Holistic Growth: Preparing the Next Generation for Climate and Business Leadership and Longevity

Being innovative and a forward thinker has always been part of who I am. It took me time to realise that. I used to wonder why no one else understood what I was saying. It’s the same with my approach to sustainability...I’ve been wearing pre-loved clothing for the best part of 30 years, and for a long time, people thought it was unusual. Now, everyone is jumping on the trend. But these choices aren’t about trends...they’re essential micro-habits that create meaningful, lasting change.

Why I Teach and Advocate for Climate Education

I had the privilege of speaking at a school for Green Careers Week. It reminded me why I first became a teacher and why, as a climate ambassador, I am committed to preparing the next generation.

Many children I spoke with didn’t know what a green career was. This is concerning because the future of work is changing rapidly. Automation, AI, and renewable technologies are reshaping the skills young people will need. Green skills, resilience, adaptability, and sustainable business understanding will be crucial for the leaders of tomorrow.

Connecting Education and Holistic Development

Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory shows that a child’s growth is influenced by interconnected systems: family, community, school, and society. Nature-based solutions, human sustainability, and teaching resilience aren’t separate...they are linked. Emotional, physical, and spiritual development must go hand in hand with understanding ecological and business systems.

The UK’s curriculum now integrates climate education, environmental awareness, and sustainability across key stages. By Key Stage 3, students explore energy systems, carbon literacy, and food security. By Key Stage 4, they engage in project-based learning linked to green careers.

Over 70% of schools are embedding sustainability across subjects, yet only 18% of students feel confident identifying green careers. There’s work to do-and it starts with awareness and intentional learning.

The most recent national curriculum review (Nov 2025) places climate change, sustainability and digital resilience at the heart of what children will learn, not just as optional topics but woven across science, geography, citizenship and design‑technology. 

It’s a clear step forward. However, the question remains: is it enough? A deeper overhaul is needed to ensure schools are properly resourced, teachers are equipped and that these lessons move from theory to action in every classroom and workplace. 

Sustainability in Leadership and Business

In business, the same principles apply. Strong leaders know that ROI isn’t only financial. The most effective leaders communicate clearly, lead with kindness, and connect authentically with their teams. They value natural capital, cyclical systems, and collaboration.

Without healthy ecosystems and secure resources, businesses will not succeed.

Education and business are linked: sustainable thinking starts with awareness, grows through practice, and flourishes through collaboration.

Holistic Growth is a Responsibility

Ultimately, holistic growth is about aligning actions with purpose. Every decision-whether in education, business, or daily life-has a ripple effect. Nature, people, and business are interconnected. Micro-habits, consistency, and understanding that everything is cyclical-from the roots of a tree to the growth of a child, a team, or a business-are essential.