Conversations with Agents of Change

Agents of Change

Conversations with Agents of Change explores the stories of people shaping a better future — through creativity, compassion, and courage. Each episode features an honest conversation with changemakers driving transformation in culture, sustainability, innovation, and social impact. From community leaders to creative pioneers, these are the voices turning bold ideas into real-world action. Join host Izy Boyd to listen, reflect, and be inspired to stage your own change. 🌍

  1. Jul 9

    The Power of Being Seen: Community Leadership with Louise Spence

    What does meaningful change look like when it begins quietly—through listening, trust, consistency and a room where people feel welcome? In this episode of Conversations with Agents of Change, Izy Boyd speaks with Louise Spence, Manager of North Down Community Network, about the often-unseen work that helps communities organise, connect and flourish. Louise shares more than 25 years of experience in community development, reflecting on leadership, volunteer support, youth work, funding inequality and the importance of helping people recognise their own potential. The conversation explores why community organisations need more than short-term programmes, how sustained relationships can transform young lives, and why people expressing pain through anger deserve the same compassion as those suffering quietly. Louise also discusses the Dice Futures Project, the challenges facing volunteer-led groups and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, valued and genuinely missed. A thoughtful conversation about community, dignity, resilience and the people working behind the scenes to make change possible. Conversations with Agents of Change is an initiative from The Change Impact, created to elevate changemakers and ignite conversations about the issues affecting us all.

    The Power of Being Seen: Community Leadership with Louise Spence

  2. Jul 7

    Stage the Change at Stendhal Festival 2026 | AI, Accountability & the Hidden Costs of Innovation

    Stage the Change at Stendhal Festival 2026 | AI, Accountability & the Hidden Costs of Innovation Recorded live at the iconic Stendhal Festival in Northern Ireland, this special episode of Conversations with Agents of Change brings together a diverse panel of experts to explore one of the most important conversations of our time: Artificial Intelligence. From bias and inclusion to sustainability, innovation, governance and responsibility, we unpack the opportunities and challenges shaping our AI-powered future. Joining the conversation are: 🔹 Virginia Mendez – exploring how AI can amplify existing social and gender biases, and why fairness must be designed into the systems we create. 🔹 Esteban Rocha – sharing how AI is transforming innovation, enabling rapid problem-solving and supporting communities in times of crisis, while highlighting the need for education and responsible use. 🔹 Alistair Wilkinson – revealing the physical infrastructure behind AI, from data centres and energy consumption to concrete, steel, water and sustainability challenges often hidden from view. 🔹 Izy Boyd – examining the environmental impact of AI through the lens of the “digital visibility gap” and asking whether greater transparency around energy, water and carbon use is the next step for responsible technology. The episode concludes with a live audience Q&A and panel discussion covering accountability, regulation, education, governance, privacy and the future of AI. One message emerged throughout the day: The next frontier of AI is no longer intelligence—it’s accountability. Whether you're excited, concerned or simply curious about AI, this thought-provoking live conversation will leave you questioning not just what AI can do, but how we choose to use it. #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #ResponsibleAI #StendhalFestival #StageTheChange #Sustainability #Innovation #Leadership #Technology #ConversationsWithAgentsOfChange #DigitalTransformation #Accountability

    Stage the Change at Stendhal Festival 2026 | AI, Accountability & the Hidden Costs of Innovation

  3. Jun 30

    Rethinking Glass: Industrial Transformation, Sustainability & the Power of Systems with Adrian Curry

    What if the future of sustainability isn’t about replacing materials — but reimagining how we use them? In this episode of Conversations with Agents of Change, I sit down with Adrian Curry, Chair of Glass Futures and a long-time leader in the glass industry. What starts as a conversation about glass quickly becomes something much bigger — a deep dive into industrial transformation, innovation at scale, and the systems shaping our future.We explore: How traditional industries can reinvent themselvesWhy perception and behaviour often matter more than technologyThe challenges of decarbonising energy-intensive sectorsWhat it really takes to drive change across complex systemsAnd why collaboration — not competition — might be the key to the futureAdrian shares his journey from hands-on beginnings in Northern Ireland to leading global innovation efforts, including the work being done at Glass Futures to rethink how materials are made, used, and reused. This episode is not just about glass. It’s about how we create change that actually lasts. Learn more about Glass Futures Read the full article on the Agents of Change website. If you’re working on sustainability, innovation, or transformation in your organisation — this conversation is for you.

    Rethinking Glass: Industrial Transformation, Sustainability & the Power of Systems with Adrian Curry

  4. Jun 24

    Selling with Purpose: Conversations, Confidence & Integrity with Tina O’Hagan

    What if selling didn’t feel pushy, awkward, or transactional—but instead felt natural, human, and rooted in connection? In this episode of Conversations with Agents of Change, Izy Boyd speaks with Tina O’Hagan—sales trainer, business mentor, and entrepreneur with over 35 years of global experience. Together, they unpack a powerful reframe: selling is simply having a conversation with a purpose. Tina shares her journey from hospitality to international sales success, and how she rebuilt her life and business from scratch in Australia—proving that confidence, resilience, and authenticity are the real drivers of sustainable growth. This episode explores: Why people fear selling—and how to overcome itBuilding confidence and overcoming imposter syndromeThe power of authentic, relationship-led salesWomen in business and finding your voiceSustainability, responsibility, and creating meaningful impactHow to “just do it” even when you’re not ready If you’ve ever doubted your worth, struggled to talk about your value, or felt uncomfortable selling—this conversation will change the way you show up in business. Because at its core, selling isn’t about pressure—it’s about people, purpose, and connection. Read the article.

    Selling with Purpose: Conversations, Confidence & Integrity with Tina O’Hagan

  5. Jun 18

    Using PR, storytelling and visibility as tools for change with Sara McCracken

    In this episode of Conversations with Agents of Change, Izy Boyd speaks with Sara McCracken, PR and communications specialist, founder of The PR Club and creator of the PRESS framework. Together, they explore how PR is not just about promotion, but about trust, reputation, confidence and change. Sara shares how storytelling can help people and organisations become more visible, communicate with integrity, and use their voice to influence the world around them. From climate campaigns and public affairs to small business visibility and personal confidence, this conversation is a reminder that your story matters — and that being seen and heard can become a powerful force for good. Find out about Agents of Change https://agentsofchange.io/

    Using PR, storytelling and visibility as tools for change with Sara McCracken

  6. Jun 9

    Traditional Skills Matter More Than Ever with Paddy Finnegan

    In a tech-driven world, are we overlooking the skills that truly build the future? This episode features master craftsperson Paddy Finnegan, who’s proving that traditional hand skills aren’t outdated—they’re essential. From empowering young people to creating real-world solutions through the Wheels of Change programme, this conversation is all about dignity, resilience, and opportunity. Because the future isn’t just digital—it’s still in our hands. Read the article here

    Traditional Skills Matter More Than Ever with Paddy Finnegan

  7. May 28

    Social Impact & Community Leadership: Tim Magowan on Building Stronger Communities

    In this episode, Izy Boyd speaks with Tim Magowan, Director of the 174 Trust in Belfast, about social impact, community development, and nonprofit leadership. From tackling structural inequality to empowering local communities, Tim shares powerful insights on creating sustainable change, coaching-led leadership, and building resilience in underserved communities. Find out more https://www.theduncairn.com/

    Social Impact & Community Leadership: Tim Magowan on Building Stronger Communities

  8. May 22

    Lessons from Matthew Barrington Packer on creating real change inside complex systems

    What does it really take to create change when systems are complex and progress is hard?In this episode, Matthew Barrington Packer shares why good ideas aren’t enough — and how clear decisions, real trade‑offs, and the VAULTS method help teams move from stuck work to shipped outcomes. Read more about this episode.

    Lessons from Matthew Barrington Packer on creating real change inside complex systems
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Conversations with Agents of Change explores the stories of people shaping a better future — through creativity, compassion, and courage. Each episode features an honest conversation with changemakers driving transformation in culture, sustainability, innovation, and social impact. From community leaders to creative pioneers, these are the voices turning bold ideas into real-world action. Join host Izy Boyd to listen, reflect, and be inspired to stage your own change. 🌍

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