Convening through Care: showing up (human first) at the Skoll World Forum

A blogpost on care at the Skoll World Forum by Sumitra Pasupathy , Jane Wei-Skillern and Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter

As 1500 changemakers and innovators from 100+ countries around the world prepare to convene in person at the Skoll World Forum in a few days, delegates share some version of the same question: “How will I show up to this gathering?”?

We gather in a time when the challenges ahead of us can feel insurmountable. In a world with such complexity, we are reminded that greater turbulence calls for greater connectedness. At the heart of any impactful convening lies the power of human connection. Whether it's fostering authentic relationships, embracing shared values, or leaning into serendipitous encounters, convenings of this size can serve as catalysts for transformative collaborations and meaningful exchanges.?

At the 21st Skoll World Forum, a group we’re lovingly calling the “Care Crew”, made up of ten global conveners and connectors, have come together to intentionally design spaces that will make Forum newcomers and seasoned delegates feel welcomed and cared for throughout Forum week.

Why CARE?

As social innovators and changemakers, we are at the frontline working to transform systems that underpin the intersecting economic, political, social, and environmental crises that constitute our fractured and ever-changing world. Amid this work, our minds, bodies, and overall wellbeing are at stake.?Approaching ourselves, our relationships, and our work with care, connection, and compassion ultimately deepens our ability to create structural change.?

So, as you prepare for your week in Oxford and consider “How will I show up?”, we invite you to center care for yourself throughout the week. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips from the SWF Care Crew:

Connection starts from within.

In order to show up as your full authentic self at the Forum, seek a deeper connection to yourself. Ahead of the Forum, take time to rest. During the forum, remember to slow down and take it all in. Make space and time for your self-care. Notice the things that serve you, and let-go of the things that do not serve you. This allows you to bring your whole self to the Forum - head, heart and body.??

Sumitra: I frequently remind myself ahead of forums like SWF to practice self-compassion! I recently returned from a 3-day retreat led by the “Happiest Man on Earth: Rinpoche Mingyur Yongey”. His tip to happiness is to allow for self-compassion anywhere and everywhere: a simple 2-minute breathwork or meditation as you wait for someone to turn-up for a meeting; or, a walking meditation as you walk from venue to venue. Silence is a gift to yourself. This allows for more awareness, compassion, clarity, and wisdom to unfold.

Bring your authenticity hat and wear it!

While rehearsed elevator pitches and scripted interactions might be the norm in traditional industry events, the Skoll World Forum is a place to connect as humans first. We might be tempted to present a polished version of ourselves, but it’s powerful to start conversations by being genuine and vulnerable. This authenticity opens up the opportunity to create deeper connections that move beyond transaction and may even turn into long-term friendships or partnerships.

Michelle: I once took an funder by surprise in an initial conversation by daring to share my challenges, failures, and aspirations openly. She was grateful to have insight into how I perceive my challenges. And, by doing so, I invited her to share openly as well. We are still close friends! So, dare to share your dreams, fears, and triumphs openly. In your vulnerability lies the key to deep and meaningful connections that lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

Jane: At a conference last month, I met a fellow academic in a completely unrelated field, but found that we had so much in common. It wasn't so much our academic roles that brought us together, but rather our personal stories and what has inspired us in our work. I truly felt that I had met a kindred spirit and made a true friend. Instead of asking people about their work, try asking open ended questions such as what they find most inspiring about their work. What is the most fun that they have had in the past few months? What is a talent or hobby that they enjoy? You will find that having more authentic conversations with others is the surest way to open more opportunities for deep and meaningful connection and paves the way for an ongoing relationship and even potential collaboration. You'll also have a lot more fun!

Bring Your Unique Resources to the Table:

The rich community that makes up the Skoll World Forum is crafted by each individual bringing their most precious gifts – whether that is your wisdom, lived experience, passion, curiosity, capacity for empathy and compassion, or something else. The collective experience is enriched by your unique resources.

Sumitra: I am bringing my capacity for listening with compassion. By showing up well rested with curiosity and open-ended questions, I create safe spaces that allow for new ideas, pathways to flourish and for healing to happen. I constantly remind myself that we are one in this journey of life and impact, and that we are interdependent. And then this somehow feels lighter, and allows for the “first small step together” to perhaps emerge.?

Jane: I am bringing my care for the full person, beyond job titles or accolades. At events, there is often an implicit hierarchy that is established when people introduce themselves with their institutional affiliation and job title. Frankly, that is one of my least favorite things about attending conferences. I love this quote by Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Find Your Fractal:

Amidst the sea of faces at a large conference like the Skoll World Forum, finding your “Forum family” can feel like a daunting task. However, if you pay attention, you'll notice a pattern emerging – a group of like-minded individuals with whom you resonate and keep running into.?

Michelle: Take advantage of those nature walks around Oxford, the tours, and the networking events popping up around town. When you notice this crew of friends emerge, embrace this discovery and nurture these connections through shared meals, impromptu meetups, and collaborative debriefing sessions. Lean on each other for support and accountability as you navigate the conference together.

Plan, but let Serendipity Happen:

If your personality type requires a bit more structure and knowing what the entire day will look like, try to make space for being surprised and having some down time. As you chart your course through the labyrinth of sessions and seminars, remember to leave space for the unexpected, the unplanned, and time for reflection. For it is in these moments of spontaneity that insights unfold, connections deepen, and ideas take flight.?

Sumitra: Planning matters. And my tip is to keep the planning light and simple. I used to boil the ocean with a long list of potential contacts, and constant scanning of the room. I now spend 2 hours before the conference preparing for the trip. At the core of it is spending time to understand “What is my intention for myself and my organization/initiative in the forum?”. I try to identify 3-5 connections that are the “must-haves” ; and allow for space in the week for serendipity to weave its magic; or simply connect via Linkedin.?

Set Time Aside for Homework:

As people say their goodbyes, board trains and airplanes, and promise to follow-up, remember to give yourself some time to integrate the lessons of your time at SWF. Set aside time to tend to the seeds of connection you have sown, nurturing them with care and intention. Follow up on promises made, share insights gleaned, and connect people back home to the people you met.?

Enjoy the Journey:

Above all, remember to enjoy the experience. Gatherings like the Skoll World Forum are opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Embrace the uncertainty, savor the moments of serendipity, and be open to the transformative power of human connection. And don't forget to share your feedback – your insights will help shape future events and make them even better.

In short, the key to making the most of your time at SWF is not in the number of business cards collected; but by prioritizing human connection and authenticity. By doing this we can create impactful and meaningful experiences that inspire collaboration, foster innovation, and drive positive change.? In the end, it is our connections – to each other, to ourselves, and to the world around us – that shape? a more equitable, regenerative future.

With Love,

The #SWF24 Skoll Foundation Skoll World Forum Care Crew

Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter , Sumitra Pasupathy , Jane Wei-Skillern , Raphael Mayer , Celia Cruz Hope Azeda Lindsey Platt Ojok , Claire Wathen Gabriel Diamond Christine Lai