Transforming Experience into Impact: Mansi’s Journey of Love and Courage

Transforming Experience into Impact: Mansi’s Journey of Love and Courage

Mansi is an accomplished executive leader with over 20 years of global experience in the oil, gas, and mining industries, where she has led world-class projects spanning strategy, policy development, human resources, contracts and procurement, governance, stakeholder engagement, and ESG practices. With a proven record of driving sustainable competitive advantage, she has now made a purposeful transition to focus on sustainability and gender equality.

As the founder of Circular Fibres, Mansi is advancing circular economy principles to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals through education, research, and policy advocacy. She is deeply committed to gender equity, recognizing women’s leadership as a catalyst for holistic and inclusive sustainable development. Her journey reflects both corporate excellence and a passionate vision for building a more sustainable and equitable future.

To discover more about Mansi’s inspiring journey, her vision for sustainability, and her unwavering commitment to gender equality, dive into the full interview.

1.Tell me about yourself

Mansi : I am a passionate advocate for sustainability and community empowerment, currently

serving as the Australia Chair of G100, Board Member, Management Committee member of

various National and State not-for-profit organisations in Australia. I am the Founder of

Circular Fibres, a Perth-based circular economy consultancy. I am also a member of United

Nations Association Australia’s Environment committee. My work bridges environmental

stewardship with cultural inclusivity, creating platforms that empower women, promote

entrepreneurship, and foster sustainability. With experience in strategy, transformation and

operational issues in the Mining and Oil & Gas Industry, I bring a holistic perspective to driving

impactful projects that align with the principles of a circular economy and community

development.

2.What inspired you to venture into the field of climate change or the circular economy?

Mansi : My inspiration to venture into climate change and the circular economy stems from a deep desire to create meaningful change for future generations. Having transitioned from the

resources industry, I saw firsthand the challenges of unsustainable practices. This motivated

me to explore solutions that align economic growth with environmental sustainability. The

circular economy captivated me with its ability to address resource efficiency, reduce waste,

and promote innovation while fostering social equity.

The turning point was realizing the immense potential of community-driven initiatives to

empower individuals, particularly women, in leading sustainable change. This intersection of

environmental stewardship and social impact inspired me to advocate for circular economy

principles, aiming to create resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities

3.How has your personal background or upbringing influenced your perspective on

sustainability?

Mansi : My perspective on sustainability has been deeply shaped by my multicultural journey.

Growing up in India, I was surrounded by traditions that emphasized harmony with nature,

resourcefulness, and community interdependence. Simple practices like minimizing waste,

repurposing items, and living within ecological limits were embedded in everyday life and left

a lasting impression on me.

After moving to London and working in the Oil & Gas Industry, I was exposed to the

challenges of urban living and the global-scale environmental issues that we face. This

expanded my understanding of sustainability beyond local practices to include systemic

approaches. Now, living in Australia, I have embraced this lands deep respect for nature

and the environment, learning from Indigenous perspectives and witnessing the urgent need

for climate action in the face of biodiversity loss and resource pressures.

These experiences across three continents have shown me that sustainability is a universal

value expressed in diverse ways. They inspire me to work on solutions that honour cultural

diversity while addressing global challenges, blending my Indian roots with the global

perspectives I’ve gained in the UK and Australia.

4.What initiatives or projects have you led that significantly contribute to climate change

mitigation or circular economy goals ?

Mansi : My leadership journey in climate change mitigation and advancing the circular economy spans several impactful initiatives. One of my most significant contributions has been founding Circular Fibres, a Perth-based initiative focused on educating the Australian

community about circular economy principles. Through partnerships with schools and

culturally diverse communities, this project has raised awareness about sustainable

consumption, waste reduction, and innovative recycling practices.

Circular Fibres offers a range of services designed to help businesses integrate

sustainability into their operations. These include sustainability consulting, circular economy

strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability reporting. We also

conduct tailored workshops and training programs aimed at educating teams on circular

economy principles. Additionally, we offer policy advocacy, helping businesses align with

evolving environmental regulations, and support companies in behavior change campaigns

to engage employees and consumers in sustainable practices.

5.What are the biggest hurdles you’ve faced as a woman leader advocating for the circular

economy?

Mansi : As a woman leader advocating for the circular economy, I’ve encountered several hurdles that have shaped my journey. One of the most significant challenges has been navigating the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within sustainability-focused sectors.

While gender equity is gaining traction, creating space for women’s voices and perspectives

in this field remains an ongoing effort. Balancing cultural diversity within communities has

also presented challenges, as fostering inclusivity while addressing sustainability requires

nuanced approaches.

Despite these obstacles, I’ve found that resilience, collaboration, and the ability to connect

circular economy principles to community values have been key to overcoming barriers. By

empowering women and culturally diverse groups to take part in sustainable initiatives, I’ve

seen firsthand how inclusivity can drive impactful change.

6.What is your vision for integrating the circular economy into global climate change solutions ?

Mansi : My vision for integrating the circular economy into global climate change solutions centers on fostering a regenerative system where waste and pollution are minimized, and resources are continuously reused and repurposed. I see the circular economy as a crucial enabler of sustainable development, offering solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also create social and economic opportunities.

A key part of this vision is the global adoption of circular principles in industries such as

manufacturing, fashion, and agriculture, which are responsible for significant environmental

degradation. By promoting sustainable production and consumption, we can drastically

reduce carbon footprints and resource depletion. This transition is in line with the United

Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which focuses on responsible

consumption and production.

To drive this change, I believe in fostering cross-sector collaboration and policy frameworks

that incentivize circular business models. Governments, businesses, and consumers all

have a critical role in supporting the shift toward a circular economy, from implementing

circular design principles to advocating for extended producer responsibility and innovative

recycling technologies.

In addition, integrating circular economy practices into climate strategies is essential to

mitigating the effects of climate change. For instance, circularity can enhance carbon

sequestration, improve resource efficiency, and foster climate resilience—directly

contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action). The application of systems thinking within circular

models ensures that we address interconnected challenges, such as ecosystem

degradation, social inequality, and economic volatility.

Ultimately, the circular economy provides a blueprint for a restorative economy where human

activity enhances rather than harms the planet. By making circularity the norm, we not only

mitigate climate change but also build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all

7.Can you share a story of a grassroots effort led by women that had a significant impact on

climate or waste management?

Mansi : Rebecca Prince-Ruiz is a remarkable example of grassroots leadership in the fight against waste and climate change. In 2009, she co-founded Plastic Free July, a global initiative that encourages people to reduce plastic waste by challenging them to avoid single-use plastics for the entire month of July. What began as a small local campaign in Western Australia has grown into a worldwide movement, with millions of participants across more than 170 countries.

Rebeccas motivation came from her concern over the mounting environmental harm caused

by plastic waste, particularly its impact on marine life. She recognized that while large-scale

policies and industry changes were important, individual actions could create a significant

ripple effect. By starting with a simple yet effective challenge, she empowered individuals to

make meaningful changes in their daily lives, from refusing plastic straws to opting for

reusable bags and containers.

The success of Plastic Free July has had a profound impact on both waste reduction and

raising awareness about the environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution. It has

prompted local governments, businesses, and even schools to embrace sustainability,

encouraging systemic change alongside personal action. This initiative has not only sparked

conversations about climate change and waste management but has also demonstrated the

power of grassroots efforts, particularly when led by women, in driving large-scale

environmental change.

Rebecca's story exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can have a lasting, positive

impact on both environmental outcomes and social awareness, contributing significantly to

global sustainability goals.

8.How have local traditions or cultural practices influenced your approach to sustainability and

circular economy ?

Mansi : Growing up in India, I was deeply influenced by cultural practices that promote sustainability, such as minimizing waste, repurposing items, and living within environmental means. For example, the concept of Jugaad, or resourceful innovation, encourages making the most of what’s available rather than relying on new resources. This mindset aligns with the principles of the circular economy—using and reusing materials to extend their life cycles and reduce waste.

Similarly, traditional practices of composting, using natural materials, and caring for the land

have always been an integral part of rural life, reflecting an inherent respect for the

environment.

Having lived in the UK and now in Australia, I’ve seen how these traditional practices can

inspire modern solutions to sustainability, such as zero-waste initiatives and circular

business models. My cultural background has made me more aware of the

interconnectedness of people, the economy, and the environment, shaping my approach to

advocating for a circular economy that values sustainability as a holistic, community-driven

effort.

9.What is the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced in your journey as a leader in

climate action or circular economy ?

Mansi : One of the most rewarding moments in my journey as a leader in climate action and the circular economy was witnessing the tangible impact of Circular Fibres, the initiative I

founded to educate the community about sustainability. When I saw students, especially

from culturally diverse backgrounds, actively engaging in waste reduction and recycling

practices, it was a powerful reminder of the importance of grassroots action.

These milestones reaffirm my belief that through education, collaboration, and inclusivity, we

can create a more sustainable and resilient future.

10.What legacy do you hope to leave behind as a woman leader in this transformative sector ?

Mansi : As a woman leader in the circular economy and climate action sectors, I hope to leave

behind a legacy that highlights the power of inclusive leadership in creating systemic

change. My goal is to inspire future generations of women, particularly those from diverse

cultural backgrounds, to actively engage in sustainability initiatives and advocate for the

circular economy. By demonstrating that circularity is not just an environmental issue but

also a path toward social equity and economic empowerment, I aim to empower women to

be change agents in their communities and industries.

Additionally, I hope to leave a legacy where circular economy principles are embedded in

both policy and business practices, creating a more sustainable, resource-efficient world.

Through education, community-driven initiatives, and collaboration, I want to ensure that the

foundation is laid for a future where sustainability is not a choice, but a way of life for

everyone. This holistic approach will hopefully contribute to both environmental resilience

and economic prosperity for all.

Mansi’s journey reflects the true essence of love and courage—love for sustainability, people, and the planet, and courage to step away from a successful corporate career to pursue a purpose-driven path. Through Circular Fibres, she is not only advancing circular economy practices but also championing gender equity as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Her vision and work remind us that lasting change requires both strong leadership and compassionate commitment. Mansi continues to inspire by showing how passion, experience, and purpose can come together to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Shared by Ms. Mansi Zaveri, Circular Fibres Pty Ltd

published by She Business Time