Consulting, Strategy and Storytelling with Depth
Organizations often have strong expertise, ambitious projects and genuinely worthwhile work, but struggle to explain what makes it valuable, who needs to hear about it or how individual marketing efforts fit into the larger picture.
That is where I come in.
I work with businesses, publications, associations and ocean-focused organizations on marketing strategy, positioning, communications and editorial development. I help connect the pieces: the organization’s goals, its audience, its market position and the stories or resources needed to move the work forward.
My background in journalism and long-form writing is an important part of that approach. I know how to research deeply, ask better questions, identify what is actually interesting and translate complex subjects without flattening them. The result is marketing and communications built around substance, not simply more content.
Credibility & Experience
I bring the perspective of someone who has worked underwater, behind the scenes and at the strategy table—and knows how to connect those different realities.
- More than 20 years across marine tourism and ocean industries, spanning operations, marketing, sustainability, journalism and education
- 18+ years with Explorer Ventures Fleet, from liveaboard dive operations to fleet-wide marketing strategy, editorial development and sustainability leadership
- Founder of Get Kelp, an independent seaweed publication and sector-support platform connecting research, industry and public understanding
- Published internationally, with journalism and editorial work appearing in leading dive, travel and ocean publications
- Marketing and communications experience across businesses, destinations, associations and nonprofits, including long-term strategy, positioning, websites, campaigns and audience development
- Former scuba diving instructor with approximately 3,000 dives, including extensive cold-water, liveaboard and international experience
- Background in tourism management, business development and digital marketing, supported by practical experience inside the industries I now advise
- Global perspective shaped by work and travel across more than 50 countries
How I Help
My work can begin with a specific project or a larger question: Why isn’t this reaching the right audience? Is our position clear? How should we communicate this work? What should we prioritize next? I provide strategic direction as well as the communications and content needed to put that direction into practice.
Marketing Strategy & Positioning
Marketing planning, audience strategy, brand positioning and campaign direction designed around wider business or organizational goals.
Content and Communications Strategy
Messaging, editorial planning, website content and long-term communications systems that create a clearer, more consistent public presence.
Sustainability and Sector Communications
Credible communications around environmental initiatives, research and emerging industries, with attention to evidence, audience needs and commercial realities.
Journalism and Editorial Storytelling
Reported features, interviews, destination stories, thought leadership and long-form resources that bring depth and authority to complex subjects.
The Perspective Behind my Work
Understanding the work before shaping the message
Hi, I’m Rachel, an independent marketing consultant, strategist and writer based in Sooke, BC.
Before advising ocean-focused organizations, I worked inside them. Years aboard liveaboards and as a scuba instructor gave me a practical understanding of the operational, commercial and environmental realities behind marine tourism. That experience still shapes how I work: understand the organization first, then build the strategy and communications around what audiences genuinely need and value.
Journalism adds another layer. It taught me to ask better questions, look beyond the obvious angle and make complex subjects accessible without losing their meaning.
I’m especially drawn to marine tourism, sustainability, seaweed and emerging ocean industries—and I’m still happiest when the work brings me closer to the ocean, ideally with a whale shark or two.
As Seen On
Selected work, collaborations and publications
My experience spans long-term client relationships, strategic collaborations and published work across marine tourism, sustainability, ocean industries and travel. These are some of the organizations, programs and publications I have worked with or contributed to.
Available For
Consulting, strategy and editorial projects
I work with businesses, associations, destinations, publications and ocean-focused organizations that need clearer positioning, stronger marketing or a better way to communicate complex work.
I’m currently available for:
- Marketing strategy and positioning
- Content and communications strategy
- Sustainability and sector communications
- Website and editorial development
- Journalism, thought leadership and long-form writing
- Knowledge mobilization and educational resources
- Select destination and field-reporting assignments
If you have an important project that needs greater clarity, direction or visibility, I’d love to hear about it.