How to Co-design a Job You Love ft. Susan Emmett
In this episode of The Career Equation podcast, Erica sits down with Susan Emmett. She is the social value director at Stantec and discusses how businesses can integrate social value into their core operations. Susan highlights the impact this has on communities, the environment, and stakeholders. Susan has a diverse background in journalism and property development. Susan’s career is a testament to how an eclectic path can lead to meaningful leadership roles. Her story offers valuable insights for those looking to make a career change or seeking to align their career with personal values.
“Social value,” Susan explains, “is the value an organization adds to society and the community beyond profit. It’s not just about making money. It’s about how what you do impacts people, the environment, and communities.” Susan emphasizes that the concept has transformed from traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) into a key element of business strategies. This change is largely influenced by legislation such as the Social Value Act of 2012. Additionally, it reflects the shifting expectations of the public about corporate responsibility. Businesses are increasingly prioritizing social impact in their strategies. “People rightly expect more from businesses now,” she says. Susan notes how business sustainability is no longer optional but a key metric of success.
What Is Social Value?
Social value is a multifaceted concept. It takes into account the broader impact of a business on society. Susan aims to integrate this philosophy into everyday business practices. She wants it to be a fundamental part of “business as usual” instead of a separate initiative. “It’s not just about what you do,” she emphasizes. “But how you behave, how you work with your colleagues, clients, and supply chains”, she explains.
Many organizations, especially Stantec, are moving beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR). They are adopting a more holistic approach. This change is driven by increasing demands from investors and the public. People expect companies to provide real social impact along with financial returns. Susan believes the challenge is ensuring this approach is consistent across all departments. Additionally, businesses must communicate their impact effectively to the outside world. Integrating this philosophy throughout the organization is crucial.
Career Journey from Journalism to Business Leadership
Susan’s career trajectory is far from linear. Each experience has contributed to a “tapestry” of skills that support her in her current leadership role. These skills have been developed and strengthened over time. Her journey from financial reporter at The Times to a key role in business development at Stantec demonstrates her adaptability. This shows her ability to succeed in various roles.
Susan reflects on her career journey. She says, “In a way, I’ve been building up to this role all my life because it allows me to make use of all the different skills I’ve picked along the way.” Susan’s background in journalism gave her the ability to ask the right questions. It made her tell compelling stories. She now uses those to highlight the impact of social value across Stantec’s many projects.
Leadership in Business Sustainability
One of the key takeaways from the conversation is Susan’s perspective on leadership. She discusses its importance in embedding social value within an organization. “It’s about positioning yourself where you think the world is going,” she says. Susan explains how leaders must anticipate trends in business sustainability and social impact. Leaders can drive positive change by aligning corporate goals with the needs of clients and the environment. This approach benefits both the business and the wider community.
At Stantec, this involves adopting new business strategies. It also includes sharing how these strategies are making a positive impact on the world. “We do a lot of great things, but we’re not so great at telling the story,” Susan admits. Her focus now is on aggregating and elevating the work already being done within the company. She wants clients, stakeholders, and investors to grasp the full extent of Stantec’s contributions to social value. Her goal is to ensure everyone understands its impact.
Importance of Communication in Driving Social Value
Communication plays a crucial role in building a company’s social value narrative. Susan’s background as a journalist influences how Stantec communicates its achievements. This affects both internal messaging and external outreach. “What I’m trying to do is aggregate all the amazing work we’re doing. And make it more obvious to our stakeholders,” she explains. This involves coordinating with different teams. It focuses on improving knowledge sharing and creating consistent dialogue across departments.
Her approach is centred on clarity, storytelling, and shared purpose. These elements are crucial for businesses that want to be seen as leaders in sustainability and social value. They help establish a strong reputation in these areas.
Conclusion
Susan Emmett’s journey from journalism to social value director at Stantec shows how diverse career experiences can lead to meaningful change. She embeds social value into all aspects of business development. This work helps create a future where companies are accountable for more than just financial success. Companies are also held responsible for their broader impact on society. Susan’s story highlights the importance of aligning career shifts with personal values. This alignment can result in both personal fulfilment and professional impact. Her transition illustrates that diverse experiences can enhance business practices. It emphasizes the role of social value in business strategies. By focusing on social impact, Susan contributes to a positive change in the corporate world. Her journey inspires others to consider the broader implications of their work. Ultimately, it shows that meaningful change is possible through dedicated efforts. Susan’s career path serves as a powerful example for future leaders.
About Susan Emmett
Susan Emmett is the Social Value Director at Stantec. She leads efforts to integrate social value into the company’s operations and client engagements. She has a diverse background that includes journalism, property development, and government service. Susan brings a unique blend of skills to her role. She aims to boost business sustainability and improve the social impact of Stantec’s projects.
Throughout her career, Susan has been passionate about storytelling. She has focused on the power of communication in shaping public opinion. At Stantec, she is committed to building a narrative around the company’s leadership in social value. She aims to ensure that its contributions to communities and the environment are both recognized and celebrated.
