership, I'm joined by Katherine Rolfe, Director of Corporate Sustainability at Wickes. With more than 25 years' experience spanning consultancy, Heathrow Airport and retail, Katherine has seen political priorities shift, new legislation emerge, ESG rise to prominence and public attention move from one issue to the next. But rather than seeing these as endless cycles, Katherine offers a different perspective. She sees them as evolution. Throughout our conversation, we explore how sustainability leadership has changed over the last two decades, why maintaining perspective matters, and how focusing on the influence we have today can create ripple effects we may never even see. One of the things that struck me most was Katherine's curiosity. As a child, she remembers watching Newsround stories about acid rain, the ozone layer and rainforest destruction. While others might have become campaigners or activists, Katherine simply wanted to understand. That curiosity eventually led her into environmental management and corporate sustainability, helping businesses become part of the solution from within. We also talk about something I think many sustainability professionals will recognise: balancing passion with commercial credibility. Early in her career, Katherine felt she needed to dial down the environmentalist in herself in order to be taken seriously in business. Today, she sees things differently. She believes sustainability leaders have an important responsibility to speak with conviction, because if they aren't prepared to champion these issues, who will? Another highlight of our conversation is Katherine's story about the unexpected power of influence. One presentation sparked an idea that eventually became a project tackling wildlife trafficking using artificial intelligence. It reinforced her belief that meaningful change often begins with a single conversation, and that some of our greatest impact comes from connecting with people outside the sustainability profession who bring completely different skills, experiences and ways of thinking. We also explore why sustainability communities are so valuable. They're places to learn, recharge and connect with others who understand the challenges of the role. But Katherine believes we shouldn't stay in that echo chamber for too long. The real work happens when we take those ideas back into our organisations, building relationships and influencing colleagues who may see the world very differently. Whether you're working in corporate sustainability, ESG, environmental management, or you're simply interested in leading positive change within organisations, this conversation is a reminder that progress doesn't always happen in straight lines. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is keep showing up, stay curious, maintain perspective and trust that our influence extends further than we realise. In this episode we discuss: • Why Katherine sees sustainability as an evolution rather than a series of endless cycles • Staying hopeful and maintaining perspective during changing political and commercial priorities • How childhood curiosity about climate change and environmental issues shaped her career • Building a career in corporate sustainability and environmental management • The influence of teachers and careers advisers in shaping career choices • Why one conversation can create unexpected ripple effects • Working within businesses to create meaningful change • Connecting with people outside the sustainability community to achieve greater impact • Balancing commercial credibility with authentic passion for sustainability • Why sustainability leaders shouldn't feel they have to hide their enthusiasm • Leading change through influence, relationships and practical action • What keeps Katherine optimistic after more than 25 years in sustainability About Katherine Rolfe Katherine Rolfe is Director of Corporate Sustainability at Wickes. She has more than 25 years' experience in sustainability and environmental management across consultancy, aviation and retail, helping organisations integrate sustainability into strategy, operations and decision making. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Rooted: The Human Side of Sustainability Leadership for honest conversations about leadership, careers, burnout, purpose and what it really feels like to create change from within organisations.

5. 

   28 Jul 2026

   13: How curiosity can transform a career... and a business, with Andrew Bowley, Principal at Bowley FI

   For almost four decades, Andrew Bowley has built his career in investment banking, holding executive and non-executive roles across the globe. He shaped sustainability strategies at Nomura and Wells Fargo, before stepping into a new chapter earlier this year with a portfolio career through his advisory business, BowleyFI (Finance with Impact). In this episode of Rooted: the human side of sustainability leadership, Andrew reflects on what it really takes to create lasting change inside large organisations and why curiosity has been the thread running through his entire career. We explore how a deep fascination with understanding how things work led him from developing financial products and building new businesses through to creating sustainability strategies. Rather than treating sustainability as a separate department, Andrew shares why he believes it has to become part of every commercial conversation if organisations are going to transform. Alongside the strategic discussion, we also have a very honest conversation about the pressures that many ambitious leaders carry. Andrew talks openly about the anxiety that has fuelled his success, the temptation to respond by simply working harder, and the importance of recognising when healthy challenge begins to tip into something more damaging. We also reflect on his experiences working through moments such as Black Monday and the 2008 financial crisis, what those periods taught him about perspective, and why today's sustainability leaders should keep their eyes firmly on the bigger picture. If you've ever wondered whether you're pushing yourself because you're growing or because you're trying to prove something, I think you'll find plenty to reflect on in this conversation. In this episode we discuss: • Andrew's journey from investment banking into sustainability leadership • Why curiosity and problem solving have shaped every stage of his career • Building sustainability into the fabric of a business rather than treating it as a standalone function • The difference between healthy challenge and destructive pressure • Anxiety, perfectionism and the hidden drivers behind high performance • Lessons from leading through financial crises and organisational change • Why sustainability leaders need to think bigger, stay hopeful and keep learning As always, I'd love to hear what resonates with you after listening. You can connect with Andrew on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbowley/). If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out www.yellowbenchcoaching.com (http://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com) to book a  discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

6. 

   13 Jul 2026

   12: Systems thinking, courageous leadership & making a bigger impact, with Janet Greenwood, former Global Lead for Sustainable Infrastructure at KPMG

   What if the biggest impact you could make wasn't creating a better PowerPoint deck, but asking whether you're solving the right problem in the first place? In this episode of Rooted: The Human Side of Sustainability Leadership, I sit down with Janet Greenwood, former Global Lead for Sustainable Infrastructure at KPMG and Times Consultant of the Year 2024, to explore systems thinking, courageous leadership and making a bigger impact. We discuss challenging ingrained ways of working, leading with integrity when faced with difficult decisions, trusting your instincts, developing self-awareness and embracing creativity in the next chapter of your career. Whether you're a sustainability leader, engineer or senior professional navigating complex change, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about leadership, influence and seeing the bigger picture. You can connect with Janet on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-greenwood-fice-fciht-26b48080/). If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights from my yellow bench - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw)Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

7. 

   29 Jun 2026

   11: Feel the fear. Trust your gut. Do it anyway, with Hannah Leggatt, Director of Environment & Sustainability at The Clancy Group

   This one's about ignoring the naysayers, feeling the fear, and doing it anyway. Hannah Leggatt, Director of Environment & Sustainability at The Clancy Group, joins me on my yellow bench to share the lessons she's learned over a 17-year environmental and sustainability career in construction and major infrastructure programmes. We talk about about career courage, authentic leadership and the power of backing yourself. We explore career pivots, self-belief, overcoming imposter syndrome, finding your voice and why being yourself at work is far less exhausting than trying to perform. A must-listen for sustainability professionals, environmental leaders and anyone ready to take the next step in their career with confidence. You can connect with Hannah on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-leggatt/). If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

8. 

   8 Jun 2026

   10: Martin Wayman - Director of Sustainability at Arriva

   This one's all about career pauses, both intentional and unintentional. Martin shares the lessons he learned following redundancy (essential listening for anyone going through something similar), and the ambitions he has for his next role, as he becomes Arriva’s first ever director of sustainability. We’re exploring the moments Martin's most proud of over 20 years in sustainability, and the difference between the impact he made in his early career, working on visible projects you could easily explain to your friends, and the legacy he now seeks to leave in any organisation he works with through embedding sustainability into the very fabric of the organisation. Whilst it’s not necessarily work that’s as fun to talk about in the pub, it’s Martin’s formula for a deeply satisfying career. This conversation also takes us into the workings of our minds - how that inner critic and inner doubt can sometimes get noisy, and the benefit of working out how to amplify that inner coach that’s ready to cheer us on, if only we’d listen. You can connect with Martin on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinwayman/). If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

9. 

   18 May 2026

   9: Abby Chicken - Head of Sustainability at Openreach

   From sparkly eyeshadow to underground cables Abby Chicken has been powered by a  strong sense of activism through her career. She now heads up sustainability at Openreach, one of the UK’s biggest infrastructure organisations. As always, we go beneath the shiny headlines and delve into how this work really feels. Abby shares how she came to sustainability part way through her career, describing a journey initially shaped by family expectations of success, but with a strong thread of agency and activism running through her life (including sitting in a tree all day at age 8 to protest it being cut down). We explore the impact she’s made from the more glittery end (literally) of sustainability at Selfridges, through to the scale and complexity of her role today at Openreach. Along the way, she shares a brilliant mantra: sustainability strategy is a small number of big things and a big number of small things. We also get into the reality of tough days and what helps. Community comes up again and again. From training your LinkedIn algorithm, to secret WhatsApp groups, to informal in-person gatherings like People, Planet Pint (https://small99.co.uk/people-planet-pint-meetup/). And one moment that blew my mind (and helped reduce some of my recent grumpiness about AI): how AI can be used through fibre optic cables to detect water and gas leaks underground. (Also… apologies for the slightly ropey sound quality on my side. I’ve been told off accordingly by sound producer/Mr Cropper.) You can connect with Abby on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbychicken/). If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

10. 

    27 Apr 2026

    8: Lisa Tennant - Chair at Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)

    Lisa Tennant, who I’m calling the “queen of governance”, joins me on my yellow bench for this episode of Rooted. Alongside the usual Environmental and Social focus, we’re really leaning into the G of ESG in this episode. This episode is for you if you work with boards, are considering a portfolio career, or have ever wondered what it’s really like in a boardroom. This is a wide ranging conversation in which we discuss the formative impact of early experiences in nature and working with animals, the entrepreneurial spirit that Lisa has carried through her career, neurodiversity, and juggling motherhood with senior leadership. Lisa shares some fantastic advice for anyone thinking about working in boardrooms, and reminds us that success in the boardroom is much less to do with your age, and far more about leaning into your unique strengths and experiences. You can connect with Lisa on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tennantlisa/). If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

11. 

    18 Mar 2026

    7: Elisa Moscolin - Executive VP, Sustainability & Foundation at Sage

    Elisa Moscolin, Executive Vice-President, Sustainability & Foundation at Sage, joins me on my yellow bench to talk about influence, power and building long-term relationships with executive teams. We go right back to her roots, exploring formative early experiences which shaped her drive to tackle social injustice and poverty. We hear about what makes her most proud, repeating a recurring theme on Rooted, that it’s often not about the shiny initiatives and headlines, but instead about the ripple effect generated by powerful conversations and trusted relationships. This episode offers a fantastic insight into the conversations that take place in the boardrooms and executive teams of large organisations, seeking to balance business imperatives with social and environmental sustainability. You can connect with Elisa on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisamoscolin/) and find out more about her team’s work at Sage here (https://www.sage.com/en-gb/company/sustainability-and-society/). If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAPhTg5m6kWus1YoUPioOMVQfwy92YmKq50S-aKWqbjOtkuc5-NapP9abHe1XkV1gzJHV0L4sJ7t911LjTSJMEGj7IIIh-6cbKetfW4yURsqImNZwAfZLw9E_jJBCM9FzMd3qExvWERnW4EpuZIeNyrj_zcJFqah0gK8Ofokils6EK3cgKS6uHgt2ICi2bp9zW130hCJw2WvG) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

12. 

    16 Feb 2026

    6: Tara Schmidt - Executive Director at Transition Finance Scotland

    In this episode of Rooted, I am joined on my yellow bench by Tara Schmidt, Executive Director of Transition Finance Scotland, part of the Green Finance Institute’s mission for Scotland. Tara shares the roots of her sustainability career, from growing up on the Texas coast and witnessing environmental damage first-hand, to a global career spanning engineering, strategy, finance and policy. That combination gives her a unique combination of big picture thinking and on-the-ground pragmatism. In this conversation we explore why small actions really do matter, reflecting on Jane Goodall’s final words and her reminder that seemingly tiny steps can snowball into meaningful impact (watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfLKHY52ERc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfLKHY52ERc)). We also talk about reconnecting with what brought you into sustainability in the first place, whether that’s time in nature, forest bathing, or simply remembering your ‘why’, and the importance of understanding your own USP in a complex, evolving field. This one was thoughtful, grounding, and genuinely good fun. You can connect with Tara on LinkedIn (http://uk.linkedin.com/in/schmidttara) and find out more about the work of Transition Finance Scotland on the Green Finance Institute’s website.  (https://www.greenfinanceinstitute.com/) If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

13. 

    26 Jan 2026

    5: Nick Valenzia, Co-founder, Leafr

    Nick Valenzia, co-founder of Leafr, joins me on my yellow bench. Nick shares what led him to start Leafr, and the mission that now includes over 1,000 sustainability consultants. We explore the motivation behind building a business that not only connects organisations with expertise, but actively helps people move into consultancy and thrive once they are there. What really stood out for me from this conversation was the pride Nick takes in seeing the professional and personal impact this work has had on the consultants in the Leafr community. Nick shares what he is seeing on the ground in terms of continued demand for sustainability knowledge and skills, even amid wider uncertainty and I came away feeling genuinely optimistic. We also talk openly about the emotional reality of starting up a new business, including rejection, self doubt, and the discipline required to separate feedback on an idea from your sense of self. Nick reflects on how he maintained momentum by reframing rejection as information, not failure, and by staying connected to the bigger mission. Throughout the conversation, we return to familiar themes from this podcast: celebrating progress, cultivating gratitude, and drawing strength from community. For anyone considering a move from in-house work into independent consultancy, Nick shares practical insights and resources as well as thoughts on a helpful mindset to adopt. You can follow Nick on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8D%83-nick-valenzia-53495267/), check out Leafr’s work at www.leafr.com (http://www.leafr.com) and the sustainability leaders community Leafr have created here (https://www.leafr.com/sustainability-leaders-community). Finally, here's a link to the course Nick talks about in our episode: https://leafr.circle.so/how-to-succeed-as-an-independent-sustainability-consultant (https://leafr.circle.so/how-to-succeed-as-an-independent-sustainability-consultant) If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

14. 

    5 Jan 2026

    4: Maria Nazarova Doyle, Global Head of Sustainable Investment, IFM Investors

    With nearly two decades in finance, Maria Nazarova-Doyle has built an impressive career at the intersection of money and purpose. After leading responsible investment at Scottish Widows, she now shapes global sustainability strategy at IFM Investors, which manages over £115 billion in assets. In this episode of Rooted: the human side of sustainability leadership, Maria describes her role in sustainable investing as “a dream job”- work that never quite feels like a job because of the long-term impact and intellectual challenge it brings. We explore the threads that run through her life, from early policy advocacy at school to her leadership in investment today, and reflect on how often we return to our earliest values. Maria encourages sustainability leaders to lean into developing their leadership capability alongside technical expertise. Despite her many achievements, she’s most proud of building strong, diverse teams that challenge thinking and bring different perspectives to complex problems. Optimism and purpose run throughout the conversation. Maria shares her team’s motto, “Keep Calm and Invest Sustainably”, and reflects on the importance of holding a long-term view even as political and external pressures shift. We discuss how purpose carried her team through the pandemic, and how difficult it can feel when that sense of purpose is lost. Finally, Maria shares the moment of luck that pulled her back from the brink of burnout, and the lasting changes she made to protect her wellbeing. We talk about why those working in this field may be particularly vulnerable due to the emotional investment the work demands. You can follow Maria on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-nazarova-doyle-cfa/)at https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-nazarova-doyle-cfa/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-nazarova-doyle-cfa/) If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw). Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching)or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/) to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

15. 

    8 Dec 2025

    3: Gemma Lannon - Director at Treo House sustainability collective

    In this episode of Rooted: The Human Side of Sustainability Leadership, Liv welcomes Gemma Lannon to her yellow bench. After starting her career at Unilever and working on grassroots sustainability projects around the world, Gemma founded Treo House - a new community supporting sustainability professionals to navigate the human side of this work. In this conversation, Gemma shares the moment she realised the true scale of the climate challenge and how that eventually led to a period of deep stress and reflection. She talks about learning to be patient, finding healing in nature, and building Treo House with intention and care rather than urgency. She explores with Liv what it means to feel the fear and act anyway, to stay curious when the path ahead is uncertain, and to recognise that impact often starts with one honest conversation. Please do check out the fantastic community, workspace and events at Treo House at www.treohouse.com (http://www.treohouse.com) and you can follow Gemma on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-lannon/ (http://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-lannon/) If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

16. 

    17 Nov 2025

    2: Dr Rebecca Heaton - Senior Sustainability Advisor

    Liv welcomes Becky Heaton to her yellow bench. What does it really take to keep your balance when your job is literally saving the planet? In this episode of Rooted: the human side of sustainability leadership, former corporate sustainability leader turned coach Liv Cropper sits down with Dr Rebecca (Becky) Heaton to explore the realities of leading change in some of the toughest boardrooms. A senior sustainability leader with two decades at the sharp end of corporate and policy work, Becky has led sustainability at Ovo, Drax and Lloyds Banking Group, and was a member of the UK Committee on Climate Change. From forestry beginnings to shaping UK climate policy, Becky reflects on legacy, impact, and the challenges that push chief sustainability officers to the edge of burnout, as well as why even “tree huggers” need a strategy for staying sane. You can connect with Becky on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaheaton/) If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. I'd also love you to join my Rooted email community, where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join. (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw) Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com/)to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛 P.S. Big thanks to John Cropper for editing and sound production.

17. 

    21 Oct 2025

    1: Matteo Deidda - Global Net Zero lead at Tide

    Matteo Deidda takes a seat on Liv’s yellow bench. What happens when your passion for innovation and technology collides with the urgent need to tackle climate change? In this episode of Rooted: the human side of sustainability leadership, Liv Cropper sits down with Matteo Deidda - now Global Net Zero Lead at Tide and a familiar face across the UK sustainability community. From early days studying civil engineering and frustrated by “old” technology, Matteo shares how curiosity for innovation drew him into sustainability’s fast lane – and kept him there for over 15 years at some of the UK’s biggest companies like Sainsbury’s, Vodafone and Lloyds. He reflects on the power of people engagement, why conversations create more impact than any single initiative, and why he considers his “climate shadow” to be his greatest legacy. Matteo also opens up about his ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of resilience, why he chooses optimism over doom, and how changing the narrative towards hope keeps him grounded. Want to connect with Matteo? He can be found on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdeidda/). If you enjoyed this podcast please hit subscribe, post a review, and share this episode with your friends. You might also enjoy my Rooted email community where I share regular insights about the human side of sustainability leadership - click here to join (https://7537bd94.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAKbyk1HPyLJbTsfKYn2tm8vY-to6njxuHRTIdwi-fhJBRCxQIKWaLqa2NrK9jVR5ErK3VtYRCZBZ6acVlfi2qC61qk1kbDwyvrzTN6pUsjVPNzv001pFRWEyda39zEWedCTVjm99guOOGAQQbtTiHcRvJ9Zsg3VXNY7e1tJqarEn-y69qo9J_fhhL_YZ8dfYpykeDR6p-sZw). Have any questions? You can find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-cropper-yellow-bench-coaching) or Instagram (https://instagram.com/livcropper_yellowbenchcoaching). Interested in one-to-one coaching with me? Check out my website (https://www.yellowbenchcoaching.com)to book a  free discovery call. Thanks for listening! From Liv 💛

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