The Brighton Paradox: IMPATIENCE

The Brighton Paradox

In this episode, Impatience, the focus shifts to the growing sense of urgency within Brighton’s creative, business, political, and educational communities. As the city grapples with the challenges of economic inequality, educational disparities, and social justice, the episode examines how impatience is driving new initiatives and pushing for change. Contributors discuss the tension between the desire to act quickly and the need for thoughtful collaboration to ensure sustainable progress, all while navigating significant political shifts within the city’s leadership.

Key questions:

• How is impatience shaping the future of Brighton’s communities?
• Can quick fixes lead to long-term solutions, or do they risk fragmenting the city’s efforts?
• What role does education play in addressing social inequalities in Brighton?
• How are recent political shifts influencing the direction of the city’s development?
• How can Brighton balance rapid innovation with the need for inclusivity and sustainability?

Featured contributors:

1. Curtis James – Storyteller and creator of Class Divide podcast Curtis shares his experiences documenting educational inequality in East Brighton, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges of amplifying marginalized voices.

   • Website: Class Divide Podcast

2. Cllr Bella Sankey – Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council Bella discusses her administration’s bold initiatives to tackle deep-rooted inequalities, including innovative policies in education, such as prioritizing children on free school meals in secondary school admissions. She also reflects on the political shifts within the city council and how these changes are influencing policy directions.

   • Website: Brighton & Hove City Council

3. Cllr Ty Goddard – Lead Councillor for Economic Development Ty outlines his vision for improving Brighton’s infrastructure, focusing on enhancing public spaces and the city’s physical appearance to support a thriving economy. He also discusses the impact of political changes on economic strategies and development priorities.

4. Rosie McColl – Headteacher, Brighton Girls Rosie discusses the role of education in promoting inclusivity and equality, including a partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion to promote girls’ football across the city.

   • Website: Brighton Girls

5. Bobby Brown – Community Worker and Creative Entrepreneur Bobby reflects on how Brighton’s creative sector is ripe for innovation, especially through emerging technologies like AI, and the need to harness this potential for social good.

   • Website: Bobby Brown (The New Society)

6. Kevan Smith – Founder, Epiphany Content Kevan discusses the ongoing challenges in promoting diversity and inclusion within Brighton’s business sector, particularly in PR and media.

   • Website: Kevan Smith (Epiphany Content)

7. Flo Powell – Co-MD, Midnight Communications Flo shares her insights into the efforts being made by local PR firms to diversify the workforce and create more inclusive workplaces.

   • Website: Midnight Communications

8. Vicki Hughes – Managing Director, Fugu PR Vicki talks about the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity in Brighton’s business community and the challenges of sustaining momentum in diversity initiatives.

   • Website: Fugu PR

Key topics covered:

• The urgency of addressing social inequality: Discussions on how Brighton’s leaders are impatient for change, particularly in the areas of education and social justice. The episode explores how this impatience is driving policy innovations and grassroots initiatives.

• Education as a tool for social change: The role of education in promoting inclusivity is highlighted, with a focus on partnerships between schools and local organizations, like Brighton & Hove Albion, to support underrepresented groups.

• Political shifts and their impact: The episode delves into the recent political changes in Brighton & Hove City Council, exploring how these shifts are influencing policy decisions and the broader direction of the city’s development.

• Balancing rapid innovation with sustainability: Contributors discuss the tension between the desire for quick fixes and the need for sustainable, long-term solutions. This is particularly relevant in Brighton’s creative and tech sectors, where rapid innovation is often at odds with inclusivity.

• Diversity and inclusion in business: The episode delves into the ongoing efforts to promote diversity in Brighton’s business community, with insights from PR and media professionals who are working to make their industries more inclusive.

The episode concludes that while impatience can be a powerful motivator for change, it also carries the risk of fragmentation if not managed carefully. Brighton’s success will depend on its ability to channel this impatience into a collaborative, sustainable effort that address the city’s deep-rooted challenges, particularly in education, social justice, and in navigating the new political landscape.

Credits:

This is an always possible podcast: alwayspossible.podcastpage.io/

In collaboration with Lo Fi Arts: linkedin.com/company/lo-fi-arts/

Supported by Brighton & Hove Albion FC: brightonandhovealbion.com

Project partners:

• EQ Investors: eqinvestors.co.uk
• University of Brighton's Help to Grow Management programme: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/business-services/help-to-grow.aspx
• Midnight Communications: https://www.midnight.co.uk

Written and presented by: Richard Freeman Produced and edited by: Chris Thorpe Tracey Project support by: Kate Regester and the always possible team Podcast artwork by: Meg Fenn

Original music by:

• Fatboy Slim: fatboyslim.net
• Theme music: "Nadda" by Noraay: noraay.com
• Chris Thorpe Tracey: christt.bandcamp.com

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