Question: How can we better engage with communities to drive desire for our work?

Answer: Stop behaving like an activist, combat preconceptions, and become a trusted diplomat by being more human and communicating with purpose.

Matt created and delivered high-level strategies to answer complex environmental, social and economic challenges through effective, inclusive, empathetic communications plans. Additionally, Matt provided guidance as an executive producer for creative and media output.

He delivered a tight, clearly-defined communications framework for the organisation as a whole, improving the functionality and efficacy of eight international communications teams by empowering the local teams to act proactively.

This approach deepened trust and built stronger connections with the varied - and often hugely opposed - audiences present within their communities, enabling the effective management of numerous stakeholders and the building of supporter networks to drive positive change.

Matt’s work helped to secure a stronger understanding of, and desire for, ocean protection amongst communities while navigating the complex political and cultural landscapes of big ocean states.

Impact: Through many trials and tribulations, five Memorandums of Understanding were signed which pledged to protect 30% of the territorial waters of Bermuda, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa and Vanuatu.