What I’ve learned on my journey to Blurred
By Nicole Clucas, Principal Consultant, Sustainability
I joined Blurred a little over two years ago. As a team we’ve all had different paths to get here, though I’m from a more specialist background than my colleagues, having worked in sustainability and ESG roles for around 16 years.
My journey to my current role is a long and potted one, spanning the public and private sectors, I’ve worked both in-house and in consultancy and at an NGO. My jobs have spanned technical environmental consultancy and developing strategy in consultancy and public sector roles, developing exclusion lists for green bond investments and advising on green finance at Barclays and engaging with banks to drive change as part of a global campaign to protect World Heritage Sites at WWF. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way….
1. Don’t be afraid to do something different!
Part of my rationale for coming to Blurred was to put myself out of my comfort zone. I’ve worked with communications experts in many of the jobs I’ve held before and have dabbled on the sidelines, but I wanted to learn something new and understand how to translate what can be very technical and, in some cases, incomprehensible language into clear, concise communications. It’s certainly been a learning curve, but one I’ve really valued. I’ve really enjoyed being able to offer my own expertise to colleagues and clients in return.
2. Know your strengths
We all bring something different to our work, whether you’re a great listener, brilliant writer, understand the technical details, or are incredibly organised. Everyone adds value. Never underestimate the unique combination of skills and experience you can offer, if you’ve just finished school or university or if you’ve got 40 years of experience under your belt. Everyone has a valid view and skills that they can offer.
3. Don’t hold yourself back
The adage is true – even if you don’t tick every box on a job description or project outline it doesn’t mean you are not capable of doing it. My career journey shows just that, I’d never worked in the public sector or at an NGO before, but I took the plunge and applied to Surrey County Council and WWF and started there and quickly tried to learn as much as possible from those around me. If you’re willing to listen, learn and work hard there are so many things you can put your hand to.
4. Network, network, network
I learned early on that meeting people, whether that’s in a formal meeting, virtually, at an event or even a social occasion is key. I did several internships when I first started out, a number of which I found via word of mouth. Find out where the people who work in an area that you’re interested in are and join them. In a post-covid world that’s often online, but in person gatherings are coming back. I have found meeting people invaluable throughout the years, it’s enabled me to build relationships, find out what exciting things are going on in different parts of the sustainability world and meet like-minded people. Eventbrite and LinkedIn are great places to start, but ask your own network, friends, and family. You never know who they might be connected to.
5. All experiences are useful
Now, that’s not to say I haven’t had some experiences in my career or taken directions that I wish I hadn’t. However, all of these add up and give you your own unique perspective that is useful and valid. No matter what your level. Don’t discount working in a shop, pouring drinks behind the bar or being a delivery driver. I spent years as a waitress which at the time I hated but taught me about dealing with a variety of different people, working as a team, budgeting, and how to make a great coffee. Even though I didn’t realise it at the time, all of those experiences have come in useful. Everyone has a unique set of skills built off the back of their own experiences. All of which got you to where you are today. Don’t ever underestimate that.