Dr. May East: Storylines and Visions of a Regenerative World

As the thrum of city life hums around her, Dr. May East finds solace in the interwoven streets of São Paulo, the bustling avenues of New York, and the historic alleyways of Edinburgh. Her heart beats in time with the rhythm of the world's greatest cities, and they've shaped her into the powerhouse urbanist she is today. "Most of my life I have lived, worked and felt at home in vibrant cities," she shares. From the broad avenidas of São Paulo to the bustling corners of Manhattan (which inspired her name, based on the East side of Manhattan'), cities have left an indelible mark on her identity.

As one meanders through the intricate tapestry of her experiences, there's a Latin phrase that rings true to her spirit: solvitur ambulando, meaning 'it is solved by walking'. "Early on my journey, I learned the truth of solvitur ambulando," she reveals. For May, every step through a city is a dance with its soul, a chance to heal, reflect, and be present.

"Nothing heals a wounded heart more than a vigorous walk through the city.”

Boasting a diverse portfolio career, May defies traditional labels. She thrives as an urbanist, consultant, educator, researcher, and lecturer, finding harmony “at the intersections of bio-cultural-spatial systems.” This is "edge work," a practice of navigating the intricate intersections of diverse worldviews, fostering synergy from these overlaps, and unlocking the potential for transformative change in both societal and ecological systems. It is work that transcends borders and can be nurtured anywhere on the globe.

A true innovator, May introduced the world to the concept of "sociotone" – societies in tension. This idea, rich in its implications for policy, education, and culture, speaks volumes about May's deep understanding of the nuanced relationship between societies and their changing environments. It's with this lens that she approaches her passionate endeavor of crafting learning trajectories for indigenous and migrant communities. In her classrooms, the embers of curiosity are stoked, and students are empowered to shape their futures. "Students become the designers of their desired future.” It is an approach at odds with traditional pedagogy, one that empowers students to take their futures into their own hands.

Her reflective nature propels her to "listen to the wisdom of the territory" before setting the gears of change in motion. Currently, May's research delves deep into an essential question: How might our cities evolve if sculpted from the perspectives of women? It was a quest that culminated in her PhD, and her latest book published by Triarchy Press.

Dr. May's resume is an impressive tapestry of accomplishments. She has collaborated with global entities such as UNITAR and UN Habitat and played pivotal roles in organizations like Gaia Education, furthering sustainability across the globe. Whether spearheading sustainability initiatives at the Findhorn Ecovillage or probing the depths of urban planning at the University of Edinburgh, May's footprint is unmistakable.

She's been honored with accolades like 'Women of the Decade in Sustainability' and has been listed among the 'Top 100 Global Sustainability Leaders', yet it's her intimate connection with the cityscapes and her relentless pursuit of a more sustainable and inclusive world that truly set her apart.

As the digital calendar ticks closer to her upcoming talk at IBM Z Day on October 18th, she's about to dive deep into a subject that has become the cornerstone of her professional journey: the rise of nature positive companies. For May, this isn't just another buzzword; it's a paradigm shift, an evolution from traditional sustainability narratives.

While many businesses tout the badge of sustainability, nature positive companies, as May describes, go a step beyond. They "move beyond a focus on simply mitigating harm" and embrace the ethos of regenerative practices. These are companies that not only aim to reduce their negative impact but actively contribute to the health and vitality of our natural and human systems.

Or, as May puts it:

‍"What if we not only minimize harm but actively restore nature?"

Historic accords, like the landmark agreement of 2022 to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, and the momentous pledge to protect our world's oceans, have set the stage for a significant transition. The implications of these commitments aren't lost on May. "Such international accords," she observes, "indicate that the regulatory tides may be turning." But these promises, she knows, are merely the starting line.

In her writing, May beautifully illustrates how the private sector's approach to nature conservation mirrors past revolutions in health and safety. The nature-positive approach, as she articulates, "halts and reverses nature loss by increasing the health, abundance, diversity, and resilience of species, populations and ecosystems." And this, in return, fortifies the resilience of businesses, societies, and our very planet. Citing the legendary David Brower, she underscores, "No matter what business you’re in, there are no profits on a dead planet."

But what does it truly mean to be nature-positive? For May, it's an embrace of a regenerative mindset, recognizing the intricate bond businesses share with the biosphere. It's championing circular economies, much like Patagonia has, by pioneering recycling and upcycling practices. And at its heart, nature-positive implies biodiversity conservation. Brands like IBM and Salesforce, she notes, are embodying these principles, from supporting pollinators to pledging the growth of a 100 million trees.

Reflecting on her vast body of work, from the bustling streets of Paris to the classrooms of Edinburgh, one truth becomes evident. The force propelling May isn't just professional drive; it's a profound quest. As she candidly shares, "What drives my work is the quest to re-design our human presence on the planet."

The sprawling urban landscapes, from Manhattan’s towering skyline to Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, tell stories of triumph, innovation, and human spirit. But for Dr. May East, these structures also raise a question: what if women were the chief architects of our cities?

Dr. East’s inspiration stemmed from a profound realization at the crux of two global phenomena. The first: women's evolving societal roles, stepping beyond shadows and into leadership. The second: an accelerated urbanization that promises to define the 21st century.

As she delved deeper, May unearthed an unsettling truth. Historically, urban infrastructures predominantly reflected the male experience. "Cities have been planned and built primarily through taking the male experience as the reference," she remarks. This glaring oversight has, perhaps unintentionally, led to urban spaces better suited to men's lifestyles and needs.

And so May embarked on a quest to reimagine cities. She envisioned places that moved away from the conventional 'zoned' city concept, where housing, work, commerce, and recreation stand isolated. Instead, she champions interconnected, fluid spaces that accommodate the diverse roles women play – as caregivers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and more. In her groundbreaking work, What if Women Designed the City?, she highlights 33 pivotal insights from walking interviews with women. These are actionable points suggesting how cities can be more inclusive, liveable, green, and poetic.

But this isn't just about aesthetics or convenience. It's about survival.

May shares the startling numbers with me. Presently, cities occupy just 4% of the earth's surface. Yet, these concentrated hubs consume a staggering 80% of global energy, account for 75% of carbon emissions, and utilize over 75% of the world’s resources. With 4.2 billion people currently residing in urban settings, and an additional 3 billion projected in the next four decades, the urgency for sustainable city development is palpable.

May doesn’t mince words at the situation.

"The future of humanity and the biosphere will hinge on our urban evolution this century."

‍While cities pose immense challenges, they also offer hope. Embedded within their very fabric lies the potential for regeneration. But realizing this potential, May believes, demands a shift – an embrace of a woman-sensitive urban development framework.

To propel this paradigm shift, May introduced the idea of “presency.” This term, a blend of 'presence' and 'agency', encapsulates a mindful awareness of life within cities combined with the power to reshape them.

In essence, May isn’t merely asking us to redesign buildings or parks. She's prompting a deeper introspection. Through her work, she encourages us to consider the untapped reservoir of potential that women hold, not just as city dwellers but as architects of the urban future.

In the cities Dr. East envisions, women aren't just passersby. They are placemakers, heralding a world where urban development and feminine intuition walk hand in hand towards a brighter, more harmonious future.

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As an edge worker with a “portfolio career,” it is fitting that Dr. May would draw upon one discipline to shed light on another. This was how she birthed the term “sociotone.”

Ecologists often discuss 'ecotone', referring to transitions between two biological communities. However, May offers a unique, sociological perspective to the term, making it especially relevant in today's era of division.

The interface between ecosystems is rich in species. These areas, these ecotones, signify a place of high tension but also great biodiversity. Drawing from this ecological understanding, she transitions into a societal context. May asks us to imagine if we could harness the same idea and apply it to our social structures.

And thus, the term 'sociotone' was born, a linguistic invention of May's that's equal parts cerebral and intuitive. It evokes images not of warring factions, but of social groups with diverse worldviews coming together at a common boundary. "My working hypothesis," she explains, "is that just as it is possible to maximize the edges and diversity between neighbouring biological communities, so it is possible to create a larger edge effect in society."

For May, a sociotone represents an intensified, diverse field replete with uncertainty and choice. It's where intersections abound and, most importantly, where creative breakthroughs are kindled. "Where multiple intersections occur in society," she emphasizes, "that's where the magic happens."

At a time when our world seems more polarized than ever, May's concept of the sociotone seems not just pertinent, but imperative. While the term speaks of tension, it also hints at hope, highlighting the potential that lies in the convergence of different groups.

In other words, imagine a world where these points of tension become the breeding grounds for innovation and collaboration. It's not just possible; it's essential.

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For those traversing the ever-evolving cultural and environmental landscapes of our time, the term "edge worker" might resonate deeply. They're individuals who not only navigate transitions between different worldviews and paradigms but also harness the potential of these intersecting realms.

"I've always felt the pull of the edge," May reflects. "Born in Brazil and having worked globally, I've had my fair share of navigating through sociotones."

May's lifelong journey through these complex terrains has not only enriched her perspective but also honed her skills in this delicate art. She shares three key attitudes that have guided her journey: “Positioning oneself within the flow and allowing life to unfold,” being “alert and curious” to increase chances of serendipity, and “practicing bisociation,” which fosters new patterns of understanding.

"Cities, like books, can be read."

However, May's rich tapestry of experiences isn't limited to academic exploration. Hailing from a vibrant artistic nexus between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, she possesses a fervent passion for the arts – particularly music and film. "Art has been my voice," she says, reminiscing about her days collaborating with some of Brazil's most avant-garde musicians and poets.

Her dedication to merging artistic expression with pressing environmental concerns led her to serve as a trustee for Artists Project Earth (APE-UK). This not-for-profit initiative, founded in 2005, weaves together top international musicians – from Coldplay to Amy Winehouse – to generate funds for vital climate action and disaster relief projects. "Music has this uncanny ability to transcend boundaries," May reflects. "And when channeled right, it can mobilize masses for causes that truly matter."

Reflecting on May's journey, one thing becomes abundantly clear: whether it's pioneering new sociological concepts or collaborating with world-renowned artists for environmental advocacy, she herself is an embodiment of the work she does, in a kind of poetic fractal. And in that sense, she is the very essence of an edge worker. Her life and work serve as a testament to the immense potential that lies in intersections, in overlaps, in the spaces in-between.

As our world grapples with unprecedented challenges, May's ethos offers a shimmer of hope: that by embracing the 'edges' of our society and world, we might not just find solutions, but also discover novel ways of perceiving, understanding, and connecting.

And as the world tunes in to her upcoming talk, one can't help but feel that with thought leaders like May East at the helm, the future of business and nature isn't just sustainable – it's thriving.

For more information on Dr. May East's world work, visit www.mayeast.co.uk.

Images courtesy of: Dr May East