Our Client Engagement Specialist Devon Swift tells us about her work supporting clients on projects. She also describes her studies into the psychology of sustainability and how she’s building sustainable habits.
What do you do at thinkstep-anz?
My team helps clients get to the root of problems they're trying to solve and understand what would work best for their business. People often come to us wondering where to start with sustainability, so we support them to figure out what they really need – sometimes A does not lead to B. Instead of focusing on buzzwords, we figure out what they're trying to achieve.
One example is TCFD (the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Risk) and disclosing climate-related risks. Some companies must report on this, and Australia and New Zealand follow different frameworks. As the reporting is relatively new, our team explain the requirements and what it means for our clients.
Why do you say there are ‘50 people’ in the client engagement team?
There are five of us who work full-time to engage with new clients and half a dozen others who also support clients to scope their projects. But it's really the whole company as everyone works closely with our clients. This builds our clients’ confidence throughout their projects and lets them take bold climate action.
Devon at the Kaiaraara Rocks, Whangaroa Harbour in Northland
Describe some projects you’ve worked on.
I’ve worked with an infrastructure company on a sustainability strategy. That work then led to a Science Based Target and carbon reduction plan. It’s great to see our clients take positive steps that build on each other.
Being involved in client work directly helps our Client Engagement Team understand what clients are looking for from our projects.
How do you solve tricky problems at work?
Everybody at thinkstep-anz is so skilled and generous in sharing their knowledge. No one is an expert on every topic, so it’s important to ask the right people. The team are wonderful.
I’ve learned so much from my colleagues and our clients. I work with clients across many different industries and types of projects, which is why I love my role. No day is the same!
Tell us about your sustainability studies.
I'm studying for my Master’s in psychology. I'm particularly interested in the psychology of sustainability and understanding what motivates people to act. Research shows that hope, joy or anger engage individuals. However, anxiety about climate change makes you less adaptive, lowers your wellbeing, and makes you less likely to engage in causes that support climate action. When I talk with clients it’s essential to focus on the positive outcomes their project and organisation can have.
To limit climate change, we’re often told to do the same things – recycle, vote, or use sustainable transport. While these are important, they don’t necessarily encourage people or organisations to contribute their unique strengths and specialities, and don’t always connect with those who want to be involved. It’s great when our clients use their team and stakeholders’ unique insights. This can lead to more diverse approaches to reducing emissions.
Devon near Lake Harris on the Routeburn Track, Fiordland
Where did you work before thinkstep-anz?
I worked in financial education and business analysis. Some of this work involved upskilling our clients in technical concepts. We used plain English and specific examples to teach these. It’s great to see that thinkstep-anz is helping clients use plain English to explain technical concepts too.
What's the most sustainable and unsustainable thing you've done recently?
My family's based in Dunedin, so flying from Auckland to see them isn’t great for my carbon footprint. I offset that with verified carbon credits but sustainability is about more than just carbon. Not seeing my family or friends won’t encourage me to make sustainable choices in the long run.
I’m focused on building long-term habits and I try to make incremental changes. We eat vegetarian in my household and I'm learning about ethical investing to ensure I put my money where my mouth is.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Anything outdoors, like skiing, hiking, swimming, and being out in nature reconnecting – all that good stuff.
21 June 2023