Full Name: Grace Cliffe
Current Role: Head of Planet - Climate
Current Organisation: Woolworths Group
Last Role at PwC: Senior Manager, Sustainability Reporting and Assurance
Time at PwC: 2017 - 2024
What’s the one career achievement you’re most proud of and why?
It's hard to choose just one achievement, especially in sustainability where progress is gradual and the impact unfolds over time. But at PwC, I was particularly proud of helping to revive and grow the Green Team, and contributing to the development of PwC Australia's climate and nature strategies.
What’s been your biggest career challenge and how have you overcome it?
Early in my career, I found it challenging to define my leadership style and ensure it aligned with my core values. This involved a lot of self-reflection and observing other leaders around me - both those I admired and those whose styles I wanted to avoid. I sought out role models and mentors, learning different things from each of them.
I realised that authentic leadership isn't about imitation; it's about understanding your own strengths and values and applying them effectively in any situation. Whether it's delivering a compelling presentation or supporting a team member through a challenging time, the key is to remain true to yourself while adapting your approach as needed. For me, that means prioritising doing the right thing, even when it’s tough; putting people first in decision-making; creating a supportive team environment where work-life balance is valued; and having some fun along the way.
What’s the most valuable lesson you learnt during your career at PwC and how has that helped you get to where you are today?
Two key lessons from my time at PwC have been invaluable. First, understanding the importance of navigating complex organisational dynamics. Success in sustainability often requires influencing without direct authority, building consensus, and finding common ground among diverse stakeholders.
Second, the power of effective communication for driving change. Both of these skills have been critical in my current role at Woolworths, where I collaborate across business units to advance our climate strategy and engage our team, customers, and investors in our sustainability journey.
Your role title ‘Head of Planet - Climate’ is rather unique. What does a typical day in your work-life involve?
My role is incredibly varied, which keeps things interesting! A typical day might involve:
- Working with different teams to define and refine Woolworths Group's climate change strategy, focusing on emissions reduction, risk assessment, and adaptation.
- Overseeing the implementation of key initiatives within our climate strategy, ensuring projects stay on track and deliver results.
- Communicating our progress and collaborating with external partners, investors, and government agencies on climate-related issues.
- Keeping up-to-date on the latest climate science, carbon accounting methodologies, and industry best practice.
What challenges are you facing as you shape the future of sustainability at Woolworths and beyond?
We need a healthy planet to have a healthy and productive food system. This means embedding sustainability into our core business strategy and operations - from sourcing and supply chains, to store operations and customer engagement.
We also need to effectively communicate the value proposition of sustainability to our investors and stakeholders, highlighting the link between environmental and social performance, and long-term financial success.
What are the key factors for organisations to consider to achieve real sustainability progress within the next 5-10 years?
Organisations need to move beyond setting targets and focus on genuine transformation. A few things that will be important:
- The rise of mandatory climate-related disclosures is pushing sustainability to the top of the agenda for many organisations.
- Sustainability needs to be embedded into the core business strategy, not treated as a separate initiative.
- Shifts in operating models, incentives, leadership styles, and culture. It's akin to the digital transformation, where every aspect of the business needs to adapt.
- Strong leadership commitment is essential for driving change and creating a culture of sustainability that is authentic to organisational purpose.
- Ongoing engagement to ensure deep listening to a broad range of stakeholders’ expectations.
If you could invite three people to a dinner party (dead or alive) - who would they be and why?
- Sir David Attenborough: An absolute icon. I'd love to hear his stories and insights into the natural world.
- Nagi Maehashi: Founder of RecipeTin Eats. I'm a huge fan of her delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Maybe she could even cook dinner for us?
- Amy Poehler: A brilliant comedian whose infectious enthusiasm (like Leslie Knope from Parks & Rec!) would bring some fun and laughter to the evening.
