Clare Mann |
Clare Mann has been a powerful voice in the global vegan movement for over sixteen years. Her journey into veganism began as a deeply personal awakening that evolved into a life mission rooted in compassion, awareness, and ethical living. With a background in organizational psychology, she found her calling not only in living by vegan values but also in helping others communicate them effectively. Over time, she became both an advocate and a professional guide for those struggling with the emotional toll of realizing the hidden realities of animal exploitation. At EliteX, we are proud to have Clare Mann as part of the edition: 05 Most Influential Leaders Shaping the Future of Veganism, 2025.
Clare’s journey started at the age of seventeen when she read about the suffering of a cow on the way to slaughter. The story left a lasting impression, leading her to become vegetarian. However, decades later, she discovered the cruelty behind the dairy and egg industries and realized that vegetarianism was not enough if she truly wanted to live without contributing to animal suffering. Within a month of giving up dairy and eggs, she found herself naturally living a vegan lifestyle – though she didn’t even know it had a name at the time. For Clare, it wasn’t about following a trend but about living in alignment with compassion and truth.
“When people know the truth, they can choose kindness with clarity and courage.”
To her, veganism is not just a diet or a set of food choices. It is a philosophy of loving kindness towards oneself, other people, animals, and the planet. Avoiding animal products is simply one visible expression of that philosophy. Through her work, Clare encourages others to embrace this broader view of veganism, one that extends beyond what is on the plate to how we treat all forms of life and the environment we share.
One of Clare’s most significant contributions to the vegan movement is the creation of the term “vystopia.” This concept describes the existential distress experienced by vegans as they become aware of society’s normalized cruelty towards animals. Through her coaching programs, online platforms, and advocacy work, Clare helps vegans transform this anguish into empowered action. Her initiatives aim to guide individuals from pain to purpose, teaching them how to communicate effectively and inspire others without judgment or anger.
Like many advocates, Clare has faced challenges along the way. One of the biggest misconceptions she continually encounters is the belief that veganism is simply a diet or that vegans are trying to impose their beliefs on others. Clare sees this as a misunderstanding of the philosophy itself. She explains that veganism reveals the systemic and legalized exploitation of animals that has long been hidden from public view. Her goal is to help people see beyond defensiveness and realize they too have been misled into supporting industries built on suffering.
Clare believes veganism holds the key to addressing some of the world’s most pressing global crises. From environmental destruction and deforestation to ocean pollution and public health issues, she views animal agriculture as a central cause. For her, veganism is the “Swiss army knife” of solutions – a single philosophy that can alleviate animal suffering, restore ecosystems, improve human health, and reduce inequality. She often reminds others that a well-balanced, whole-food, plant-sourced diet has been scientifically shown to be the healthiest option for people and the planet alike.
Veganism is not a diet – it’s a philosophy of loving kindness toward all life.”
As veganism becomes more mainstream, Clare is optimistic that it will normalise foods that do not exploit animals. However, she is cautious that this trend can easily be taken over by companies who simply see an opportunity to sell products to a new market, without embracing the moral and ethical foundations of veganism. Her work continues to emphasise integrity, ensuring that advocacy and products remain rooted in compassion and sustainability.
Education and awareness, in Clare’s view, are essential to meaningful change. She highlights how animal exploitation not only harms animals but also affects humans working in these industries, leading to mental health struggles and social issues. Through education, she believes people can awaken to these interconnections and make more informed, compassionate choices.
Technology has played a vital role in amplifying Clare’s impact. Through online learning platforms and group coaching programs, she reaches vegans and advocates around the world, offering guidance, resilience, and community support. Collaboration is another cornerstone of her work. She partners with animal rights organizations, vegan societies, and thought leaders globally, believing that collective effort creates lasting change.
Among her many achievements, Clare is particularly proud of defining “vystopia,” a concept that not only gives a name to a shared emotional experience but also validates it as a natural and humane response to injustice. This, she feels, has opened new doors for understanding veganism as both a social and psychological movement.
“The journey from vystopia to empowerment begins with compassion, not judgment.”
Looking ahead, Clare hopes to leave behind a legacy of empowerment. She wants future generations of vegan advocates to feel confident using their own talents and creativity to make veganism the norm. For her, the movement is about more than animal rights – it is about awakening humanity’s innate compassion and creating a world where kindness is the foundation of every choice.
Clare Mann
Vegan Psychologist, Author & Vystopia Transformation Coach