Second Nature

Merlin Carnegie, the Business Development Manager at Low Carbon, is a force driving sustainable change in the energy sector. With a degree in Civil Engineering and Architecture, Merlin's journey to his current role wasn't straightforward. Despite realising that traditional civil engineering wasn't his true passion, he remained steadfast in his commitment to renewable energy, pivoting his studies towards this field.

His dedication led him to pursue a Master's in Sustainable Engineering, specialising in Renewable Energy Systems & The Environment. Not wishing to leave Scotland but eager to delve deeper into renewable energy, Merlin sought opportunities in London, where his path intersected with Low Carbon.

Join Rich and Merlin in this episode as they delve into the dynamic growth of Low Carbon and the broader renewable energy sector across the UK and beyond. Merlin sheds light on the intricate process of project development, offering insights into the steps involved in bringing renewable energy projects to fruition.

Throughout the conversation, Merlin highlights both the challenges and the immense potential that renewables hold for our planet's future. He discusses how these initiatives align with conservation objectives, illustrating the synergy between Oxygen Conservation and Low Carbon's mission. 

Crawford Mackay, a partner at Galbraith, is deeply entrenched in the world of Land and Rural property. Born and raised in the picturesque west coast of Scotland, his love for rural landscapes has been a lifelong affair. 

Crawfords journey began with a scholarship in Rugby that took him to a boarding school in Edinburgh, an experience that opened his eyes to the vast possibilities beyond the rugby field. Despite initially following in his father's footsteps to pursue a degree in Finance with Investment Management, Crawford soon realised that his heart lay in the rural sector. Fuelling his passion, he pursued a Masters in Rural Estate Management, a decision that set the course for his career.

Eager to gain practical experience, Crawford went on to gain work experience, and this started with Galbraith, where he honed his skills and climbed the ranks. While he ventured away for other opportunities, Scotland's call eventually brought him back to Galbraith's fold.

In this engaging episode, Rich and Crawford delve into their experiences exploring diverse properties, Crawford and Galbraith's pivotal role in enabling Oxygen Conservation's success stories, and their insights into the evolving landscape of rural land across the UK.

As Head of Impact and Advocacy at Oxygen House, Amy ensures that people and the planet take precedence in every business decision, encompassing both operational functions and the services Oxygen House offers.

 Amy's journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. Raised in a musical household, she initially anticipated following a similar path, but her adventurous spirit led her on a different trajectory. At just 18, she embarked on a transformative experience in Peru, dedicating herself to youth work. This ignited a passion for exploring different cultures, leading her to pursue a degree in Human Geography and Spanish Studies. Subsequently, she ventured to Bogota, Colombia, where she immersed herself as a British Culture Teacher, further enriching her understanding of global perspectives. 

Never one to shy away from challenges, Amy continued to expand her horizons, delving into Arabic studies with an intensive course in Manah, Oman. Upon returning to the UK, she pursued her master's degree in international studies and diplomacy, cementing her commitment to making a meaningful impact on a global scale.

Amy's career has been a tapestry of enriching experiences, from her role as a Mentoring Project Coordinator at Paiwand, where she advocated for unaccompanied minors and refugees, to her leadership in youth workshops. It was her time at a consultancy focused on social impact that crystallised her passion, leading her to join the Dixon Foundation, and from there to join Oxygen House, where she continues to drive positive change.

 With each adventure, Amy has encountered both profound learnings and formidable challenges, shaping her into the passionate advocate she is today. 

At the time of recording Izzie was working with Real Wild Estates, a startup dedicated to helping UK landowners make nature restoration financially viable through generation of natural capital. As a mentor for SHE Changes Climate, she champions the upskilling and supporting of young women to get into and progress careers in the environment sector. 

 Starting as operations and comms manager at The European Nature Trust Izzie started her career championing European rewilding before moving to Elephant Family, where her focus shifted to supporting human-wildlife conflict in South Asia. Working with corporate partners sparked her interest in engaging the private sector with conservation funding and policy, leading her to complete an MSc in Global Biodiversity Conservation which shaped her career path profoundly.

Her studies led her to Ecuador, where she worked with the team at Reserva Tesoro Escondido, on a rights of nature project protecting the Chocó Biosphere. Now at Great Yellow where she and the team mobilise large scale blended finance for nature restoration, she continues to thrive on constant learning and collaborations with leading nature finance and landscape recovery initiatives .

Join her and Rich as she discusses her career journey, opportunities seized, and navigating the world of conservation, restoration and Natural Capital. 

Dr Bevis Watts, the Chief Executive Officer of Triodos Bank UK, brings to the table a remarkable journey marked by passion, purpose, and a relentless commitment to sustainability. His story is a tapestry woven from childhood dreams, educational pursuits, and impactful roles in the recycling sector, wildlife conservation, and ethical finance.

Bevis's experience in recycling honed his commercial acumen and ignited his passion for effecting positive change through sustainable practices. This passion led Bevis to be Head of Business Banking for Triodos Bank UK, focusing on commercial lending. Transitioning to CEO of Avon Wildlife Trust, Bevis drove impactful conservation initiatives wielding his formidable combination of commercial expertise, financial knowledge and environmental commitment.

Following his tenure at Avon Wildlife Trust, Bevis remained steadfast in his mission to catalyse positive change within the financial sector. Re-joining Triodos Bank UK as CEO, he embarked on a journey to redefine the role of finance in society, demonstrating its potential to be a force for good. His vision extends beyond financial transactions; it encompasses a holistic approach to societal well-being, advocating for a shift in mindset towards doing good and fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

Through his leadership, Bevis Watts endeavours to demonstrate that finance can be a force for positive change, inspiring others to embrace a more sustainable way of living and doing business.

https://www.triodos.co.uk

Naomi Conway, the Director of National Park Partnerships, brings a wealth of diverse experience to the podcast. With a background in the National Portrait Gallery and the charity sector, Naomi's journey to her current role has been anything but conventional.

In this episode Naomi shares the bridge between her previous experience and the skills she has brought forward to be successful in her role. Her understanding and consideration for different stakeholders along with her previous experience being away from this sector has allowed Naomi to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the role.

Rich and Naomi delve into a range of topics, from the pressing need for environmental change to the funding challenges facing our parks. They explore innovative partnerships, the complexities of stakeholder engagement, and the promising potential of climate action initiatives for nature restoration.

https://www.nationalparks.uk/national-parks-partnerships/

Duncan Grossart, the visionary behind Journeys With Purpose, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the realm of conservation. From his early adventures traversing Africa and India during his teenage years to his academic pursuits in zoology, Duncan's journey has been fuelled by a deep connection to the natural world.

After heading to London and setting up his own media company Duncan recognised the vital role media and events play in supporting conservation efforts, and from which he embarked on a mission to assist conservationists in amplifying their message.

In 2019, Duncan took his commitment to the next level by establishing Journeys With Purpose. Through this platform, he endeavours to curate unforgettable conservation experiences, forging meaningful connections between people and nature. By showcasing remarkable achievements in conservation and providing opportunities for others to witness them first-hand, Duncan aims to inspire a new generation of advocates for the natural world.

Evelyn Channing is the Rural Agency Director at Savills, where she oversees operations spanning the entirety of Scotland's rural land and estates from her base in Edinburgh.

Ev's journey through life's chapters has shaped her into the passionate professional she is today. Growing up on a family farm, she fondly recalls her childhood memories. Her time at boarding school instilled in her a love for reading and team sports, further enriching her experiences.

After graduating with a degree in Land Management from Reading, Ev embarked on her career journey with Savills, where she has remained dedicated for over three decades. Her unwavering passion for her work and the impactful contributions of her team continue to drive her forward.

In this episode, Ev offers listeners an insider's perspective on her progression within Savills, emphasising the importance of effective mentorship and career development. She delves into the intricacies of her role as an agent, sharing invaluable tips for land buyers and insights into the evolving market landscape.

Together with Rich, they discuss the emergence of a new land buyer and the transformative impact of companies reshaping our understanding of land use, building a natural capital economy.

Rob Gardner is the CEO and co-founder of Rebalance Earth.

With a background steeped in pensions and insurance, Rob's journey has been guided by a mission to empower individuals financially. However, his focus has shifted towards a greater cause – creating a world worth living in.

Born in Holland, raised in Argentina, and having traversed much of South America, Rob's upbringing instilled in him a profound awareness of environmental challenges and financial disparities. These early experiences shaped his career trajectory, to establishing Redington, and subsequently serve as director of investments at St James's Place.

In this episode Rob shares his remarkable journey, highlighting the challenges and impressive accomplishments of his previous experiences – it is a ridiculous impressive CV. Rob is now on a mission to drive the transition to a nature-based economy by enabling the flow of private capital to protect and restore nature. He passionately advocates for a nature-based economy, emphasising the importance of valuing and protecting our planet's natural assets for the sake of future generations.

Sarah Felfel, the dynamic Director of Human Resources at Oxygen House Group, brings her joy, humour, and candidness to this captivating episode of the Shoot Room Sessions. In this incredibly engaging episode, Sarah shares how she started her career in Human Resources and how her unique approach diverges from the standard policy-driven norms of the industry.  

Driven by her profound empathy and genuine care for people, Sarah is incredible at her job. She provides an honest glimpse into the realities and responsibilities that she shoulders and how she navigates these both professionally and personally. 

Join Rich and Sarah as they talk about the “dark arts of HR”, the bit people don’t talk about and dig into what it means to be effective in this people-centred position.