What was your first job as a journalist?
Back in Australia over 25 years ago, writing a feature about women street performers
Have you ever used a typewriter?
yes, that's how old I am
How is social media changing news?
more news from more diverse sources travels further, faster
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
erm...
What does it mean to be a journalist?
for me, it means getting useful information to people who need it
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I wish I could remember! I'm pretty bad at remembering jokes, even my own.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I like getting emails with all the information in the first paragraph, but plenty of further information beyond that. No green-washing
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Grammarly and Evernote are probably my biggies but I also use audible, garage band, final cut pro and photoshop among others
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter, LinkedIn, both for work. I don't have much use for them otherwise...
Who do you wish followed you?
I don't honestly wish for stuff like that. Not much of a hero-worshipper. I like to be followed by people who find my information useful
Why did you become a journalist?
To make use of my research for a near-future scenario and because I like to write and communicate
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I am proud of all of my articles that allow industry and government to better plan for a disruptive era.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
I'm not sure I'm ready to give advice, ask me in a few years time...
When's the best time to pitch you?
in the morning, European time
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Generally, pitches about vehicle types that will change the way goods and people are transported. This is always exciting.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I haven't been subjected to that many bad pitches. The worst was from a journalist-turned PR man who was manipulative. That erked.
What's your favorite drink?
still water, espresso, organic herbal tea
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
cycling
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Quartz Africa, The Wire, The Nation, Intercept, Washington Post, Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, Financial Times, Oil Price, Al Jezeera
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That electric cars are the answer to transforming the entire transport sector.
