Social Founder Stories

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Giles Duley, founder of the Legacy of War Foundation, tells his powerful life story

Season 1, Ep. 4

Giles's reaction to unimaginable physical and mental trauma has been to become a social founder, setting up the global Legacy of War Foundation using his award-winning photography and media skills to document, and counteract, the legacy of war across the world.


Giles' physical and mental resilience are like nothing I have seen or heard before. In this episode of Social Founder Stories you'll hear how throughout his life, Giles has responded to adversity to create impact, but in particular, how stepping on an IED in Afghanistan, left him desperately fighting for his life for 47 days in intensive care, and then 18 months' rehabilitation, after the loss of both legs and his left arm.

No-one expected him to survive those horrendous injuries, let alone to find the drive to continue to work and to travel, using his professional skills and his determination to create high-level positive social impact, setting up and growing his Foundation.


Giles talks in-depth about the work of international NGOs, the power of photography to create impact, and his work in Syria, Africa, Cambodia and Afghanistan, woven into his personal journey leading to his founding of the Legacy of War Foundation, his gruelling recovery from his injuries in 2011, his learnings and values.


You will hear little from me in this interview. Giles tells his powerful story and I listen, moved and amazed at his courage.

Donate to the Legacy of War Foundation here if you can.

Follow Giles:

Twitter: @GilesDuley

Instagram: @GilesDuley

Facebook: @Giles.Duley


Listen to Giles' founder story in the Social Founder Stories podcast series, Episode 4 - on all podcast platforms. Enjoy, and send us your feedback.

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More Episodes

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Eden Project Founder, Sir Tim Smit's story: Part 1, Childhood to Eden

Season 1, Ep. 9
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Thursday, April 22, 2021

Eden Project Founder, Sir Tim Smit's story: Part 2 - innovation, learnings & replication

Season 1, Ep. 8
For anyone who loves magic, transformation, risk and fun - and also wants to learn so much about how to make BIG things happen - Sir Tim Smit's story is for you.In Episodes 8 & 9, you'll hear about Sir Tim's curiosity and sense of adventure, from a young child through to his ongoing international ventures. His in-depth interview is a wonderful mix of stories, experience and wise advice on how to imagine, set up and manage a large, complex and high impact social enterprise. You'll learn so much from Tim.Sir Tim moved serendipitously from archeologist to rock musician to restoring the now mythical Lost Gardens of Helligan, and from there dreamed, and then made real, and huge, the iconic Eden Project, those massive biomes in a derelict clay pit in Cornwall, that now house the only rainforest 'in captivity', surrounded by glorious gardens, a concert space and magical family events. As importantly the Eden Project - a compelling visitor attraction for all ages - has transformed Cornwall's economy. Now Sir Tim is managing new Edens across the UK and globally.Be inspired!Follow the Eden Project:Twitter: @edenprojectInstagram: @edenprojectcornwallFacebook: @theedenprojectFind out more about the Eden Project's story and activities, and book tickets to visit!Tim was also the vision and force behind the restoration ofThe Lost Gardens of Helligan.Listen to Tim's founder story on the Social Founder Stories podcast, Episodes 8 & 9 - on all podcast platforms
Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Citizens UK founder Neil Jameson CBE tells his story

Season 1, Ep. 7
Neil Jameson CBE is Founder of Citizens UK, the charity that inspired and successfully campaigned for the UK Living Wage. Setting up Citizens UK as his vehicle, Neil launched and grew the Community Organising movement across the UK, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds, from faith groups, schools, trade unions and community groups, to participate in massive grassroots assemblies, rallies and citizens’ actions.In this podcast you’ll hear how Neil took advantage of a Churchill Fellowship to learn from the US model of Community Organising, including training with a young Obama; how Neil brought these ideas to the UK, how he set up and then massively scaled Citizens UK from an idea, to city-based actions in Bristol, and then to a highly influential UK-wide movement, brand, organisation and legacy.Alongside a fascinating 30 year perspective of social action in the US and UK, Neil gives us great advice and insights during this podcast, across all the founder stages, from start-up to scale-up, engagement and impact, funding, campaigning, networking and team-building, through to stepping down as CEO, and an exciting possible new venture too. Be inspired!Follow Neil Jameson:Twitter: @NeilJamesonUKInstagram: @NeilJamesonUKFacebook: @Neil.Jameson.LondonFollow Citizens UK:Twitter: @CitizensUKInstagram: @citizens.ukFacebook: @CitizensUKAnd if you can please donate to Citizens UK here.Neil highlighted the special impact of two organisations on his founder journey:The Barrow Cadbury TrustThe Winston Churchill Memorial Trust's Churchill Fellowships.Listen to Neil Jameson's founder story on the Social Founder Stories podcast, Episode 7 - on all podcast platforms via the links above or here. Enjoy, and please do send us your feedback. Sign up to the Social Founder Network newsletter here.