From aerospace engineering to sustainability strategy, Emily brings curiosity, creativity, and a love of problem-solving to every project. Get to know how she’s helping clients turn climate ambition into action—and what she gets up to when she’s not losing at chess.

Based in Adelaide, Emily is part of our client engagement team, where she helps prospective clients navigate their sustainability needs and supports current clients with their projects. She also works closely with our strategy team, especially on Australian projects and business development.

Emily on a hike in Tasmania making a snowman

Why did you choose a career in sustainability?

As an engineer, I’m naturally drawn to solving problems - and there’s no bigger challenge right now than climate change. While scientists and engineers have made incredible progress in renewables and recycling tech, real impact comes from how we apply those solutions. Using my "engie brain" to help businesses become more sustainable feels like the most direct way I can contribute.

Emily undertaking the Plastic Free July challenge

What do you like most about your work?

From car insurance to steel manufacturing, brick kilns to farming - every industry has a different sustainability challenge. Working at thinkstep-anz has shown me how varied and complex those challenges are. I love digging into the specifics of each business and thinking creatively about how to help. I’m constantly learning, which keeps things exciting!

What do you see as the biggest challenge in sustainability?

A lot of focus goes to the big players (and rightly so), but I think the real challenge lies in shifting our own mindset and behaviour. Many of us use more than we need. Small changes - buying second-hand, using what’s in the fridge, carpooling - do add up. And they influence the businesses we buy from. We can vote with our wallets.

Emily with her soccer team - what a keeper!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

In Year 8, after I nervously told my maths teacher “I’ll try,” he replied, “Don’t say you’ll try—just do it.” That’s stuck with me. I try to say yes to new things—whether it’s volunteering or a different sport - and give it a real go, even if I mess up (which, luckily, I don’t lose sleep over!).

Is there a book or podcast you’d recommend?

Limits to Growth – The 30-Year Update by Donella Meadows. It uses a computer model to show that infinite growth on a finite planet just doesn’t add up. It’s a splash of cold water—but in a good way!

Emily walking her dog Fergus along the beach

When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and…

First I wanted to be a chef - until I realised you don’t just get to eat all day. Then came my dinosaur phase and dreams of palaeontology. I eventually became an aerospace engineer before finding my true calling in sustainability. So yes… a very logical, linear path!

What do you do when you’re not working?

You’ll find me at the local cathedral, or along the river Torrens walking the dog, cycling or going for the occasional run. At home, I’m usually drawing, painting, or losing at chess.

Emily's drawing of Nicolas Cage as a pumpkin

5 minutes with Emily