After leaving BGS in 2010, my first step into the world of work came through a local cleaning chemical manufacturer, Holchem. Following a school-sponsored work experience placement the previous year, I spent the summer working with the business and was even offered a permanent role. However, keen to continue learning and broaden my horizons, I moved to the University of Sheffield to study Chemistry with a Year in Industry.

My industrial placement proved to be a pivotal moment. I joined the innovation team at Reckitt, developing new air freshener products and gaining my first experience of research and development within a global consumer goods business. Alongside my studies, I threw myself into university life, becoming heavily involved in societies and sport. In my final year, I became President of the University of Sheffield Ice Hockey Club, organising and captaining the university's first team in what was the largest ice hockey match in the UK that year, played in front of a crowd of more than 8,000 people.

Before returning to Reckitt, I also spent one particularly unusual summer back at BGS helping with the demolition of the old Science Block ahead of the construction of the new facilities. It's fair to say this is an opportunity many alumni can only dream about. After years of being told not to damage school property, suddenly being handed permission to help knock down the Science Block felt like a somewhat unexpected progression. Thankfully, any enthusiasm was channelled productively, and the result was the fantastic new facilities that pupils benefit from today.

After graduating, I returned to Reckitt in Hull as part of the Future Leaders Programme. During this time, I worked across new product development, product maintenance and regulatory affairs on a variety of household brands before taking responsibility for Product Development for Optrex. Over the following years, I progressed through increasingly senior leadership positions in Research & Development.

In 2023, I was appointed R&D Director for Aircare, leading innovation and product development for a business worth around $500 million. At the same time, a long-standing personal interest in environmental and social issues began to evolve into a professional focus. I spent three months in Nepal as a Volunteer Manager with Raleigh International, working directly with rural communities and gaining a deeper understanding of global sustainability challenges.

In September 2024, I joined Robinson College, Cambridge, to begin a part-time Master of Studies programme at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. During this period, I was appointed R&D Director, Sustainability, where I led the final stages of implementing 25% post-consumer recycled plastic across Reckitt's portfolio by 2025. Today, as Global Director, Sustainable Materials, my focus is on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Reckitt's global products and supply chains while helping the organisation transition towards more sustainable materials and business practices.

Alongside my role at Reckitt, I also serve on several advisory boards and on the alumni council of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

What does your current role involve?

As Global Director, Sustainable Materials, my role is focused on delivering decarbonisation and material transition programmes across Reckitt's global portfolio. I work closely with supply chain, procurement, R&D and business leaders to build the systems and programmes needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen resilience and support long-term business growth.

A significant part of the role is also change management. Achieving sustainability goals isn't just about technical solutions; it's about helping people and organisations understand why change is needed and embedding those changes into everyday decision-making.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I've always been motivated by purpose. Whether it was developing eye care products to help people suffering from screen-induced dry eye, or now leading programmes designed to reduce the climate impact of global supply chains, I've always enjoyed working on meaningful challenges.

What I find most rewarding is bringing people together around a shared goal, helping them understand why it matters and collectively delivering something much bigger than any individual could achieve alone.

What skills do you consider to be essential for your profession?

One of the most important skills is the ability to communicate science in a way that is understandable, accurate and compelling.

Many sustainability challenges are technically complex, but progress depends on helping a wide range of stakeholders understand both the challenge and the opportunity. Being able to translate data, science and evidence into practical business decisions is an increasingly valuable skill.

Which experiences at BGS had the biggest impact on you?

Many experiences and members of staff had a lasting impact on me during my time at BGS.

I participated in a wide range of sports, although with varying levels of success! More importantly, I benefited enormously from leadership opportunities. I was House Captain, but perhaps the most transformative experience was my involvement in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

As a naturally shy child, CCF gave me confidence, purpose and leadership experience. In my final year, serving as Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major and leading the contingent on Founders' Day remains one of my proudest memories. Standing before the Cenotaph on that day is something that still gives me goosebumps when I think about it.

How did BGS help prepare you for success?

BGS consistently encouraged exploration, whether academic, sporting or adventurous.

I was fortunate enough to take part in World Challenge to Mongolia, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Gold Awards, battlefield tours and concert band tours, alongside countless opportunities in both the Junior and Senior Schools. These experiences helped develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership.

Looking back, I am confident that without the support, encouragement and opportunities provided by BGS, my path would have been very different.

What advice would you give to current pupils?

Seek out and make the most of every opportunity available to you.

Often, it is the experiences outside the classroom that shape your confidence, broaden your perspective and help you discover what truly motivates you. You don't need to know exactly where your career will lead, but if you embrace opportunities, work hard and remain curious, those experiences will open doors you cannot yet imagine.

When you look back at your time at BGS, what are some of your fondest memories?

The friendships and shared experiences stand out most. Whether through sport, CCF, music, school trips or simply everyday life at BGS, I was fortunate to be part of a community that encouraged people to challenge themselves and support one another.

School productions also feature prominently in my memories of BGS, although my acting career reached its peak rather early. In my first year, I was cast on stage and entrusted with the memorable line, "That's not a dog, that's a cow." Having delivered what was surely one of the defining performances of my generation, I wisely decided there was little room for further improvement and retired from acting undefeated. From that point onwards, I supported productions such as The Sound of Music and Oliver! from backstage, where I discovered my talents were considerably better suited to shifting scenery and solving problems behind the curtain than delivering dialogue under the spotlight. Fortunately for audiences, this proved to be the correct career move.

Many of the lessons I learned about leadership, teamwork and resilience can still be traced back to those experiences today, and I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunities I was given.

Of course, there is also the satisfaction of knowing that I am one of a very small number of alumni who can claim to have helped demolish part of the school and still be invited back afterwards. That is a distinction that may be difficult to top.