Natalie Isaacs - collective action

Spend 10 minutes with our Paradigm Shifters, the people who are shaping the ideas that will take us into the future. Meet Natalie Isaacs, founder and CEO of 1 Million Women, a global movement of women and girls taking action on climate change by altering the way they live.

- KATE HOLLAND

A little over a decade ago, Natalie Isaacs' lifestyle looked very different. As a cosmetics manufacturer her life was consumed by packaging and waste. Now, she's the founder of 1 Million Women, a movement that empowers and educates women and girls around the world on how they can live climate action, use their voice, vote and influence.

How do you start your day?

My day starts with a coffee and, if I have the time, I love to connect with the Earth by taking a long walk and a swim in the ocean or stretching my body with yoga. During work week, my day looks more like yoga and, lately, it's been planning 1 Million Women's (1MW) exciting new #1MREADY campaign, our commitment to work for the next two years.

What does ambition look like for you?

I don't think I'm overly ambitious. I'm driven by my purpose, want to make a difference in this world and I want to share my story, so maybe that's what ambition is, but it's not how I look at it. Women's empowerment, climate action and collective power are the three things I am deeply committed to and passionate about. But it's not easy. To me, being ambitious is about maintaining hope and optimism and using them to fuel you.

How do you create work-life balance?