As a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) my role was to set the overarching sustainability strategy for a bank and develop more specific policies and action plans for climate, nature and human rights. I've also been involved in strategic philanthropy and have set up social impact programs.

Most days start with a media scan for specific climate and social issues that might impact or be useful for the organisation I'm working for. This means a quick check of local news websites, checking my favourite UK/US/European writers on LinkedIn and listening to ABC’s Radio National.

A challenging issue might mean swift work to plan a response or course of action with my team. Or sharing insights around initiatives or papers that might’ve dropped in the UK/Europe overnight.

I love to ride my e-bike into work. This 20-minute period in Sydney’s traffic requires my full attention and often a combat mindset. I especially treasure riding over the old swing bridge at Darling Harbour - taking a look out to the wider harbour to the north as I prepare to enter into the city for the day.

Fuelled up with a coffee, I usually launched into meetings with the team - checking how we're progressing on our projects, and most importantly how we’re partnering with stakeholders across the organisation. Later in the day, I might meet with investors, NGOs or industry groups like the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute or sustainability leaders from other companies on research or collaborations to lift and scale sustainability performance. I may also have a governance meeting where I’ll provide updates on how we're progressing on aspects of strategy, on policy updates or discuss emerging risks or plans for disclosures.

The close of my office day involved reviewing papers and drafting policy and strategic work from the team – an opportunity to really read, reflect and provide feedback, give direction or ask questions. We might do that face-to-face, or might read their materials first, and then catch up. I especially enjoy exploring ideas with the team - brainstorming how we might approach the net zero transition for a specific sector, or how we might help different bankers across the Group better understand the risks and opportunities associated with natural capital. I might close the day by jotting down a few ideas for an upcoming speech or presentation.

On average, one night a week I would jump on overseas calls with the UN's Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEPFI). I was the co-chair of UNEPFI's Banking Board overseeing the Principles for Responsible Banking and was also a member of the governing body of the UN/GFANZ's Net Zero Banking Alliance, providing the leading accepted guidance for banks to set net zero targets for their financed emissions. Australia always ends up with calls in the middle of the night - but generally worked well for me - after my working day and family dinner, and (usually) before bedtime.