The power of connections

Here's a little story about generosity and the power of connections.

I'm sharing the email with the kind permission of Tom Levitt because it's a lovely lesson about how giving a little bit of our time can result in meaningful and transformational change.

Tom and I first met in 2018 when I was President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. 

Through both my work as a management and PR consultant and my voluntary role with the CIPR, I was keen to meet Tom, who is a sustainability adviser and the author of The Company Citizen (among many things).

His book, which I recommend wholeheartedly to those interested in organisational purpose, argues that environmental sustainability, economic and social inclusion and the better management of resources are all key issues for business. As he says, business doing good is good business.

I was keen to hear more and to ask if he'd come and speak at the CIPR's National Conference and talk about the role of PR leaders in making this happen. 

Tom, being Tom, was unfailing generous. We met at the Institute of Directors where he shared knowledge and insights and also signposted me to all sorts of further research. As for the conference, of course he spoke - inspiringly - on the day. 

And on that day he was also able to meet our keynote speaker, Richard Walker from Iceland Foods and the lovely Hilary Berg who helped secure Richard's involvement. 

I believe passionately in social mobility and there is nothing that fires me up faster than inequality. When Tom sent me this email, I caught my breath.

From that meeting, Richard, Hilary and Tom stayed in touch. And now, after two years of hard work and through Tom's Fair for You CIC, they have together launched a zero interest loan scheme to help struggling families across the UK put food on the table. 

The anger I feel about the fact this is needed in Britain in 2022 due to an abject failure in political leadership is a post for another day.

Today is about being grateful for those leaders who play their part in society so that people can eat and survive - and for feeling happy that I was able to be a very tiny link in that chain. 

For more information please visit https://www.fairforyou.co.uk.