We're Allies On The Same Team - Davina Rooney and Jorge Chapa Make Friends and Change Buildings

Today's show is another duo - the CEO of the Green Building Council Davina Rooney and their Chief Impact Officer Jorge Chapa. Many of you probably know either or both of Davina and Jorge - their work as key ambassadors and incredible contributors for two decades each to Australia's green property boom is significant. Both posses bodies of work that are individually impressive, but since coming together at the GBCA they have been able to take that organisation to even higher heights. I have an enormous regard for both, and talking about the job and what's involved practically when leading, driving and making tangible a more healthy, safe and sustainable building and asset stocks was insightful.If you're not familiar with the GBCA, where have you been? Even if you aren't in property, the GBCA have been a lighthouse of innovation, creation, hope and success here in Australia. I mentioned it in this episode, but one of the inspiring models I had in mind when I was creating Finding Nature was the GBCA. It staggers me that basically every other sector doesn't have an equivalent body such as this that offers both the practical system perspective they do and the ability to create meaningful visions, strategies and roadmaps the property sector can get behind, but also the invaluable relational fabric and spaces for people to get to know one another, connect and feel a sense of belonging.Today's episode isn't so much about the technical standards and X's and O's of how the GBCA organises itself, it's members and the work it delivers to market. Davina and Jorge share much about their own personal and organisational journeys, their theories of change, their approach to allyship and partnership, and their unique and clear approach to how they want to be part of the broader transitions occurring in our communities and economies at the moment.I was entirely enriched by the conversation, and it didn't go where I thought it would. This is a masterclass in the essential role clarity, purpose and experience play in how individuals and groups of people can come together to foster and curate a future that is more aligned to the science of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the essential work of nature preservation, water management and responsible waste practices. I've been using their thoughts and philosophies on backcasting and specific problem definition the last couple of weeks and it's transformed my approach to my daily work life for the better.Davina and Jorge - and the GBCA more broadly - they represent a group of people who are working beyond the jargon and hollowness that words like collaboration and partnership usually mean in organisational contexts. More than tin ears, more than transactions, more than politicking and jockeying for power and prestige. They both represent the best of the change making class - to help, to serve, to lift up, to get into action. The newsletter this month is on the theme of help, and I think this statement from Dr Michael Gervais - one of my favourites - is appropriate for Davina and Jorge, and their work - “No-one does it alone. It is through relationships that we become”.Until next time, thanks for listening.Today's show is delivered with Altiorem. Use the code FindingNature10 to get your first month free on their gold and platinum plans. Today's show is delivered with Gilay Estate. Add Finding Nature to your booking reservation for free food bundles.Send me a messageThanks for listening. Follow Finding Nature on Instagram