Sustainability Manager Patrick Bumby shares his two decades of experience with the firm, and how he aims to drive meaningful change from the inside out, championing environmental progress and inspiring a culture where everyone can make a difference.
For the past 18 years, I’ve seen Squire Patton Boggs evolve – from fax machines and desk huddles to virtual collaboration and sustainability at the forefront of conversations. My journey has spanned Business Operations and roles across various teams, giving me a firsthand view of both the inner mechanics of our firm and the sweeping changes shaping the industry.
That perspective has been invaluable in my new role as sustainability manager. But none of it has happened in isolation. The firm has been instrumental in my growth, offering the right balance of encouragement and challenge. Some days it’s been a reassuring arm around the shoulder, other times a necessary push to step outside my comfort zone.
Sustainability as a Core Priority
Sustainability is no longer just a peripheral consideration – it’s embedded in our decision-making, with clients increasingly looking to us for leadership in this space. That growing demand is both an opportunity and a responsibility. I want to ensure that we’re not just keeping pace with expectations but setting the bar for meaningful, actionable change.
One milestone I’m particularly proud of is achieving ISO 14001 certification across all our UK offices. This commitment to environmental sustainability isn’t just about compliance – it’s about embedding long-term progress into our operations, reducing waste, improving efficiencies, and reinforcing resilience.
What’s Next?
My vision is simple but ambitious: to foster a culture that delivers real, lasting change. Sustainability isn’t just about policy, it’s about people. Through initiatives like our Sustainability Champions, we’re integrating progress into every aspect of our business. The impact of these efforts stretches beyond carbon reductions and data points. It creates a workplace where people feel empowered to make a difference.
Looking ahead, my focus is on maintaining momentum, ensuring our strategies are practical, and our leadership authentic. It’s about transforming aspirations into action and turning action into measurable impact.
For those looking to grow within our firm, my advice is straightforward: dive in wholeheartedly. The firm rewards initiative, curiosity and the courage to step forward. From personal experience, I can confidently say – show up with energy, and the opportunities will come.
Our culture continues to evolve, shaped by different perspectives and shared ambitions. It’s not just about business growth, but about fostering relationships that transcend the work itself. And that, to me, is what makes this journey meaningful.
