Lifelong learning is vital for sustainability and business, says Dr Ana Klincic Andrews
A thirst for knowledge and a strong sense of purpose have shaped Dr Ana Klincic Andrews’ global career. And she’s just getting started.
Dr Ana Klincic Andrews’ career has taken her across the world, with each role marked by her commitment to making a positive impact.
From Croatia to Africa and Asia and now in picturesque Hobart, Ana started her career working at the United Nations and now helps Australian organisations become more sustainable at environmental and engineering consultancy pitt&sherry.
"I saw the power of business to make big changes," she says.
Ana works as the consultancy’s Head of ESG and Sustainability, advising clients – as well as the company itself – on how to move toward more sustainable practices.
Lifelong learning
Ana is no stranger to education, commencing her undergraduate studies in Philosophy, then completing a Masters in Community Economic Development and a PhD in International Community Economic Development.
That doesn’t mean she rests on her laurels. Ana is a firm believer in the importance of lifelong learning, which led her to participate in a recent session of the Sustainability for Strategic Advantage short course at Melbourne Business School.
Developed by the Centre for Sustainability and Business, the course features experts including former Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Don Henry and is designed to give senior and mid-level executives the tools they need to approach sustainability as a strategic issue.
For Ana, it was an opportunity to stay up to date with the latest science on sustainability and climate change, as well as explore what that science means for organisations.
“The research and practice have evolved compared to what it was 15 years ago, or even five years ago,” Ana says.
“It’s really important for me to keep up with those changes and to apply them in a business context.”
Problem-solving with peers
Ana says one of the highlights of the course was the chance to meet and share ideas with her industry peers.
“Taking a short course allows you to see what’s happening in your industry,” she says, stressing that the journey toward finding new sustainability solutions is a collective one.
“It helps you demystify some of the problems you all share.”
The course had a profound impact on Ana, enabling her to better articulate sustainability to a diverse range of audiences, including senior stakeholders with limited exposure to the field.
Trusted experts
Ana’s trust in Melbourne Business School and its Centre for Sustainability and Business meant she knew the Sustainability for Strategic Advantage course was the right program for her.
“The Centre for Sustainability in Business is an authority on sustainability,” she says.
Ana believes that all leaders, no matter their expertise or industry, need to equip themselves with a deeper knowledge of how sustainability can be addressed within a business context.
“We don't have time to wait. We have to take action now.”
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