The Difference Makers

Founder & group CEO at GFN (Global Fan Network) - AFTV & DR Sports.

From humble beginnings with a borrowed camera to building a global fan network, Robbie’s story is one of passion, innovation and dedication. 

Director, Beech Hill Consulting.

Jo’s work, from Rethink Mental Illness to the Age Without Limits campaign, transforms perceptions. Currently focused on battling ageism through her work with the Centre for Ageing Better, she dismantles stereotypes and highlights later life opportunities, sparking conversations and challenging biases.

Chief creative and content officer at Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru | Wales Millennium Centre.

Graeme’s journey from volunteering at a Belfast festival to leading the Wales Millennium Centre showcases his passion for the arts. He’s transforming creative spaces for youth and communities, fostering a vibrant, collaborative and innovative Wales.

Paralympian and founder of Superhero Series.

Sophia, a trailblazer in athletics and triathlon, redefines being an athlete through the Superhero Series, an inclusive sports event. Her mission is to make sports accessible for all, showcasing determination and creativity.

Freelance trainer, facilitator, consultant and coach. 

Diagnosed HIV+ in drama school, Mike channelled his energy into driving social change. Co-founding Cardiff Body Positive, he works to fight stigma and empower others through learning and development, making the world kinder.

CEO, Taylor Bennett Foundation.

With 14+ years in communications and PR, Koray leads the Taylor Bennett Foundation, championing industry diversity. His mission: make the communications sector inclusive and reflective of society’s diversity.

CEO, Fleet Street Quarter, founder and co-chair of Never Such Innocence.

From revitalising historic Fleet Street to championing children’s rights globally through charity Never Such Innocence (NSI), Lady Lucy’s story is one of bold ambition and transformative impact. Awarded an OBE in 2019, her work with NSI has touched lives in 129 countries, proving that unity and understanding can flourish even in times of conflict. 

DJ and co-founder of Bestival.

Rob launched Sunday Best in 1995, which evolved into a record label and the iconic Bestival in 2004, followed by the family-friendly Camp Bestival that's become a beloved staple in the UK. Today, Rob balances multiple roles: a weekly residency at Pikes in Ibiza, running two music festivals, releasing new music, teaching meditation and even venturing into wellness with his sauna brand, Slomo.

Founder and director at Bompas & Parr Studio.

As a pioneering “culinographer” and “experience designer,” Sam is working to transform our perception of food into a multi-sensory extravaganza. But Sam’s vision goes beyond these awe-inspiring experiences, he aims to shape the future of food, working with governments and cultural institutions to elevate the role food has in our lives. 

Head of conservation, outreach and citizen science, Emirates Nature - WWF.

For nearly five years, Arabella has been a driving force at Emirates Nature WWF in the UAE, working on impactful programmes like Connect with Nature and Leaders of Change. Arabella’s goal is to empower everyone to contribute to environmental protection, revealing nature’s true value and inspiring a sustainable future where humanity and nature coexist harmoniously.

Corporate partner at Lewis Silkin.

At leading law firm Lewis Silkin, Karish has led the Race & Ethnicity Group and chaired its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Board. Under his guidance, the firm has embraced kindness and bravery, fostering an environment where personal stories and open discussions drive awareness and understanding. 

Founder Polari literary salon & Polari Book Prize.

As a celebrated author, Paul has dedicated his life to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and creating platforms for those often sidelined. He is the driving force behind the Polari Literary Salon and the Polari Prizes. He believes that being a difference maker is crucial in today’s world, pointing to ongoing battles like the banning of LGBTQ+ books in America as a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over. 

Professor at Toyo Gakuen University and board member of GlobalWelsh.

As a professor at Toyo Gakuen University in Tokyo, Sarah’s work involves researching diaspora entrepreneurship, teaching business courses and directing international programmes. Sarah’s research focuses on understanding the lived experiences of diaspora entrepreneurs, aiming to create more inclusive and effective societal institutions. 

Executive director, Arts Trust Foundation. 

Under Martin’s visionary leadership, Arts Trust Productions now delivers 13 festivals across London and Essex, transforming public spaces into vibrant cultural hubs. At the heart of Martin’s work is a commitment to amplifying community voices and addressing key issues like isolation and well-being. 

Editorial director of Country & Town House.

Driven by a desire to inspire change through storytelling, collaboration, beauty and fun, Lucy believes in the power of narratives to ignite ideas and shift perceptions about luxury. Her mission is to empower people to see themselves as active citizens rather than passive consumers, influencing choices and encouraging mindful consumption. 

Engagement manager, Redbridge Council. 

Abbas’s work has taken him to some of the toughest estates in London, where he has faced significant challenges but remained committed to bringing communities together. During the pandemic he witnessed an unprecedented level of community collaboration, reinforcing his belief in the importance of building trusting relationships.

Co-founder and chief executive, The Cure & Action for Tay-Sachs (CATS) Foundation.

The CATS Foundation was established in 2011 by Daniel after his oldest daughter, Amélie, was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease at just 15 months old. Faced with a grim prognosis, Daniel and his wife embarked on a mission to find a treatment and connect with other affected families. Despite the heartbreaking loss of Amélie at the age of eight, Daniel’s resolve has only strengthened, driving the foundation’s growth and impact. 

Group people & diversity director, Four Agency Worldwide. 

At Four, Marcia has become a passionate advocate for socio-economic uplift, engaging with state schools and inviting students from various backgrounds to experience the industry firsthand. Marcia is also a trustee at the Taylor Bennett Foundation and supports smaller independent agencies through the Alliance of Independent Agencies.