As Airly, we create a diverse team full of extraordinary personalities. Our new intAIRview interview series aims to show our team members from a professional and more private side. Time to find out who is behind the mission to repair the air.
Today, intAIRview’s guest will be Jesse Mander, our Growth Manager in the UK.
Who are you and what is your role at Airly?
My name is Jesse Mander and I am a Growth Manager. I was our first employee in the UK, and for just under 2 years have been working across sales, marketing and business development. This has involved selling our solution to governments and strategic business partners, coordinating marketing campaigns, managing Airly’s involvement in several EU funded projects and helping the leadership with fundraising tasks.
You are responsible for the #LetSchoolsBreathe campaign in British schools. What is this campaign about and what are its effects?
This was our first iteration of Airly’s schools campaign. We gave sensors to 50 schools to help them monitor air quality. Many schools had no reference point for air quality data and were located in areas that were polluted, such as main roads or flight paths. The data helped them pinpoint specific times of day to avoid being outside. The campaign was also an effective method of familiarizing the entire community with our solution.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle when it comes to fighting air pollution in the UK?
The lack of data. Real societal change occurs when the public sector, private sector and individual activism work to solve a common challenge. Decisions must be evidence-backed and in the case of air quality, there are swaths of the country that do not have data points. This is where Airly can play a significant role.
And what is amazing about the Brits whilst they fight for clean air?
Their desire to challenge everything. I have had the opportunity to speak with people involved in the fight for cleaner air from the government, businesses and community groups and what struck me is that no one is ever satisfied with the bare minimum. There will always be skepticism and criticism around every action taken, and this is a necessary part of progress.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I am an avid sports fan. I follow and enjoy watching football, motorsport, rugby and golf. I also love going to the theatre, and living in London I am fortunate enough to have many options.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized lately?
The power of a single sensor. Airly’s mission is global and ambitious, and it’s easy to think in terms of networks across entire cities. However I was reminded by a recent installation in Nigeria that there is no limit on the number of people who can benefit from just one Airly device. There are many countries that currently lack any kind of data, so it’s important not to forget this first step.
What surprised you the most when you became part of the Airly team?
The spirit and friendliness of my Polish colleagues. As one of Airly’s remote employees, there are limited opportunities to see my coworkers in person. However I still feel every bit a part of the team and I attribute that to the creativity, openness and cordiality of everyone I work with. Thank you!
What drives you to work with Airly?
Apart from my coworkers, the knowledge that I am playing my part in solving a critical problem that affects absolutely everyone on this planet.
What’s your next biggest dream?
To put an Airly sensor in a country that currently has none.