Making The Difference

Angela Bonomy is the CEO of Sense Scotland, a specialised social care provider for individuals with communication support needs. Angela shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of leading a social care organisation, tackling chronic underfunding in the sector, and the importance of strategy as an ethos rather than just a document. Join us as we delve into Angela's journey, her leadership approach, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of staff and those they support.

Timestamps:

(05:14) Being passionate about serving vulnerable people.

(07:42) Variations in social care funding reflect challenges.

(14:42) Having a strategy to empower and improve staff's impact.

(22:14) Consultative approach involving families, staff, and support.

(25:23) Value good people for skills, competence, and professionalism.

(27:47) Surround yourself with good, competent people values.

(32:33) Showing vulnerability can build connection and credibility.

Links mentioned:

Sense Scotland

Angela Bonomy 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our food system is addicted to synthetic nitrogen fertiliser - a $200 billion petrochemical-based product whose inefficiencies have led to severe environmental and climate damage. Kelly Price co-founded Agreed Earth to tackle this issue. Focusing on soil health, Agreed has built a SaaS (Software as a Service) platform that remotely monitors nitrogen flow and loss from fields, giving farmers a map of the loss 'hotspots'. This in turn provides great target areas to introduce regenerative farming practices that can help 'staunch the bleed' and provide earning opportunities to farmers for losing less nitrogen from their fields.   

Timestamps:

(06:26) Seeking solutions to complex problems and pursuing innovation.

(09:21) Understanding the root cause of farm problems.

(12:42) Sustainable mission, strategy and finance for farmers.

(18:03) Farming collaborations are cheaper than building nitrate removal.

(21:08) Food companies focus on emissions and nitrogen impact.

(26:47) Urgent need to implement sustainable farming practices.

(31:11) Strategically communicating positivity.

(40:42) Corporations lack the apparatus for collaborating with startups.

Links mentioned:

Kelly Price on LinkedIn

Agreed Earth

Connect with the podcast:

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

Subscribe on Spotify

Subscribe on Apple

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a whirlwind navigation of the UK's social enterprise sector. A conversation with Karen Leigh Anderson, the UKs expert on governance in social enterprise, she is making a difference through supporting the set up and governance structures of hundreds of social enterprises who make a difference. This episode is a must if you are thinking of setting up a social enterprise or charity, are seeking investment, or are recruiting for a new board - Karen deep dives, talks very straight, without any fluff. So strap in and be prepared.

Key topics in the conversations include:

**Choosing Your Legal Structure:** Many entrepreneurs overlook this crucial step initially which can have significant implications down the line. The chosen legal structure should protect both you and your vision, focusing on more than just profit-making.

**The Role of Governance:** Good governance helps eliminate potential issues before they arise by clearly defining goals, board meeting schedules, member requirements etc., ensuring smooth operations without constant revisiting.

**Building Legacy vs Exit Strategies:** Entrepreneurs need to think long-term while incorporating their business today; beyond growth ambitions to sustainability that outlasts them personally.

**Understanding Shareholder Power**: It's essential for entrepreneurs to understand technicalities like varying levels of shareholder power triggered by different share percentages - not merely for gaining control but also aligning their venture with their vision.

**Assembling Teams or Boards**: When assembling teams or boards for governance purposes clarity about roles is vital as it protects against unintentional derailment of your mission by well-meaning individuals' ideas.

To learn more about Karen's work, please visit here

Join the discussion - what did you think? What key points came up for you in this? 

Kirsty Gilchrist is a strategy coach, accountability partner, and owner of Soloco. "I bring strategy to life through thinking and doing and helping leaders and their teams to make a difference." For more information, please go to:

Instagram:

@Making_The_Difference_podcast

@kirstybgil

email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brought up in poverty himself, Jimmy has a deep understanding of the issues facing his community in Easterhouse, an area of Glasgow with high deprivation. As CEO of FARE, he has a unique background and track record in both the Armed Forces and Voluntary Sector, and has delivered solid growth through business acumen and vision, with an ability to motivate people, align stakeholders and colleagues in highly ambiguous environments and communities.

In this episode, Jimmy talks really openly about his experience of leading FARE as a true team with lessons learned, mission drift, imposter syndrome and how he can truly feel a vision when he sees one.

----------------------------------------------

To learn more about Jimmy Wilson and FARE's work, please visit www.fare-scotland.org

Join the discussion - what did you think? What key points came up for you in this? 

If you'd like to explore how to make a difference through your strategy visit my website https://www.soloco.co.uk where I can help you find ways to think and do. Get in touch. 

About Kirsty Gilchrist is a strategy specialist and coach, and owner of Soloco. I bring strategy to life through thinking and doing and helping leaders and their teams to make a difference.

Instagram:

@Making_The_Difference_podcast

@kirstybgil

email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are focusing on the Amazon and talking to Ben Valks, founder of Black Jaguar Foundation on how he is leading his organisation to tackle the climate crisis through reforestation.

Ben has set out on a mission to restore a forested region in Brazil that's as large as Lebanon. It's not just about planting trees for him; it’s about restoring balance between humanity and nature, creating jobs and helping farmers. In this episode, we delve into his vision and how he manages such an enormous endeavour.

From running successful businesses to participating in Alaska's longest dog sled race or venturing deep into Amazonia - Ben’s journey is nothing short of fascinating. His experiences led him towards realising the importance of biodiversity for our survival and motivated him to start a project that could make a global impact on climate change.

The goal? To restore one million hectares across 2,600 kilometers long by 40 kilometers wide stretch known as Ag Biodiversity Long - essentially creating Earth’s longest biodiversity corridor.

The key to their success? A big mission, meticulous preparation and unwavering execution. With operations managed by teams in Brazil, Spain and Holland who share this drive - they plan on expanding to employ more than 20k people globally within 20 years due to increased demand for manual labourers on site – currently making up 95% of their workforce.

To follow Ben's story and the Black Jaguar Foundation, please visit https://www.black-jaguar.org.  

Join the discussion - what did you think? What key points came up for you in this? 

If you'd like to explore how to make a difference through your strategy visit my website https://www.soloco.co.uk where I can help you find ways to think and do. Get in touch. 

About Kirsty Gilchrist is a strategy specialist and coach, and owner of Soloco. I bring strategy to life through thinking and doing and helping leaders and their teams to make a difference.

Instagram:

@Making_The_Difference_podcast

@kirstybgil

email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference. Whether it's through a kind word, an act of service, or simply by bringing your best self to the table - you have the power to positively impact those around you. Let's embrace this chance and strive to spread positivity in our own little ways."

In this episode of 'Making a Difference', host Kirsty Gilchrist engages in an inspiring conversation with Helen Chambers, a seasoned strategist who has played a pivotal role in shaping Scotland's future. 

Helen has already been instrumental in shaping Scotland's future - an achievement that resonates on both personal and professional levels for her, which we discuss through the episode. She passionately believes in harnessing Scotland’s potential – its people, places, natural resources and wealth – to improve lives significantly.

Her vision extends beyond political or nationalist agendas, instead nurturing prosperity within Scotland, a nation of just over 5 million people. Despite abundant resources at our disposal, she acknowledges the struggles many still face daily - something she finds morally disconcerting.

Helen is committed to Scotland and strives towards positive change through providing those who want to make change with 'scaffolding' – aligning plans, skills and resources for maximum impact.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Helen's commitment to harnessing Scotland’s potential – its people, places, natural resources and wealth – for significant improvements in lives.

2. The concept of 'scaffolding' as part of her strategy- aligning plans, skills and resources for maximum impact.

3. A refreshing take on strategy: not complex jargon from books but clarity that provides energy propelling one forward while untangling hindrances blocking long-term goals.

4. The pitfalls of overcomplicating strategies and the importance of simplicity along with authenticity in performance development.

5. How regular check-ins with your strategy are required due to today's rapidly changing environment.

Helen currently works as an independent consultant focusing on working with mission driven organisations -whether in the public, private or voluntary sectors - to develop strategy, engage and solve challenging issues, and to drive impact.

She is Chair of the Edinburgh Trust, an endowed trust focused on poverty alleviation, recently leading on the release of £5m of the endowment to move towards more strategic funding; and sits on the Board of the charity Turn 2 Us overseeing an endowment of £30m, again focused on poverty. 

She is also a member of a number of academic groups on equality, social impact, research and evaluation including representing the UK in the European Union’s Social Impact Study Group, and on the School of Management Advisory Council for the University of St. Andrews. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

To find out more about Helen, please visit https://chambersconsulting.org

If you'd like to explore how to make a difference through your strategy visit my website https://www.soloco.co.uk where I can help you find ways to think and do. Get in touch. 

About Kirsty Gilchrist is a strategy specialist and coach, and owner of Soloco. I bring strategy to life through thinking and doing and helping leaders and their teams to make a difference.

Join the discussion - what did you think? What key points came up for you in this? 

Instagram:

@Making_The_Difference_podcast

@kirstybgil

email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of 'Making a Difference' podcast with your host, Kirsty Gilchrist. 

At the entrance of Tent of Nations are the words "We refuse to be enemies". This is a Palestinian farm surrounded by 5 growing Israeli settlements with up to 70,000 inhabitants. How do you stick to your vision when the walls are closing in, you cannot have access to water or electricity and the very essence of your existence - your land, is under constant threat of removal. 

In this episode, I speak with Daoud Nassar - a Christian Palestinian who, with is family over the last 100 years, has been transforming his land into the "Tent of Nations", a hub for peace and environmental innovation within a complex and dangerous political landscape. Things aren't easy and the future isn't certain.

Key Points:

1. **Guest Introduction:** Daoud Nassar, discusses the building of Tent of Nations under challenging conditions in Palestine, demonstrating non-violent resistance as key to change amidst conflict situations.

2. **Historical Background:** The farm has been in Daoud's family for over 100 years and despite constant threats of confiscation by Israeli authorities since 1991; they continue their legal battle to retain ownership.

3. **Strategy & Leadership**: Having a clear vision is crucial even if it seems far-fetched at times along with flexibility towards achieving long-term goals. This while communicating your strategy effectively can be challenging especially when surrounded by reactionary forces rather than proactive ones due difficult politics. In this scenario, leading by example becomes essential – demonstrating success encourages others join you on this journey.

3. **Connection to Land:** For Daoud's family, it isn't just about protecting physical land but preserving heritage that reflects spiritual ties more than mere possession.

4. **Struggles & Triumphs**: From losing 25k trees in 1936 leading them to rebuild stronger than ever before or dealing with attacks from settlers since '91 - the journey hasn't been easy but they've continued fighting for their land.

5. **Transforming Adversity into Hope:** Despite numerous obstacles including ongoing political conflicts that seem impossible to resolve, the battleground is being transformed into a place of healing attracting thousands of visitors annually seeking inspiration.

6. **Collaborations & Impact**: Thousands visit yearly from across globe joining local Palestinians collaborating and making Tent of Nations an increasingly recognised beacon of hope and resilience against adversity.

----------------------------------------------

To follow Daoud's story and the Tent of Nations, please visit https://tentofnations.com.  

Join the discussion - what did you think? What key points came up for you in this? 

If you'd like to explore how to make a difference through your strategy visit my website https://www.soloco.co.uk where I can help you find ways to think and do. Get in touch. 

About Kirsty Gilchrist is a strategy specialist and coach, and owner of Soloco. I bring strategy to life through thinking and doing and helping leaders and their teams to make a difference.

Instagram:

@Making_The_Difference_podcast

@kirstybgil

email:

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.