This week, we’re featuring Beth Knight, who leads Social Sustainability for Business & Commercial Banking at Lloyds Banking Group. Beth’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to social impact – from leading Amazon’s humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis to championing financial inclusion and social mobility in the UK.
In this edition of ImpactExpert QT, Beth shares her biggest lessons in resilience, the importance of weaving impact into both corporate and personal action, and the moments that have shaped her journey. She also offers insights on how we can create a more inclusive UK, why she’s passionate about ethical business, and even a memorable workplace mishap that taught her the value of always using a coffee lid!
What is the biggest thing you have done to create or improve social impact?
When I think back to those intense days after Russia invaded Ukraine, it’s still a bit surreal. I found myself suddenly assuming the role of ‘Incident Commander’ at Amazon – an unusual job title for a sustainability professional! And, let me tell you, it was all hands on deck! We had 15 workstreams of activity, over 250 third partys to coordinate and hundreds of our colleagues dropping everything to help out.
In just 10 days, we established two humanitarian aid hubs in Poland and Slovakia. We were working around the clock, partnering with amazing organizations like Save the Children and the World Food Program. We sent over 2 million essential goods: medical supplies, warm blankets, food, and even toys and books for the children caught up in all this.
But it wasn’t just about sending donations. Our AWS team did something incredible – we helped save the Ukraine’s digital history. Imagine that! Over 10 million gigabytes of data, everything from government records to university research, all moved to the cloud to keep it safe. In recognition of the impact of that work, the Ukrainian government awarded Amazon with the Ukraine Peace Prize. That recognition meant a lot.
Despite everything that was going on at work around that time, what really bought the value of social impact home to me (literally) was when my family and I started hosting Ukrainian refugees. Over three years, we’ve hosted three different families. That might seem small compared to the big corporate efforts I was leading. But, let me tell you, those personal connections, seeing the impact up close – that’s what really drove home why humanitarian efforts are so important. It wasn’t just about numbers or data or logistics. It was about real people, with real lives turned upside down.
From sitting at my desk coordinating millions of aid, to sitting my dinner table with refugee families who’ve lost everything. It’s been a journey that’s left a mark on me, both professionally and personally.
How would you improve the UK for everyone?
If we’re really going to improve the UK for everyone, we’ve got to tackle social mobility and financial inclusion head-on. It’s something I’m pretty passionate about, to be honest.
First off, education is key. I’d love to see us revamp our school system to give kids from all backgrounds a fair shot. Not just focusing on exams, but teaching real-life skills like financial literacy and critical thinking. Strengthening apprenticeship opportunites is also important and I was pleased to have the opportunity to help design and launch of the UK’s Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability apprenticeship standard a few years ago.
Then there’s the need for more affordable and social housing. Conversations about housing and homelessness are not just about putting a roof over people’s heads – it’s about treating people with dignity and enabling them to have a stake in their community. When it comes to financial inclusion, we need to make banking and financial services more accessible to everyone – and this is something I focus on through my day at Lloyds Banking Group.
What is your biggest work lesson? And why?
The most profound work lesson I’ve learned is the critical importance of resilience and adaptability. In our rapidly changing world, the ability to pivot, learn quickly, and embrace change isn’t just an advantage – it’s essential for success. I try my best to ‘stay curious’, be open minded and stay constantly learning!
Can you share some key milestones or proudest moments in your career?
I recorded a couple of podcasts about this that you may enjoy listening to:
https://podcast.cathleenmerkel.com/episodes/141/
https://podcast.cathleenmerkel.com/episodes/reflections-on-sustainable-leadership/
What is your most embarrassing moment at work?
Picture this workplace disaster: me, confidently carrying a full, steaming hot coffee through the office lobby, when suddenly gravity decided to have its wicked way with me. In one spectacular moment, I transformed from professional boss lady to floored clown… creating an epic coffee splash radius that completely drenched my colleague’s pristine white shirt. Mortified beyond belief, I picked myself up and went to the nearest clothing store to buy a replacement top. The whole experience was a masterclass in workplace embarrassment – a moment that simultaneously made me want to disappear and laugh hysterically. Lesson learned: always use a lid on your coffee, and maintain a sense of humor about workplace disasters!
What is the thing that brings you the most #workkjoy?
My greatest professional joy is problem-solving strategic issues and helping people unlock their potential. I absolutely thrive when diving into complex challenges and watching talented individuals scale their own incredible impact. There’s something magical about seeing someone I’ve mentored transform, taking skills and confidence to create their own extraordinary professional journey.
What is one of your pet hates? Why?
Littering, for sure. It’s bad for the environment and shows a disrespect or lack of care from the person who is disregarding things.
Who or what inspires you to continue pushing the boundaries of ethical and impact driven business practices?
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, is inspiring. Her “Performance with Purpose” initiative focused on product transformation, environmental sustainability, and talent development. But, I’ve never met her and tend to draw inspiration from people around me – previous bosses (Kennedy Odede, Alice Shobe, Gib Bulloch) or thought leaders (John Elkington, Tony Juniper, Wayne VIsser). I also try and channel my Grandmother’s people skills and empathy in how I conduct myself and build relationships authentically.
What is your favourite quote that you would like us to include? And please explain why.
There are so many! Here’s one I try to embody in my purpose and work…
“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” Ruth Bader Ginsburg
