Host of the GSL Festival @ Home
"2020 marks the start of a Decade of Action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. If you agree it’s time for change, time for action and time to come together join us for the Global Social Leaders Festival @Home" This festival for everyone that believes in the positive power of people to be leaders in their lives and society took place over two days. Celebrating youth voices and youth-led action, our inspirational speakers and guests led a number of talks and workshops all exploring how to work together and make the local global. I was incredibly honoured to be given the opportunity to host our global audience during this two-day online festival, as well as announce, interview and listen to truly inspirational guests - including the young people taking part. I had the fortune of speaking to people like: Anti-corruption activist Hamzat Bala Lawa Indigenous Campaigner Josefa Cariño Tauli Edinburgh Fringe CEO Shona McCarthy The festival was streamed in every continent (bar Antarctica!) and I still reflect on the things that I heard here.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ella Simms when I was asked this year to deliver a keynote at the Global Social Leaders Festival, run by the Futures Foundation. Ella was assigned as the presenter for the Festival, the compere to link it all together, interview the speakers and keep the whole thing energized and flowing.
I was immediately struck by Ella’s confidence and competence. She handled the whole thing with enormous charm, calm and professionalism. I particularly noted her ability to keep the whole thing moving with energy, attentiveness and attention to detail.
Her research was excellent and she asked me a range of questions that hadn’t been put to me in previous interviews, whilst also bringing in questions and comments from the global participants. It was a privilege to be asked to contribute to the Global Social Leaders Festival, I enjoyed the whole experience and learned lots of new things.
I specifically mentioned Ella’s role in my note of thanks to the Festival organisers afterwards, as I thought her command of the role and presenting skills were exceptional. Super impressive young presenter and I look forward to watching her ongoing success.
