ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the two accounts of people who are working independently and using their access and relationships to promote change for sustainability. First, Charles Ainger, 'holding up the tightrope'—helping us all act for sustainability. Second, Simon Cooper, doing things right—and doing the right thing. Ainger was part of a global organisation, with which he is associated. But over years he has expanded his attention to influencing the wider professional development of engineers, especially in the water industry, taking up a range of opportunities and positions of influence. Cooper's story gives insights into the potential opportunities and dilemmas of being a consultant in corporate social responsibility. In both accounts, seeking out and making the most of opportunities, adapting their strategies as they go along, feeding information from one context into others, and working alongside other people to make their contributions to change.
