Maxine Bazeley

I discovered alignment in my love for community and my strength in connecting people with their purpose.

What was the most valuable thing you got out of CSL?

I discovered alignment in my love for community and my strength in connecting people with their purpose.

Why are you passionate about sustainability?

I have always been passionate about people and nature. Growing up in the country I had no question of my connection to the land. I had no concept of any disconnection to nature or segregation from other people until I visited Arnhem Land in 1996.

I realised our country was deeply troubled and more focused on consumption than human connection. I didn’t agree with the system but I learnt to work within it. My experience in the technical recruitment world introduced me to Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) and I have continued to be intrigued by zero carbon, carbon neutral and net positive building designs.

Anything I’m interested in I always seek to be actively involved. Things weren’t changing quickly enough towards a more sustainable future so I decided it was time I become one of the change makers.

How did CSL play a role in directing your current path or project?

At the beginning of this year I set out to discover how I could lead sustainability within the business consulting world. I had just left my recruitment career and was excited to apply what I was learning in CSL within my new role. What I discovered going within on our first retreat, was the strength I had in connecting people and how much I care about community and my role within it.

I realised that if I wanted change I had to start with where I could make it happen. The juxtaposition between our supportive and aligned group and the restrictive corporate environment was the catalyst I needed to step out of this situation without deciding where I'd go next. Without the understanding and support of the CSL group, I may have never moved into the purpose driven space.

Why is sustainability leadership important?

Leaders who are able to inspire people, to initiate changes and revelations in others, have the power to shift our world towards a sustainable future.

What do you plan to do next on your sustainability journey?

Now that I am working with a diverse range of organisations and people who have a positive impact either socially or environmentally on the world, I’m going to help others find their purpose and be fulfilled in their working lives. I'm joining in with the Living Building Challenge next month and will continue writing articles and posting about sustainability events and initiatives as an influencer. I'm planting veggies and buying local and have signed up for the local permaculture group and community garden. I’ve also started volunteering with Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) who are in my new community. I’m going to help them with their website, hosting green drinks and movie nights to help spread environmental and social messages.