In this episode, Vera engages in a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Brett Shoemaker, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. Brett's journey is driven by a profound personal story: his daughter, Emeline, was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the pandemic. He shares his family's struggles, resilience, and how this life-altering experience shifted his career and perspective.

The podcast opens with Brett reflecting on his motivation to make the world a better place for his children, particularly Emeline. He discusses the pivotal moment when her cancer diagnosis occurred and the challenges they faced throughout her 18-month-long treatment journey, which included rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and other therapies.

As Brett transitioned back to work at Microsoft in a different role as Chief Sustainability Officer, he grappled with the emotional and mental toll of his family's ordeal. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and highlights how he uses storytelling as a powerful tool to inspire action and engagement in sustainability efforts. He believes in focusing on the human impact of climate change and sharing stories to drive meaningful change.

Throughout the podcast episode, Brett's compelling narrative reveals the depth of his personal journey, from a father coping with a life-threatening diagnosis to a leader dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. His story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, empathy, and the ability to find purpose in the face of adversity.

Find Brett Shoemaker online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettshoemaker/

Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/