Spotlight on Isabella Martin, Senior associate | Research

Tell me a little about yourself:
I’m an Australian who has always been interested in different countries and cultures which has led me to live outside Sydney for over t ten years. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. One of my favourite places I have lived is the Rocky Mountains in Canada.

As much as I hate to admit it, I am a stereotypical yoga loving, spiritually minded, outdoors oriented vegan. I grew up on the beach in Australia and I love the mountains, so I use any excuse I can get to escape the city and ski, hike or swim with my loved ones. I’m also a bit of a bookworm.

What is your favourite thing about working for TAI? Without a doubt it is the people. Everyone in the team is kind, interesting and very switched on. They have strong values and are willing to think differently, and lightly with humour kept in the mix.

What motivates you? I am motivated when my work revolves around systemic problems that need fixing. The climate is the best example of this. Which is why I moved into a specifically climate focused role, it gives me purpose and gets me out of bed in the morning.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be? Breathe, slow down and know that the only thing that matters is the present. And everything that is meant for you in this life will come to you at the time that it is meant to. That’s two but my younger self needed a lot of guidance.

What is the best advice you have ever been given? “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”- William Shakespeare. Strictly speaking Shakespeare didn’t give me this advice so the other best bit I ever received was from my mum, who said that “whenever life gets on top of you go to bed, everything is more manageable after some sleep”.

What do you listen to when you need to relax? So, I love a bit of chilled jazz and classical piano. I also really love spiritual music, when meditating but also when trying to calm down on a busy train!

What is your favourite movie and why? The Lord of the Rings series. I just love a fantasy epic when you are totally transported to another world.

What is your favourite place to go and unwind? My parents have a farm in the Southern Highlands. Which is about two hours from Sydney. When I get there, I can’t help but slow down. I spend my time walking around the veggie garden with my mum eating fresh strawberries, watching my dad zip around on the motor mower or swimming in the lake. Besides that, I feel happiest in the mountains and often return to the Rockies.