Meet Maddie, our Sydney-based Client Engagement and Business Development Coordinator. With a background that spans sustainability tech, media and field research in the Amazon (yes, really!), Maddie brings a unique blend of curiosity, compassion, and connection to her work. She’s passionate about building strong relationships and helping clients tackle sustainability challenges, big and small. From beach walks and brunches to scope 3 emissions and frogs- read on to get to know Maddie a little better.
What drew you to sustainability, and what does it mean to you?
Growing up between the beach and bush in Sydney gave me a deep appreciation for the natural world. That connection sparked a lifelong drive to protect it. While I try to weave sustainability into my daily life, I believe I can make the biggest impact through my career, working with organisations to create lasting, positive change. For me, sustainability is about leaving the world better than we found it, and I’m grateful to spend my days contributing to that mission.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people, hands down. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a passionate, hardworking team at thinkstep-anz. It brings me so much energy and joy. Our clients are just as inspiring, often the sustainability champions within their own companies. I love figuring out how we can best support them, help solve their challenges and build strong relationships along the way. Connecting people to solutions and to each other is what excites me.
What are you up to when you’re not working?
I’ve recently returned home from the UK and I’m loving being back by the ocean in Sydney. Most weekends you’ll find me snorkelling, surfing, or walking along the beach with friends. I also recently became an aunty, so I spend a lot of time doting on my newborn nephew Finn - ideally after a lazy brunch and a swim!
Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you.
In a former life, I studied herpetology - yes, reptiles and amphibians! I’ve done field research in the Northern Territory and even in the Amazon, and I have a tiny frog tattoo as a tribute to my favourite animal. On a less science-y note, I also secretly love Married at First Sight. I recently discovered I’m not the only fan at thinkstep-anz… which makes me feel slightly less guilty about it!