Who we are
We envisage a world where everyone awakens to the deep interconnections and interrelationships of all life. Where we slow down individually and collectively, fall more deeply in love with each other and the earth, and attune ourselves to the deeper rhythms of life during this time of profound planetary change. Our vision is for this deeper awakening to drive profound cultural change, empowering decision-makers to rebuild and retool our economy in service of life. Where musicians, artists, storytellers, and indigenous peoples collaborate with technologists, financiers, and policymakers to build a holistic vision for our evolving economies. A world where we remember that the economy is a subset of society and nature, and that we need an economy that serves life. And where together we build a culture grounded in love for each other and the Earth.
Ostara is being born from many hands, heads and hearts. Our initial Founding Circle is listed below, whose members are each holding different aspects of our emerging vision. There are many more partners and friends with whom we will be working closely as Ostara emerges.
Justin Adams
Justin has worked for 30 years in a variety of roles across public & private sector to address the climate and biodiversity crises. He combines dynamic energy to inspire action with a profound connection to the Earth, holding a compassionate vision for the future.
Bekah Phillips
Bekah brings deep compassion; growing when others grow. Combined with a love of creativity, adventure and fun; a focus on access and grassroots (from 20 years founding/supporting local environmental initiatives) and a deep-rooted, value-based approach to working. Above all, lived experience that reconnection with ourselves and stepping fully into our role as kin with the more-than-human world can resource and heal.
Dan Cooney
Dan brings the perspective of the younger generation. Last year he graduated with a degree in Geography, which allowed him to explore themes around climate change, ecology, and sustainability through a range of modules and research projects. He has always been drawn to more radical and inclusive work that strives for deeper systemic change.
Nat Seddon
With a deep love for all creatures, Nathalie joyfully bridges science and spirit, finding beauty in both. She brings three decades of experience as an evolutionary and behavioural ecologist working in a range of ecosystems around the world and communicating to diverse audiences the critical importance of biodiversity for social and ecological flourishing.
Nicole Schwab
Across the many roles Nicole has played, from envisioning and birthing new projects to designing and facilitating collaborative processes, she has always been a bridge between worlds, spanning across horizons and perspectives, from the mind to the heart, the rational to the intuitive, to foster a deeper connection to the Earth.
Colin le Duc
Experiencing the wonder, and wisdom, of the natural world across the globe has inspired Colin to dedicate his life to finding a graceful path beyond our current human system. He brings deep expertise in sustainable finance and the role of capital in enabling a re-connection to Nature. He recognises that many sustainability initiatives, while well-meaning, are limited in transformational impact.