6 (short) videos to help sustainability pros take their careers to the next level

Being a change maker requires more than subject matter expertise; it takes a particular blend of soft skills: empathy, exhortation and creativity, to name just a few. These videos — all under 10 minutes — offer practical insights for honing the unquantifiable qualities that help innovators and other leaders flourish in the workplace, from motivating colleagues to managing time to persuading bouncing back from failure.

The Way We Think About Managing People Is Dead Wrong 

(Running time: 7:40)

West Point graduate and Gulf War veteran Lori Tompos — one of the first women in combat arms — has been developing leaders and teams for decades, and in this TED Talk, she sets the bar — projects need to be managed; people need to be led — then sets the tone: Her definition of leadership is heavy on purpose and empowerment, light on micromanagement and control.

The Secret to Talking about Climate Change 

(3:56)

This video, inspired by the research of Renee Lertzman, who studies the psychosocial aspects of climate change communications, offers ways to gently yet effectively broach the subject with the less green-minded people in your life, from organizational stakeholders still not sold on the importance of reducing emissions to your in-denial uncle. TL;DW: It’s as much about listening as talking. 

The 7 Keys to Creative Collaboration 

(2:18)

Team projects: love ’em or hate ’em, they’re an inescapable part of professional life. So too are the miscommunications and missed deadlines that often accompany them. Except now you can escape them! Give this clip two minutes and it will put you on the path to more positive group experiences, ones that manifest lots of synergy while generating minimal stress.

How to manage your time more effectively (according to machines) 

(5:56)

Sustainability professionals face demanding mandates and constantly changing regulations. How can you stay on top of it all? This popular TED Talk draws on computer science to suggest practical and achievable solutions. Spoiler: There’s much to be learned from the way computers organize tasks and manage time.

Harvard’s stress expert on how to be more resilient 

(9:04)

As oceans rise — and funding falls — so might your stress levels. In this video, Aditi Nerurkar, a physician and health communicator with expertise in burnout and mental health, explains the differences between adaptive and maladaptive stress, as well as mechanisms for rewiring your brain to boost resilience. The impact that has may well stretch beyond work and into other corners of your life.

6 Sustainability Interview Questions & Answers 

(9:13)

You’ve found your dream sustainability role and proofread your résumé; next up: the interview. Whether you’re gunning for climate analyst or CSO, this video will help you answer questions both industry-agnostic (Tell me about yourself) and sustainability-specific (What climate technology trends are you following?) with clarity and confidence.