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Maddie Booth started her first enterprise while at the University of Warwick, where she was studying for a Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) in politics, international studies and global sustainable development.
Her beauty products business turned waste products from vineyards in the UK and northern France and the beverage industry into products, then developed it from E-commerce into research. Maddie went on to set up her own consultancy and has a good take on dealing with older business owners who are not expecting to be advised by a young woman.
In the spirit of no experience is wasted, Maddie says being an entrepreneur has been the biggest talking point in every job interview she's had since exiting her business. Having worked in several jobs since graduating, plus taking time off to see sustainability in action in the southern hemisphere, Maddie has just taken up a newly created role as digital learning and development specialist at the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Despite all the success and progress she's made in her career, Maddie says if she were 15 now she would consider further education and apprenticeships rather than university. In fact, she is helping her younger brother as he makes his own course choices.
Realistic, encouraging and engaging, Maddie has wise words to share with anyone seeking a path to a career that is green, ethical, sustainable and socially responsible, including where to find funding as a young entrepreneur and finding what's important to you.
Maddie urges older generations not to burden Gen Z with society's eco woes, but remains optimistic about their ability to bring their values-led outlook into the workplace.
The King's Trust
London Interdisciplinary School
Innovate UK
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Season 4 Episode 4: Divya Kumar, Community engagement manager at Earthwatch Europe
Season 3 Episode 12: Beccy Dickson, Co-founder of Branded Bio and eco-entrepreneur
Season 3 Episode 1: Sarah Daly, Sustainability consultant and climate champion
