Oh boy, where does the time go? I’m late with my FriYay post because this week was jam-packed with brilliant people, big ideas, and even better conversations. My cup is overflowing.
This week was a powerful reminder that we should never stop believing a group of committed, passionate people can change the world. Every single conversation brought something new – a fresh perspective, a practical idea, or a shot of inspiration. It kicked off with a top-secret meeting with a new advisory board member. Watch this space!
As a founder, you feel all the pressures & loneliness can creep in, so I was grateful to be invited by Michelle Ovens CBE to the Side Hustle Lab with eBay. I loved hanging out with pre-loved business owners, hearing from new Business Minister Blair McDougall on potential reforms to business rates and side hustle tax thresholds and the cake was excellent! A highlight was catching up with Gori Yahaya, who is always one of my go-to for good, honest startup advice.
At the The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce), I connected with James Ellery-Gower, who gave invaluable feedback on our ActionAble work with Sara Weller CBE and showed great support for our Impact Report launch at the UK House of Lords. I also got to catch up with Julia Chippendale on the impact she’s driving at ECITB.
Meeting with David Hall FRSA who helped start the Lilac Review was another high point – we’re talking about big new ideas for Responsible Business.
Huge congrats to Claire Roberts (née Smith), named one of Computer Weekly’s most influential women in IT! We had a brilliant conversation about our joint AI training venture.
I loved bumping into my friend Sam Cooper-Gray, now stepping into founder life after a huge role at HSBC. Wishing her all the best for the adventure ahead.
A week of gratitude and great connections and a reminder that our ImpactMakers community is everything:
The support for Connected Britain has been phenomenal. Special shoutouts to Ellie Crouch – absolutely smashing it – and Fiona Wong, our rock. I cannot wait to share the stage with Emma Wilson FRSA next week!.
And my week ended on a high: meeting the epic Samir Beg Ceric, who has agreed to do an Impact Maker QT with us. Some people are just next-level changemakers, and he’s one of them – you’ll want to hear this.
In other news, Steven Smyth and I celebrated 26 years since our first date. Still my best partnership to date.
Yes this week reminded me that connections – big or small – are what make the world go round. They’re the spark that drives ideas forward, the support that keeps you going, and the reminder that none of us are in this alone.
Thanks for being part of this journey – if you want to find out more about being part of the ImpactMakers community head over ImpactMatch’s website homepage! Also, if you want a free ticket (normally over £1000) do let me know!
