Posts by Donna Okell
Empathy: The Leadership Superpower We Can’t Afford to Lose
Two contrasting quotes caught my attention this morning: “The fundamental weakness of Western civilisation is empathy.”— Elon Musk “The death of human empathy is one of the earliest and most telling signs of a culture about to fall into barbarism.”— Hannah Arendt One views empathy as a flaw, a hindrance to progress. The other sees…
Read MoreUK for Good Quarterly Insights: A Fireside Chat with Roman Krznaric
Last year, we decided intentionally to pursue a ‘Less is More’ pathway.Inspired very much by Jason Hickel’s book of the same name, we’re convinced that focusing on fewer things while driving greater impact is the way forward. And to that end, we moved from Monthly Gatherings for UK for Good members, to Quarterly Insights for…
Read MoreNavigating Uncertainty: Essential Reads and Resources for a Better Future
In a world that feels increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA), finding sources of inspiration, knowledge, and actionable solutions is vital. The following resources – grouped into academic research, podcasts, videos, and books provide tools to inspire curiosity, courage, compassion, and collaboration. Academic Research Dr James Hansen Website: Columbia Climate SchoolOne of the world’s foremost…
Read MoreBuy Now: The Hidden Costs of Overconsumption
Last night, I rewatched the powerful film Buy Now. It brilliantly lays bare the manipulation at the heart of our overconsumption crisis, revealing how big businesses employ sophisticated tactics to ensure we keep buying more – at enormous costs to people and our planet. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must-watch for anyone curious…
Read MoreHow Do We Change the Conversation in the Boardroom?
from ROI to IOI For too long, the metrics of success in business have been rooted in financial returns alone. ROI (Return on Investment) has reigned supreme, steering decisions based solely on shareholder gains. But in a world facing climate emergencies, social inequities, and biodiversity collapse, this one-dimensional focus no longer serves us. We need…
Read MoreEnough is Enough
Reflections on 2024 and the Courage to Lead Change As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. 2024 has brought stark reminders of the risks we face – from escalating climate impacts to deepening social inequalities. But it has also shown us the resilience and ingenuity of those who…
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