Consultant Spotlight: George Scott

Sustainability Experts | A blonde woman with glasses smiling at the camera.
By George Scott and Felix Gummer

George joined the Sancroft team in 2023 as a Consultant and was recently promoted to Senior Consultant. With a background that spans advertising, sustainability certifications, and systems thinking, she brings a unique lens to tackling environmental and social challenges. We sat down with George to explore what drives her, how she approaches impact, and what clients can expect when working with her.

Where does your interest in sustainability stem from?

My mum was an art teacher and a firm believer in repurposing everything. I grew up surrounded by piles of “art materials” made from things most people would throw away. While I was sometimes frustrated by the clutter, I saw firsthand how one person’s trash could truly become another’s treasure.

From an early age, we were taught to rinse out recyclables and sort them correctly – though in winter, some paper did end up fuelling our open fire. Looking back, I didn’t know the umbrella term for all of this, but sustainability always resonated with me.

At university, I became known for my obsession with recycling. My studies and conversations often veered toward biodynamic farming or electric vehicles. Even in my early career in advertising, I sought out projects like Formula-E that aligned with my values.

Why did you choose to join Sancroft?

During the pandemic, I realised I didn’t have the passion for advertising that I’d hoped for. When work becomes your whole world, it forces a moment of reflection. I was fortunate to have a mentor who helped me uncover what I really cared about: sustainability and creating positive change.

I was drawn to Sancroft because of its diversity – not just in the clients and sectors we work with, but in the challenges we tackle daily. I love exploring how the same sustainability language translates differently across industries, and how each business is motivated by unique pressures.

Sustainability isn’t just about carbon or circularity, it’s about people, governance, and systems. I enjoy working across the whole business structure to understand these interconnections. No hour is the same, and I get to collaborate with every part of our organisation, which I find incredibly rewarding.

At my core, I’m a people-first person. That’s the most fulfilling (and at times, most challenging) part of the job. I thrive when I’m part of a team that encourages feedback, pushes me to stretch my thinking, and supports growth on every level.

What have you been most proud of in your career so far?

I’m proud of making the leap into sustainability. It wasn’t a straightforward path – it involved completing a Capstone Course at Oxford alongside a demanding full-time job. At the time, it felt like a sidestep, but I’m proud to now work every day toward something meaningful.

Helping businesses take their first real steps into sustainability is incredibly rewarding. It can be tough to balance ambition with commercial realities, but when those pieces come together, it’s worth it.

What kind of impact do you hope to make through your work?

The world is teetering on multiple environmental and social tipping points. Sometimes I worry that we’re like the frog in boiling water – slow to notice the rising heat. But I hope my work helps shift sustainability from a niche concern to a core business priority.

There’s a real opportunity for companies to lead, building models that don’t just survive but thrive in a changing world. Ultimately, I want to contribute to averting disaster and building something better in its place.

What can Sancroft clients expect from working with you?

An overly organised, analytical and collaborative partner! My goal is to co-create solutions that are truly fit for purpose. I bring experience of regulation, action planning, and systems thinking – but I also recognise that clients will always know their business best.

I see my role as a constructive challenger, someone who helps you build internal capability, stretch your thinking, and ultimately, do more with confidence.

And finally, what do you get up to when you’re not advising our clients?

I’m happiest outdoors. Every morning starts with a cycle or walk – rain or shine – with a podcast on. I love live events: concerts, theatre and sport in equal measure, and I make sure I get these booked in with family as often as I can.

I have also recently starting setting yearly goals which include new cities and countries – it’s how I stay curious and connected to the wider world.