In an era marked by the urgent global climate crisis, a growing chorus of advocates, policymakers, and leaders have been pushing for substantive, eco-friendly reforms. Yet, in the midst of these demands for change, there remains a persistent belief that straying from the established status quo might derail the very economic engine that has propelled human progress to remarkable heights. Moreover, challenging the deeply ingrained notion that prosperity and environmental sustainability are mutually exclusive pursuits is no small feat, especially for a woman navigating a world traditionally dominated by men. Despite these formidable challenges, a cohort of audacious pioneers have refused to be deterred, and Dr Yana Leonova stands proudly among them.