Where They Are Now?

Theodora Tran’s career is a remarkable tale of vision, adaptability and purposeful growth. After earning a dual degree from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School (MBA) and Duke University Nicholas School of Environment (Master of Environmental Management), Theo began her professional journey as a generalist consultant at ScottMadden.

While she was at ScottMadden, Theo worked closely with fellow passionate consultants to develop a framework for the company to address its own sustainability while also helping clients tackle sustainability goals. One of their standout accomplishments at ScottMadden was conducting the firm’s first materiality assessment and presenting the findings to the CEO and employees at the annual firm meeting and ultimately informing the company’s sustainability strategy. Theo also led the firm’s ESG committee, where she guided the development of the inaugural Corporate Responsibility Report, helped drive Employee Resource Groups and advised on philanthropy strategy.

Currently, Theo is a Sustainability Product Senior Manager at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she leverages her global perspective to address sustainability challenges across diverse industries. Her work focuses on Sustainable Operations – helping clients decarbonize their own operations and value chains by developing roadmaps to achieving net zero targets, supplier engagement strategies and reimaging product design to break the tradeoffs between customer value, cost and sustainability.

Life Advice

Theo’s journey offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating a career in sustainability or beyond. Her first piece of advice is to keep your long-term goals in mind without being overly fixated on securing a sustainability-specific job right away. “You can always bring a sustainability lens to any role,” she explains. “Start by building your skills, excelling in your work and earning the trust of your colleagues and leadership. Once you’ve established your reputation, you’ll be in a position to influence meaningful change.”

For early-career professionals, Theo recommends exploring conferences like GreenBiz and following job curators on LinkedIn to stay updated on opportunities. “Building a strong network and cultivating long-term relationships are essential,” she emphasizes. “Don’t approach networking with a short-term mindset. Focus on genuine connections that will support you throughout your career.”

Theo also encourages students and professionals to think broadly about sustainability. “It’s a vast field,” she notes. “You could work for a company offering sustainable products or services, even if you’re not in a dedicated sustainability role. Whether in finance, marketing or supply chain, there are countless ways to contribute to sustainable practices.”

Above all, Theo believes that preparation and persistence are key. “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” as the proverb says. “Set long-term goals, build the skills you need and stay proactive in seeking opportunities. The journey might not be linear, but every step you take will bring you closer to making an impact.”

Written by, Luci (Yu-Ting) Lin