In this landmark episode of The Mic Drop Club, in proud partnership with Medway Voluntary Action (MVA), we bring together a powerhouse panel of leaders and changemakers to explore one central theme: how can Medway’s voluntary sector thrive amid constant change and create opportunities for the next generation?

Hosted by Douglas Hamandishe, this special roundtable includes insights from: • Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council • Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council • Jane Howard, CEO, MVA • Clare Saunders, Programmes Director, MVA • Mark Wicker, Project Lead on Joy, MVA • Eithne Rynne, CEO of KAB & Chair of Medway’s VCS Leaders Network

This episode delves into the significance of data-driven approaches, the power of storytelling, and the importance of inclusive engagement with all sectors of society. Be part of the conversation that is shaping the future of Medway and beyond.

Together, we explore the realities of funding pressures, the changing needs of communities, the power of partnerships, and why volunteering remains one of Medway’s most powerful tools for community resilience.

Key Takeaways: • Diversify to Survive: Grants alone aren’t enough; organisations must explore social enterprise, individual giving, and business partnerships. • Collaborate to Thrive: Shared resources, co-bidding, and joint service delivery build resilience and reduce duplication. • Invest in People: Volunteers and staff are the sector’s greatest assets, supporting, training, and recognising them is non-negotiable. • Digitally Forward: From online services to impact measurement, technology is a game-changer for modern voluntary action. • Prove the Impact: Data, storytelling, and advocacy are essential to influence policy and sustain long-term support.

Inspired by the discussion? Join the movement to shape Medway’s future. Whether you’re part of a local organisation, a funder, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, now is the time to act.

🔗 Visit www.mva.org.uk

📧 Email volunteering@mva.org.uk

📞 Call 01634 812 850

Let’s build a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Medway together.

I sit down with Tim Cook to dissect the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a force reshaping industries, education, and global economies. Together, they explore the transformative potential of AI, the challenges of adoption, and the geopolitical tug-of-war between regulatory frameworks in the US, EU, UK, and China.

At the heart of the conversation lies a critical question: How can AI be leveraged responsibly to drive innovation while ensuring societal well-being?

We explore:

🔹 The widening gap in AI adoption and the leadership imperative in defining its purpose. 🔹 Regulation vs. innovation, how thoughtful governance can be a catalyst, not a constraint. 🔹 Generative AI’s real-world impact, from boosting productivity to reimagining creativity. 🔹 The shifting nature of consumer loyalty and trust in an AI-driven world. 🔹 AI’s role in education and assessment, and why we must equip the next generation to use it as a problem-solving tool, not a shortcut. 🔹 The risks of AI misuse and the black-box dilemma, urging a shift toward transparency and accountability.

From AI’s potential to democratise access to knowledge to the ethical considerations that must guide its future, this discussion serves as a deep dive into the present and future of AI, urging us all to be active participants in shaping its trajectory.

🎙️ Whether you're an AI sceptic, enthusiast, or decision-maker, this episode will challenge your perspective and inspire critical thinking.

✅ AI has existed for decades but is now at a tipping point of mass engagement. ✅ Organisations are struggling to keep up with AI’s rapid evolution. ✅ Leadership must define AI’s role in their strategy to avoid falling behind. ✅ Generative AI solves millions of micro-problems, boosting efficiency. ✅ The UK has a unique opportunity to lead in responsible AI adoption. ✅ Regulation and innovation are not opposing forces, smart policies drive progress. ✅ AI is reshaping education, requiring new assessment methods. ✅ Deep thinking and problem-solving must remain central in an AI-enabled world. ✅ The black-box nature of AI is a critical challenge transparency must improve. ✅ Experimentation is key, those who embrace AI will shape the future.

Tim Cook is a seasoned AI strategist, leadership coach, and founder of AIConfident, an organisation dedicated to helping leaders navigate AI-driven change with clarity and confidence. With over a decade of experience in AI technologies, including four years as Deputy Head of the UK Government’s Office for AI, Tim has been at the forefront of AI policy, adoption, and strategy, witnessing the challenges organisations face in keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.

His work bridges the gap between AI innovation and effective leadership, ensuring that organisations, particularly those in under-resourced sectors like education, charities, and non-profits, can harness AI’s potential while mitigating risks. Through AIConfident, Tim and his team provide AI expertise, leadership coaching, and change management to cultivate AI-ready cultures and drive responsible innovation.

A passionate advocate for AI education, Tim is committed to preparing the next generation for an AI-enabled world. He regularly shares insights on the ‘Other AI Frontier’, a blog dedicated to helping leaders stay ahead of emerging AI challenges and opportunities.

📌 Need support navigating AI adoption in your organization? Whether you're a leader adapting to AI disruption or suddenly tasked as the ‘AI person,’ AIConfident is here to help.

🔗 Find out more at: https://www.aiconfident.co.uk/

🚀 The future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we shape. Are we ready for the next leap?

🎧 Listen now: [Available on all popular podcast channels]