What inspired you to work in labour and worker rights?

It wasn’t a single moment, but a series of experiences that shaped my path. In 2004, I won a Scottish business start-up award for a sleepwear brand I created and manufactured in the UK. At the time, I was struggling, and so were my suppliers. I witnessed the decline of local manufacturing as factories closed and production shifted overseas in search of lower costs. With that came a growing awareness of the hidden, often exploitative conditions faced by workers abroad. I wanted to help, but didn’t yet know how.

While studying for my BA in International Business, I came across a brochure on working conditions in banana farms. It was a lightbulb moment, everything clicked! I realised I wanted to focus on business ethics and workers' rights.

I’ve experienced unfair treatment in previous jobs and heard similar stories from friends and workers around the world. I’ve seen poor practices at every level—from CEO behaviour to suppliers and factory floors. At the same time, I’ve also witnessed and experienced moments of truly respectful and ethical behaviour, which made the imbalance even more stark. It really opened my eyes to how deeply rooted some issues run, and how much change is needed. It’s personal, it’s global, and it’s so incredibly important.

How do you want to inspire or impact others?

At the end of the day, I want to encourage people to make more conscious, ethical choices, whether it’s where or how they shop, what they support, and how they treat others. Every decision, no matter how small, has the power to create change. We’re each a tiny cog in much bigger machines, but if we all take small steps toward fairness and responsibility, the ripple effect can be truly transformational.

That’s why I chose this path: to stand up for those too often unheard across the supply chain, no matter what level you are playing on. Human rights aren’t just important—they're essential. I want to help build a future where fairness is the norm, and the focus is on progressive excellence.