In this edition of Macro People Spotlight, we're pleased to introduce Tanya Broadfield, our new Global Head of Sustainability at Macro. Having recently joined the business, Tanya brings more than 20 years of sustainability experience and has already been helping to create opportunities for colleagues to make a positive impact in their local communities through volunteering initiatives.

Enthusiastic about Macro's agile and supportive community, she also enjoys the hands-on nature of facilities management and the opportunity it provides to drive meaningful change for clients and communities. We spoke to Tanya about her role, her ambitions for sustainability at Macro, and the lessons she's learned throughout her career.

Introducing Tanya

What's your role at Macro?

I am the Global Head of Sustainability. Firstly, this means considering how we can limit the negative impacts and maximise the positive impacts of our business operations on both people and the planet. Secondly, I am looking at ways we can support our clients to achieve their goals on their own sustainability journeys, covering environmental, social and governance advisory.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My days are extremely varied! They can include supporting collaboration between colleagues across the business on issues such as modern slavery in supply chains, improving data accuracy for carbon reporting, or visiting client sites to conduct audits and identify initiatives that create positive impact.

Tell us about a recent project or piece of work you’ve done that you are proud of

Having only recently joined Macro, I'm still getting to know the business and settling into the role. One of the first things I've been involved in is organising a volunteering day with a local food bank. Encouraging more volunteering opportunities for our colleagues is a great way to bring people together while making a positive contribution to the communities around us.  I'm looking forward to helping create more opportunities like this in the future.

What do you enjoy most about working in facilities management?

Consideration of sustainability impact is something that touches all sectors. What I enjoy most about tackling sustainability issues through a facilities management lens, in particular, is the direct and tangible way we are able to create real impact. In facilities management, we are there on the ground. We can spot issues and react quickly. I have always enjoyed looking for the skeletons in the closet. Once, this was quite literally the case when I audited an NHS property!

What’s the best thing about working for Macro?

I am a relatively new joiner and, after working in sustainability for more than 20 years, what's struck me about Macro is its agility and community. We are essentially a bunch of subject matter experts connected by a common goal, and every day I'm seeing that translate into a supportive and collaborative culture, which ultimately leads to better results for our clients.

Words of advice for someone starting their career in facilities management

Be a sponge. Get out there and see as many sites as you can and talk to as many people as you can, it's the best way to learn. I think after more than 20 years in my career, to be able to say I am still learning something new every day is a privilege and testament to what an interesting sector this is to work in.

A fun fact about you

Picking just one of Tanya’s fun facts proved too difficult, so we're sharing two!

I am an avid reader and read 3-4 books a week. I consider book buying to be an entirely separate hobby(!) and have a tower of unread books at home. I mostly read fiction and love any opportunity to talk about books!

And

I was once pushed off my bar stool by Keanu Reeves while watching a Thai Elvis impersonator in a bar in Bangkok.

Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn