Rick Evans is a strategist, writer and podcaster who explores how we are inspired and informed by nature and the more-than-human world.
“Rick is an experienced strategist whose insights often draw from a deep understanding of nature, inspiring how he approaches challenges for some of the world’s biggest brands.” - Yuliana Safari, Principal at Ipsos Strategy3
I got fired from a dream job at a leading ‘ideas’ agency in London because I give a shit about nature and the more-than-human world.
This started a journey to go beyond the usual ‘sustainability’ discussion to understand the role of nature and the more-than-human world in human culture.
Now I help people in institutions like business, media and the arts understand and engage with nature as a creative partner using lessons from artists, chefs, rappers and other guests from the Ecosystem Member podcast.
“My belief is that if our culture can be oriented towards speed, it can – over time – be moved in the opposite direction and exist within the resources available, just as the sloth does.” - Quoting Myself from Campaign
‘In a Fast World, We Need Slow Brands’ April 2022
When I convinced a marketing leader of one of Interbrand’s top 10 global brands (2024 rankings) to think about his cultural brand strategy like seeds in soil and community relevance like mycelium, I knew I was on to something.
I’ve spent more than 17 years working in brand marketing, strategy and innovation at agencies including R/GA, Ogilvy, and Saatchi & Saatchi and brands including American Express, (RED) and Airbnb. I’ve helped develop new products, revamped retail strategies and strategized for award-winning campaigns. When what gets measured is buzz and how many trophy cases are filled, other things get ignored - like nature and the more-than-human world.
But presenting nature as a charity case makes no sense because humans are of nature and what we create must be able to exist in an organic world that stretches beyond the realm of balance sheets. So why don’t we design our business, our brands, our culture in alignment with the natural world? Why don’t we engage nature as a creative partner to create things that last?
Kind Words
“Rick is not only a great strategist, he is a fundamentally good human. He is able to go from helping rebrand the Grizzly Bear, so we have a greater appreciation for the animal in the wild, through to helping IKEA unpick and remap what the future of membership looks like. He is a strong team leader and collaborator. I would bring him onto any project and know my colleagues and clients are in great hands.”
- Nicole Armstrong, ex-Executive Strategy Director at R/GA, Current Head of Strategy at AKQA Australia
"Rick is an experienced strategist whose insights often draw from a deep understanding of nature, inspiring how he approaches challenges for some of the world’s biggest brands. He also excels in creating comprehensive strategies that are rooted in research and aligned with the ambition of the brand. Rick is not only a brilliant strategist but also a dedicated mentor and team player. His encouragement and support fostered a collaborative, healthy challenger-mentality environment. Rick's blend of systems thinking, nature-inspired thinking, and mentorship made a significant impact on our work at R/GA."
- Yuliana Safari, Principal at Ipsos Strategy3, ex-Associate Director at R/GA
