Mariella de Souza-Baker

In a nutshell, tell us about yourself.

I grew up just outside of London in a creative and nomadic family. My career has always been focused around writing and creative communications; I truly enjoy learning what makes people tick and how to craft tailored messaging and communications. I’ve worked as an English Language Teacher, a Journalist and a Copywriter, in a whole host of areas, and using these skills to communicate to the global climate finance and development community is the most compelling comms challenge I’ve had yet, as you know you’re in the industry that can make social, political and environmental progress advance on a global scale. 

What’s the best part of your job?

The people. I’ve learnt so much from working with the team both personally and professionally.  I’ve developed a much deeper understanding of what sustainable development really means and the wide-ranging ways to accelerate progress in climate change mitigation and tackling inequality.

Everyone here is so deeply embedded in climate action from their studies to professional careers to personal interests. It’s extremely inspiring and helpful as a Marketer to have such an open team with so much expertise to work with. And I love Bruno, (our) office dog.

What keeps you awake at night?

Media distortion and political decisions that are made and communicated as beneficial to the many, while serving the few. The amount of packaging I’ve used in a week still unsettles me. Jasmine’s introduced me to a local farmer’s market where I now buy all fruit and vegetables and my husband and I make much more selective decisions in daily living.

What do you most admire?

So many things…having the courage to stand up for things you believe in, maintaining a focused and positive mindset in difficult times and watching emerging technologies break down traditional and unfair institutions. I really liked Jacinda Arden’s ‘Wellbeing budget’ and how she’s boldly tackled gun control, amongst many other seemingly controversial topics.

What makes you laugh?

Blackadder, Fleabag and Mum (my own and the BBC series).

When are you happiest?

When Jessica has edited a video, excellently. Travelling, especially backpacking. And in the current global world, when real social, political and environmental victories happen.