Leslie Skardon

CEO
Sustain SC

What are you most looking forward to in your new position?

Sustain SC is an incredible organization that brings together the largest corporations in our state with non-profits, utilities, government agencies, small businesses and legislators. Through this coordination, we work to advance sustainability in South Carolina to benefit our economy, environment and people. I continue to be excited for Sustain SC to serve as a vehicle to protect the land and water that makes South Carolina so special, while advancing economic development.

What is the biggest challenge facing your industry right now?

Sustainability is not a “nice” to have for organizations. It is an economic necessity. Sustain SC fills an important need in South Carolina to educate decision makers on support for sustainable initiatives and programs. In an economic impact study of corporations, Sustain SC found that 46-percent of survey respondents indicated that their revenue projections over the next decade would be negatively impacted without sufficient access to sustainable technologies. The lack of access comes at a considerable cost, generating losses of between $30.2 billion in revenue and $101.2 billion in total economic activity for South Carolina. Solar energy, renewable natural gas, landfill and/or organic waste innovations and electric vehicle infrastructure were the most commonly cited needs. It is important that our state and municipalities continue to support sustainability and economic development.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

When I was 11 years old, we moved into a new neighborhood and I was thrilled to embark on a babysitting career. I created fliers and went to each house with a young child to introduce myself. When my the first family took a chance on sixth-grade me, I packed my pool bag with toys, games and activities. After bedtime, I cleaned the full kitchen and put away all of the toys (a few times I even folded the laundry that had been left out!). I quickly became the go-to babysitter on our street, and was able to babysit throughout high school and college breaks to earn enough money that I could spend half of my summers in college as an unpaid intern in Washington, D.C. This experience taught me the importance of being fearless in meeting new people, of being prepared and always going the extra mile.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard?

“When it’s hard, that means you’re growing.” Whenever I’ve been in a challenging career or personal situation, I remember that those challenges mean growth – they mean opportunities to learn and have new experiences. So even when we face challenges, I remember that it is making me more resilient, smarter and more prepared for whatever comes next.  

What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?

I am a mom if twins! We have 3-year old, identical twin boys. They keep us on our toes and have greatly expanded my knowledge of construction vehicles.