One Year at Goal7: Learning, Connecting, and Looking Forward

A year ago, I stepped out of the world of academic research and into the fast-moving, collaborative environment of Goal7. After completing my PhD in Environmental Engineering, I knew I wanted to take my technical background and apply it to something with real-world impact: something dynamic, strategic, and people-oriented. That's what brought me to Goal7.

Learning the Landscape

This past year has been all about learning - not just technically, but strategically and commercially. It has been a steep learning curve, moving from academia into the broader world of energy systems and sustainability solutions has been challenging and exciting.

At Goal7, I’ve had the opportunity to deep dive into areas like carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen, and other emerging low-carbon technologies. Just learning about the new technology wasn’t the only challenge, I also had to understand where my skills could add the most value. That meant immersing myself in our clients’ worlds, listening to their challenges, and figuring out how we could support their goals with the right mix of technical insight and practical implementation.

I like to think I'm quite good at problem solving. A year ago if you gave me a technical chemistry or engineering question, I would feel confident I could find the answer (maybe with some time to dig out an old textbook or two). A different kind of problem-solving is needed for my work in Goal7. With less focus on lab precision and more on context, timing, and understanding people. Combining the two in my role is what’s made the transition so fulfilling. Even as I’ve stepped into a more commercial and strategic role, I’ve continued to draw on my research background as internal coordinator for new research - a great fit with one of Goal7’s value of having science at our core.

New Connections

One of the most rewarding parts of this transition has been the human side of the work. In research, collaboration happens, but often in silos or at conferences. Here, human interaction is central to everything.

From internal collaboration with the talented Goal7 team, to engaging with clients, industry working groups, and event attendees, I’ve found myself energised by the conversations and connections. This connection building has actually become a large part of what I spend my time working on. Business development wasn’t something I initially saw as part of my path, but it turns out it’s a great fit because at its core, it’s about listening, building trust, and finding shared purpose. My number of LinkedIn connections has grown pretty rapidly too!

I've had the chance to attend local and international hydrogen and CCUS industry conferences as well as engaging in networking events. I definitely feel that I now have a better understanding of where the market is heading, where Goal7 can lead, and how I can contribute.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on this past year, I can clearly see how much I’ve grown. A year ago, I was transitioning out of a highly technical, academic mindset. Today, I’m thinking more broadly about systems, strategy, and sustainable impact. I’ve learned how to navigate ambiguity, how to better communicate across disciplines, and how to frame complex engineering challenges in ways that resonate with clients and stakeholders.

I came to Goal7 because I wanted to keep learning and that remains my compass. Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue building relationships, deepening my expertise in decarbonisation technologies, and help shape solutions that make a difference. The learning won’t stop, and that’s exactly what I came here for.