"Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference. Whether it's through a kind word, an act of service, or simply by bringing your best self to the table - you have the power to positively impact those around you. Let's embrace this chance and strive to spread positivity in our own little ways."

In this episode of 'Making a Difference', host Kirsty Gilchrist engages in an inspiring conversation with Helen Chambers, a seasoned strategist who has played a pivotal role in shaping Scotland's future. 

Helen has already been instrumental in shaping Scotland's future - an achievement that resonates on both personal and professional levels for her, which we discuss through the episode. She passionately believes in harnessing Scotland’s potential – its people, places, natural resources and wealth – to improve lives significantly.

Her vision extends beyond political or nationalist agendas, instead nurturing prosperity within Scotland, a nation of just over 5 million people. Despite abundant resources at our disposal, she acknowledges the struggles many still face daily - something she finds morally disconcerting.

Helen is committed to Scotland and strives towards positive change through providing those who want to make change with 'scaffolding' – aligning plans, skills and resources for maximum impact.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Helen's commitment to harnessing Scotland’s potential – its people, places, natural resources and wealth – for significant improvements in lives.

2. The concept of 'scaffolding' as part of her strategy- aligning plans, skills and resources for maximum impact.

3. A refreshing take on strategy: not complex jargon from books but clarity that provides energy propelling one forward while untangling hindrances blocking long-term goals.

4. The pitfalls of overcomplicating strategies and the importance of simplicity along with authenticity in performance development.

5. How regular check-ins with your strategy are required due to today's rapidly changing environment.

Helen currently works as an independent consultant focusing on working with mission driven organisations -whether in the public, private or voluntary sectors - to develop strategy, engage and solve challenging issues, and to drive impact.

She is Chair of the Edinburgh Trust, an endowed trust focused on poverty alleviation, recently leading on the release of £5m of the endowment to move towards more strategic funding; and sits on the Board of the charity Turn 2 Us overseeing an endowment of £30m, again focused on poverty. 

She is also a member of a number of academic groups on equality, social impact, research and evaluation including representing the UK in the European Union’s Social Impact Study Group, and on the School of Management Advisory Council for the University of St. Andrews. 

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To find out more about Helen, please visit https://chambersconsulting.org

If you'd like to explore how to make a difference through your strategy visit my website https://www.soloco.co.uk where I can help you find ways to think and do. Get in touch. 

About Kirsty Gilchrist is a strategy specialist and coach, and owner of Soloco. I bring strategy to life through thinking and doing and helping leaders and their teams to make a difference.

Join the discussion - what did you think? What key points came up for you in this? 

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