Penny Radway's career path to becoming Chief Executive of The Green Team. Penny talks about transitioning from selling books to educating young people outdoors, and becoming a leader in the sector. Current Job Tell us about your current role I am one of the Chief Executives of The Green Team. I manage staff delivering our programmes of outdoor learning, environmental education and nature connection. Career Beginnings When you were 15, what job did you want and who did you ask for advice?I wanted to work in a museum. I asked my school careers advisor and they suggested I study History of Art. I had not ever studied art but I did then go on to study Modern History and could have done a masters in Museum Studies.Did you have an interest in the environment at this time?I was brought up in nature, spent a lot of time outdoors. It was only when I was working in a bookshop that I started my environmental awakening as I read about acid rain and ozone depletion. I also became a vegan.What were your first steps in starting your career? After working in a bookshop for many years I went on a conservation holiday. Then I eventually applied to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Countryside Management, did some Phase 1 surveying a LOT of volunteering both in practical conservation, eg mountain footpaths and environmental education. Finally got a job as a countryside ranger, then another, then a job with The Green team. Career path and skills What does your career path look like? I think once I got going it was fairly linear although it took a while to get the first job. Once you have your first job it gets easier.What skills were important for you to develop in your career? I'm not sure about skills but I read everything to do with nature and the environment, I taught myself and attended training courses in identifying plants and animals. Group leadership skills came from practice and some training. This article was published on Monday 19 October 2026
