Leading Sustainably | Claire Brown | The Unlikely Executive

SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP IN CONSTRUCTION, NET ZERO & INFLUENCING CHANGE In this episode of _The Unlikely Executive Podcast_, Barbra Carlisle speaks with *Claire Brown*, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend, about what it really takes to lead sustainability in construction, housing and the built environment. From net zero housing targets to *retrofit strategy in UK homes*, Claire shares practical insights on how to influence stakeholders, communicate complex sustainability issues, and drive change across large organisations. If you’re a *leader in construction, engineering, housing, or sustainability*, this episode is packed with real-world strategies you can start using immediately. ---------------------------------------- 🔑 KEY TOPICS COVERED What sustainability leadership actually looks like inside global construction firms How to influence senior stakeholders who don’t care about “carbon” Why language and communication are critical in driving change The real meaning of retrofit in UK housing and why it matters Tackling energy efficiency, heating systems and net zero targets How to handle resistance, conflict and pushback in complex organisations Leadership lessons from working in the public sector and large estates (including policing) Why listening is your most powerful leadership skill Balancing ambition, career growth and personal wellbeing Practical advice for anyone starting a career in sustainability or the built environment ---------------------------------------- 👤 ABOUT CLAIRE BROWN Claire Brown is a *Senior Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend*, working across major *UK retrofit and housing projects*. Her work spans: Delivering sustainability in the built environment Advising on energy efficiency and carbon reduction Supporting housing providers with retrofit programmes Leadership in professional sustainability networks She also sits on boards, contributes to industry groups, and has recently submitted her *PhD focused on heating and cooling demand in UK social housing*. ---------------------------------------- 🎧 LISTEN IF YOU WANT TO… Lead sustainability initiatives with more confidence Influence difficult stakeholders without conflict Improve energy efficiency in housing or construction Build a more resilient, forward-thinking organisation Develop your leadership style in complex environments ---------------------------------------- 🚀 WORK WITH BARBRA CARLISLE If you’re a business leader in construction, engineering or housing and want to: Lead decisively under pressure Build a team that takes ownership and initiative Handle difficult conversations and challenges with confidence 👉 *Join my programme*: http://www.gleecoaching.co.uk 👉 *Connect on LinkedIn*:   / barbracarlisle   📩 Or message me directly to explore coaching and leadership development ---------------------------------------- ⭐ SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you found this episode valuable: ✅ Follow / Subscribe to The Unlikely Executive Podcast 👍 Like and Share with your network 💬 Leave a review — it helps more leaders find this content