April - I wrote, I mentored, I ate pasta
A more regular newsletter, in which I tell you what I've been doing and you tell me what you think
Hello dear readers,
Once again, it’s been a while since I’ve written, but thankfully as this is a free newsletter, I know none of you mind (except the nosy ones, hello!)
However, I have been thinking a lot over the last few months about how to integrate Post back into my life and how to share what I’ve been up to, the things I like, and the thoughts I have around them, in a more regular manner.
Now that I’m working as a freelance Social Purpose Consultant, rather than an activist/CEO, my work life really is much less insta-worthy. Anyone following me over on the portal (shout out to my favourite book all year by Patricia Lockwood) will have noticed a decline in educational activism posts, fewer shiny pics of a red-lipsticked woman standing on a stage, or reactions to various period-related news pieces. As such, my following is declining nearly as fast as the time I posted that I had got engaged - a sobering experience, let me tell you. Not that I mind too much. I am not cut out to be an influencer, in the narrowest definition of the word, and I can fully understand that a previously engaged follower now has zero interest in what I got up to for my friend’s birthday. In all honesty, posting about my work over there just feels so bloody performative and a little bit content for the sake of content.
BUT, I do want to keep updating you on what I’m doing, because some of it may not be shiny, but it’s definitely interesting. Plus I really love writing - and I love typing more than I love tapping out an insta caption - and I love connecting with you. So, back to Substack she comes.
I thought I’d start sending out monthly newsletters then, not so much centred on deeeep thoughts like I have before, but more about what I’ve been up to, what I’d like to be up to, what people I like are up to and so on. I would really love it if you let me know what you think by replying directly, or in the comments. And if there’s something you’d like me to share for you, I’ll do my best to include this every month.
What I did this month
Mentoring
Anyone following me on LinkedIn may remember I created a schedule of mentoring opportunities last year, to give young people just starting out in their careers some advice, connections or just a place to chat.
I spoke to around 20 mentees from December to April and I have some thoughts.
Some people just didn’t. turn. up. Even after a rather aggy email in which I reminded them I was putting time aside for them, they just didn’t bother. So that was annoying.
But some of the people who did turn up for their 45 minute slot really blew me away. Founders, academics, uni students, those early in their careers - all with a really sharp sense of doing work that matters and looking after themselves and others in the process.
Personally, I found the experience both energising and exhausting. Constantly having to check my own imposter syndrome (I still feel like I’m 19 most of the time) was tiring but seeing who’s coming up was inspiring. There’s a much more diminished sense of “I want to do good but I don’t know how” that I remember from the 2010s, and a much fuller “I want to do good, this is how I want to do it - now how can I make that happen?”
Getting “Lightly Mentored” myself
I met an incredible woman at a “fireside” event I attended with OPUS (of which I’m a member) who is the Chief Communications Officer at a major football team. During the conversation (in which I was in the audience, not by the fireside) she talked about sensitivity and vulnerability in the workplace and I was so inspired I grabbed her for a chat and a plan for coffee afterwards.
Our chat turned into a bit of an impromptu coaching session, whereby I remembered who I was (I tend to forget) and why I’m actually pretty pretty cool. This is something I used to do a lot when I was younger, but during the BGP days just never had time - ask interesting more experienced people (and peers, too - but that’s easier) for a coffee or a Zoom to learn about them. I’m always so glad I’ve done it.
What’s coming up
Creative Consulting & Speaking
I’m about to start some work with a London university on a community engagement consulting piece. AND I get to work with one of my all time faves, Hazel Mead for some of it. I’m so excited and I will share more I promise!
I’m also doing some creative and storytelling consulting with a couple of small charities in the next month - one is after a new name, the other wants to meaningfully engage press and celebrity ambassadors.
Finally, Tom Cornfoot and I are presenting a webinar for Fundraising Everywhere called “Just Follow the Bloody Guidelines, OK?” on Thursday. We’ll be providing insight into building a successful and authentic purpose-led brand. It’s free, and you can sign up here!
If you’re after any of these services just give me a shout.
Other things which were nice
Liv Little’s book launch for her new novel Rosewater which I’m very excited to read.
Cariad Lloyd’s book launch for her new non-fiction, You Are Not Alone. I bought one for a friend who is grieving a loss and one for myself because isn’t grief just a part of being alive?
I got invited to become an ambassador for Huckletree (and I said yes!) (They do brilliant Founder Circle events for anyone who identifies as female and the next one is tomorrow.)
This one might be pretty niche and non-worky, but I have to share it. I’ve finally found a gluten-free pasta which is, wait for it, NICE. I am absolutely not getting paid to talk about it, or have been gifted with it but anyone who can’t eat pasta will know the hell that is GF bolognese and so, well, you’re welcome.
And with that nugget (LEON do good gluten free ones, you know) of gold, I will leave you here. I do hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, and do feel free to reply or comment with your thoughts or hit the heart button. It’s been lovely to chat.
Lots of love,
Gabby
Hi Gabby, enjoyed reading this. It’s nice to hear what you’ve been up to. I’m struggling with grief and depression, today had been a toughie. I also just read (or in my case listened to) You Are Not Alone. Take care, Lizzie x