Meet the Speakers: Laura Robichaux

Laura Robichaux | Senior Associate Climate Adaptation, Beca

Masterclass: Day 2 | How to Drive Value with Transition Planning

How did you get here?

I moved to Aotearoa in early 2017 from the United States to do a PhD in environmental science with a focus on the intersection between communities and coastal hazards. The research team I was a part of were “critical friends” supporting New Zealand’s first community co-designed adaptation plan, and I ended up having the opportunity to run a Dynamic Adaptive Planning Pathways (DAPP) training with a senior researcher because the person earmarked had a scheduling conflict. The rest is history! I’m here nearly eight years later working on climate adaptation or transition planning projects every day, most of them applying a DAPP or other flexible approach.

How would you describe your relationship to purpose?

I am very much so values-driven, waking up each day hoping to support communities or organizations to make everyday better.

For those who don't know your organisation, can you give us the elevator pitch?

Beca is one of the largest employee-owned professional services consultancies in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing over 100 years of experience in engineering, advisory, and design. We partner with clients to create innovative, sustainable solutions that shape communities and transform industries. From infrastructure and environmental resilience to digital transformation and project delivery, our diverse team of experts collaborates across disciplines to tackle complex challenges and deliver exceptional outcomes. At Beca, we turn ideas into reality, making everyday better for people and the planet.

What’s the biggest purpose/sustainability myth that needs busting?

That sustainability doesn’t add value!

If you could sit down with one global leader to discuss the state of the world, who would it be and why?

I can think of a few that I wouldn’t choose! I’m not sure they’d be classed as global leaders, but I’d be keen to chat to Bernie Sanders or AOC to unpick grassroots change campaigns.

What is Aotearoa's purpose/sustainability superpower?

Māturanga - really enabling the application of Indigenous knowledge and tikanga embeds sustainability implicitly.

What is a purpose/sustainability trend/word you love or hate right now?

Equity - I think there has been a shift away from a focus on just transitions here in Aotearoa and active suppression of equity measures in the United States. For us to stand any chance of meaningful reduction in social vulnerabilities to climate change, equity has to be a big part of climate action.

You're speaking at The Value of Purpose in May. Can you give us a sneak peek of what you'll be talking about?

As climate change reshapes our world, organisations face increasing pressure to adapt their business models and strategies to remain resilient and sustainable. Transition planning can help to shape these strategies while supporting climate related disclosure requirements. A couple of my colleagues and I will give our takes on what transition plans driving different outcomes could look like, and my bit will be on adaptive, flexible approaches to transition plans.

What are you most excited about for this conference?

Spending a few days with an inspiring, passionate sustainability cohort! Also looking forward to the yoga, Tineke is amazing!