Focusing minds: Guy Thompson on the challenge of sustainability

Why I chose the Mprof
I had a career in conservation, but at the back of my mind a voice was saying, “I’ve got a degree in politics, I want to see something of the bigger picture”. I’m not a great academic, but this programme brought in thought leaders who’d been there, done that, for us to plunder their intellectual capital. It took my career in a whole new direction.

Things my Masters taught me 
It was a crash course in understanding the scale of the challenge. I’d had an idea of sustainable development as this all-encompassing magical fix. By the end of the programme I was in no doubt how far we were from realising the vision. But I also saw how much progressive-minded folk have permeated sectors you wouldn’t expect.

"Build your career around your own values rather than around your perception of what you should do"

Career to date
My dream job was Parliamentary Officer for the RSPB – and I got it. The Masters definitely gave me the edge. I then worked for Forum for the Future as a Policy Adviser, before going to Green Alliance as their Director, where I had the chance to engage with environmental NGOs and politicians at the highest level – even Tony Blair. When I was approached by Natural England to join their executive board, I threw my hat into the ring.

What I plan to do next
This is a time of reflection for me. I’m struck by how far we’ve come and how little we’ve travelled. Here we are at the fag end of New Labour, which has failed to grasp the nettle despite understanding the imperatives around climate change – so my optimism has faded. On the plus side, I’m encouraged that evidence for global warming is focusing minds and bringing bigger actors to the table.

Advice for future leaders
Build your career around your own values rather than around your perception of what you should do, because that’s what drives you and will give you the energy to lead others.

Interview by Anna Simpson.

29 June 2009

Anna Simpson