Laura Sullivan is a firestarter in the best possible way – sparking conversations, igniting change, and refusing to settle for the way things have always been. A seasoned leader in the NGO world, she’s cut her teeth at organisations pioneering change like ActionAid and We Move Europe, bringing courage and clarity to every space she enters.

Laura doesn’t just talk about change – she lives it. Whether she’s moderating climate justice panels in Brazil, facilitating dialogue in Brussels, or weaving together Indigenous wisdom and European policy, Laura’s mission is clear: dismantle the tired old systems that keep power locked in the hands of the few, and build something bolder, fairer, and more human.

She shows how coming together, connecting with our neighbors, and standing in fierce solidarity are the rocket fuel we need to launch ourselves into a future where we all rise together

So, what's the big takeaway? Resilience is about passively waiting it out and dealing with things the best we can. Beyond resilience is about actively reshaping our entire world. We've got the incredible power to dream up and then build completely new systems, not just tweak the old ones

References

• Plum Village: A sanctuary of Buddhist activism, for cultivating resilience through meditation and community. https://plumvillage.org/
• J Game: Laura's daily resilience ritual: Journaling, Gratitude, Act of Kindness, Meditation, Exercise.
• Fearless Cities: A global movement where cities are daring to confront fear and build radically inclusive urban spaces.
• Emergence Strategy: A mind-blowing book that provides a blueprint for adaptive vision and turning dreams into reality.
• ActionAid: The NGO where Sullivan honed her skills in community-led development and became a champion for grassroots power.
• Reflective circles: A transformative approach inspired by Paulo Freire, designed to ignite community empowerment and political consciousness

Laura can be reached on LinkedIn