Susie Bayes

If we all come together we can achieve meaningful change in the world - leaders influence others, inspire hope & make that change happen.

LinkedIn: SusieBayes

Twitter: @Susetheday

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

I really doubled down on my own purpose & the difference that I can make in the world - as well as building much better interpersonal skills to help make it happen.

Why are you so passionate about sustainability?

Fittingly, Purpose 2015, the conference created by CSLians to bring together the Purpose-Driven business community was my "lightbulb" moment. Working at the Guardian in commercial partnerships I'd already tried to get brands to see the value in communicating in a way that really connected with people on a deeper level - but this was where I realised I could drive real change in my role.I went along as an attendee & left a change-maker. It was through chatting with the organisers at Purpose & beyond that, I realised the value doing CSL could have. 

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

Since completing the program I've become a member of the Board of the Banksia Foundation - a NFP committed to the same purpose that I am - promoting & recognising excellence in sustainability, with the longest-running sustainability awards in the world (30 years at the time of writing).

I've run a session at the Millennial 2020 Conference showing the value of Meaningful Marketing and how it can help build brands more effectively. I continue to educate brands on this & build brand content & event partnerships that make a meaningful difference in the world & help support independent journalism in perpetuity.

Why is leadership for sustainability so important?

 If we all come together we can achieve meaningful change in the world - leaders influence others, inspire hope & make that change happen.

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

I will keep making change within business - helping them see the value of making a positive change & communicating it. 

I'll be doing this next at Purpose, then CommsCon with a fellow CSLian, and then organising Banksia Ignite with the Foundation at this year's Vivid Festival. After that, who knows, but I will keep driving this important message in what I do.

What are three words you would use to describe the Program?

Inspiring, Galvanising, Community