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Jake Davis’ journey to sustainability has been anything but traditional. While his original life goal was to write for a ski magazine, he ultimately landed in impact investing for The Nature Conservancy, where he has now worked for almost a decade.

Davis followed his aspirations to become a writer by majoring in writing as an undergraduate at Northern Michigan University. Besides his passion for writing, that choice also stemmed from his knowledge that he would be going into active duty in the military after graduation.

“Being in the military had always been a tradition in my family, and it also helped pay for school,” he said. “I was able to choose to study something that I enjoyed—and I had always loved writing growing up.”

A change of perspective

Davis served in the military for the next nine years, working in intelligence operations and spending a few years deployed in Afghanistan. While the experience was invaluable in sharpening his leadership and strategic thinking skills, he was excited for a change. After leaving active duty, he pursued his dream of working for a ski magazine and became an editor in 91������. But to his surprise, he found it was no longer his passion.

“If I had started sports writing right out of college, I would probably still be doing something like that,” he said. “But having spent a couple of years in Afghanistan and doing other things in the military, writing about ski helmets seemed much less exciting after having been in a war.”

In 2012, Davis joined 91������ as a program manager for the Presidents Leadership Class. He came to Leeds because he had been looking for his next move professionally and believed that graduate school could set him up for a successful transition. He completed his MBA in 2016 and John Helmers, Leeds director of Graduate Career Management, helped Davis get his position at The Nature Conservancy.

A new career path

At The Nature Conservancy, Davis runs the department, which is responsible for using private capital to help advance conservation efforts. The department sources, structures, funds and closes innovative investment deals that aim to generate environmental, social and financial returns. His previous experiences have helped him excel in this position, he said, equipping him with the ability to set clear objectives, develop strategic plans and lead teams effectively.

“I think the experiences I’ve had—both in leading teams and knowing how to put together a coherent strategy for getting things done—have been pretty impactful for being able to succeed in life and business,” he said.

For Davis, being in a leadership position means empowering others and supporting them to be the best versions of themselves. He initially faced some challenges transitioning from a military communication style to a corporate setting. He had to learn how to balance different communication styles within the workplace while continuing to prevent conflict and streamline collaboration.

“I’m still working on the skills to be an effective coach for my team,” he said. “I like to have a fun time with people. Sometimes leading means engaging a team, or it requires tough conversations and feedback.”

The evolving role of sustainability

Davis understands that the sustainability industry is highly competitive and not easy to get into. As a fellow MBA student when Davis was at Leeds, Julie Waggoner, who is now the director of operations at the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, remembers Davis as a club leader who helped to organize events related to sustainability, and they did an entrepreneurial class project related to sustainability and social impact.��

That was all part of the learning experience, leading to what Davis believes is simple advice for students looking to follow a career path similar to his: "The core skill sets required to do a job that focuses on evolving environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements are the same as what’s involved in any other business function. Working in a different field right out of college will not hinder one’s chances of working in the sustainability industry later—as long as you’re continuing to hone your business skills."

“Understanding financial analysis and how value is created through channels are core components that those interested in sustainability still need to know,” he said. “Building up those skills while using your dream job for a road map can help set you up for a future career.”

"Understanding financial analysis and how value is created through channels are core components that those interested in sustainability still need to know. Building up those skills while using your dream job for a road map can help set you up for a future career."

Jake Davis (MBA’16)

The path isn’t always linear

Davis’ career is a testament to the value of being a lifelong learner. By having a spirit of curiosity and being open to opportunities, he embraces new experiences that allow him to follow his passions. While landing in his role involved a winding path and some redirection, that was part of the adventure and journey.

From the military to journalism to sustainability, Davis looks ahead with optimism for continuing to create positive change within his community and in the environment. He knows how to find the confidence to innovate and constantly takes steps toward the future he believes in.

Davis has been a guest speaker at events hosted by Leeds' Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) and is an engaged alumnus who helps students with mock interviews and networking initiatives. Learn more about how CESR is empowering current and future business leaders to solve social and environmental challenges.