Meet Reilly Day – one of the newest faces in ASI’s Members Network!
With a background in sales and leadership in the travel industry, Reilly’s career has taken him across Latin America, where he’s soaked up the richness of different cultures and discovered just how much connects us all. Now, he’s channelling that global perspective into finding ways to support organizations that connect climate action and socio-economic resilience.
Outside of work, you’ll find him camping along the Squamish River, or skiing at Whistler. Huy chexw.
We had the opportunity to ask Reilly to share his thoughts on climate action, sustainability, and leadership. Read the short interview below.
I believe that leaders who place value on all living beings, beyond the value of a bottom line, will continue to light the path forward in a just and inclusive transition.
Q: Where do you draw hope from in the context of sustainability and climate action?
Reilly Day: I heard a great sentiment recently that the antidote to despair is action, and in the context of climate, it feels true. Learning about the many people making contributions across the seemingly infinite pathways to sustainability gives me hope and motivation that we’ll continue to navigate challenges together. Just as easily as news headlines can be overwhelming, the opposite can be true when reading about climate wins – like fire- and heat-safe community initiatives taking place here in Vancouver, as well as the ongoing Raincity infrastructure adaptations that are turning heavy precipitation events into benefits. Seeking out this type of news sometimes requires an extra step, but it’s worth it, and it personally helps me take small actions to contribute to the positive narrative.
Q: What does leadership mean to you?
Reilly Day: To me, leadership is about the commitments you make to yourself and to others to do the right thing to the best of your ability. It means including others so they can contribute and feel empowered, and establishing safe and collaborative environments. It can also mean leading with empathy and compassion, which reminds us that we’re human first and that mistakes are a part of growth.
Q: How do you see the role of leadership evolving as we transition to a low-carbon, socially-inclusive economy?
Reilly Day: I think the first step in this transition is acknowledging what has been unhelpful, ineffective, or harmful so far. Recognizing our blind spots and admitting we don’t have all the answers creates space for learning and change. I believe that leaders who place value on all living beings, beyond the value of a bottom line, will continue to light the path forward in a just and inclusive transition.
ASI’s Members Network is for sustainability professionals who want to accelerate climate action within their workplace, community, or personal circles.
We can’t lead climate action alone. Join this peer network to build our capacity to lead change, together.
