How Might We

The Business Behind Creativity is back! This time I have Cri Gabriele Founder of Messwork to delve into how to build a company in the alternative healthcare space. Cri (pronounced "Cree") deconstructs and reshapes as part of her creative process, seeking to arrive at synthesis while making (and embracing) a lot of mess. Messwork facilitates a multidisciplinary yet holistic approach to trauma recovery and abundant living. With her Bachelor of Psychology and Business from Northeastern University, a Master of Fine Arts in Communications Design from Pratt Institute, Cri integrates complex skill sets into a full-bodied foundation upon which to reinforce her work and practice. As a creator, practitioner, and educator, Cri's psychological and design expertise fuels her methodological and theoretical frameworks and approaches, exploring the inherent nature and connection across somatics, psychology, design, and mess. Currently teaching Graduate and Undergraduate Communications Design at Pratt Institute, Cri expands her name-sake practice, Cg Studio, into Messwork, an offering employing and leveraging somatics, design, and the transformative power of mess as a catalyst for growth. In her own Messwork, Cri navigated various academic and personal therapeutic territories before finding somatics. A health crisis in her late twenties catapulted her inquiry into more robust healing modalities, punctuating the significance and impact of being treated as a whole rather than a series of fragments. As a result of her own experience, Cri recognises the acute urgency and need to create more vigorous, holistic practices toward growth and healing, an offering she now extends to her clients, meeting them in their fullness, complexity, and humanity. 🔹 Find out more about Messwork here 🔹 Book a 30-minute complimentary consultation session (online) or a 50-80 minute personal transformation session (online or in-person) with Cri here

This week i'm joined by Megan Hale Co-Founder & CEO of Team Repair, an award-winning company founded by a team of Design Engineers from Imperial College London. They are on a mission to increase STEM uptake and tackle the e-waste crisis, using the magic of repair. Learn more about Team Repair Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Team Repair 03:26 Building Confidence in Repairing Electronics 22:50 The Need for Multidisciplinary Education 25:22 Connecting Businesses and Schools for Real-World Learning 31:20 The Impact of Examples and Role Models 39:15 Creating an Inclusive and Diverse Approach to STEM 52:37 Teaching Students How to Learn and Adapt 57:28 The Journey of Team Repair: Following Passion and Seizing Opportunities

Joey and Thuta are Co-Founder's of Leiho, a company that turns everyday essentials into catalysts for change. Their eco-conscious products are a statement of purpose. On this episode of the pod we discuss: ➡️ The social entrepreneurship space has seen significant growth, with more purpose-driven brands and increased consumer demand for businesses that give back ➡️ Authenticity and transparency are key in standing out and building trust through your brand in the competitive social entrepreneurship space ➡️ Female founders play a crucial role in pioneering new business models for social impact, and there is growing support and programs available for women in entrepreneurship. ➡️ Early exposure to social and philanthropic work can shape young minds and foster a sense of purpose and community. Chapters00:00 Social Entrepreneurship: classroom vs reality13:39 Today's How Might We22:49 Collective Action for Meaningful Change33:03 Pivoting and Finding the Niche42:46 Rose, Bud, Thorn Exercise51:31 Advice for Future Female Founders: Stay Positive and Celebrate Milestones

In this conversation, Kianu Glasgow & I discuss her journey from being labeled as 'at risk' and facing personal challenges to establishing DICE, a youth engagement service aimed at supporting underrepresented young people. We discuss the importance of lived experience in youth work, the barriers faced by young creatives in accessing opportunities, and the role of funders in creating meaningful impact. Learn more about ⁠DICE⁠ Follow ⁠Kianu⁠ Chapters  00:00 Personal Challenges and Their Impact  07:40 Setting Up DICE and Supporting Underrepresented Youth  18:29 Competition in the Youth Support Space  25:33 The Problem and the Pain of Exclusion  33:41 Long-Term Intervention and Support in the Creative Industry  39:22 Alternative Methods for Reporting Impact to Funders  47:22 Defining Success on Your Own Terms

Ever wondered how NGO's leading the charge towards a fairer fashion industry truly work? Our NEW format "The Business Behind Creativity" is where we take a deep dive into creative businesses to understand how it all works & today we'll be focusing on Fashion Revolution Austria. Fashion Revolution Austria is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote transparency and responsibility in the Austrian fashion industry. It was founded in 2023 as part of the global Fashion Revolution campaign & today we chat to Country Coordinator Sabinna Rachimova. The organisation offers educational content, focuses on value and supply chains, and examines future-oriented entrepreneurship and innovation in the fashion sector. Fashion Revolution Austria is structured with four co-founders, ambassadors in different cities, and volunteers. The organisation relies on grants, funding, and partnerships to support its work. It faces challenges in changing the perception of the fashion industry and gaining respect from policymakers and institutions. Fashion Revolution Austria focuses on education, collaboration, and advocacy to bring about change in the fashion industry. They work to raise awareness about the social and environmental impacts of fashion and encourage consumers, businesses, and policymakers to take responsibility. Learn more about Fashion Revolution Austria here Chapters 00:00 New Format: The Business Behind Creativity 03:33 Fashion Revolution Austria's Mission and Company Structure 09:35 Secular Trends for Fashion Revolution 11:43 Cost Structures (education, campaigning & marketing) 14:45 Balancing Mission and Funding Constraints 20:47 Valuing the Fashion Industry and Challenges in Policy 25:13 Opportunities and Challenges in the Austrian Fashion Industry 26:49 Competition & Headwinds 32:15 Lack of Supply Chain Knowledge and Regulation 35:32 Profit & Loss for Fashion Revolution Austria 40:34 Applicable Lessons for Other Industries 43:52 What Would You Changes from Lessons Learned? 46:25 Existential Zoom Out 53:22 podcast sound 2.wav

Gee Sinha is the Founder of ReSpace, a social enterprise that takes beloved derelict buildings and brings them back to life for use by local people. They do this by reusing wasted resources and building shared community wealth. They make use of the things other people throw away. For past projects, they have made good use of second-hand furniture, leftover building materials, surplus food, and unwanted instruments. This conversation covers the topic of surviving the apocalypse, acknowledging the long-drawn-out nature of societal collapse and the interconnectedness of global systems. The discussion delves into the behaviours and conditions that allow for the existence of a privileged few and the need for a shift in mindset and social structures. Follow Gee Sinha here Find out more about Respace here Chapters 00:00 The Hive: A Versatile Environment 06:04 Breaking Down Isolated Systems 27:57 Interconnectedness and the Challenges of Surviving the Apocalypse 32:32 Behaviours and Conditions that Allow for the Existence of a Privileged Few 36:06 Shifting Mindset and Social Structures for a More Equitable Future 37:05 The Limitations of Politics and Power Dynamics 38:35 The Idolisation of Figures in Society 41:33 The Importance of Open Conversations and Community Connections 49:56 The Need for Systemic Change

Jeannette Pearce & Sara Turnbull are widely regarded as successful social and serial entrepreneurs. Together they are work activists and wild advocates. As speakers and writers they are valued for their ability to cut through to the core of complex problems, inspire change and be human, frank and provocative in a kind and caring way. As sustainable business leaders and authors of Better Off Working Wild they are widely recognised for their award winning work in: > Creating sustainable, successful places and organisations > Driving inclusive, resilient caring work culture > Growing high impact social purpose organisations Explore more at Better Off Edits here Purchase Better Off Working Wild here Follow Sara here Follow Jeannette here Chapters 00:00 Working Wild as a Rebellion 07:47 The Impact of COVID-19 on Working Wild 15:16 The Core Issues: Broken Work vs. Working Wild 31:24 Tools for Shifting Towards a Working Wild Mindset 35:17 Tools for Working Wild 57:14 Creating a Better Work Culture 59:59 Redefining Wealth 01:03:32 The Impact of Technology on Work 01:08:09 Reevaluating Governance Structures

Chris Paddock has spent the last 20 years advising local government on the economy of places. He has developed strategies for cities including Brighton, Oxford and Bristol as well as many London Boroughs and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. He has worked for developers and investors challenging them to think differently about value, whilst advocating for deeper community engagement and a broader consideration of what economic success looks like. Chris is a Director of consultants PRD and is a founder of the London Doughnut Economy Coalition CIC. Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Economic Measures 04:02 Flaws in Current Value Frameworks 14:46 Misalignment with Societal Values 23:32 Shifting Economic Strategies 31:30 Donut Economics in London 43:10 Can the Public Sector Deliver New Economic Models? 53:28 Closing remarks on UK Election (pre-result news) 59:10 podcast sound 2.wav

Amy Drucquer is the Founder of award winning platform, recently turned creative studio This Fan Girl. A lifelong Leicester City fan, Amy has spent the last eight years exploring the world of football fandom, and how this connects with feminism and wider societal issues.  On this episode Amy talks about the challenges of growing women's football and the importance of listening to the needs of female fans. She emphasises the fight and revolutionary nature of women's football and the need to protect its unique qualities. We talk about the growth of women's football, the importance of building a community, the need for more support and investment, and the cultural shifts that are happening. Find out more about This Fan Girl Follow This Fan Girl Instagram Follow Amy on Twitter Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:58 Amy's Earliest Memory of Football 07:42 The Inspiration Behind This Fan Girl 14:47 The Fight and Revolution of Women's Football 24:15 Research, Insights, and Listening to Women 28:51 The Global Platform of Women's Football 31:06 Building a Community and Overcoming Challenges 35:06 The Role of Creativity in Driving Change 36:59 Investment and Opportunities at the Grassroots Level 41:09 The Influence of Changing Social and Cultural Norms 45:22 Collaborating with Diverse Creators for Authenticity 52:27 The Need for Research and Innovation in Women's Football

Antonia is Chief Executive Officer at the Centre for London. She joined in September 2023, from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies. Prior to joining the team, Antonia worked in numerous charities, think tanks and campaigning organisations promoting new economic thinking. She has expertise across progressive local economic development, deepening democracy and sustainable economics. Antonia holds a Master’s degree with distinction in Politics and Communications, and a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She is Chair of the board of Rethinking Economics. Our conversation delves into the state of democracy in London, highlighting the need for improvement and the central issues that contribute to its shortcomings. The discussion also touches on the potential for change and the vision for a more inclusive and empowered London. It touches on the barriers to accessing arts and culture for marginalised communities and the potential for devolution and better use of public assets to support the cultural economy. Follow ⁠Antonia on X⁠ Find out more about ⁠Centre for London⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Centre for London Event 02:32 Approach to Interviewing Political Leaders and Issue of Partisanship 09:27 State of Democracy in London and Challenges 12:24 Vision for Devolution and Upgraded Governance in London 29:40 Countering the Anti-London Bias: Communicating Contributions and Needs 33:11 Improving Living Standards Across the UK 34:24 The Impact of Austerity Measures 37:35 The Role of Arts and Culture in London's Success 39:14 Supporting the Creative Industries 40:57 Addressing Barriers to Accessing Arts and Culture 44:42 Devolution and Public Assets for the Cultural Economy 50:41 A Personal Anecdote: Meeting Brian Eno