Izzie Kalaja | Sustainability in footwear

Izzie cares deeply about sustainable business and real, transformative societal change, and works daily to this end at FRANKiE4. Her key to working in this type of role? Know your own strengths, trust and bring in subject matter experts close to the problem, and always ask heaps of questions. We chatted with Izzie to find out more about where her career has taken her since graduating from QUT.

You are the Sustainable Practices Manager for FRANKiE4. What does this involve? What is your impact?  

I drive our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) program of work with support from numerous stakeholders across the business. Sustainability isn’t a capability or team you can silo – it’s about cross-collaboration and empowering decision makers with the right insights, tools, and resources. For me, the best part of the job is that every day is different (cliché, but true). Whether it’s getting an update from our recycling partners, reading through industry reports like the Fashion Transparency Index, or providing guidance on policy, I know our efforts are working towards a future that values both planetary and human health.

In your opinion, what makes a truly sustainable business (in practice, not just in name)? 

It depends on how we choose to define sustainability. Traditionally, a business has been deemed ‘sustainable’ if it can withstand or adapt to macro forces and headwinds. In the race to 2030, all businesses must protect both people and planet alongside profit – and recognise that environmental harm is disproportionately affecting communities of colour. Sustainable businesses are capitalising on the opportunity to design a just transition to circular systems that are equitable and inclusive.

What or who inspires you to act on sustainability? 

Less inspiration, more mandate – six of nine planetary boundaries have now been breached. We have just over seven years left to cut global emissions by 50% per the Paris Agreement. To reach this goal, we need transformative action from all sectors and a reorientation of what society truly values. Within fashion, I often look to the work Aja Barber, Elizabeth Cline, and Whitney McGuire are undertaking. There are also numerous industry organisations driving positive impact, such as Fashion Revolution, the Global Fashion Agenda, Remake, Sustainable Brooklyn, the Sustainable Fashion Forum, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

What change can consumers make to become more eco-conscious? Where should we start?

There are numerous changes we can make in our daily lives to become more sustainable – some easier than others. I’m sure you’ve all heard that we should eat less meat, take up active commuting, and ditch single use plastics. Today, I encourage you to consider how you can lend your unique skills and interests to the climate crisis. Are you willing to engage in advocacy efforts and letter writing campaigns led by industry organisations? Can you donate time or funds to a non-profit making an impact in your community? Think about actions you can take at the intersection of what you’re great at, and what the world needs.

How did your QUT degree equip you for your career?

I’m so grateful to QUT for the wonderful experiences I had as part of my undergraduate degree – one of them being a member of the International Case Competition Team. Being involved in the team and taking part in case competitions opened my eyes to the world of consulting, and was how I landed a graduate position with Deloitte (alongside fellow featured alumnus, Nick Sterkenburg!) Getting involved in co-curricular opportunities outside of coursework has been key to my career. I’m also a current QUT postgraduate student researching how fashion brands communicate about their sustainability efforts, which is directly relevant to my role at FRANKiE4.

What has been the most challenging yet rewarding aspect of your career to date?

Making the transition to a career in sustainability. I don’t come from an environmental sciences background, and that’s something I’m keenly aware of. In practice, this means doing plenty of research in my day-to-day, asking a bunch of questions, and knowing when to bring in subject matter experts to add the most value.

What is one skill you couldn’t live without and why? 

Communication. Learning how to tailor information to your audience is critical to generating buy-in and action. It’s relevant to everyone, but especially those in sustainability who often act as translators of climate science. And the science is very, very real.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received? 

Learn to become self-aware of the ebbs and flows in your career. Sometimes, you might be experiencing a ‘season’ in your life where you’re prioritising work, and that’s fantastic. But take advantage of slower periods – give your loved ones and local community extra attention, or pick up a new hobby you’ve been wanting to try. Life comes in chapters. I’m still internalising this advice every day!

And lastly, do you have any advice for QUT alumni and/or students? 

I’m sure it’s already been said… but take the time to cultivate and nourish your network. I encourage you to make connections with people you admire and share views with, as well as those who provide different perspectives and lived experiences.