Madeleine Lewis

Background

I specialise in communications at Forum, which involves telling the story of the great work that we do here, but also using communications strategically to change minds, perspectives and behaviour. I now have a particular focus on digital communications and social media.

Before Forum, I was a broadcast journalist and assistant producer at the BBC, working across online and radio, including BBC News Online, Five Live, and the World Service. I had the privilege of working on great programmes and projects such as Outlook, Newshour, BBC Action Network and Up All Night.

As my interest in the links between current affairs and the environment grew, I spent many an editorial meeting arguing for the inclusion of sustainability-related stories – and frequently hearing the damning expression, “too worthy” in retort. It fired me up for finding stories and connections that brought to life the opportunities of a sustainable economy and society.

In between the BBC and Forum, I did a Masters in sustainable development advocacy in the wilds of Herefordshire which kicked off my interest in art, place and sustainability – my Masters project explored both the theory and practice of using storytelling to create change.

My dream project? Collaborating with creatives and marketeers on a global project across different platforms and the real world that would enable people to touch and taste a sustainable world.

What floats my boat outside work? I love the great outdoors and the odd adventure. Last year I spent a month with revolutionaries in Havana, in 2011 it was 220 Huskies in the Arctic Circle. Currently planning something for 2012!