Social Founder Stories

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

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

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.