121 - Anthea Stephenson

Manchester in Jamaica

As a second generation immigrant, academic success was pretty much a non negotiable. So despite my artistic inclinations, my journey led to studying politics, philosophy and economics at University of Manchester. I spent four years as a headhunter in finance services IT before a career shift brought me to culinary school, eventually working for nine years at Michelin starred kitchens. That chapter wasn't defining but pivotable as I witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate on our food sources and systems through increased crop failures and season variability. So in response, I founded my first startup which promoted sustainably farmed produce, and was also aiming to diversify eating habits by showcasing underutilised ingredients and their versatility. My current and second startup partners with corporations facing significant risks to the agriculture agricultural supply base amidst the climate crisis. And we're developing tools technologies for cross-sector collaboration and co-investment in regenerative and restorative activities. We're working to put farmers the stewards at the heart of the solution with progressive contracting fostering equality and replenishment.

I am re-charged by deep connection with human beings or the natural world.

The wonder of the natural world itself is what excites me.