Isabella Gady

Isabella is fueled by a few big questions: How do we create the right conditions for meaningful change? What kind of self-leadership and practices can make that happen? And what capacities do public sector organisations need to harness to thrive and facilitate positive change? 

Her path to Demos Helsinki has been anything but linear, marked by diverse experiences across the public sector. She has served as an Advisor and Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held various roles at the UN, including managing grants at UN Women, and worked as a coach, design researcher, and strategist with organisations like ideo.org and the City of New York through 3×3 Design. These roles have taught her valuable lessons about systemic change and the essential role of experience and learning in driving transformation. 

Recently, Isabella has been exploring the competencies needed to thrive in the 21st-century workplace, developing leadership curricula that blend strategy, design, psychology, and mindfulness. She believes in the power of combining these diverse practices to create environments where meaningful change can flourish. 

Outside of her professional endeavours, Isabella is a mom, a wife, and a meditation enthusiast who finds her zen in nature and creative writing. She loves being outdoors, and staying active, and has a particular fondness for documentaries of all kinds. If you’re curious about creating the right conditions for change or just want to chat about your favourite documentary, Isabella is always up for a conversation!