A Changing World Needs Adaptable Leaders: My GreenBiz Emerging Leader Journey

Written by Rachel Haynes, BSC Program Manager

This past February, I had the opportunity to attend GreenBiz 2025 as an Emerging Leader. This was truly an inspiring and transformative experience for me. It reinforced my passion for sustainability, challenged my perspectives, and deepened my commitment to shaping the next generation of changemakers. Throughout the event, I engaged in thought-provoking discussions, built meaningful relationships, and gained valuable insights into the evolving sustainability landscape.

The Ever-Changing Green Job Market

One of the most striking takeaways from GreenBiz was the truly dynamic nature of sustainability careers. If you look at a sustainability job board today and then revisit it a year from now, you’ll likely find entirely new roles that didn’t exist before. This reflects the rapid evolution of the field, making adaptability and continuous learning essential traits for sustainability professionals. Companies that wish to attract top talent must stay ahead of these trends, understanding what’s on Gen Z’s mind and aligning their strategies accordingly.

The business case for sustainability careers is stronger than ever. Research shared by a LinkedIn employee during a panel I attended revealed that two out of three Gen Z professionals want to work in green jobs. Companies looking to build brand loyalty and attract this talent must engage meaningfully with sustainability issues, demonstrating commitment beyond surface-level initiatives.

Leadership and the Power of Relationships

A major theme throughout GreenBiz was the importance of leadership traits that transcend technical expertise. The most impactful leaders in sustainability share a few key characteristics:

• Signature Style: Great leaders bring authenticity and purpose to their work, leaning into their unique strengths and perspectives.
• Asking Good Questions: The ability to challenge assumptions and explore new solutions is invaluable in a field that is constantly evolving.
• Focusing on Relationships: Sustainability is fundamentally about people. Engaging with diverse stakeholders, building trust, and fostering collaboration are crucial for driving meaningful change.

During my conversations with fellow Emerging Leaders, I was moved by how many had deeply personal motivations for entering the field. Several shared stories of experiencing climate impacts in their hometowns, fueling their desire to work toward solutions. This resonated with my own journey—growing up in an environment where I saw inequities firsthand shaped my drive to pursue sustainability and social impact. As Tulane Montgomery insightfully stated during one of the main stage sessions, “Don’t let your trauma response become your strategy.” Instead, use those experiences as motivation to create a more just and sustainable world.

A Career Built on Passion and Adaptability

My journey into sustainability wasn’t a straight path—it was always whispering to me, even before I had the language to describe it. I have always viewed the world through a strong moral compass, which led me to study international relations and become actively involved in diversity programming and social impact organizations.

From university governance boards and student art initiatives to inclusion training programs, I was drawn to work that created positive change. Interning at an automotive company in Shanghai, China allowed me to research the electric vehicle (EV) market, while my time at a utility company deepened my understanding of the industry’s history and community impact. Later, in graduate school, I discovered the B Corp movement, which allowed me to align my interests with broader sustainability frameworks while leveraging my management skills.

Even in my past role in digital marketing, sustainability found me again—I became deeply involved in corporate belonging initiatives, leading employee engagement programs globally through the Black Employee Resource Group and championing digital accessibility efforts. This ongoing pull toward sustainability ultimately led me to my current role in higher education, where I now have the opportunity to shape the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Advice for Aspiring Sustainability Professionals

For those looking to enter or transition into sustainability careers, my biggest advice is:

1. Follow Your Passion, But Be Open to Pivots: Sustainability is broad, and there are many ways to contribute. Your existing skills—whether in business, marketing, finance, or engineering—can be leveraged in this field. 
2. Seek Out Opportunities Internally: Express interest in internal sustainability initiatives or volunteer for related projects at your current organization or locally.
3. Turn to the Data: At the end of the day business decisions are still driven by the bottom line. Understanding metrics and using data-driven insights can help make the case for sustainability initiatives.
4. Adopt a Growth Mindset: The field is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is key to long-term success.

On the last day of the conference I had a conversation with an NC State alum that particularly stood out to me. He shared, “One day, I envision all jobs will be green jobs.” This vision reinforced my belief that we truly need everyone to play a role in protecting our people and planet. It also deepened my commitment to helping students navigate and enter sustainability careers, ensuring they have the guidance and resources to become the next generation of changemakers.

Ultimately, my time as an Emerging Leader at GreenBiz was a powerful reminder of why I do this work. I left feeling energized by my cohort’s passion and grateful for the candid conversations we shared. Sustainability is a journey—one that requires continuous learning, resilience, and collaboration. A huge thank you to The Trellis Group for this incredible opportunity and to Diageo for their sponsorship. I am truly grateful for this experience!