Building a career in Sustainability - Sarah Graham (Class of 2002)

Looking back at your time at Watson’s, is there anything or anyone that inspired your interest in sustainability or the natural world?

My biology teacher was a huge inspiration to me. She went beyond the curriculum, sharing her own life experiences that made the subject come alive for me. I fondly remember kneeling by the edge of the pond, staring in wonder at all the creatures while we pond dipped as a class. Another influential figure was Mr. Young, my Geography teacher and Duke of Edinburgh leader. Being out in the wild, working together with friends while training for my gold award, made me appreciate nature and develop a healthy respect for it. I recall the challenges of putting up tents and carrying bags that weighed more than I did, but it was all great fun.

You studied Ecology at university and now work in sustainability. What drew you to this field, and how has your journey evolved since leaving school?

After leaving school I went straight to The University of Edinburgh, I loved the variety of the subject of Ecology and the field work as well as the social side of the experience. 

During university I volunteered with a sea turtle conservation charity in Greece. I tracked the population health and educated tourists and locals on how to protect the sea turtle. This experience was an eye-opener, showing me how people's opinions and actions can directly impact the health of an entire population. I also travelled to the Galapagos, famously associated with Charles Darwin, his observations of the unique species there, such as the finches, played a crucial role in developing his theory of evolution by natural selection. It was a dream come true to see firsthand the wildlife I had only read about in books and seen on TV. This experience gave me a real appreciation for the joy of wildlife, the dangers they face, and the delicate balance between people and wildlife.

Your role seems to combine science, strategy, and people. How do you balance those elements, and what part do you find most rewarding?

I thrive on challenges and setting goals, which makes helping to build sustainability strategies very fulfilling. Science provides clear answers, which is why aligning with science-based targets has been crucial for setting a robust foundation for our sustainability strategy. This approach reinforces our genuine commitment, integrity, and accountability.
People are perhaps the most important element for me. Tackling the climate crisis requires harnessing the power of our communities. We've achieved incredible things throughout history, and I believe we can (and have to) drive positive change swiftly.

In my current position as Sustainability Executive, I believe every single employee has a role to play in helping us reduce our environmental footprint. Being a global organisation, there are challenges in reaching everyone with our message. We have overcome this through various communication channels, whether it's via our intranet, events, or training modules. We've also created a network of green teams that collaborate across regions, sharing challenges, learnings, and ideas.

I believe it's important to ensure every voice is heard, regardless of their level in the business, and that everyone is empowered to contribute to reducing our environmental footprint and recognised for their efforts. One of the most rewarding parts of my role has been witnessing firsthand the innovative ideas people come up with to help us achieve our sustainability goals and seeing the development of a tight-knit, supportive community with a shared vision.

You’ve also worked with charities and organisations like Glasgow Wood Recycling and The Robertson Trust. What motivates your work in the third sector?

My passion for the third sector stems from extensive volunteering for various charities over the years. I'm always eager to support charities, especially those with an environmental cause. I've developed training programs for internal use within the business and shared them with external partners, suppliers, and contacts in other businesses as well as charities. Sustainability isn't just a topic for one business: it's about sharing ideas, training, and education widely to create a bigger impact collectively.

What advice would you give to pupils or young alumni interested in careers in sustainability or environmental science?

Lead by example. If you're passionate about sustainability, start incorporating sustainable practices and behaviour changes into your daily life. The more you do this, the more it becomes second nature and integrates into everything you do at home and work. Don't be afraid to educate others. Many people want to see positive change but feel overwhelmed by the negativity surrounding the climate crisis. We need to change the narrative to focus on hope, positively and collective action. Small habit changes can make a big difference collectively.

Finally, what does being a Watsonian mean to you?

I feel fortunate to have attended Watson’s. It was the stepping stone I needed to gain confidence and pursue my passions. I go to work every day doing what I love, which is a blessing. I also have a strong network of friends, having learned my social skills at Watson’s. These friendships are like family to me, providing strength and support. Watson’s was a safe place where I enjoyed going to school. Despite the hideous braces, I always had a big smile on my face and made some of my best memories there. Thank you for that.