Next up in our Get To Know blog series is our brilliant Junior Digital Marketing Executive, Hannah Conduit. Hannah is a fantastic social marketer with a background in ecology, conservation, and science communication. Her undergraduate degree in wildlife conservation introduced her to a broad range of conservation and anthropological subjects, and her master’s degree developed her understanding of communicating science.
1. WHAT’S THE COOLEST THING YOU’RE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Oooh that’s a hard one! I’m a flitter that loves working on a lot of things at once so it’s difficult to pick the coolest thing of the moment. If I were pushed to choose it would probably be the Castlefield channels because they are hammering home thoughtful investment at a level I longed for when working in finance myself. The sweet satisfaction of seeing ethics put into practice is delightful to work on every time.
That being said, the Biodynamic Association are also hosting Open Garden events this summer, and I’m currently putting together videos for a Manchester conference for Headway Education… Too many things to narrow it down to just one! Let’s just say I’m having fun at work. Outside of working life however, I’m actually preparing to present some of the research I completed as part of my MSc at a conference in the US (in poster form, I can’t justify the flights!). I have a soft spot for amphibians and was looking into better ways to market them when I came across social marketing as a concept. That project led me to where I am now and it feels important to close the loop so to speak.
2. IF YOU WEREN’T IN MARKETING, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
I’m gonna be honest and say that this area is actually where I think I was naturally going to end up. However, my heart is in conservation and environmental issues so if I wasn’t with If Not Now then I’d be working towards a communication/behavior change role in one of those areas.
In an ideal world (you know, without climate change etc.) I would have liked to have been a writer, but that’s a hobby for now.
3. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I suppose this depends on what I’m being motivated to do? People are constant source of inspiration because there’s always someone out there doing something brave, important and necessary. Finding those stories helps you to unearth a narrative that works for you and drive forward on your own initiatives.
When I really need a lift then I usually head outside to find somewhere green, leafy and quiet. Reminding myself of what we’re a part of and what it would be like to lose it makes the choice to carry on a bit of a no brainer, really.
4. WHAT – OR WHO – IS ALWAYS GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU LAUGH?
I live for memes, bad puns and Scottish twitter. I reserve a special place in my heart for anyone who provides me with such sustenance. The more nature themed the better.
5. WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
Macro: being in an industry where the point is to do good across many areas, and micro: the fact that we have a dog friendly office and sometimes Margot sits on my lap. (love u Margot <3)
6. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT – EITHER IN THE UK OR IN THE WORLD?
Gut answer would be somewhere rugged and remote in Wales. I have a soft spot for anywhere grey, craggy and mountainous with bonus points for a healthy population of wildlife. I’m not fussed on a specific location, just somewhere close to nature that feels like home.
7. WHAT’S YOUR PROUDEST CAREER MOMENT TO DATE?
I’ve had a few little achievements I’m proud of, so I’m very lucky. Maybe the one I’m proudest of is winning the Worcester Prize for the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) during my undergraduate degree.
It’s been a bit of a frame for what I want to stand for and helped to cement my dedication to conservation and environmental issues as well. I’m planning on keeping my proudest moments for the future though, especially now I’m at If Not Now 😉
8. WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Pick your battles. This was a really hard lesson to learn and it’s still hard to put into practice sometimes, but it came at a time when I needed it and I try to keep it at the back of my mind for when I need it.
9. WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT IN BRISTOL?
I mean, this is Bristol, so I could probably give you a favourite for every day of the week! Though I guess I’ve got to say it’s a toss-up between Pasta Loco and Wahaca. Italian with a homely Bristol vibe or a selection of fine Mexican veggie tapas. Forgive me father, for I cannot choose.
10. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM ORG/CAMPAIGN/BRAND YOU’D LOVE TO WORK WITH?
It would definitely be something conservation based, related to behavior change and with plenty of stunning visual content. If there was a bit of paid research to do off the back of it as well then, well, I’d be a pretty happy bunny.
