When did you know you wanted to work in the water sector?
I first became interested in the water sector after studying Civil Engineering at university. There, I was afforded the opportunity to undertake a summer research placement in Chile, where I explored sustainable means of saving water in the Chilean mining industry. However, my passion for water and sustainability deepened once I started working as an Engineer in Buro Happold’s Water Group. There, I was exposed to a range of challenging projects relating to both flood risk and water resource management – topics that I find particularly interesting, particularly in the context of climate change.
What do you like best about your job and why?
At Amane, I benefit from having an excellent peer group with diverse backgrounds. The people I work with are great at what they do. We all get along and support one another, which fosters a really positive work environment.
I also love having the opportunity to work on impactful projects with sustainably-minded clients, including on topics related to water risk. This type of work is critical in the context of growing water scarcity and climate change and it’s been rewarding to support organizations in better understanding how water impacts their strategic operations – or how it will in the future – and develop strategies to mitigate their risk.
What has been the biggest surprise about working at Amane Advisors?
I am surprised that a relatively small team is able to so effectively serve clients globally across such an extensive range of projects – both in terms of topic and scale. The commitment that we have to solving client problems is really quite impressive!
What three words would you use to describe Amane Advisors?
I would describe Amane as:
- Client-oriented: We are passionate in our dedication to meeting and exceeding client expectations.
- Dynamic: We’re always adapting to meet the needs of our projects.
- Accessible: As a small team, we work closely with colleagues at all levels – from Intern to Partner, which creates lots of opportunities to learn and grow.
Photo: Mairi swaps the hustle and bustle of Paris for a stroll in scenic Fontainebleau.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
To answer this one, I decided to ask around the office, and the words that came up included:
- Considerate
- Sharp
- Solution-oriented
I think these probably emerge because I enjoy working as part of a team, and take a very collaborative approach to working with my colleagues. I like to ensure that each member of the team is having a positive experience on the project, taking both their personality and expertise into account. My foundation in engineering has also influenced how I think, and helps me to cut through the noise and focus on solutions; rather than dwelling on problems.
Name something about you that most people would find surprising.
This question has made me realize that I should probably build more mystery into my character, as I don’t consider myself to be particularly ‘surprising!’ I’d say I’ve always been surprisingly strong…I was even born with wee baby-biceps!
What are your favorite activities outside work?
I love being outdoors and, in particular, enjoy swimming, hiking, and cycling – especially home in Scotland, where I can easily access nature. Since moving to Paris, my main hobby has been (indoor) bouldering. I love it because its really sociable, with options for any level, and it is satisfying to problem solve how to get to the top!
