Q&A – Introduction to Dr Denise Taylor PIEMA

Headshot Image of Wylde Connection's Managing Director, Dr Denise Taylor

 

What inspired you to start working in the world of sustainability?

I’ve long been involved in biodiversity and wildlife conservation and studying human impacts on nature and the environment has been a key part of my professional and personal development. Understanding attitudes towards large predators is illuminating and when you look at the broader contexts of large carnivores in their ecosystems, it’s easy to see the bigger picture and the damage that human activity is causing across many different aspects of what we now call “sustainability”.

What did you do before setting up Wylde?

I’ve had an interesting and varied career in both the public and private sectors and have long been an entrepreneur, previously running a comms agency focusing on manufacturing. Biodiversity and nature conservation has been a lifelong passion which has involved me being involved in numerous international organisations and contributing to academic knowledge, research and writing. These combined professional interests formed the foundations for creating the infrastructure for Wylde.

Describe a typical working day.

I don’t have a typical working day. My work is so varied and involves me being involved in everything from strategic planning through to writing copy and content for Wylde’s channels. I spend a lot of time delivering webinars and workshops and developing online course materials for the Wylde Academy, as well as attending conferences and seminars to increase my own professional knowledge and to stay ahead of trends.

I love liaising with our clients as their stories are always fascinating. We’ve worked with some incredible businesses who see that being sustainable is all about good governance and being ethical and responsible. They understand the business case for implementing their ESG strategies and they’re reaping the rewards. Advocating for these businesses is a key part of what I do when I’m out and about networking, which is also something I love doing. I can see the connections and patterns and I enjoy joining the dots and putting our clients in touch with people and organisations that can help them meet their goals and objectives.

What has been your greatest professional achievement?

My PhD was one of the biggest highlights of my career. I graduated when I was 50 years old which is something I’m proud of. Creating Wylde has also been hugely rewarding. It’s never easy running a business and being an entrepreneur, but working with such a great team and seeing the success we’ve had with our clients makes everything worthwhile. I really value the fact that we are helping them have positive impacts rather than just going through tick boxing exercises.

What will be the biggest sustainability trend for 2025?

ESG reporting is going to be one of the biggest trends this year. Many businesses are still unaware of the implications of this and what it means for their future growth and survival and they’re going to have to adapt quickly to the changing landscape if they want to survive longer term.

Another big trend is AI and technology. This is a double-edged sword as the increasing use of AI is increasing emissions exponentially, but it’s also providing technological and innovative solutions if used effectively and with the right intentions.

How would you spend your ideal Sunday?

Sundays are an important time for me to recharge my batteries. If I’m not out in the woods with my dog Lucy then you will find me reading a novel, usually fantasy or science fiction. Sundays are also great for exploring and finding new places to visit. As a longstanding National Trust member, I love visiting their properties. The grounds are all managed for biodiversity and the National Trust has been investing a lot in nature restoration which is great to see.

What’s your favourite guilty pleasure?

I have two guilty pleasures. I play word games and puzzles on my phone every day. It’s not just for the escapism, but I love a challenge and it helps to keep my brain sharp. The other is binge-watching great series on the streaming channels. There’s been so much good drama produced recently and there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a glass of wine, nice food and settling in for the evening.