I love hearing stories about people doing inspiring things. In particular, I’m interested in the women around me who lead projects that are making the world a more sustainable, just, knowledgeable, creative, well-designed, delicious, healthy and all-round better place.  

To kick off my new blog series, I’ve decided to answer the same questions that I’m going to be asking of others in the months to come. Over the years, I have worked with many well-known charities, not-for-profits and arts organisations including Tate, Friends of the Earth, Wellcome Trust and the V&A, providing guidance and strategy, creating successful campaigns, and understanding and reaching new audiences. Having founded Jessie Hunt Communications, I work as a freelance consultant and trainer, and live in Brockley, South East London, with my partner and son.

Which book are you reading/podcast are you listening to at the moment?

I’m reading the book ‘Home Fire’ by Kamila Shamsie (“Elegant and evocative … A powerful exploration of the clash between society, family and faith in the modern world” – Guardian.) 

I’ve just set up a book club with some of the mums on our road and we’ll meet every couple of months in the pub. I sometimes need encouragement to pick up a book. The only time I read novels is on holiday, so hopefully this will help me reach for a book instead of my phone on my commute!

I’ve listened to a lot of podcasts while training for the Royal Parks Half Marathon, which I took part in this month. I love comedy and a big favourite is the BBC’s The News Quiz. I like the Social Media Marketing Podcast from Social Media Examiner, and Radiolab (especially the one about Hurricane Katrina). I’m also partial to listening to a murder mystery during a long journey. My favourites were Untold – The Daniel Morgan Murder, S-Town, Serial and West Cork.

What’s the most interesting exhibition/play/film/event you’ve been to recently?

I’m very lucky that I get to see a lot of exhibitions. I’m a huge fan of the artist Kara Walker and her installation ‘Fons Americanus’ at Tate Modern is a must-see. It’s an enormous fountain in the middle of the Turbine Hall, and while at first glance it looks like a recognisable Victorian monument, it has figures that tell a sorrowful story of the slave trade and colonisation. The experience of seeing it makes you ask yourself uncomfortable and important questions.

What’s your best new discovery for more eco-friendly living? 

I do a mixture of shopping at local shops and markets, getting a seasonal veg box delivered and ordering bulk household goods online from Ethical Superstore. I rarely go to a supermarket now. My best discovery has been crowd-sourcing ideas via Facebook groups to cut down our use of packaging. I love all the plastic-free groups and I’ve set up a local one where I live – Plastic Free SE4. I’ve found so many ideas from that.

Although on an individual level we have made changes, it’s essential that companies and governments take action. It’s important to join and support environmental groups in their campaigns.

What’s your most exciting new food discovery? 

I’m a long-time fan of 40 Maltby Street, which has a new seasonal menu each week. I don’t ever want to go anywhere else! It’s the most delicious food and wine you will ever taste.

Is there a place in London that’s especially close to your heart? 

I love a walk along the Thames. My favourite route is along the Southbank, from Lambeth Palace to Waterloo Bridge, past the Houses of Parliament, The London Eye and the Southbank Centre. This is a route I’ve walked many times over the years, from working in my first job at the Garden Museum to more recently being based at Tate Britain. It makes for good people-watching and there’s always something to be entertained by. I also find watching the boats on the river calming. My son is a big fan of the Southbank Centre, with the skateboarders and the sandpit and fountains in the summer, so we quite often head there if we don’t have any plans.   

Do you have a favourite spot in London for peace & quiet? 

We are so lucky to have so many green spaces in London and I get to explore a lot of them with our dog, Ludd. Beckenham Place Park is a very special place. It’s a mansion and huge grounds (including an ancient woodland filled with bluebells) owned by Lewisham Council. It used to be used as a golf course and they’ve recently added a natural swimming lake, converted the tumbling-down buildings into a cafe, created a new playground and planted beautiful gardens. They also now have lots of events, including cinema screenings and a market. As the grounds are so huge, it can still feel peaceful and quiet as you walk around, especially during the week when I sometimes run or walk the dog there.    

What’s your essential daily/weekly habit for looking after your mental health? 

I have to watch out for my mental health every day, and having calm moments and lots of sleep is a really important part of that. If I find myself working too late into the evenings, or having a busy day with my son, I have to take time to rebalance. I love candles at any time of day and often have them on during meals (including breakfast!) and in the evening. I like comedy, meditations, yoga, walking the dog and my new hobby – running. It’s also important to talk and so I do that a lot too!

Which women inspire you, and why? 

I’m constantly inspired by the women around me, and truly believe that women will save the world. I’d like to give a shout-out to some particularly special friends of mine – Em, Suz, Han and Ney. 

Which book/article/video would you most recommend from the past year or so? 

‘No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference’ by Greta Thunberg.

Which upcoming exhibition/play/film/event are you looking forward to?

I would really like to see the theatre version of ‘Fleabag’ – I’m hoping to catch it at the live cinema screenings. 

Which project or cause is inspiring you at the moment, and how/why?

I’m passionate about activism and try to support good people and causes every day.

I volunteer for the maternal mental health charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis, as a peer supporter and lived experience speaker. I have recently spoken at an event for staff at HSBC in Canary Wharf, at the British Science Festival, and at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital as training for staff including midwives, paramedics and GPs. The women involved in the charity are incredible and inspire me so much.  

Keep in touch 

Subscribe to emails and receive updates, blogs and hints and tips.