• What advice would you give to other young people aspiring to make a significant impact in their field or start their own business?

I would recommend you start by looking inwards, because it’s vital to understand what ‘significant impact’ means to you – it will differ from person to person, and be impacted by societal norms and the people we interact with. Spend some time engaging in reflective activities that help you identify what your core values are, what is the ‘why’ that you act, and what does a future look like where you’ve taken effective action or been successful?

I would also recommend you consider the co-benefits of your activities or businesses – how do your skills or offering also benefit things like the local community, your suppliers, people’s health and wellbeing, as well as the environment? Greater co-benefits can help you connect to more people, and identify common values that will sow seeds of more effective and meaningful conversations and collaborations.

Challenge norms! Whether in your industry, in your local area, or in our societies and day-to-day lives, don’t be afraid to speak out and offer a new route around a challenge.

• What is your proudest achievement over the past 6 months?

I’m proud of taking a leap of faith, and leaving my job of 5.5 years, to commit to a summer off working – resting, reconnecting to myself, spending time in nature, and reflecting on what impact I want to make in my next chapter. In a fast-paced world, I’m proud to have pressed pause for a bit, taking time for myself and helping normalise the importance of doing so.

In addition, as part of this summer out of work, I spent 4.5 weeks volunteering abroad in Madagascar creating new conservation and community projects. I’m proud that I chose to immerse myself in a third-world country, chose to go away for a longer period of time, and being part of an initiative that is led by – and supports – local people.

• What are your aspirations for the future?

For the near future, I aspire to set up my own nature-based sustainability speaking, workshop and consultancy service, and make this self-employment venture a success! Through this, and other areas of my life, I aspire to inspire and connect more people across the country, and the world, and help grow positive impacts for people and planet.

I also aspire to combine this new venture with getting out in my campervan more, embracing slow travel, and seeing more of the UK and Europe’s beautiful, natural places.

• What/who motivates you?

Ultimately, I’m motivated by the natural world; I’m motivated by the non-human beings we share our Planet with, and how we have to look out for and act for them. I’m motivated by the significant responsibility each and every one of us have to the global climate and social justice challenge, given we live in a more developed country with higher-impact lifestyles.

I’m motivated by those people who inspire me. Recently, I’ve found myself drawn in by Seamus Cary – big shout-out, give him a follow @seamuscarey . I love the concept of his new ‘Weekend Singing Retreats’ in Cornwall, how they offer the opportunity to build community through identifying common values, all whilst having fun and embracing the power of music. It motivates me how he’s turned a passion into an exciting ‘offer’, and that it’s successful!

In addition, people like Carl and Rai at ‘Plant One Cornwall’ are wonderful motivators to me, I think it’s because they are always on the front foot, launching new campaigns, making things happen, reaching new audiences and people – just making things happen! I’ve known them since the start of their journey with the CIC, and it’s a big motivator seeing it’s success and community grow, as well as their positive impact on the planet.

• What does being recognised as a 2025 30 u 30 winner mean to you?

Receiving the award gave me a wonderful sense of validation and comfort. In the sustainability space – and I’m sure many other professions –  it’s rare you take a step back and reflect on what you have made happen, what you’ve accomplished. Being a 30 Under 30 Winner has filled me with pride, and given me the confidence in my approach to engaging communities and businesses in sustainability, and my choice to take it further with my new self-employment venture! So thank you!