2 months ago • Edited • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn
As a Social Impact Leader my job is to find the levers for real, actionable change. And truthfully, some weeks the gap between the headlines and our own energy feels impossible to bridge. With conflict, poverty, and crisis dominating our newsfeeds, staying hopeful can feel naïve.
But this week reminded me: hope isn’t passive. It’s built in boardrooms. It’s being written into policy. And it’s lived out every day in our community of impact makers.
My heart is so full from conversations with leaders who refuse to let despair affect them. When someone from a major business looks across the table and says, “Yes, we can embed more purpose and drive more tangible impact,” it cuts through cynicism. It proves business can do better by doing good.
It’s great to see that momentum is now being reinforced by government action. The UK’s new social value regulation has the potential to be a genuine catalyst for change. By mandating focus on urgent issues like domestic abuse, upskilling, reducing crime, it gives us a framework to direct effort where it matters most. If it delivers, it could reset how businesses prioritise leadership time, resources, and accountability in such a positive way. You can read more on that here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eYPDadX3
Speaking of leadership that drives impact, it was great to see Emma Wilson FRSA in action at DNA (Digital Native Advertising)’s quarterly HR & TA event yesterday, speaking alongside some brilliant people leaders including Pete Hill (Krispy Kreme ) and Caroline Sidell (Via Vita Health Ltd) on how wellbeing & D&I reshape retail culture; Tom Strauss (RELEX Solutions Solutions) on building a global employer brand that powers growth and Graham Thompsett (Applus+ on people-first organisational transformation. Lots of great conversations and connections.
This week has been another great reminder that even in the shadow of crisis, there are levers for change and reasons to celebrate.
Impact work is fuelled not just by strategy but by joy and after the busiest and best week at Connected Britain with our work family, our lovely Irish family gathered to celebrate the youngest Mr & Mrs Smyth getting married. If you’ve never been to an Irish wedding, you’ve no idea what you’re missing!
