Team Spotlight: Gemma Thornley, ESG Sustainable Finance Intern - Crowdz

Our new teammate shares how her experience in sustainability will enable her to create a greater impact helping SMBs.

What are some highlights from your professional background? 

I’m actually still a student! However, during my studies I have worked as a business development intern for a Sustainable Urban Furniture company, and a sustainability analyst for a social venture. 

Why was Crowdz a match for you? 

I have a lot of specific knowledge in the sustainability field, but I was looking for a way to really hone the skills and engage with a project that could make an impact. I think Crowdz has that platform, and I hope I can offer them some of my experience. 

What is your role? 

ESG Sustainable Finance intern. 

What are some of the hats you wear (known or unknown)?

Intern, student, football player (right wing), basketball player (power forward), sister, friend.  

Why were you interested in working with Crowdz? 

The main thing that drew me to Crowdz was the opportunity to work on a project that I am really passionate about, and having the independence and flexibility to help shape it. Additionally I was drawn by the opportunity to work directly with visionary and very experienced staff who I can learn a lot from.

What makes Crowdz unique?  

I think there are a lot of things that make Crowdz unique, but most importantly I think it has a very special opportunity in the ESG/sustainability space to bring about changes to the SME level and encourage smaller firms to really start thinking about their emissions and social impact. I think Crowdz has a lot of potential to help small businesses really thrive, which I am really passionate about! 

What is the future for Crowdz?

I would love to see Crowdz take advantage of its unique position and become a leader in the ESG and ESG data space. This is going to be so important and I see so much potential for this project to scale exponentially and become a unique differentiating factor.

What is one fun fact we do not know about you? 

I grew up in Belgrade, Serbia, and despite only living in one neighborhood in one city, over 20 years I have technically lived in three different countries – Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Serbia. 

If you could choose anyone as your mentor, who would you pick? 

I spent a long time thinking about this one, as I believe there is something I can learn from everyone I meet and work with.  However, I think I already have my most important mentors –  my parents. Before my interview with Crowdz my dad called me to explain “what factoring is” and my mum is always available to give me advice (occasionally unsolicited but always well intentioned [and true!]). I think their unconditional support has taught me more than anyone else regardless of experience or qualifications.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? 

Team member at a Vegan doner kebab shop. 

If you could learn anything, what would it be?

Fluent Mandarin – I took a level one class last year and I am in awe of how radically different Mandarin is to any European language. 

What is the first concert you attended? 

I saw Shakira live when I was 10, one of the few major pop stars to come to Belgrade at the time (50 Cent came a few years before and my parents went but I was just too young).

If you have 30-minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? 

I love reading and playing football (soccer).  Also if I’m honest, most days I would probably just have a nap.