Shows
Front RowNew Makar, future of musical theatre, arts funding in ScotlandScotland's new Makar (National Poet) Peter Mackay, whose appointment was announced this week, talks about how he intends to shape the role over the next three years. Elizabeth Newman of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Jon Gilchrist of Birmingham Hippodrome discuss new initiatives to boost the production of musical theatre around the UK. Plus Jacob Rees-Mogg on his reality TV series Meet the Rees-Moggs. And as the Scottish Budget is delivered, will arts organisations finally get some clarity on their funding? Presenter: Kirsty Wark
Producer: Mark Crossan2024-12-0442 min
Making The DifferenceRedefining Conservation with Rich StockdaleWhat 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...2024-11-0651 min
Making The DifferenceReconnecting people to nature with Rebecca DouglasIn 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:2024-09-1136 min
Making The DifferenceForests, Futures, and the Climate Crisis with Donald McPhillimyIn 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....2024-09-0543 min
Making The DifferenceFrom Exclusion to Participation with Christoph WarrackIn 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...2024-08-2945 min
Making The DifferenceReimagining Our Imagination InfrastructureIn 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...2024-08-1942 min
Making The DifferenceFrom Dependency to Contribution - A Town Transformed - with Kate DarrahThe 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 passi...2024-03-1944 min
Making The DifferenceFrom Cleverness to Wisdom with Simon HampelSimon 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...2024-03-1235 min
Making The DifferenceA Vision for Inclusive Employment and Empowering Abilities with Erin RiehleErin 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 achi...2024-03-0548 min
Making The DifferenceBeing a Voice for Gender-Based Violence and Learning Disabilities with Author Leeanne ClarkLeeanne 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...2024-02-2721 min
Making The DifferenceCrafting the Arab World's Narrative: Abdulrahman Khedr's Mission in AnimationAbdulrahman 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 mi...2024-02-2048 min
Making The DifferenceOvercoming Social Care Challenges with Human-Centric Strategy, with Angela Bonomy, Sense ScotlandAngela 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...2024-02-1437 min
Making The DifferenceDetoxing agriculture from Synthetic Nitrogen addiction: Agreed Earth’s Kelly PriceOur 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:2024-02-0747 min
Making The DifferenceYou Get the Board You Plan ForThis 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...2023-10-0238 min
Making The DifferenceCombatting Poverty With Military TacticsBrought 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...2023-09-2530 min
Making The DifferenceThe Optimistic ClimatepreneurThis 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...2023-09-1832 min
Making The DifferenceThe 'Brokercrat' for Good"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 S...2023-09-1145 min
Making The DifferenceWe Refuse to be EnemiesWelcome 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...2023-09-0336 min
Making The DifferenceMaking The Difference TrailerHello, I'm your podcast host Kirsty Gilchrist, a strategy specialist and coach who is exploring how leaders use strategy to make a difference and solve complex problems from around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-09-0101 min