Gavin Allan

Robertson

Give us a brief description of your background

My name is Gavin Allan, I’m the Senior Sustainability Advisor for Robertson group. Like many, I’ve not had a straight-line career path. I attended Salford University in England and graduated in 2012 with a BA Hons in Music. After that, I started working as a mailroom supervisor for a major oil company in Aberdeen. During that time, I was able to keep touring/gigging with a band. We toured the UK, Europe, played festivals, etc. and it was a brilliant life experience, and a lot of fun.

I worked a few jobs but never really found something I enjoyed, until I was given an opportunity to work for a multi-utility company, where I developed my skills in HSEQ, then specialised in Environmental Compliance.

In 2021, I applied for a new job more focused around sustainability. Changing jobs through Covid (with a baby on the way) felt like a big risk, however, it was the best career decision I ever made. I now work for Robertson group where my role looks at how we can decarbonise our operations and help develop a circular economy best practice approach to construction.

Who/what inspires you?

My main inspiration is seeing what can be done for the planet by utilising the elements around us. New ways of working and new technologies allow us to constantly push for a cleaner and better future.

I don’t have any specific individual that directly inspired me but coming from a small working-class town on the Northeast, I was always very aware of the people that helped their local economy, by creating jobs and giving back to their local community. To me, that’s a very inspiring thing to do.

What does the word leadership make you think of?

It makes me think of unique individuals that create the difference and enhance what they do. A real leader doesn’t just do what’s best for them, they do what’s best for everyone.

How do you feel about taking part in the Future Leaders programme?

Very excited to join the course and focus on how I can better myself and better my work.

What do you think are the keys to a sustainable future?

The balance of ‘Cost, Carbon and Community’. For me, that means making profit from what you’re doing, producing little to no carbon emissions, and investing back into local communities. Balancing all three, creates a sustainable business model that benefits more than one organisation.