joey says...

     In order to effect change, it seems we need 5 crucial steps:

    Be willing to See and acknowledge the issue we need to change;
    Decide you are in fact going to Do something about it;
    Connect with others to gain support, new ideas and collective clout;
    Find ways to Sustain your own energies to ensure you don't burn out; and
    Use your experience and energy to Inspire others to take action so we
    make the change become exponential.

    On that basis we asked Joey what she thinks ...




1 What issue do you see or come across that awakens the creative disruptor in you, and why does it matter to you the way it does?

Homelessness, social inequality including women not having an equal stage in positions of leadership and politics, and many other systems where the status quo is ingrained and frankly outdated! Good people doing great stuff but burning out in the process, or afraid to step up and have the impact they are called to because they don't have the self belief, tools or community they need. These matter because, in both examples, the current is a place of suffering and in all cases a change in thinking and in action could create a better world for all. 



2 What action are you actually taking to tackle this, and how do you feel about what you do?

Homelessness, inequality and system change are projects I am still working out how I can add value to. Good people doing great stuff are people I work with to build resilience and wellness, I create spaces where deep connection and community can be built and lent into, and help them to gain new perspectives that mean they do their work from a place of strength, confidence and boldness. 


3 How important do you think it is to reach out to and work with others as you work for this change, and how do you do it?

It's one of the MOST important things. Together as collaborators, supporters, and thought partners we create momentum, inspiration, energy and make huge change. I have a great team of people around me: we hold each other to being the best we can be, and also support one another when things get tough. In my work one of my main aims it to create space where others can build those lasting deep connections and communities so they can learn from one another and lean in to one another. 


4 How do you keep that fire in your belly alight without it causing you to burn out? How do you sustain your energies and look after you, and crucially, what's your advice to others?

I keep the fire alight knowing I can add huge value. If I ever get stuck I ask myself 'how else can I contribute?' which usually gets me back on track. But again, surrounding myself with people who care as deeply as I do about the issues we face. I also fuel up with books and documentaries if I ever feel out of touch. 

Sustaining energies is one of the biggest challenges in my book. I've experienced burn-out around this a number of times - because of this and the work I do helping people build their own resilience resilience is something I've become really hot on. I believe strongly we must look after ourselves first - boundaries are essential. Also, know what you need to order to feel well and make it a priority. If you don't have energy and health you have nothing to give anything or anyone else, so it has to be number one. 

5 Positive change is contagious. Sometimes all that's needed for someone to take action is to see someone else doing something about it. So ... how do you use your experience to inspire others? 


I talk honestly and openly about what I care about. Lots of the challenges we face are because we have not been able to have hard conversations and we have felt uncomfortable discussing politics, religion, money, or whatever else. I believe we MUST talk about difficult and contentious topics openly, passionately, and with humility. My opinion is not fact, it's my opinion, and I want to speak to others because I care and I might learn something. I also act with as much integrity as I can, in all areas of my world. 

And finally ... if someone came up to you in a pub or a cafe and said they were fed up/enfuriated/anxious about something they felt was wrong or needed to change...what would you say?

I'd try to understand what about the thing was causing them to feel like that. I think understanding is essential. After that I'd ask them what are they doing about it? I feel very strongly we all have a responsibility and a voice and even if it's the tiniest action in the world we can all do something. If you aren't getting involved and doing something about it, I lose my patience with them quickly. There's no excuse for inaction!! 

---

Joey's own website: just click here!