Name: Syreeta Bayne
Title: Head of social value and sustainability, Muse
What I do: I recently joined Muse in a new role as head of social value and sustainability. It is an exciting time to be at Muse and part of Morgan Sindall Group. My role is to provide strategic leadership further developing, and measuring our combined approach to social impact, sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion. This is an exciting new role within our business that reflects how important ESG and sustainability is to us, our clients, and most importantly, society.
Why I got into the property industry: I believe businesses have a responsibility to give back to society and contribute to the wellbeing of people that use and access their goods, services and buildings, now and in the future. The property sector is one of the highest contributors to GDP and probably the most embedded and tangible sector in people’s day-to-day lives. So, I wanted to use my passion, skills and knowledge in the property industry, to ensure social impact and sustainability is at the forefront of the decision-making process.
How I did it: Over time, I’ve moved from managing public-funded projects focused on tackling social inclusion and employment issues, to working in-house for construction and real estate companies. Throughout my career, I’ve enhanced my knowledge by investing in my masters in corporate responsibility and sustainability, and more recently I’ve completed a course focused on climate change and sustainable investing. Alongside my studies, I completed leadership training, which is fundamental for people working in leadership roles, as we need to inspire people and bring them on this journey to adopting sustainable practices. Continuous learning in any specialism is important, even more so with ESG, because it is an evolving, ever-changing space.
My first proper job: My first ‘proper’ job was working in a bank. I started as a cashier and worked throughout university, progressing through to being a customer advisor. This involved helping people understand the banking system, responsible finance and referring them to specialist advisors. I learned a lot while working in the banking industry, and it also helped to fund my time at university!
My first big break: My first entry into the built environment, was when I joined Interserve in 2014. I was appointed to take on a new role to create and develop a corporate social responsibility and sustainability programme in partnership with Southwark Council. It was my first in-house role, and it was a great opportunity to apply my experience from managing welfare-to-work projects and leveraging my network to helping a business meet its CSR and sustainability objectives. I enjoyed learning about the breadth of the industry, engaging with teams based in the UK and internationally across facilities management, construction and infrastructure, as well as understanding the economic and wellbeing priorities of a key local authority in London.
My inspiration(s): My father was a dedicated, hard working family man. He was the first generation in the UK (with parents from St Lucia). He built a successful career in IT while balancing time for his family and passion for travelling. We often think about external inspirations, I am learning to become more self-inspired, by reflecting on how far I’ve come, saying positive daily mantras, practicing gratitude and using that as motivation and energy to be self-inspired.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: In the moment, every challenge can seem like our ‘biggest’ one to date. However, in hindsight, we are more capable than we realise. It is about breaking down the mountain into manageable stages. This is something I’ve learned over time.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My greatest achievement is completing masters while working full time. My proudest moment, however, is delivering a two-day social impact seminar in Bosnia, as part of an EU-funded project called ‘Buildings as Material Banks’.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: I think like any large industry, it is important to learn and understand the various factors that make it work. By doing this, you can overcome any barriers and misconceptions that it is a difficult / complex industry to enter and build a successful career, especially for under-represented groups.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I think the industry could adopt emerging technology more swiftly and investing in dynamic research/development that is not linked to an immediate return on investment. It would be great to see large players in the sector collectively investing in an innovation and technology hub, so we can learn and adopt new technology that will benefit the industry and improve sustainability and efficiencies in the sector for the long term.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I think DE&I is fundamental to ensuring everyone is treated fairly and has access to equal opportunities, rights and benefits. It also creates a platform so that everyone can be their whole self, no matter the circumstances or surroundings.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I’d like to think I’d still be at Muse and part of Morgan Sindall Group, leading our ESG and sustainability approach across our expanding business. My career aspirations are always to be in a healthy work environment leading ESG and sustainability for a business, ensuring positive environmental and social impact is embedded in the business culture and at the forefront of all decisions.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: I’d love to meet Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados. Mia is an inspirational leader, and powerful public speaker. I’m sure I’d learn a lot from sitting next to her at a dinner party!
What I do in my downtime: I like to socialise with friends and spend time with family. I am trying to practice a better work/life balance, so intentionally making time for my mental and physical wellbeing, by going to the gym, eating well and practising prayer and meditation.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I’d still like to do something that is focused on creating social-good and positive impact on both the environment and communities.
My advice for someone just starting out: Take each day at a time. Give yourself grace and time to learn and find your own path in the industry.
My motto/mantra: Say yes, learn later. We are more capable than we realise, our mind will find a solution to any problems we may face!
