The Difference Makers

Chief executive, the Hay Festival 
 
As CEO of Hay Festival Foundation, Julie creates transformative moments where literature changes lives. Her mission is clear: bring authors and young people together, creating those "lightning moments" when a child meets a writer and suddenly sees all life's possibilities unfold.

Former world champion, Olympic silver medallist and founder of BidAid

Olympic silver medallist Jamie Baulch has transformed his championship mindset from athletics into philanthropy. Through BidAid, his innovative fundraising platform, Jamie creates unique experiences that command premium bids for charity.  

Co-CEOs/ general directors, Welsh National Opera 

As Welsh National Opera's first female co-CEOs, Adele Thomas and Sarah Crabtree are boldly reimagining opera for the 21st century. Their groundbreaking partnership blends directorial vision with producing expertise to create performances that are distinctly Welsh and globally relevant. 

Chief executive officer, Net Zero Industry Wales 

Ben brings Dutch pragmatism to Welsh industrial transformation. As CEO of Net Zero Industry Wales, he's proving sustainability and prosperity can work hand in hand, championing a future where Wales leads in sustainable manufacturing while protecting its industrial communities. 

Chief executive, Welsh Rugby Union

As the first female CEO of Welsh Rugby Union, Abi is redefining what's possible in Wales' beloved national sport. Her vision extends beyond the pitch, transforming rugby clubs into vibrant community hubs while ensuring the sport remains accessible to everyone across Wales. 

Community gateway partnership manager, Cardiff University

Through Cardiff University's Community Gateway, Ali transforms barriers into bridges. Drawing from lived experience, he connects underrepresented communities with life-changing opportunities, proving that when institutions truly engage with communities, extraordinary change happens. 

Chief executive, Tenovus Cancer Care 

Driven by personal loss, Judi leads Tenovus Cancer Care with both compassion and determination. Under her leadership, groundbreaking initiatives like vital lung cancer screening are transforming outcomes, while her powerful advocacy ensures every voice in the cancer journey is heard. 

Managing director, Technology Connected

Avril refuses to let Wales apologise for thinking big in tech. As managing director of Technology Connected, she unites Wales' technology ecosystem and showcases Welsh innovation globally, proving that when it comes to tech transformation, size doesn't limit ambition. 

Chief creative and content officer at world-renowned Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru | Wales Millennium Centre 

Graeme’s journey from volunteering at a Belfast festival to leading the Wales Millennium Centre showcases his passion for the arts. He’s transforming creative spaces for youth and communities, fostering a vibrant, collaborative and innovative Wales.

Novelist and screenwriter

Through novels, screenplays and songs in both Welsh and English, Fflur crafts stories that redefine Wales for the world. She reimagines Welsh institutions with fresh eyes and warmth, proving that being 'uncategorisable' is a strength in telling authentic Welsh stories. 

Chief executive, M-SParc 

From the Llŷn Peninsula to leading Wales' most ambitious science park, Pryderi is proving innovation belongs everywhere. As M-SParc's managing director, he's transforming North Wales into a powerhouse of possibility, ensuring young people can find world-class opportunities on their doorstep. 

Chief executive officer, Wales Netball and Cardiff Dragons 

As the new CEO of Wales Netball and Cardiff Dragons, Sarah is rewriting the playbook for women's sport. She's creating sustainable pathways from grassroots to elite level, while transforming netball into a catalyst for building more inclusive, united Welsh communities. 

Managing director, Wound Care People 

Alec revolutionises how healthcare professionals learn and share expertise. Leading Wound Care People, he delivers millions of hours of free education to frontline staff while championing environmental sustainability in healthcare – proving education and innovation can transform patient care. 

Founder and nose, Wales Perfumery 

From playing perfume shop as a child to becoming Wales' first perfumer, Louise Smith bottles memories and landscapes in scent. Through Wales Perfumery, she creates luxury fragrances that capture the essence of Wales, connecting people worldwide through the power of artisanal scent. 

Freelance trainer, facilitator, consultant and coach. 

Diagnosed HIV+ in drama school, Mike channelled his energy into driving social change. Co-founding Cardiff Body Positive, he works to fight stigma and empower others through learning and development, making the world kinder.

Chief executive officer, 2B Enterprising 

Through 2B Enterprising, Jayne is reshaping how children see their future. By connecting primary schools with businesses across Wales and England, she's building confidence in young minds and proving that enterprise education can transform life chances from the earliest age. 

Professor of computer science, Computational Foundry, Swansea University

Matt champions a radical idea: technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. From Mumbai's settlements to rural Wales, he proves that true innovation starts with understanding people's lives, ensuring AI amplifies rather than replaces human potential. 

Founder and director, First of March

Ruth Davies champions Welsh craft as world-class luxury, not just heritage. Through First of March, she's revolutionising how Welsh makers are valued globally, proving that exceptional craftsmanship deserves exceptional recognition while building a sustainable future for Wales' creative talents. 

Founder and chair & managing director

At Telesgop, mother-daughter duo Elin and Ffion create world-class television  from Wales. From groundbreaking Welsh-language science programming to international productions, they're reshaping broadcasting while championing West Wales talent. Proving excellence knows no geographical boundaries. 

Founder Polari literary salon & Polari Book Prize.

As a celebrated author, Paul has dedicated his life to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and creating platforms for those often sidelined. He is the driving force behind the Polari Literary Salon and the Polari Prizes. He believes that being a difference maker is crucial in today’s world, pointing to ongoing battles like the banning of LGBTQ+ books in America as a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over. 

Professor at Toyo Gakuen University and board member of GlobalWelsh.

As a professor at Toyo Gakuen University in Tokyo, Sarah’s work involves researching diaspora entrepreneurship, teaching business courses and directing international programmes. Sarah’s research focuses on understanding the lived experiences of diaspora entrepreneurs, aiming to create more inclusive and effective societal institutions. 

Founder & group CEO at GFN (Global Fan Network) - AFTV & DR Sports.

From humble beginnings with a borrowed camera to building a global fan network, Robbie’s story is one of passion, innovation and dedication. 

Director, Beech Hill Consulting.

Jo’s work, from Rethink Mental Illness to the Age Without Limits campaign, transforms perceptions. Currently focused on battling ageism through her work with the Centre for Ageing Better, she dismantles stereotypes and highlights later life opportunities, sparking conversations and challenging biases.

Paralympian and founder of Superhero Series.

Sophia, a trailblazer in athletics and triathlon, redefines being an athlete through the Superhero Series, an inclusive sports event. Her mission is to make sports accessible for all, showcasing determination and creativity.

CEO, Taylor Bennett Foundation.

With 14+ years in communications and PR, Koray leads the Taylor Bennett Foundation, championing industry diversity. His mission: make the communications sector inclusive and reflective of society’s diversity.

CEO, Fleet Street Quarter, founder and co-chair of Never Such Innocence.

From revitalising historic Fleet Street to championing children’s rights globally through charity Never Such Innocence (NSI), Lady Lucy’s story is one of bold ambition and transformative impact. Awarded an OBE in 2019, her work with NSI has touched lives in 129 countries, proving that unity and understanding can flourish even in times of conflict. 

DJ and co-founder of Bestival.

Rob launched Sunday Best in 1995, which evolved into a record label and the iconic Bestival in 2004, followed by the family-friendly Camp Bestival that's become a beloved staple in the UK. Today, Rob balances multiple roles: a weekly residency at Pikes in Ibiza, running two music festivals, releasing new music, teaching meditation and even venturing into wellness with his sauna brand, Slomo.

Founder and director at Bompas & Parr Studio.

As a pioneering “culinographer” and “experience designer,” Sam is working to transform our perception of food into a multi-sensory extravaganza. But Sam’s vision goes beyond these awe-inspiring experiences, he aims to shape the future of food, working with governments and cultural institutions to elevate the role food has in our lives. 

Head of conservation, outreach and citizen science, Emirates Nature - WWF.

For nearly five years, Arabella has been a driving force at Emirates Nature WWF in the UAE, working on impactful programmes like Connect with Nature and Leaders of Change. Arabella’s goal is to empower everyone to contribute to environmental protection, revealing nature’s true value and inspiring a sustainable future where humanity and nature coexist harmoniously.

Corporate partner at Lewis Silkin.

At leading law firm Lewis Silkin, Karish has led the Race & Ethnicity Group and chaired its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Board. Under his guidance, the firm has embraced kindness and bravery, fostering an environment where personal stories and open discussions drive awareness and understanding. 

Executive director, Arts Trust Foundation. 

Under Martin’s visionary leadership, Arts Trust Productions now delivers 13 festivals across London and Essex, transforming public spaces into vibrant cultural hubs. At the heart of Martin’s work is a commitment to amplifying community voices and addressing key issues like isolation and well-being. 

Editorial director of Country & Town House.

Driven by a desire to inspire change through storytelling, collaboration, beauty and fun, Lucy believes in the power of narratives to ignite ideas and shift perceptions about luxury. Her mission is to empower people to see themselves as active citizens rather than passive consumers, influencing choices and encouraging mindful consumption. 

Engagement manager, Redbridge Council. 

Abbas’s work has taken him to some of the toughest estates in London, where he has faced significant challenges but remained committed to bringing communities together. During the pandemic he witnessed an unprecedented level of community collaboration, reinforcing his belief in the importance of building trusting relationships.

Co-founder and chief executive, The Cure & Action for Tay-Sachs (CATS) Foundation.

The CATS Foundation was established in 2011 by Daniel after his oldest daughter, Amélie, was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease at just 15 months old. Faced with a grim prognosis, Daniel and his wife embarked on a mission to find a treatment and connect with other affected families. Despite the heartbreaking loss of Amélie at the age of eight, Daniel’s resolve has only strengthened, driving the foundation’s growth and impact. 

Group people & diversity director, Four Agency Worldwide. 

At Four, Marcia has become a passionate advocate for socio-economic uplift, engaging with state schools and inviting students from various backgrounds to experience the industry firsthand. Marcia is also a trustee at the Taylor Bennett Foundation and supports smaller independent agencies through the Alliance of Independent Agencies.