Last night, I saw the new Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. There is a scene towards the end that depicts Mercury learning he is HIV positive. Shot without words, the image of a doctor and the film’s context is all you need to understand what is happening. It is a devestating moment, but one that … Continue reading Bohemian Humanity →

‘Winning at all costs’. When pressed on their conduct during a campaign, this was the answer from one of our speakers. While the honesty is admirable, I have to disagree with the sentiment. Following my time with Future Leaders Connect, I am more convinced than ever that the means really does matter just as much … Continue reading Taking inspiration from coffee →

Picture the scene: a vibrant cultural marketplace. From Tunisia, to Kenya to Pakistan, stalls are draped in their national flag and stall-holders are wearing their national dress, brimming with pride at the opportunity to showcase their history and their culture.   Then your eye catches a group of people awkwardly huddled in front of five … Continue reading Cultural (lack of) confidence →

Day two of Future Leaders Connect began with a fascinating discussion on successful influencing, with Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive of Vote Leave; Kajal Odera, UK Director of Change.org; and Lord Wilson, former Cabinet Secretary. From the very public to the very private, they were hugely candid in their reflections on what works. My day job is … Continue reading The seven Cs for a successful campaign →

I’ve written quite a lot in this blog about the importance of putting other voices first – be it the voices that are usually marginalised; the people you are campaigning alongside; or your team and the people you’re seeking to grow and develop. But this approach must go hand in hand with a genuine commitment … Continue reading The art of listening →

The British Council have asked us to consider: What is the most powerful example of leadership you have seen in your own country? In answering the question, I have written an ode to a leader I've never met, but who's impact I have admired from afar. I am inspired by Ruth Hunt and her leadership … Continue reading Powerful leadership at Stonewall →

We have been asked to identify: What are the three leadership characteristics which will be essential in your country in the near future? I have cheated, and picked four characteristics I believe are essential. Leaders must have both a passion and commitment for delivering a better world. To be a good leader, you should be motivated … Continue reading Essential leadership characteristics →

My take on the question: What are the key future challenges that policy leadership in your country will need to respond to? The fourth industrial revolution. There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a technology revolution. Driven by new technology and our increasingly digital world, the pace of global change is … Continue reading Three big policy challenges →

Ahead of the Future Leaders Connect programme, we were asked to consider the following question: It’s 70 years since the universal declaration of human rights was proclaimed by the United Nations, but are our human rights better protected today than in 1948? It is a good question, with no easy answer. While there is plenty to … Continue reading Children’s rights as human rights →