Inspiration for hire

Get a little help from someone as passionate about your work as you are

Family holidays, Finland. Photo: Ken Banks

WELCOME

The world is at a crossroads. For most of my life I’ve been passionate about helping develop meaningful and impactful social and environmental solutions to some of its biggest problems. Despite a career spanning over 25 years in the humanitarian and conservation sectors my commitment to change has only accelerated over recent years, driven in large part by social upheaval, the vacuum in moral leadership, threats to democracy by big tech, the climate crisis, and a wider concern for the future of my young children.

For the past six years I’ve enjoyed the security that full-time employment brings, but there’s just too much to do, and many jobs with a single focus just don’t cut it for me any more. After taking a short break I’ve decided to refocus my efforts on helping others do their own changemaking, primarily through coaching, mentoring and more general strategic support.

This site, just a three minute read, will give you a sense of everything I have to offer. I hope you’re as inspired reading it as I was writing it.

You do what you do because it matters, to you. So why not hire someone as passionate about your work as you are?

If you’d like me on board, let’s chat.


CURRENT ACTIVITIES

A few of the things keeping me busy at the moment.

Working as a Venture Coach with beVisioneers, a Mercedes Benz-funded initiative supporting young climate innovators from around the world develop, build, launch and scale their locally-inspired climate solutions.

Supporting the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering as part of i-Teams, bringing together the brightest students and ground-breaking university research to develop commercially viable strategies.

Acting as a competition judge for the International Federation of the Red Cross Limitless Youth Innovation Academy, which empowers young innovators to tackle climate and environmental challenges.

Developing an in-house mentoring and training program which combines lessons learnt from my own journey with Buddhist practices, mindful business and the need to inspire locally-led, appropriate solutions to global problems.

Acting as Convenor and Chair of Yoti’s Guardian Council, an independent group of experts who keep the company true to its principles by bringing deep knowledge and experience from a range of sectors.

If you’re fighting to make the world a better place, let me help. Check out the rest of this site and if you’re sufficiently inspired to want to chat, please get in touch. Reach out on LinkedIn, or email via heretohelp@kiwanja.net


TAP INTO A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE

Hello, and welcome to my site. I’m Ken Banks, a British award-winning social entrepreneur, anthropologist, innovator and global conservation and development expert. I’m probably best known for developing FrontlineSMS, a mobile messaging platform which, at its peak, supported non-profits in over 190 countries around the world. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to pick up a number of awards for my work including a Fellowship at Cambridge Judge Business School, a Silicon Valley Tech Award, and Pop!Tech and Ashoka Fellowships. I’ve been an Expert Guide for National Geographic Expeditions and became a National Geographic Explorer in 2010. In 2013 I was nominated for the TED Prize, and a few years later received the prestigious Eugene L. Lawler Award for Humanitarian Contributions within Computer Science. I’m also a keynote speaker, contributor to major news sites, the author of four books – one a bestseller on finding purpose – and am one-hundred-percent dedicated to supporting anyone, anywhere fighting to make the world a better place.

Whether you’re after a little help for just an hour or two, or you need a bit of part-time support for a new project, or you’re on the lookout for a consultant or contractor for a fixed period of time – whatever your budget, I’m here, I believe in you, and I’d love to help.

Here to help

TESTIMONIALS


I have known Ken since 2008, when I worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. More recently, Ken was our Entrepreneur in Residence at CARE International. He’s helped our people think in new ways about technology and innovation and helped us troubleshoot and create new products through people-centred design. Having Ken as an Entrepreneur in Residence has lifted our game considerably on technology and innovation

LAURIE LEE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CARE INTERNATIONAL UK
(2014 – 2022)

WORK WITH ME = COMMITMENT GUARANTEED

I believe in flexibility, not tiered pricing or overly restrictive contracts. So when you work with me, you get it all. That means I’ll do whatever I can to advance your change-making efforts, whatever your budget. Whenever we work together, we’ll always be in it together – that’s your guarantee.

INNOVATIVE THINKING


I’m well known for my work in social innovation, particularly in the field of technology for social good. If you’re looking for someone who can bring creative and innovative solutions to your organisation, my background in developing technologies for positive impact could be valuable.

PROVEN IMPACT


I have a long and proven track record creating and implementing projects that have a positive social or environmental impact. If you have a focus on corporate social responsibility, social purpose or social entrepreneurship, my experience and expertise in these areas could align well with your goals.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE


Over the years I’ve worked on many projects with a global reach, including initiatives across Africa, Asia and other regions. If your organisation operates internationally or deals with global challenges, my understanding of diverse contexts, communities and cultures could be an asset.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP


Social innovators often possess an entrepreneurial mindset, which can be beneficial in dynamic, challenging or evolving environments. If your organisation values adaptability and a proactive approach to problem solving, my entrepreneurial background could well be an asset.

CREATIVE MINDSET


I’m a creative thinker with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams, and I’m known for connecting seemingly disparate concepts to find new and innovative ways forward. I’m also a creative writer and communicator, and can help share complex ideas and concepts in plain English.

CONNECTING


I’ve taken part in many local, national and international networks and collaborations within the social innovation and technology sectors. Hiring a proven connector, with a well established network, can bring additional opportunities for partnerships and collaborations to your own work.

TESTIMONIALS


In my work over the years with Ken, I have valued his deep knowledge of how to effectively use mobiles to achieve social outcomes. He is an influential thought leader, bringing years of experience and entrepreneurial creativity combined with often surprising insights – and is great to work with

DAVID EDELSTEIN, SENIOR VICE PRESENT OF GLOBAL PROGRAMS, GRAMEEN FOUNDATION
(2007 – 2016)

LET ME BE YOUR NEW FLEXIBLE FRIEND

It’s all about you, your work and what you need to make it a success.

If you need help for an hour reviewing a project proposal, no problem. Maybe a few hours helping with a strategy? Consider it done. Or perhaps a regular part-time gig supporting multiple projects, or doing a little brainstorming, or coaching or mentoring your staff?

Whatever works for you, works for me.

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO TALK ABOUT HOW WE MIGHT WORK TOGETHER?

Reach me on LinkedIn. Or via email on heretohelp@kiwanja.net