Sam Dick

Background

About Sam Dick

How do we really get the change we want- How do we take on the power holders behind the scenes that oppose change- Why do people not take action on things they say they care about- How do we address the psychological, emotional and cultural factors critical in any change- How do we campaign in a way that is healthy and sustainable? These are the five questions I have come back to time and again in my 20 years career in achieving change. They guide my strategic thinking and my day-to-day approach to work. I have a portfolio career in not-for-profits, working across issues and themes. I draw on a diverse range of experience and networks in research, policy, strategic comms, lobbying, programmes, partnerships and service provision and more. My leadership is authentic, strategic and kind (according to years of 360 feedback). I enjoy leading, and believe the most critical resource we require to achieve change is people’s creativity and commitment. Therefore we must create environments where people can look after their health and wellbeing- There is no way to separate why I do what I do from who I am. I grew up gay in the UK at a time when I did not have equal legal rights. It gave me a very personal education in injustice. I thankfully had loving (and political) parents, and that allowed me to be angry with the world, not hateful of myself. I benefit from a transformation in my situation, due to passionate campaigners and political leaders, meaning within 20 years I went from having no legal protections to having full legal equality with my heterosexual peers. The campaigners and politicians sparked my interest in politics and international affairs and I had the privilege in securing much of this transformation myself, working for a decade at Stonewall. It showed me that change is possible, and can transform the lives of others. When the campaigners before me sat in a room with politicians, advocating for change, what they were doing was changing my life perhaps more than they, or even I, could ever know. Frequently during my career I have encountered those who use their power, or their purported morality, to dictate and deny others rights they themselves enjoy. It is this that enrages me most of all. I still hold that anger, and in my current role it is targeted at the big polluters who, with huge wealth and power, can protect themselves from the worst effects of the climate catastrophe whilst knowingly making decisions that will harm the lives and livelihoods of others. DM if you want to have a coffee or meeting.