How can leaders support future generations to flourish? Why do we need to invest in young people’s future? And, can we shape policy to ensure the future strength of our communities, environment, economy and society as a whole?
In this discussion, we will explore the role of youth empowerment in building a better society. Paul Lindley, author of ‘Raising the Nation’ and ‘How to Build a Better Future For Our Children (And Everyone Else)’ will be joined in conversation with two Aspen UK Rising Leaders to discuss this complex topic.
This online event is brought to you by the Aspen UK Rising Leaders Fellowship: a community of leading young leaders in the UK who are keen to understand their own ethics and values and how these influence their actions and decisions as leaders.
On the panel:
Paul Lindley OBE – Paul is an award-winning British entrepreneur, social campaigner and best-selling author. He founded and ran social-mission driven business Ella’s Kitchen, the UK’s largest baby food brand. Paul has chaired London’s Child Obesity Taskforce for Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and is Chancellor of the University of Reading. He also founded ‘just IMAGINE if…’, a biennial innovation competition and has been the UK’s Entrepreneur of the Year. His first book was Little Wins: The Huge Power of Thinking Like a Toddler. His second, Raising the Nation: How to Build a Better Future for Our Children (and Everyone Else) is published in November 2023.
Dafydd Evans – Dafydd is Head of Schools and Creative Programmes at Music Masters. Originally from West Wales, Dafydd studied Music at Cardiff University before graduating in 2012. He has worked for a number of South Wales arts education and outreach programmes, including It’s My Shout Productions where he managed the Wales-wide film and television production work placement and training programme, as part of an annual series of short films made for BBC Wales and S4C. Moving to London in 2014, he then coordinated the national training programme for teachers and arts practitioners delivering Arts Award. Working with Music Masters as part of the Programmes team since May 2016, Dafydd oversees the delivery of their work across their Flagship Schools, the Champions programme for young graduates, as well as managing their projects and partnerships with artists and creative organisations
Johanan Walker – Johanan is a lived experienced expert and filmmaker. As the founder of Calling4gr8ness and project lead, Johanan aims to inspire young people from all care experienced backgrounds, including care leavers and ex-adopted young adults. A part of the mission is to champion the voices of care experienced individuals through the power of storytelling and film. Johanan’s vision is to see a world where all young people gain access to creative career opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds.
Moderated by:
Lucy Zwolinska – Lucy is part of the Aspen UK faculty of moderators. She lives in Gateshead, where she works with a range of people and organisations, exploring how to devolve power and decision-making to communities. Previously she has facilitated Gateshead Poverty Truth Commission, a process bringing together people at the sharp end of poverty with those holding power and influence in Gateshead. She has also spent time working in a faith-based think tank, developing policy and advocacy responses to issues such as the hostile environment and poverty relief.