Career Profile: Jo Holmes MISEP CEnv, managing director, Genee Consulting Ltd

Why did you become an environment/sustainability professional?

I have always loved the outdoors and had horses growing up, so was always happiest in nature. At university I studied environmental management and was keen to start an environmental career – not easy in 1996 when the opportunities were less abundant than they are today.

What was your first job in this field?

My first role was for the Environmental Industries Federation, a newly formed trade association in north-east England. It was a fantastic springboard into the sector as we supported the whole industry and helped define nationally what the sector included.

How did you get your first role?

I applied for a job with an environmental trade association. It was described as ‘data input’ but was so much more than the advertised role and it grew with me.

What does your current role involve?

I run a busy environmental consultancy, so every day is different, which I love. We respond to opportunities as they arise and develop our skills to meet new challenges. Ensuring that we meet and exceed the needs of our clients is always front and centre, alongside operating sustainably.

How has your role changed/progressed?

I have been reflecting on driving the business forward and the services we offer. I feel like all paths led to this. Running a membership-based model is rewarding and takes commitment to make people feel like they belong to something and are supported. The network I have built over the past 25 years has been key to the work I do now and has been instrumental in our sector development work with Net Zero North East England.

What’s the best part of your work?

Working with our members and seeing how enthusiastic they are to make meaningful sustainability improvements, and getting feedback about how we’ve helped them to make a start and achieve their environmental accreditation through Investors in the Environment.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Juggling business development, business admin and service delivery.

What was the last development event you attended?

It was an event looking at best-practice models for food-waste collections from kerbside. I am working with the 12 north-east local authorities to roll out food-waste collection services as part of Simpler Recycling.

What did you bring back to your job?

That behaviour change is difficult and that communication and service design are key.

What are the most important skills for your job?

Partnership development and people skills – we work with people, not companies or brands.

Where do you see the profession going?

From strength to strength. For the best part of my career I’ve been knocking on doors to get sustainability on the agenda. Recently, the doors have been wide open.

Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

Learning and growing as a consultant and helping as many organisations as possible to meet their sustainability goals. I would also like to see my younger colleagues develop and advance their careers.

What advice would you give to someone entering the profession?

Work hard, build a network and be kind.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Positive, hard-working and organised.

What motivates you?

Having purpose.

What would be your personal motto?

Life’s for living.

Greatest risk you have ever taken?

Setting up on my own.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet?

Nelson Mandela, a positive force for good.

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