“The course allowed me to be more involved with the sustainability direction of the company”
Paul McDougall
Finance & Business Support Manager at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
Diploma in Business Sustainability Graduate
Can you tell me about your professional background?
I’ve been working in finance for approximately 30 years. After graduating college, I held various roles, with my current being Finance and Business Support Manager. Within the finance team, I manage two separate reporting teams, and for the last 12 years, I have taken on the Business Support role covering facilities, health and safety, and more recently, sustainability roles that cover EMEA. The sustainability teams cover energy and waste, and I had the remit for setting up green teams at each of our locations throughout EMEA. Â
Why did you decide to do a business sustainability course?
I choose to pursue a sustainability course due to a desire to make a positive impact on the environment and society. I was motivated by environmental concerns and the urgency of addressing climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. I have a strong personal value of committing to live a more sustainable life and encouraging others to do the same. I’m particularly passionate about areas like renewable energy, waste reduction, and circular economy.
Why did you choose the Institute of Sustainability Studies as your educational provider?
The course offered several benefits. It looked very comprehensive, and the content looked exactly what I was interested in. The fact that it was university accredited and is recognised as a globally recognised qualification provided evidence of the depth of the course. In summary, the course offered flexible learning and a comprehensive curriculum with practical application, which appealed to me. Â
Tell me about your learning experience on the course
The learning experience was excellent, the learning content was interactive, and the ISS platform allowed regular access to the modules, which over the years, I have revisited and used for investigation and research into real work challenges.
What has been the impact of doing the course on your career?
The course allowed me to be more involved with the sustainability direction of my company. Without completing the course to understand the core values, this may not have been possible. The course also helped me explain to my peers the importance of sustainability and get them involved in the creation of green teams across EMEA. Â
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about doing the course?Â
Without a hesitation, do it… The future is going to focus on sustainability and reporting, especially CSRD. If you or your business are starting out on your journey and don’t understand sustainability, then you should consider this course.
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