Post by Dr Jacqueline Kerr

The sustainability career paradox: Entry level: “Love your passion, come back with experience.” Mid level: “Great experience, come back with P&L/ops/supplier experience.” Senior: “Impressive track record, too specialized in [carbon/comms/supply chain].” Lead: “Overqualified, and we’re not ready to change that much.” At every stage you’re somehow both “not enough” and “too much.” The goalposts move. The brief shifts. The box gets smaller. That’s not you. That’s the system protecting its habits. If this is you right now, here’s your reminder: - Your value isn’t a title; it’s the outcomes you’ve helped people deliver. - Breadth + scars from the messy middle are assets, not “career gaps.” - Influence compounds, especially when you make progress visible and shareable. - The right rooms want builders, not performers. Keep your receipts. Name your wins. Tell the story of how you made change safer for others. You’re not “too experienced.” You’re ready to lead where the work actually happens.