The Butterfly Effect

In this episode, I meet with Vicky Murray, a freelance sustainability advisor passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to turn their sustainability visions into reality. Through her expertise in facilitation and vision-building, Vicky has helped many navigate this dynamic and vital field. Vicky reflects on her sustainability journey, beginning with the inspiration of her mother’s activism and leading to a pivotal moment during her university years at Cardiff, where she discovered her passion for building a career in sustainability. Vicky forged her own path into the field, funding international volunteering through a corporate day job and eventually progressing to roles as a corporate sustainability manager, in-house consultant, and now, a thriving freelancer. In this conversation, Vicky candidly discusses managing the emotional challenges of working in sustainability. She highlights the importance of peer support, community, and rest in navigating the demands of this field. Vicky also offers insights into her leadership approach, emphasising the value of futures thinking and the importance she places on intuition. Finally, she opens up about the delicate balance of managing her career, personal life, and the importance of stepping back, not away, to recharge when needed.  This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a heartfelt exploration of what it takes to thrive in sustainability. Vicky made reference to the following resources in the conversation: · The Uncomfortable Conversations Peer Learning Journey: you can join the waitlist for the next cohort here: https://forms.gle/CRNjUYZjF5DGVQka8 ·         Sustainability as the World Needs Training from ArkH3: https://www.arkh3.com/blog/tag/sustainability-as-the-world-needs ·        Tricia Hersey’s Nap Ministry: https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/ ·        Mac Macartney’s The Children’s Fire: https://macmacartney.com/writer ·        Amisha Tala Oak’s book on Intuition: https://amisha.co.uk/intuition/ ·        Lisa Bogle’s Shandara Energy Weaving: https://www.shandara.com.au/ Vicky can be reached at [email protected] or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayvicky/ If the themes in this discussion resonated with you and you’d like some help to make some changes, book some time in my diary here to discuss.

In this inspiring episode, Elspeth Jones, founder of Wild Counsel, shares her transformational journey—from a successful career as a commercial barrister to becoming an environmental lawyer—culminating in the creation of Wild Counsel. Elspeth talks candidly about the emotional challenges and pressures of working on the climate and nature crisis, offering thoughtful insights into self-care and the pivotal role leaders play in cultivating a supportive and empowering environment for those around them. The conversation also explores Elspeth’s personal growth as a leader, navigating self-doubt, and embracing the idea that leadership does not require perfection. She reflects on the value of authenticity, building trust, and fostering genuine connections as the foundation for effective and impactful leadership. Finally, Elspeth offers a fresh perspective on managing energy—not just time—when balancing work, family, and hobbies, to create a more fulfilling life. Elspeth can be reached at [email protected] If the themes in this discussion resonated with you and you’d like some help to make some changes, book some time in my diary here to discuss.

Sam Ridsdale, Head of Account Operations at Hitachi Energy, joins me for the first episode of 2025. In this conversation, Sam explains how she accidentally came to work in the energy sector and what drives her to do the work she does. Sam and I explore how we have an ability to make a difference and a responsibility to do so, how what we tell ourselves can limit us if we let it, as well as uncover the strategies Sam uses to stay sane. Sam talks openly about the challenges she faces in trying to ensure she doesn't work too much, which, she explains, is tricky because she enjoys what she does so much. However, she recognises that the need to recharge her batteries doing other activities is also important. It's an in-depth discussion which I have no doubt will strike a chord with you on several levels and is well worth a listen. Sam can be reached at linkedin.com/in/sam-ridsdale If the themes in this discussion resonated with you and you’d like some help to make some changes, book some time in my diary here to discuss.

Join Hayley and I in exploring her journey from a career in Fintech to purposeful climate work as Co-Founder @ openstead. We dive into how she navigates the emotional landscape of working in sustainability including how she believes embracing hope while acknowledging the overwhelming reality of the climate crisis is key. Hayley shares powerful insights on building resilience, finding community, and redefining your personal impact beyond traditionally what ‘success’ means in the world. She offers advice worth reflecting on. I hope you enjoy the episode! The podcast references two further resources which are detailed below: Climate Connection Terra.do: Climate Education, Green Skills, and Climate Careers Hayley can be reached at [email protected] If you’re feeling stuck and have lost the energy and passion that you used to have in bucket loads, why not start my assessing the foundations in my quiz? It’ll help you see where you are off track so you can take immediate action to start to work towards becoming, confident, purposeful and proud once again. Follow this link: https://definingdecadequiz.scoreapp.com

In this episode of The Butterfly Effect, I talk to Emma Burlow, about her 30 years in Sustainability. As the Founder of Lighthouse Sustainability, Director of Revolution ZERO and go to person for Sustainability in Business, Emma talks openly about the challenges she has experienced working in this sector. It's a great conversation in which we talk about the work she focuses on now but also how she made her way to where she is. Emma shares some great tips on how she keeps herself sane and is able to navigate the emotions of working in this space. She also offers a practical solution to feeling like you are banging your head against a brick wall, something I know you'll resonate with. It's one full of interesting views and ideas you can experiment with and consider in your work and life. I hope you enjoy it! You can reach Emma at [email protected] or her website: lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk  ______ Are you feeling unsure of your impact? Not sure if you're on track to reaching your potential so you can make that difference at a time where the world needs us all to stand up and be counted? Then why not take my quiz? It'll give you a report specific to you that can help you identify what you can do right away. Follow this link https://definingdecadequiz.scoreapp.com

Join Sarah Daly and I as we discuss the world of Sustainability Leadership. We learn from Sarah her strategies for switching off after a day of working in this space and what she sees as some of the leadership challenges we face as a global society. Sarah shares how, as a Top 35 LinkedIn Sustainability Influencer, she is not afraid to share views that get people to stop and think and what drives this approach. This episode really does pack a punch, offering some great opportunities for reflection and growth. I hope you enjoy it!  Sarah can be reached at linkedin.com/in/sarahdalysustainability  Ever thought about assessing your impact in this Defining Decade? Not sure where to start? Well let me suggest you take a look at my quiz. It’ll give you feedback on whether you are on track to make the impact you know you are capable of; one you can be proud of.  It only takes a few minutes, and you get customisable feedback. Click on this link: ⁠https://definingdecadequiz.scoreapp.com 

Anna Bright, Chief Executive at Sustainability West Midlands, and I talk about what mechanisms she uses to manage the emotions of working in this space, at this time in history. Discover Anna's inspiring journey from working in sustainability in the water industry to becoming the Chief Executive of a successful not for profit. We dive into how her childhood shaped her habits in sustainable living and Anna shares what she does to unwind from a work day whilst, at the same time, commuting to and from work! This chat is loaded with insights on sustainability actions and making a difference. Don't miss out—watch now and share with friends! Anna can be reached at [email protected] ______ Ever thought about assessing your impact in this Defining Decade? Not sure where to start? Why not take a look at my quiz?It’ll give you feedback on whether you are on track to make the impact you know you are capable of; one you can be proud of. It only takes a few minutes, and you get customisable feedback. Click on this link:⁠ https://definingdecadequiz.scoreapp.com

In this episode, originally recorded in 2024, we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful work of two phenomenal women, Mamta Borgoyary, Executive Director at She Changes Climate and Bianca Pitt, co-founder of She Changes Climate. Join us as we explore their journeys, delve into their motivations, and navigate the complex emotions tied to the climate crisis. We'll also examine the role of nature, self-care, and community in combating overwhelm and maximizing our impact. This conversation offers invaluable insights and will leave you feeling optimistic, inspired and calm. This is a special extended episode originally recorded to celebrate New York Climate Week.Want to talk to someone about the impact you are making?Book a free call with me here: Frances Lee-Rogers

Michaela, Head of ESG at Severfield a steel fabricator in the north of England, talks about her journey working in construction, and now in the steel as an expat and the challenges she faced. We talk about imposter syndrome, being a women in a male dominated industry as well as growing her inner self confidence. Micheala shares some great tips for meeting the business where that are at when implementing sustainability strategies, along with sharing her unique leadership style which she implements simply to lead healthy, productive teams. Micheala talks from the heart about supporting and mentoring other more junior women, this episode has a real practical application of embedding sustainability, you won’t want to miss out on. An inspiring and thought-provoking view of hope, optimism and practical actions for wellbeing. I invite you to join us for this 30-minute conversation. Micheala can be reached at [email protected] Ever thought about assessing your impact in this Defining Decade? Not sure where to start? Well let me suggest you take a look at my quiz. It’ll give you feedback on whether you are on track to make the impact you know you are capable of; one you can be proud of. It only takes a few minutes, and you get customisable feedback. Click on this link: ⁠https://definingdecadequiz.scoreapp.com

Hannah Temple, Founder at TealCo joined me on The Butterfly Effect recently and quite frankly shifted my thinking during the conversation! As a Regenerative Organisation Specialist Hannah shares her views and her work helping organisations to use nature as a guide and support the people within those organisations find their way back to the way we, as humans, want to be in the world. Hannah shares her journey to where she is how and gives practical advice on how you can use nature as a guide to help restore, replenish and think about your work differently.  To listen to Hannah’s Podcast ‘A Thriving Future’: https://www.tealco.org/podcast  Hannah can be reached at https://www.tealco.org/  Ever thought about assessing your personal impact in this Defining Decade? Not sure where to start? Try my quiz. It’ll give you feedback on whether you are on track to make the impact you know you are capable of; one you can be proud of.  It only takes 4 minutes, and you get customisable feedback: Click on this link: ⁠https://definingdecadequiz.scoreapp.com