Your background started in the traditional corporate world, can you talk about the catalyst for moving into the sustainable business and leadership space?  

My journey started in the corporate world, where I learned the ropes of strategy, leadership, and growth while traveling the world. But over time, I realised something crucial: success shouldn’t just be measured in quarterly profits; it should also include long-term impact. The catalyst? A mix of personal interest (motherhood made everything that tad bit clearer for me!), deep curiosity, a growing awareness of global challenges, and one too many meetings where ‘sustainability’ was just a buzzword rather than a business priority.

I wanted to bridge the gap between purpose and profit, showing that businesses don’t have to choose between doing well and doing good. So, I took the leap into the sustainable business and leadership space, where innovation meets responsibility.

Now, I wear many hats, from business leader to media contributor, and I love every single second of it.

From a ‘personal impact’ point of view, I founded reuzi back in 2018 as a one-stop shop for sustainable living products helping people reduce household waste.

From a ‘corporate impact’ point of view, I am a partner and Chief Sustainability Officer at Pragmatica, a boutique sustainability consultancy helping organisations in Ireland and beyond to future-proof themselves by embedding sustainability into their DNA… because I strongly believe that the best businesses don’t just adapt to change, they drive it!

One of your roles includes sustainability consulting with Pragmatica. Can you tell us a little bit more about what this entails, and the types of organisations/businesses you are working with?  

Pragmatica is dedicated to supporting SMEs across Ireland and beyond on their sustainability and carbon reduction journeys. From strategic work to certifications such as B Corp or EcoVadis, we are a true one-stop shop for leaders looking to create positive impact. As the ideal outsourced sustainability partner, we offer businesses the expertise of a Chief Sustainability Officer at a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee. Working with inspiring organisations fuels our optimism for a more sustainable future!

What are some of the biggest challenges that you see companies facing within this role?  

I’d say limited awareness and expertise play a big part… Many businesses underestimate the financial returns of sustainability initiatives or lack the internal knowledge to navigate available solutions. Misconceptions about high upfront costs can be a barrier to action, even when the long-term ROI is undeniable. Bridging this gap with education and strategic support can empower businesses to make informed, impactful decisions.

We often hear that smaller businesses are quite limited in what they can do/achieve when it comes to climate – do you think there is any basis to this assumption?  

Imagine the impact if every small business took action on sustainability! Even small steps can create powerful ripples. As I always say, there’s power in one – and together, we can drive meaningful change. By sharing knowledge, supporting each other, and committing to progress, we can build a future where sustainable practices are the norm, not the exception. Every choice matters, and collectively, we have the power to shape a greener, more resilient world for generations to come.

We would consider your online presence to have grown a tight-knit community of sustainability enthusiasts, have you any tips for people looking to start their own community or movement? 

I always say I’m an accidental online character. It all started with me sharing my life, my routine, and my views – and somehow, people started to show up. I’m humbled every day by the engagement and the support I receive. It’s honestly wild to think that people I’ve never met care so deeply about my mission, and I’m endlessly grateful for that.

My tip? Be authentic. Share your story, your way. Don’t stress about what others are doing – just do your thing. You’ve probably heard the saying: flowers don’t stop blooming just because other flowers are blooming. The same goes for your online presence. There’s room for everyone to grow, inspire, and make an impact. So, trust your voice, stay consistent, and keep showing up. You never know who you might be inspiring.

What do you think is the most effective way to engage people online about particular causes?  

I simply love fashion but it’s such a challenging industry, I talk about it a lot – sharing styles, trends, and pieces that inspire me as well as the dirty side of it. I’m also passionate about news and current affairs, and I enjoy using Reels to share my thoughts and spark meaningful conversations.

I am a huge supporter of local businesses, an ‘underdog champion’, one might say. As a business owner, I feel their pain so I will use my voice to support them always when I can. On a more personal note, I’m an avid runner and care deeply about my wellbeing. Whether it’s what I eat, how I train, or little rituals that keep me grounded, I love sharing glimpses of my routine with my online pals. It’s a joy to connect over shared interests and build a community where we can inspire and support each other, both in life and in pursuit of the things we care about most.

In your experience, how has the topic of sustainability evolved since you began working in the sector? 

The conversation around sustainability has evolved massively over the past decade! It’s shifted from being a niche concern to a core business priority for many companies. Initially, sustainability was often seen as a “nice to have” – something businesses might address for PR reasons or compliance… my first exposure to it came when I was asked to build and lead Flutter Entertainment’s first DEI group – ‘Fair Game’. I fell in love with it immediately and I often blame it for my career change!

Key changes I’ve noticed:

From Obligation to Opportunity: Businesses are realising sustainability isn’t just about reducing harm; it’s about innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

Holistic Thinking: It’s not just about carbon footprints anymore – it’s about circularity, social impact, biodiversity, and regenerative practices.

Consumer & Investor Pressure: People care more than ever about where their money goes. Customers and investors are demanding transparency and real action, not just greenwashing.

Policy & Regulation: Governments worldwide are stepping up with stricter policies, pushing companies to adapt or get left behind.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: There’s more willingness to collaborate, share insights, and learn from each other – because sustainability is a collective effort, it’s everyone’s job!

It’s inspiring to see how much progress has been made, but there’s still plenty of work to do, that’s for sure!

What do you see as the biggest barrier for people in making more sustainable choices?  

Convenience, abundance, and cost. I will explain!

We are all so busy all the time, and we end up going for the easy option. It’s often quicker to grab something new than to repair what we already own. Plus, with fast fashion and cheap, mass-produced goods, replacements can be so inexpensive that fixing things feels like more effort than it’s worth.

On top of that, sustainable options can sometimes feel out of reach – whether that’s because they’re more expensive upfront or harder to access. Even when people want to make better choices, the system doesn’t always make it easy for them to do so.

There’s also the issue of awareness. Many people simply don’t know the full impact of their choices or where to start when it comes to sustainability. And when information is overwhelming or filled with guilt, it can make people shut down rather than take small, meaningful steps.

The good news? As businesses, creators, and communities, we can help bridge that gap – making sustainable living more accessible, affordable, and normalised. Every little change counts, and when those small actions add up, they create a huge collective impact.

What are your ambitions for the future? (business or personal) 

I have a few big ideas in the backburner – including the fact that I really want to write a book for children.

Publishers, where are you at?

I have a beautiful idea (if I do say so myself!) and I just need to get it done.

I also would love to work with more organisations on the wellness sector – I have a feeling life will bring me there at some stage…

Can you nominate who your climate hero(es) is/are? 

The 87-year-old lady who DM’d me to say she knows she won’t be around for much longer, but she’s doing her best so her grandchildren can enjoy a clean and fair planet – she’s a hero to me.

The volunteers at charity shops are heroes.

The folks working at waste collection, often unseen but oh-so-essential, are heroes.

The people consciously reducing food waste at home are heroes.

Parents teaching their kids by example, instilling care and respect for the planet and all living beings, are heroes.

Small businesses sacrificing a bit of their margin to offer better options and sustainable packaging – they are big time my heroes.

My heroes are the everyday people who quietly go above and beyond, doing the right thing even when no one is watching. They understand we’re only here for a short time, but they refuse to give up on the future.

My heroes are those who aren’t necessarily under the spotlight or receiving daily praise / likes, but whose consistent, compassionate actions create ripples of change. They remind me every day that hope lives in the collective efforts of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Can you share your #1 tip for making sustainability more accessible within small teams?  

Start by auditing your waste – paper, plastic, food, water, energy. Every business is unique, but there’s always an opportunity to reduce waste and potentially discover cost-saving efficiencies.

Anything else to add?  

No matter what you’re doing, I just want to take a moment to thank you for giving it your best effort. At the end of the day, it’s all about trying. Perfection may be out of reach, but progress is always within our grasp. So let’s keep moving forward, and remember to celebrate every victory – no matter how small.