20 questions with… Lira de Veyra of Sustenable

We speak to founder Lira de Veyra or Sustenable Consulting. SC aims to assist under-resourced and under-served organisations particularly SMEs and the third sector to embrace the holistic approach to sustainability by helping them overcome implementation or resource barriers such as knowledge, time and staff shortage. ​

We want the world to be as blue and green tomorrow as it was yesterday. What’s your mission?

To help tackle climate change by helping SMEs or the third sector deepen their engagement in sustainability initiatives.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an entrepreneur.

How would your friends describe you?

Candid, supportive, sweet.

What was your ‘road to Damascus moment’ in terms of sustainability?

I had always been working in the environment field but I just realized the grave importance and the urgency during the supertyphoon Haiyan in 2013 when it devastated my very province in the central Philippines.

Who or what inspires you?

My loved ones. Being of help to others.

What really grinds your gears?

My dreams and goals and knowing that I can make a difference.

Describe your perfect day.

When I have done something meaningful plus great conversations and good food.

What do you see when you look out your window at home? 

I see opportunities and a beautiful day ahead.

What do you like spending your money on?

On experiences rather than material possessions

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Any new place, particularly with a loved one.

What’s your favourite book?

The Count of Monte Cristo

What’s your favourite film?

The Martian

You’re elected prime minister with a thumping majority. What’s the first thing you do?

To thank the people.

If you were stuck on a desert island, which famous person would you like to be stuck with and why?

The Pope

What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given? And the worst?

To take charge of yourself because no one else will. And the worst is when I’m advised not to take risks like I am being discouraged or simply just don’t believe in me, although it just motivates me more.

What’s your biggest regret?

It is when I had not given my best on something that really mattered to me.

What one thing would you encourage readers to do to make their life more sustainable?

To refrain from buying stuff they don’t need.

What’s the one idea that you think could change the world for the better?

Love and kindness…from everyone and most importantly from the people who have great power and influence to make this world better.

What’s your favourite quote?

Faith is taking the first step even if you don’t see the whole staircase.

What would you like to be doing five years from now?

Expanding my business.

And the bonus questions- how would you like to be remembered? – what will they carve on your gravestone?

That I had been a blessing to others.

What is the one question you wanted us to ask you and didn’t?

Your most memorable event?