Kate is Marketing & ESG Director at Cleanology, recognised as a Top 50 Workplace Leader and industry award finalist.
With over 20 years of domestic and global B2B, B2C, and non-profit experience, she combines deep ESG expertise with marketing leadership to deliver authentic, purpose-driven brand and sustainability strategies. Passionate about driving change, championing diversity, and inspiring women in male-dominated industries, Kate thrives on creating impact that resonates with people and communities.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you structure your time?
A typical day is never really “typical” for me! I wear two hats as both Marketing Director and ESG Director, and I’m fortunate to manage and mentor a fantastic team. The cleaning industry is incredibly fast-paced and no two days are the same, which keeps things exciting.
I like to start my mornings with a run or a workout before heading into the day, as I usually don’t finish until late in the evening. Then it’s coffee in hand and a team check-in to prioritise what needs to be done. That could mean preparing for a client meeting to consult on their ESG strategy, working on a tender pitch, scheduling social media content, or planning lead generation campaigns. It all depends on the priorities for the week.
Right now, we’re also heavily focused on our upcoming charity fundraiser in support of our chosen charity, The Hygiene Bank. They recently named us a Gold Partner in recognition of the support we’ve given them, so it’s a cause we’re really passionate about.
What’s one myth about your industry or role that you’d like to bust?
One myth about my industry is that commercial cleaning is dull. In reality, it’s fast-paced, innovative, and deeply connected to people’s wellbeing and sustainability. From cutting-edge technology to pioneering ESG initiatives, there’s so much happening behind the scenes that challenges the stereotype of it being “just cleaning.”
Another myth about my role is: how can you be both a Marketing Director and an ESG Director? Some assume the two are unrelated, but I see them as a real advantage. ESG gives me the knowledge, data, and credibility, while marketing gives me the tools to tell the story in a way that resonates with people. It means I’m not just sharing surface-level messages — I understand the initiatives in depth and can communicate them with authenticity and impact.
Together, these roles allow me to bridge strategy with storytelling, making sure our sustainability efforts aren’t just words on a page, but something that inspires, engages, and builds trust.
What does success look like to you – has that changed over time?
For me, success has always been about making a difference. In every role I’ve had, my goal has been to drive change, inspire new people and talent, and ultimately leave a legacy that matters. That hasn’t really changed over time — if anything, it has only grown stronger.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly inspirational leaders throughout my career, and they’ve shaped my belief that success isn’t just about personal achievement, but about the impact you have on others and the positive change you help create.
What’s one initiative or achievement you’re particularly proud of — and why?
There are two achievements I’m particularly proud of.
The first is our recent brand and value proposition launch at Cleanology. In a founder-led organisation, I was truly trusted to take the lead in building something new alongside our CEO & Co-founder, Dominic Ponniah. We didn’t just create a brand in isolation — we researched our customers, spoke to suppliers, engaged with partners like the Living Wage Foundation and The Hygiene Bank, and listened to our own team members. By bringing together the voices of everyone who matters to us, we created something authentic that feels “more us” than ever before.
The second is being promoted to the board at Cleanology, where I now sit alongside two other incredible female leaders. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, that feels like a real milestone — not just for me personally, but also for what it represents about progress, representation, and the kind of company we’re building.
What legacy or impact do you hope to leave through your work?
The legacy I hope to leave is one of inspiration and inclusion. Working in facilities management, which has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, I want to show that women not only have a place here, but that we can thrive and lead. Being part of a board with other incredible female leaders at Cleanology is something I’m hugely proud of, and I hope it encourages more women to see this sector as a space for their talent and ambition.
For me, impact isn’t just about the work we deliver today, but about opening doors for the next generation — creating a culture where women feel confident to step into FM, to grow, and to lead. If my journey helps even a few women feel inspired to join this industry and believe in their potential, then that will be a legacy I’d be proud of.
What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned in your leadership journey?
The most surprising lesson I’ve learned in my leadership journey is that it’s not only okay to make mistakes — it’s essential. Early in my career, I felt huge pressure to get everything right, but I’ve realised that the real growth and progress often come from the moments where things don’t go to plan.
Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to reflect, adapt, and come back stronger. As a leader, being open about that has also helped me build trust with my team — it shows that perfection isn’t the expectation, but learning, resilience, and continuous improvement are.
It’s liberating to know that mistakes don’t define you; how you respond to them does.
How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
When things get tough, I stay motivated by looking after both my body and my mindset. Exercise is a big part of that — going to the gym, running, or just taking time to move helps me reset and keep perspective.
But what really inspires me is spending time with my team. They’re amazing, and whenever I see them learning, growing, and achieving, it reminds me exactly why I do what I do. Their energy and progress keep me driven, even in the most challenging moments.
What are you currently reading, listening to, or watching that’s helping you grow?
I’m always looking for ways to learn and grow around ESG and sustainability. That comes in a few different forms: reading thought leadership, articles, and books that help me stay on top of emerging trends; chatting with our suppliers, partners, and other businesses who are on the same ESG journey as us; and learning from the real-world challenges and innovations others are experiencing.
Alongside that, I love running while listening to podcasts. One of my favourites is “We Need to Talk” by Paul C Brunsdon, where he interviews people who have navigated really difficult times in their lives and analyses their experiences. It’s powerful, honest, and a great reminder of the resilience and strength people are capable of — which I find motivating for both life and leadership.
And on a lighter note, I’m a huge football fan, so I also enjoy The Overlap podcast — it’s a brilliant mix of football, big personalities, and deeper conversations that go beyond the pitch.
Which leader or entrepreneur has influenced you the most — and why?
One leader who has influenced me most is Baroness Karren Brady. She’s an incredible example of someone who has succeeded and thrived in male-dominated industries, from football to business, while staying authentic and confident in her own leadership style.
I’ve mainly worked in male-dominated industries myself, so I really connect with her story. What inspires me is not just her achievements, but the way she’s used her platform to advocate for women in business and to show that barriers can be broken.
That resonates with me in my own career too — earlier this year I was proud to be a finalist for the Women in FM Award at The Facilities Management Awards. For me, it’s about visibility: showing that women can succeed and lead in this sector, and hopefully inspiring more women to join facilities management. I’m also passionate about building networks and creating the kind of support systems that help women connect, grow, and thrive in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d been given at the start of your career?
The one piece of advice I wish I’d been given at the start of my career is to trust myself and my instincts more — and to be bolder and braver.
I’ve always thrived on constructive feedback and learning from others, but looking back, I wish I’d had more confidence in myself when I was younger. Imposter syndrome is real, and I think most of us still suffer from it at times, no matter how far along we are in our careers.
Over time, I’ve learned that trusting your own judgement, backing yourself, and having the courage to speak up makes all the difference. I’ve also realised that being empathetic and even emotional isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength. Those qualities help you connect with people, lead authentically, and inspire others.
If I could pass anything on to those just starting out, it would be this: believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to use your voice, and remember that the very qualities that make you different are often the ones that make you powerful.
