Unlocking action by addressing existential challenges
“What is it that you do exactly?”
My story as a climate psychologist and environmental strategist started while studying psychology at the University of California Santa Cruz. I stumbled into an introductory class on climate and environmental issues, one of those “environmental studies 101” (aka really bad news). While listening each week to a different ecological crisis, I was deeply troubled by what I was learning (very bad news), but I was equally perplexed. Why weren’t people moved to protect and conserve our ecosystems and future life on earth? And why wasn’t this a high priority for those working in the psychological fields? I took this question to my teachers and mentors in the psychology field, and no one had satisfactory answers. Likewise, when raising this with my environmental professors, I was met with equally blank looks.
This question — what does it mean emotionally and cognitively to confront global systemic ecological crises, and how can we help engage and mobilize response — led me to pursue a Master of Arts in environmental communications at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where I worked with renowned researchers in rhetoric, geography, anthropology, and psychology. I then went on to complete my PhD at the Cardiff University School of Social Sciences in the UK. My PhD focused on people living in the Great Lakes region, leading to my premise of the “myth of apathy.” It also sparked the topic for my TED Talk in 2019 on why we need to focus first and foremost on “attuning” to the very real anxieties, ambivalence and aspirations many of us are experiencing, the “double binds” that can leave many feeling stalled out and paralyzed, and what to do about it.
Partners + Clients
Whether engaged as a speaker, advisor, or partner, to businesses, governments, or non-profits, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with organizations such as Google, VMware, PBS, Citizen’s Climate Lobby, HuffPo, Transport for London, Center for Sustainable Energy, WWF and the White House. These experiences have proven that even from messy and complicated beginnings profound organizational transformation can happen.
Where it all began.
My work is all about transformation. Transforming the way you show up as a leader, the way you handle strategy, foster organizational change culture and meet your climate goals and targets as an organization. If you’ve ever tried driving sustainable behavior change by motivating people, educating them, or inciting fear, you may be looking for a more effective, authentic solution.
I enjoy being a consultant, trusted partner and advisor, who bridges strategic comms, climate and organizational psychology. Because it’s only when you bring this lens that you can acknowledge the complex emotions people have when considering a sustainable behavior change. It’s my mission to partner with you to show you how. I am committed to showing up as a partner, advisor and collaborator. Together, we can start a process that engages the resilience, mindsets and well-being of each individual involved, and honors the integrity of our stakeholders, users, partners, consumers, and colleagues.