Let’s Reboot the Future

Emilio Garcia Padron, Imperial College London alumni and founder of NEA Tech Studios, invites us to explore natural systems as a way to solve problems in our academic and everyday lives.

He shares his work in the gardens at Imperial College and Lancaster University, where students experiment with tools and the living world to imagine new solutions to their questions and challenges.

Emilio encourages us to be dynamic and resourceful,  to use 150% of what is available to us and to keep building strong connections with others as we learn, grow, and create together.

Read our blog 'Finding Play in Endeavour: Emilio Garcia Padron's episode' here.

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In this episode, John O’Brien MBE, Founder of Anthropy, invites us to let curiosity be the fuel that drives us to act, create, and contribute.

John reflects on how his concern for the future of the UK coming out of Covid, inspired him to establish Anthropy, an annual national gathering that brings together responsible leaders and organisations to imagine a positive future for the UK and its role in the world. He speaks about the power of motivation and will, and why sometimes not knowing how hard something will be is exactly what allows you to begin.

John also shares a message for young people: listen to the wisdom around you, but also trust what your own heart is calling you to do. He encourages meeting people from different backgrounds, travelling, and expanding your view of the world to help you shape your own unique path.

You can find out more about Anthropy here. Bursaries for 18-30s are available

Read of blog 'From Worry to Momentum: John O'Briens episode' here. 

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Wild storyteller Sophie Austin invites us to stay open to what life can bring, with a stance that is playful and rooted in kindness and love.

Her stories remind us of the importance of getting up close to the experience and perspective of others. In her recent work creating a film and leading conversation forums with the public and convicted Just Stop Oil activists, Sophie shares her own shift from fear and judgement into something deeper. Through conversation she discovers that love is the most complex and detailed expression of life.

Sophie encourages us to step away from a closed or cynical view of what is possible in our world. Through play, and through bravely hearing other people’s concerns and passions, she helps us find a truth in humanity by noticing what people love, what they see and what inspires them.

You can watch her film about the Just Stop Oil activists ‘Climate Criminals?’ here.

Read our blog 'The Courage of Play: Sophie Austin's Episode' here. 

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Tsitsi Chirikure, Cultural Curator and current Associate at Reboot the Future, asks us to consider how changing the way we relate to nature might also change the way we relate to each other.

She shares her work on Himalayan Balsam and invasion ecology, and reflects on how the language used to describe so-called ‘invasive species’ in the UK often mirrors the language used about people with an immigration background.

Tsitsi invites us to notice how feeling ourselves in relationship with all forms of life can help us have more nuanced, compassionate conversations about belonging, immigration, and our changing society.

Read our blog 'How language shapes belonging: Tsitsi Chirikure's episode' here.

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Paul Lindley OBE, Founder of Ella's Kitchen, author of Raising the Nation and Little Wins, Chancellor University of Reading and Founder of Just IMAGINE if, reminds us that taking the first step matters more than worrying about what we can’t control. 

He shares how drawing on your life experience and investing in your relationships can help bring to life your ideals and the ideas you create to solve a problem.

Paul wants people to value and build relationships as they give us purpose and belonging, and help you to change the world. 

Read our blog 'How Relationships Guide the Road Ahead: Paul Lindley's episode' here. 

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Sir Tim Smit KBE says, “People won’t get in your way if you do something so big that nobody has any belief that it’s possible.” 

He wants people to realise it’s never too late to become the person they once dreamed they could be. 

Sir Tim shares how dreaming big, developing your own voice, and telling stories that excite can make us come alive, like water to parched flowers.

Further inspiration

Sir Tim suggests Dwell, a poetry collection by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, inspired by The Lost Gardens of Heligan. He said the language felt so fresh it made him see an old friend, the gardens, as if for the very first time.

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Run through walls to make it happen. 

“Writing people off as naïve for thinking they can solve a problem is to underestimate the power of spirit, human innovation, and human resilience.” 

Will Hayler, CEO & Co-Founder of Blue Earth, shares how he developed his adventurous spirit for tackling society’s toughest challenges through business - from equality to wellbeing - and the practical lessons his entrepreneurial journey has taught him. 

He wants to encourage big, bold thinkers: the people who, when a problem no one else will touch appears, jump into the moment and get to work. 

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We have to keep resisting! 

Kim Polman won’t be complacent. In this episode she shares why she speaks up in uncomfortable spaces knowing that the ancient, universal principle she champions - treat others and the planet as we wish to be treated - is essential to us creating goodness in our world. Just the thing to keep you going if your ideas have ever been called naïve.  

With Kim Polman - Co-Founder & Chair of Reboot the Future - shares personal stories and advice for speaking up with courage and care. 

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Listen to Ian McDermott share his insights into how forming a relationship with MP Rachel Blake through PACTS has instilled confidence and political empowerment within his sixth-form students. As a chemistry teacher at Harris Westminster Sixth Form in London, Ian’s students are faced with environmental issues unique to cities and Ian offers strategies into how his school has created ways for students to step away from polluted air and into nature within London. Ian views climate education and advocacy by teachers as a form of safeguarding needed within schools and shares his top tips on how PACTS can be implemented within schools where students are already passionate about creating a greener planet.

How can students hold politicians accountable for climate action?
Through PACTS (Politicians Accountable for Climate to Students), a groundbreaking schools initiative empowering students to influence their MPs and engage meaningfully in the political process.

Here’s what makes PACTS unique:

• It’s more than just writing letters—it’s an ongoing dialogue, with students following up and questioning commitments over time.
• It transforms how students understand and participate in the political cycle, fostering confidence and real-world impact.

Teachers have a bold vision for the future of education—one where values, well-being, and sustainability are at the core of every classroom. It’s a future that puts students first and builds a better world through education. 

In each episode, we sit down with inspiring teachers who are bringing PACTS to life in their classrooms. They share:

• Why they signed up for PACTS.
• How they’re making it happen, from classroom discussions to meeting MPs.
• The incredible impact it’s having on their students and schools.
• Their top tips to encourage other teachers to take action.

Ready to join the movement?
Listen in to hear how PACTS is changing lives—and download the resources to bring PACTS to your school today!

Sign up now

Subscribe for more stories and practical tools from Reboot the Future.

www.rebootthefuture.org

Emma Vyvyan, Head Teacher at Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery in Cornwall has overseen the school’s efforts to remove single-use plastics from school lunches and advocate for the recycling of soft plastics. Emma’s students’ passion for recycling is a key topic within their PACTS relationship. Their previous MP Steve Double, advocated on the student’s behalf in parliament and now  MP Noah Law is taking up the mantle. Emma shares her top tips for instilling resilience within students as they work to make the changes they wish to see in their community.
 
How can students hold politicians accountable for climate action?
Through PACTS (Politicians Accountable for Climate to Students), a groundbreaking schools initiative empowering students to influence their MPs and engage meaningfully in the political process.

Here’s what makes PACTS unique:

• It’s more than just writing letters—it’s an ongoing dialogue, with students following up and questioning commitments over time.
• It transforms how students understand and participate in the political cycle, fostering confidence and real-world impact.

Teachers have a bold vision for the future of education—one where values, well-being, and sustainability are at the core of every classroom. It’s a future that puts students first and builds a better world through education. 

In each episode, we sit down with inspiring teachers who are bringing PACTS to life in their classrooms. They share:

• Why they signed up for PACTS.
• How they’re making it happen, from classroom discussions to meeting MPs.
• The incredible impact it’s having on their students and schools.
• Their top tips to encourage other teachers to take action.

Ready to join the movement?
Listen in to hear how PACTS is changing lives—and download the resources to bring PACTS to your school today!

Sign up now

Subscribe for more stories and practical tools from Reboot the Future.

www.rebootthefuture.org