• 25 Sep, 2024
• Syddonna Brown Grizzle

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth: An Inspiring Interview with Syddonna Brown Grizzle on Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability

Today, we are honored to speak with Syddonna Brown Grizzle, a remarkable environmental health professional and sustainability advocate. Syddonna’s dedication and excellence have made a significant impact in her field. With a wealth of experience and a passion for driving positive change, Syddonna’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s dive into her story and learn from her invaluable insights.

Syddonna, welcome to Magazica.

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Thank you for having me.

Magazica: What is your current role and expertise? How did your journey lead you to this field, and what was the passion behind it?

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: I became an environmental engineer somewhat by default. I was interested in the sciences from high school and initially considered pharmacy or medicine. However, as the eldest of five children, I opted for a more affordable path and pursued chemical engineering technology at the University of Technology, Jamaica. After teaching for a while, I joined the Ministry of Health Jamaica as a scientific officer. I even started medical school but couldn’t sustain it financially. I pivoted to environmental science because it was the only program in Jamaica offering weekend courses. This led to promotions to environmental scientist and eventually environmental engineer. Although it wasn’t my initial plan, I thoroughly enjoy my work and feel it was the right path for me.

Magazica: As they say, when you make plans for your life, life makes plans with your life. It turned out to be a very good plan for you. What exactly is the role of an environmental engineer? Could you explain it in layman’s terms for our readers?

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Environmental engineering is a broad field that uses engineering principles to address environmental issues. It falls under civil engineering. In my role, I monitor water systems in Jamaica to ensure public health and also work on air quality. Environmental engineers aren’t limited to production or manufacturing; we also support public health by looking at wastewater systems and even HVAC systems. There are several options within this field.

Magazica: Very broad field, but it was quite clear that you work very closely, like a civil engineer with the civil engineers. But you look mainly to environmental sustainability. Any development, any infrastructural development should be in coordination with environmental sustainability.

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Definitely. We’re going in a direction where even waste management is crucial. Environmental engineers look into how to reuse, reduce, and recycle waste. It’s a very fulfilling job. We work to protect humans and animals, being aware of how to properly utilize space. Environmental engineers play a critical role in ensuring we work in coordination with the environment for our own comfort.

Magazica: Fantastic. Like you are including everyone and looking at diverse areas. Inclusivity and diversity are at their most elemental form.

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Correct.

Magazica: Throughout your career, what are some key challenges you have faced, and what strategies did you use to overcome them?

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: As a female in a male-dominated field, one challenge is being taken for granted. I’ve overcome this by simply doing the work and not getting overwhelmed by doubts. Another challenge was deciding on a direction within the field. I focused on water quality and pursued further studies in sanitary engineering. If you like what you’re doing, additional studies can help you become an expert in that area.

Magazica: What about the naysayers?

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Just do it. Without being reactive or frustrated, just do it. You don’t have to be arrogant about it. Know what you’re capable of and let your work speak for you.

Magazica: I sense a lot of motivation and passion in that statement. How do you maintain this motivation and passion against all challenges?

Magazica: So nice to hear that because extrinsic motivation can drive you sometimes, but intrinsic motivation is the fuel for the long game. I was fascinated by the idea that you are your own competitor. You always try to reinvent and re-challenge yourself, not only on a yearly basis but almost on a day-to-day basis.

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Absolutely. Sustainability speaks about continuity, moving forward, and staying relevant. It’s about becoming aware of what works now and applying it in your life. To be sustainable is to continue.

Magazica: Thank you very much for that. Let us have those understandings in a very practical way. Can you please tell us about a recent project or any project that you have accomplished or are doing right now that you are particularly proud of?

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Oh, yes. I was a student of the Master of Engineering Innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University. I left Jamaica for Canada, and before I left, I discovered this program while searching for something that aligned with my skills in problem-solving and system development. I found the program and felt it would take me to another level.

I decided to apply and took on the challenge of utilizing food waste. Initially, I heard about concerns in Canada regarding food waste, particularly potato waste. I thought about how I could use potatoes to create something valuable. Out of frustration, I suggested using potatoes to make fabric. It seemed crazy, but it got the assignment done.

In the second semester, we had to carry over the project and make it real. I wanted to change my mind but decided to continue to learn the process. I challenged myself to extract fibers from potatoes, but it didn’t work. Then, I thought about making leather instead. I started mixing and blending in my kitchen. At first, it looked like porridge, but then it dried and felt like leather.

It looked like leather, and I was like, “Oh my God!” Just by giving yourself a chance, you can achieve the seemingly impossible. Initially, it seemed like it didn’t make any sense. A critical part of my growth and process is taking the time to pause and think. We often get so busy working that we don’t stop to think. There’s genius in stopping to think. That’s when imagination clicks, and you get ideas. Sometimes you just need to rest and think, and great ideas will come.

That project has led me to this platform. I’ve won several awards for it, and I’m still working on it. We have a prototype, and it’s looking good. We’re heading in a very good direction. I’m happy to say that we know it’s possible to take discarded potatoes and make them into leather for handbags, car seats, and shoes. It is possible.

Magazica: Wow, it’s like science fiction. Not in a fiction sense, but science fiction come to reality.

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Yes, who could have thought that?

Magazica: How do you see leadership, and how does being innovative contribute to your leadership?

Magazica: Fascinating stuff. The empathy, communication, coaching, and investing in yourself resonate with your internal motivation. It’s all interlinked.

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Oh yes, it all comes full circle.

Magazica: Last question, and it’s a two-part question. What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career? And how do you handle stress?

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Stress is good, but too much of anything is bad. Part of growing is learning to say no and understanding when to hold back. I’ve had to learn that. I work very hard and don’t regret it, but I’ve also learned to couple that with a bit more smarts.

Throughout the hard work, you are applying smart work too. When I speak of smart, it’s not just about using technology. It’s about asking, “Do I have to do this? Could this be delegated to someone else? Can I trust this person?” If not, what do I need to do to trust them to take over while I focus on what really matters? We often get caught up in greater responsibilities while still hanging on to the ones we started with. This affects us in many ways. To be sustainable, you need to remain healthy and teach the next generation what you know. If you keep doing everything yourself, you’ll experience burnout. Sharing information empowers your community and creates a group with a similar mindset.

I mentioned stopping and thinking. Sometimes you just have to stop and relax. I’m good at meeting deadlines, but I often pack things on because I try to meet them. Sometimes you have to keep things in the queue and attend to what you can. As a mom and wife, I balance my career and domestic responsibilities. It can get overwhelming, but if you demonstrate to your family that they are part of your schedule, it helps. Take things as they come and put some things in a queue. In my early days, I tried to do it all, but that’s not smart. Share the knowledge you have, and people will be willing to help you. I’ve had situations where people I’ve helped have offered to help me in return.

Take your time and take time for yourself. In my younger days, I didn’t see the importance of this, but now I do. As you take on more responsibility, make what matters to you matter now, not after you’re ill or on your dying bed.

I hope that helps. In terms of managing stress, I mentioned some lessons learned. I’ll add two more. First, give yourself a chance and take the risk. Sometimes we’re so caught up with not wanting to fail that we miss opportunities. Second, not all opportunities are worth risking your health. My family matters most to me. I’ve raised $9,000 between September and December as a student through competitions and awards. There were other competitions I could have entered, but I chose to focus on my health. I know I could have won something, but I decided to live to see another day.

Magazica: Syddonna, having you with us today has been an absolute pleasure. Your wisdom and dedication are truly inspiring. I wish I could continue this for another hour or two. We are deeply grateful for the time you shared with us. Thank you for enlightening our readers and your continuous contribution to the industry. We look forward to seeing more incredible studies and innovations from you. Undoubtedly, you will continue to make everyone proud with your speed and spirit.

Syddonna Brown Grizzle: Thank you. Thank you very much. Thanks for having me.

Magazica: Thank you. Thank you very much.

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Dear readers, Syddonna Brown Grizzle’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and self-belief. From her early days in Jamaica to her groundbreaking work in environmental engineering and sustainability, Syddonna has shown that taking risks and embracing challenges can lead to remarkable achievements. Her insights on leadership, stress management, and the importance of sharing knowledge are invaluable lessons for all of us. As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we can all draw inspiration from her dedication and passion. Thank you, Syddonna, for sharing your story and inspiring us to strive for excellence in our own lives.

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Keywords: Environmental Engineering; Sustainability; Innovation; Leadership; Potato Leather; (Intrinsic) Motivation