Spark Changemakers

In this episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, Nikki Giant sits down with Alex Barker, co-leader of the global movement Be More Pirate, which empowers individuals and organisations to break the rules with purpose.

Alex shares the fascinating history behind the Golden Age of Pirates and how their forgotten principles of equality, democracy, and fair pay are more relevant than ever. Learn how the pirate mindset can inspire us to reclaim our agency, challenge the status quo, and create lasting change—whether in the workplace, education, or activism. With real-life examples from organisations like Greenpeace, Dyson, and NHS teams, Alex shows us how small acts of boldness can lead to significant cultural shifts.

Tune in to discover how you can take control, rebel with purpose, and be more pirate in your everyday life.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The history and principles behind the Be More Pirate movement
• How to challenge the status quo in your personal and professional life
• The importance of collective action and rule-breaking with ethics
• Real-world examples of organisational transformation
• Practical tips on responsible rule-breaking and intelligent disobedience

Connect with Alex and Be More Pirate

• Visit the Be More Pirate website to learn more
• Connect with Alex and learn more about her speaking work at https://alexbarker.co.uk/
• Connect with Alex on LinkedIn
• Follow Be More Pirate on Faceook: www.facebook.com/BeMorePirate

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts and share how you’re sparking change in your own community.

In this inspiring episode of The Spark Changemakers Podcast, host Nikki Giant is joined by Sharon Benning-Prince, a force of change in supply chain transparency, anti-slavery advocacy, and gender equality. Sharon shares her personal journey, shaped by her family’s strength and resilience, to become a tireless advocate for justice, human rights, and women’s safety.

Trigger Warning: Please note, Sharon refers to her family’s experiences of domestic abuse and how this has impacted upon her work on women’s rights and justice.

Sharon shares her personal journey, from growing up in a Southeast Asian community in the UK, witnessing domestic abuse, to becoming a trustee for numerous women-centred organisations. She has fought for gender equality and women’s rights through her legal career and advocacy work. Sharon also founded Justice in Fashion during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the rights of women in the fashion supply chain, particularly those impacted by the crisis.

With a wealth of experience, Sharon dives deep into the intersections of gender inequality, modern slavery, and the power of community. She explains her commitment to giving a voice to those who are often unheard and how her path has been inspired by her family’s legacy and her passion for equality.

Tune in as Sharon reflects on her past, discusses the ongoing challenges in the fight for justice, and shares what drives her to keep making an impact.

Listen now for insights on:

• The role of supply chain transparency in tackling modern slavery
• Empowering women through community-driven initiatives
• The importance of legacy, resilience, and support in advocacy
• How change happens, both big and small, and what each of us can do to help

Connect with Sharon:

• Learn more about Justice in Fashion: justiceinfashion.org
• Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-benning-prince-775178b/
• Join Sharon’s group for grassroots Domestic Violence organisations on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13097304/
• Connect with host Nikki Giant: @NikkiGiant

If you're affected by any of the issues Sharon explores in this podcast, please contact the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts and share how you’re sparking change in your own community.

In this episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, we speak with Mark Lloyd, the founder and head of Odyssey School in Pattaya, Thailand.

Mark shares his inspiring journey, from beginning as a volunteer in Thailand to starting his own school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Driven by a vision to create a more holistic, creative, and student-centred educational experience, Mark's Odyssey School has become a beacon of hope for families seeking a nurturing and inclusive approach to learning. Mark discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a unique education model that fosters creativity, nature-based learning, and individualised support.

Join us as Mark shares valuable insights on leadership, the importance of love in education, and the need for a more joyful, strength-based learning environment.

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or a change maker in the world of education, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to create positive change.

Key Takeaways:

• Mark’s journey from drama and education to founding Odyssey School in Thailand.
• How nature-based and creative approaches can transform education.
• The role of love, safety, and joy in supporting students, including those who are neurodiverse.
• Overcoming the challenges of leading a school during a pandemic and beyond.
• Lessons on resilience and leadership in the education sector.

Connect with Mark Lloyd:

Twitter: @EduLeaderQuest

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lloyd-b795851a0

Odyssey School on Facebook: www.facebook.com/odysseyinternationalschool

In this episode of Spark Changemakers, host Nikki Giant interviews Andrew Boxall, a technology strategist at Microsoft, about his groundbreaking work in transforming the public sector through technology and innovation. Andrew shares his journey from public sector to Microsoft, where he spearheaded the Innovate Together program—a global initiative empowering public sector organisations to harness the power of AI and digital transformation.

Key topics include:

• The creation of the Innovate Together program, which has trained over 2000 public sector staff as change agents.
• How AI, such as Microsoft's Copilot, is revolutionising the way public sector organizations operate.
• Real-world examples of public sector innovation, including AI-driven solutions in local governments.
• The importance of collaboration, accessibility, and leadership in driving digital transformation.
• The future of AI in education, healthcare, and beyond.

Tune in to learn how technology is reshaping the public sector, the challenges faced along the way, and how Andrew's passion for change continues to inspire organisations globally.

Get in touch with Andrew:

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-boxall-6232514a/

Learn more about Microsoft's Innovate Together programme: https://wwps.microsoft.com/public-sector-innovate-together

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

In this episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, host Nikki Giant sits down with Georgia Theodoulou, an inspiring teacher, gender equality activist, and consultant.

Georgia shares her journey from joining Our Streets Now, a youth-led campaign against public sexual harassment, to founding its sports campaign and working with the Welsh Government. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of advocating for marginalised genders in education, sports, and society.

Georgia’s work spans from policy to grassroots activism, including her role as an ambassador for the Arsenal men's team through Her Game Too, an award-winning organisation promoting equality in sports. Listen as Georgia opens up about how the high-profile murders of women in the UK fuelled her mission, the systemic issues in gender inequality, and the powerful shift she sees happening among younger generations.

Key Points:

• How gender inequality and public harassment shaped Georgia’s advocacy journey.
• The role of sports in breaking down gender barriers.
• Why engaging men and boys in conversations about equality is critical.
• Georgia's vision for creating safer spaces for women and marginalised genders in public and sports.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on activism, allyship, and the future of gender equality.

Connect with Georgia

• Our Streets Now website: https://www.ourstreetsnow.org/
• Our Streets Now on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstreetsnow
• Our Streets Now on X: https://x.com/ourstreetsnow
• Connect with Georgia on X: https://x.com/g_theodoulou

In this episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, host Nikki Giant sits down with Mehvish Shaffi-Ajibola, an award-winning organisational development leader and the CEO of Socially Inspired Limited.

Mehvish shares her powerful journey from the corporate world of Islamic finance to becoming a transformative force in HR, advocating for a more empathetic and inclusive workplace. She discusses the importance of shifting from traditional power dynamics and competitive environments to a focus on social mindfulness, human connection, and creating workplaces filled with love and joy.

Mehvish’s story highlights how we can bring about meaningful change at both grassroots and organisational levels by challenging old structures and centering people in all we do.

Key Topics:

• Mehvish's journey from law and finance to human relations and organisational development
• The importance of empathy, compassion, and human-relatedness in the workplace
• Why traditional HR practices need to evolve into people-centered strategies
• How fostering equality and mindful leadership can transform workplace culture
• Practical steps organisations can take to bring love and joy into their environments

Contact Mehvish and Learn More:

Visit www.sociallyinspired.org to get in touch with Mehvish, or connect with her on LinkedIn. Check out the book Mehvish mentioned, The Happy Manifesto at www.happymanifesto.com and Mindfulness-Based Organisational Education by Mark Leonard at www.socialmindfulness.net

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

In this episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, host Nikki Giant is joined by Ed Kirwan, former science teacher, filmmaker, and founder of Empathy Week and Empathy Studios.

Together, they explore the critical role empathy plays in fostering success, happiness, and strong connections—whether in classrooms, workplaces, or personal relationships. Ed shares his journey from teaching to launching a global empathy movement, his belief in empathy as a teachable skill, and its profound impact on behavior and society.

Highlights include:

• The power of film in storytelling and emotional connection.
• How empathy can be taught and its role in reducing conflict.
• The difference between empathy, kindness, and emotional contagion.
• Practical insights on applying empathy in everyday life.
• The importance of self-reflection and empathy for oneself before extending it to others.

Ed also delves into the current research on empathy, including findings from a 2024 report that surveyed students and adults about empathy in schools and workplaces. With 1.3 million students already reached across 50 countries, Ed is passionate about continuing to build the "Empathy Generation" and integrating empathy into education systems worldwide.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how empathy can transform lives and communities!

Contact Information:

Ed Kirwan

Instagram: @edkirwan

Twitter/X: @EdKirwan

Empathy Week

Website: www.empathy-week.com

Instagram: @empathyweek

Twitter/X: @EmpathyWeek

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

In this episode of The Spark Changemakers Podcast, Nikki Giant sits down with the inspiring Mel Manning, founder of Freedom 2, an organisation dedicated to empowering young girls through creative wellbeing programmes. With over 20 years of experience in education, Mel shares her journey from primary school teacher to advocate for female empowerment, mental health, and digital wellbeing.

They discuss the power of early intervention in helping girls build self-confidence, develop healthy relationships, and navigate the complexities of today’s digital world. Mel also shares insights from her work addressing issues such as online safety, body image, and public harassment.

Tune in to hear how Freedom 2 uses creativity to inspire change and create safe spaces for girls to be heard, seen, and valued.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Mel’s journey from education to founding Freedom 2
• The importance of early intervention and creative wellbeing programs
• Empowering girls through conversations on online safety, body image, and relationships
• The impact of creativity in fostering confidence and self-expression
• Freedom 2’s efforts to tackle harassment and create safer public spaces for girls

Connect with Mel Manning and Freedom 2:

• Website: www.freedom2.org.uk
• Instagram: @freedom2uk
• TikTok: @freedom2uk

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

In this inspiring episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, host Nikki Giant welcomes educator and coach Andy Liles to discuss his 20-year journey of transforming education. From his time at the "Happiness School" in the UK to his current role as a senior leader at an international school in Malawi, Andy shares his passion for creating learning environments that prioritise student well-being and agency.

Andy explores how fostering happiness, belonging, and a sense of humanity can unlock students’ academic potential. He also delves into his work on integrating coaching techniques into education, offering insights into how this approach empowers both students and teachers alike. With practical examples and touching stories, this conversation highlights the need for a more compassionate, personalized, and holistic approach to learning, especially in the wake of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

• How focusing on happiness and belonging transforms school culture and student success.
• The importance of listening and understanding in building connections with students.
• The role of coaching in developing critical thinking, self-confidence, and agency in learners
• The impact of COVID-19 on education and how we can reimagine learning environments.
• Why balancing knowledge, humanity, and creativity is essential in today’s schools.

Tune in to discover how we can reshape the future of education for the better!

Connect with Andy via https://www.andylilescoaching.com/ or follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/andylilescoaching or LinkedIn by searching for Andy Liles.

Stay up to date with Nikki and the team at The Spark Movement here: https://linktr.ee/thesparkmovement

In this episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, Nikki Giant sits down with Conor Warren, an 18-year-old entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and CEO of Spark UK.

Conor shares his inspiring journey of founding a national organisation at just 14 years old, dedicated to sparking conversations around youth mental health. Discover how a group of ambitious teenagers turned their frustrations with the mental health system into a movement that now reaches over 300 schools across the UK.

Conor talks about the challenges of being a young leader, the importance of creativity, and the power of youth-led initiatives. He also discusses the role of social media, the pressures young people face today, and his hopes for the future of youth entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Spark UK at https://www.sparkuk.co.uk/ and connect with them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sparkteens

Stay up to date with Nikki and the team at The Spark Movement here: https://linktr.ee/thesparkmovement

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.