Morelli Consulting TeamAugust 29, 2024

Meet The Team: Justine Macdonald

We are excited to introduce Justine Macdonald, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Morelli Consulting. Her diverse background in law, corporate strategy, and consulting, enables her to guide clients through the complexities of sustainability with deep insight.

What inspired you to get into sustainability?

“My passion for sustainability began in childhood, growing up in South Africa, where our family holidays in game parks and along the coast instilled a deep appreciation for nature. My parents emphasised the need to respect and protect the environment, reminding us that we are just a small part of this vast world that we must care for.

At university, I was further inspired by practical and passionate lecturers who approached environmental issues sensibly, especially considering the unique challenges of a developing country like South Africa.

Influenced by issues affecting my home country, I became interested in environmental law with a focus on crimes against the environment, leading me to pursue a joint Master’s in criminology and international environmental law. The illegal trade in ivory and rhino horn deeply concerned me; these precious animals are treasures of southern Africa, and the threat of losing them is a serious concern. Through my studies, I learned that poaching, like many other environmental issues, is a complex, multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive approach.”

How did you come to join Morelli Consulting?

“In 2013, I was working for Old Mutual, a large insurance company in South Africa when I met Shelley who was working in the London office at that time. A number of years later, and after I left Old Mutual, I reached out to Shelley to see if she had any overflow work for me. As it turned out, she did.

At that time, the team was very small and our collaboration has continued to grow ever since, as has Morelli Consulting. We’ve always had a strong working relationship, and despite the physical distance between us, me in South Africa and Shelley in the UK, it’s never been a challenge.”

Can you share a bit more about your background and work experience?

“I earned a Master’s in International Environmental Law through a joint program between the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and the University of Cape Town. After graduating, I chose to complete my Articles of Clerkship in South Africa and qualified as an attorney and conveyancer. I practised as a conveyancer for a few years before transitioning into the corporate world.

I worked for Old Mutual for over 10 years in a number of roles, including Legal Counsel for their property company, and later took on a role in group strategy focused on sustainability. It was a fulfilling experience, and many of the colleagues I worked with at Old Mutual have become lifelong friends.

My diverse experience, from practising law to working in a large corporation, has given me a broad perspective. This has taught me the patience and diplomacy needed to navigate complex corporate environments, especially in sustainability, where change often requires a long-term view.”

What is it like working at Morelli Consulting?

“Working at Morelli Consulting is dynamic and collaborative. Every day is different, and there’s always something new to tackle, which keeps the work engaging. My role also involves working with a diverse range of clients, which keeps the work interesting and varied.

One aspect I especially enjoy about working at Morelli Consulting is the supportive team environment, even with working remotely from South Africa most of the year. Shelley has fostered a culture of collaboration, where everyone is willing to help each other. Whether it’s offering a second pair of eyes or simply making a cup of coffee, we support one another to ensure we deliver excellent work.

This spirit of collaboration is not just within our team but also reflects the broader sustainability sector. In this field, professionals are eager to share knowledge and work together without competition, all for the greater good. Whether the focus is on nature, social justice, or climate change, the collective goal is to make a positive impact, and this ethos is deeply ingrained in how we operate at Morelli.”

What are some ways you incorporate sustainability into your everyday life?

“My husband often jokes that I’m a bit of a recycling fanatic; nothing gets tossed in the rubbish bin without scrutiny and our kitchen often resembles a recycling centre. We’ve also maintained two worm farms for about 20 years to manage our kitchen waste.”

What advice would you give to someone interested in sustainability consulting?

“Sustainability is a brilliant career! Just make sure you listen to your clients, understand their goals and manage their expectations, whether it’s about budget, timeline, or project scope. If a client aims too low, encourage them to do more. If their goals are too ambitious, help them set realistic targets and timescales. The key to sustainability consulting is guiding clients effectively, pushing them gently when needed, and keeping them engaged throughout the process.”