What if the key to saving our planet isn't choosing between profit and preservation, but reimagining how they work together?

In this final episode of our environmental leadership series, Rich Stockdale, CEO of Oxygen Conservation shares how he's transforming conservation into a legitimate investment asset class. From purchasing degraded estates to creating thriving ecosystems, discover how Oxygen Conservation is building a £1 billion natural capital portfolio while proving that environmental restoration and profit can go hand in hand.

Key Discussion Points:

- How Oxygen Conservation selects and transforms degraded land

- Creating environmental and social impact while generating returns

- Building a professional culture in the conservation sector

- Balancing founder life with family commitments

Notable Quotes:

"When you go to a degraded landscape, they're silent... And when you arrive at noise, it's audibly loud with the buzzing and insects."

"We don't buy high quality farmland... We target marginal land that probably should never have been farmed."

"If we're not prepared to pay our interns in the environment sector, why on earth would anyone invest in us?"

Resources Mentioned:

- Oxygen Conservation: Oxygen Conservation - Home

- Book: Wilding by Isabella Tree - Wilding by Isabella Tree | Goodreads

Rich's Top 3 Leadership Tips:

1. Be incredibly bold and call your shot

2. Out-work everybody in the room

3. Never sacrifice your bar when it comes to talent - if it's not a "hell yes," it's a no

How Listeners Can Help:

- Make mindful purchasing choices

- Buy less, buy higher quality

- Check where your pension is invested

- Support organic and locally-sourced products

Connect with Rich:

Rich Stockdale PhD | LinkedIn

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In this episode of "Making the Difference," host Kirsty Gilchrist talks with Rebecca Douglas, a visual storyteller and environmental advocate who connects visionaries, changemakers, and conscious brands to nature through her photography, speaking, and writing. We explore her journey from developing film as a teenager to becoming shortlisted for Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024.

Rebecca wants to help people to see the challenges of the climate crisis in a different light through her visual story telling in order that people can begin to think differently in what and how they do it.

Key Takeaways:

- The importance of aligning your work with your values for impactful storytelling.

- How reconnecting with nature can inspire profound personal and societal changes.

- Strategies for leveraging creativity in advocacy efforts.

We discuss why understanding Your 'Why' is so important, reconnection to nature emphasising cyclical living and its benefits on well-being, through to balancing passion with purpose. Ultimately, Rebecca envisions a world where authentic storytelling reconnects people to nature, sparking curiosity, awe, and actionable change.

Interesting links for Rebecca:

Home — Radically authentic visual storyteller - photographer - writer - speaker (rebeccadouglas.co.uk)

Shortlisted image - Ocean Photographer of the Year - Finalist OPY2024 (rebeccadouglas.co.uk)

Connect with the podcast:

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Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

Find out more about The Brave Collective

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Webpage: The Brave Collective

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In this episode of "Making the Difference," host Kirsty Gilchrist sits down with Donald McPhillimy, an unsung hero who has quietly transformed Scotland's environment over decades. From his early days as a self-employed forester to co-founding Reforesting Scotland and other impactful initiatives, Donald shares his incredible journey of rewilding efforts and ecological restoration.

Key Takeaways:

- The long-term vision required in forestry versus the urgent nature of climate action.

- How small actions contribute to significant environmental change.

- Insights into successful grassroots movements like Carrifran Wildwood.

Donald's story is one of resilience and vision—balancing practical hands-on forestry work with broader campaigning efforts aimed at long-term ecological restoration. His journey underscores both the urgency of addressing current climate emergencies as well as nurturing biodiversity patiently over time.

Interesting links:

Reforesting Scotland – Restoring the land and the people

Greener Melrose -

Connect with the podcast:

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FFeksWNQNaIYwqJgK48zP?si=FQZaYvVDQMmgQUw9Ptmb2Q 

Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

Find out more about The Brave Collective

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Webpage: The Brave Collective

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In this episode of "Making the Difference," host Kirsty Gilchrist is in conversation with Christoph Warrack, CEO of Woodland Savers. They explore Christoph's fascinating journey from a rural upbringing to leading impactful social enterprises and environmental initiatives. They talk exclusion, homelessness, community empowerment, sustainable land stewardship, and aligning personal passion with global needs. All based on the theory of change that moving from exclusion to participation is essential, because it allows self-discovery while isolation harms health.

From early days in London developing a film-making hub for homeless people, to it spreading throughout Europe and moving into conservation, Christoph talks us through

• how empowering local communities can revolutionise conservation efforts
• Innovative models for sustainable land stewardship

Key insights include:

- The importance of aligning personal values with professional service

- Strategies for engaging local communities in environmental initiatives

- Leveraging social enterprise structures for greater impact

Links mentioned:

Woodland Savers - Communities for Nature

Ted Talk - Homeless need culture too

Ikigai - Wikipedia

Connect with the podcast:

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FFeksWNQNaIYwqJgK48zP?si=FQZaYvVDQMmgQUw9Ptmb2Q 

Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

Find out more about The Brave Collective

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Webpage: The Brave Collective

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In this episode of "Making the Difference," host Kirsty Gilchrist sits down with Dan Edelstyn, a film-maker who has transitioned from running Rebel Bank to his latest venture Power Station with his partner Hillary Powell. They explore how storytelling can drive community activism and tackle pressing issues like the energy crisis and cost of living.

Key Points Discussed:

• The importance of a clear goal or KPI in project decision-making.
• How realistic goals that are believed achievable are essential.
• The journey from Bank Job to Power Station, focusing on reimagining energy infrastructure as well as imagination infrastructure.
• Insights into connecting monetary systems with climate crises and implementing practical solutions on a local level in East London's Walthamstow area.

Highlighted Topics:

1. Rebel to Power: Transitioning from blowing up high-interest debt at Bank Job to addressing energy sustainability through art projects at Power Station.
2. Community-Centric Projects: Emphasising grassroots movements by empowering communities through solar panel installations on a single street as an example for broader change.
3. Art & Activism Intersection: Discussing art not just as aesthetic contemplation but also deeply embedded within community action towards societal change.
4. Challenges Faced: Struggles with funding, navigating media systems, and promoting political storytelling despite resistance from major networks like Netflix and Channel 4.
5. Personal Drive & Vision: Exploring personal motivations fueled by childhood experiences, social responsibility ethos, rage against systemic failures; all channeled towards impactful filmmaking/storytelling.
6. Strategic Thinking & Goal Setting: Utilising vision boarding and detailed planning even when it comes to income levels or future aspirations aligned with one’s work impact goals.
7. The Future Pathway: Scaling up community engagement via email list growth targeting 100k subscribers which would support full independence without grants or side jobs necessary currently.

Sign up to to Power Station here!

Power - Join The Movement

Connect with the podcast:

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FFeksWNQNaIYwqJgK48zP?si=FQZaYvVDQMmgQUw9Ptmb2Q 

Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

Find out more about The Brave Collective

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Webpage: The Brave Collective

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The Ridge aims to create jobs and training opportunities in Dunbar, Scotland. Anchored by a mission to give the time and the skills to those who need it most in the community, it is transforming buildings and garden space in the back streets of Dunbar. The belief in the potential of individuals who would otherwise “have ended up in a box” has created highly skilled craftsmen who are now being snapped up by organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland. 

Kate Darrah, the Ridge’s Managing Director, is a visionary trailblazer whose philosophy rests on the power of passion and commitment. She joins the show to unpack the evolution of The Ridge's strategy and vision, and the importance of assessing and refining direction as the organisation grows. 

Timestamps:

(03:28) Limited access to transport leads to deprivation.

(06:31) Work on sites to revitalise historical areas.

(10:38) Vocational apprenticeships with ongoing support team assistance.

(14:53) Transition to supporting struggling youngsters and creating effective change.

(17:15) Work experience in the community for students.

(23:46) Reviewing past challenges and devising future strategy.

(34:50) Successful leadership involves delegating and attracting specialists.

(38:00) Passion, care, and self-care lead to success.

(42:06) Creating a flexible template for community needs and opportunities.

Links mentioned:

The Ridge

Connect with the podcast:

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Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

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Simon Hampel is a leader dedicated to moulding a better future through SARSEN and his innovative program, Light. From leading global bankers in Africa on a quest for compassionate leadership to his own quest for balance and meaning through meditation, Simon will take us on a journey through his philosophy of the transformative power of being present. We'll delve into the strategies behind Light, aimed at touching millions of lives by encouraging profound personal and collective consciousness shifts, the ability to make effective and wise decisions, and fostering trust.

Timestamps:

(04:34) Importance of presence and mindfulness for well-being.

(07:40) Organised leadership retreat in Africa, promoting mindfulness.

(15:45) Fostering purpose, curiosity, and mental well-being.

(18:07) Activists aim for connected, purposeful, mindful change.

(19:33) Human addiction to distraction impedes mindfulness benefits.

(25:08) Acknowledge, release, and approach with compassion.

(30:55) Embracing life's challenges.

(33:27) Seeking authenticity and self-confidence to make a change.

Links mentioned:

Download the Light App

SARSEN

Simon Hampel on LinkedIn

Connect with the podcast:

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Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

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Erin Riehle is a visionary advocate for inclusivity, with a passion for transforming the lives of people with learning disabilities. As a nurse in A&E of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, in the 1990’s she founded Project Search, a revolutionary global program that reimagines the transition from education to employment for these individuals. Our conversation unpacks how word of mouth has organically grown the programme from local to global, the difference between collaboration and cooperation with multiple partners, and some lovely stories of how our own assumptions often get in the way of how people with learning disabilities can achieve what we can never imagine.

Timestamps:

(04:24) Internships provide holistic, diverse skill development training.

(08:52) Bridge the school-work gap by training disabled individuals.

(11:04) Collaboration led to successful employment for youth.

(14:16) Erin's promotion to sterilise dental instruments.

(22:44) Define shared success to foster team collaboration.

(25:48) Teacher transition from teaching to business skills.

(29:58) Unplanned program at Cincinnati Children's resonates globally.

(37:24) Adapt to cultural differences and embrace collaboration.

(39:15) Teaching a student to work left to right.

(42:47) Passionate about creating transformative moments in employment.

(46:36) Overcome fear, pursue ideas, and expect more.

Links mentioned:

Project Search

Erin Riehle on LinkedIn

Connect with the podcast:

Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/lp/m26vrn

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FFeksWNQNaIYwqJgK48zP?si=FQZaYvVDQMmgQUw9Ptmb2Q 

Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

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Leeanne Clark is a remarkable individual with an inspiring story of resilience and determination. Born with cerebral palsy, Leeanne shares her journey of overcoming abuse and adversity, and finding strength and support from important figures in her life. From writing a book about her experiences to being a voice for those who have experienced gender-based violence and learning disabilities, Leeanne is actively making a difference and inspiring others.

Join us as we explore Leeanne's remarkable journey and gain insight into her vision for the future, which includes setting up her own business and continuing to inspire and empower others. 

Timestamps:

(05:45) Finished school at 16, and pursued higher education.

(09:45) Writing a book to share positive life experiences.

(12:53) Helped SafeLives with a gender-based violence workshop.

(18:01) Book on gender violence and care system.

(18:51) Advocating for abuse survivors.

Links mentioned:

‘My Journey Through Life: The Real Me’ by Leeanne Clark

Connect with the podcast:

Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/lp/m26vrn

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FFeksWNQNaIYwqJgK48zP?si=FQZaYvVDQMmgQUw9Ptmb2Q 

Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

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Abdulrahman Khedr is a visionary leader who is rewriting the narrative and challenging stereotypes of Egypt and the Arab world. From his experiences with misrepresentation in the West to taking decisive action, Abdulrahman has transitioned from engineering to media production to make an immediate impact through storytelling. He is the founder of two groundbreaking media production companies – AXEER and Giraffics.

Timestamps:

(05:45) How authenticity and risk led to successful representation.

(08:17) The music videos that went viral and entertained global audiences.

(11:54) Championing cultural identity in the Arab world.

(13:35) Growing up misrepresented in entertainment and seeking representation.

(17:36) How Egypt is a diverse, ancient, culturally vibrant, religious crossroads.

(23:10) Empowering the African animation industry.

(29:28) How Egyptian filmmakers face challenges in producing movies.

(35:39) Balancing company vision and profit is challenging.

(37:33) Having a small core team and collaborating with external talent.

(43:47) The power of great business partners and amazing team support.

Links mentioned:

Giraffics

AXEER

Abdulrahman Khedr on LinkedIn

Connect with the podcast:

Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/lp/m26vrn

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FFeksWNQNaIYwqJgK48zP?si=FQZaYvVDQMmgQUw9Ptmb2Q 

Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-the-difference/id1706732755

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