Tamsin Raine is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ocean Culture Life, a global storytelling charity dedicated to giving the ocean a voice. After a successful career running a creative studio in the commercial sector, she chose to take a leap of faith and dedicate herself fully to ocean advocacy. Since becoming a registered charity in 2022, Ocean Culture Life has grown into a thriving global community of Ocean Guardians and Storytellers, uniting scientists, creators, and communities. Tamsin is passionate about building purpose driven organisations, leading with values, and showing how storytelling can inspire collective action to protect our planet’s most vital resource.
Beginnings and Aspirations
My early career began in the commercial creative world, “ad land,” as we used to call it. I then went onto run a successful commercial photography and film studio and worked with incredible brands, but deep down I knew I wanted to use creativity for something with more purpose. Growing up by the sea in Jersey, the ocean was always part of me, and I felt a responsibility to use my skills in storytelling and community-building to give it a voice. That’s what eventually led to co-founding Ocean Culture Life, which has grown into a global community of Ocean Storytellers and Guardians working hard to give a voice to our most underrated asset – the ocean.
Turning Point
The defining moment came when I made the decision to walk away from a well-paid, secure career and dedicate myself fully to building Ocean Culture Life. It was a huge personal and professional risk, no immediate salary, no guarantees, just a belief that we could create something meaningful. Almost three years ago, we registered as a charity, and that step gave us the credibility and confidence to scale, build our team, and bring partners on board. Looking back, that leap of faith was the start of everything.
Challenges and Lessons
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to run a charity without a rulebook. I didn’t come from a nonprofit background, I had to teach myself, make mistakes, and adapt along the way. Balancing purpose with the practicalities of finance, operations, and partnerships was tough, but it taught me that a charity needs to be run like a business, just one that’s led by values. That lesson continues to guide me every day.
Skills and Mindset
Resilience, adaptability, and curiosity have been the most critical traits. There’s no straight path, so being willing to learn on the go, and not being afraid to fail, has been invaluable. Another surprising trait that’s helped is optimism. When you’re building something that feels impossible at times, being able to see possibilities instead of barriers makes all the difference.
Networking and Mentors
Relationships have been everything. Ocean Culture Life is built on collaboration, our community, our Guardians, our storytellers, our partners. I’ve been fortunate to work with inspiring peers, mentors, and friends who’ve helped me shape this journey. One constant has been Matt Porteous, my co- founder, who shares the same belief in storytelling as a tool for change. And beyond individuals, I’ve learned to listen closely to the communities we work with, their voices are often the greatest mentors of all.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” There’s no perfect time, and you’ll never know it all. Start where you are, learn as you go, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. Lead with values, focus on building real relationships, and don’t be afraid of collaboration, it’s always stronger than competition.
Most importantly, choose a path that feels meaningful. Success without purpose will never feel as fulfilling as succeeding in something that makes a difference.
