In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, Rob speaks with Clare Jones, CEO of Polarsteps, a popular travel app that allows users to plan, track, and relive their travel experiences. Clare, a former Chief Commercial Officer of What3Words, shares her journey from a childhood influenced by activism to becoming the leader of a travel-focused tech company. They discuss Polarsteps’ mission to encourage mindful travel, Clare’s experiences with transformative travel, and her thoughts on broader issues like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
In this episode, we discuss:
Clare’s Background and Activism: Growing up with activist parents and how it shaped her views on social responsibility, ethics, and leadership.
Becoming CEO of Polarsteps: Her journey to leading Polarsteps and why it felt like a natural fit.
Polarsteps and Responsible Travel: How Polarsteps helps users travel in a more responsible and adventurous way, from discovering unique destinations to respecting local communities.
Travel’s Transformative Power: Clare’s experiences with travel that deeply impacted her, both personally and professionally, and her advice on exploring new places mindfully.
A Radical Vision for UBI: Clare’s interest in Universal Basic Income, inspired by her work with disadvantaged communities, and why she believes UBI could be a solution for supporting individuals in society.
Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers: Encouraging people to share their ideas widely, gather support, and take steps toward making a positive impact.
Further Reading and Resources:
Byway Travel - Clare’s sister’s company offering flight-free travel options across Europe.
GiveDirectly - An organisation exploring the benefits of Universal Basic Income in communities worldwide.
Follow Clare and Polarsteps:
Clare Jones on LinkedIn: Clare Jones LinkedIn
Polarsteps Website: Polarsteps
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