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“You need a clear vision. You could be one of the first islands to become a green, thriving, profitable, and beautiful community” - with these words, Mary Portas—one of the UK’s most prolific entrepreneurs and co-chair of the Better Business Act—delivered a compelling challenge to Guernsey’s business leaders at the Chamber Gala Dinner.
She urged them to define what the island wants to be known for and declare boldly, “We are going after that,” with persistence and determination.
Is Guernsey destined to be a beacon of sustainability? A hub of innovation and purpose-driven business? A thriving, community-focused economy?
Portas emphasised the potential for transformation, stating, “Businesses that thrive in the future will be those that do good for society. The systems we’ve relied on for so long no longer fit the landscape we’ve now entered.”
For Guernsey, this means moving away from traditional, extractive economic models and embracing one that values sustainability, collaboration, and long-term resilience.
Mary highlighted the power of leading by example, saying, “People need to see it to believe it.” She cited Patagonia, which during COVID announced that Mother Earth would be their sole shareholder and then doubled their profits. People bought from them, not because of their products, but because of their values.
Guernsey can craft its own inspiring examples by nurturing purpose-driven businesses that reflect the island’s values of community, quality, and environmental stewardship. These success stories could set a global precedent, demonstrating how even a small island can drive significant change and encourage others to follow.
2. Build Partnerships and Collaborate
“Collaboration is utterly key to this,” Mary stressed, while also acknowledging that it is often the most challenging part of creating change. You may face initial resistance but ultimately succeed through partnerships and a shared vision.
She referred to these partnerships as “evolutionary clusters,” describing how like-minded individuals can come together to create momentum for change. She even likened her table at the Gala Dinner to one of these clusters, saying, “You’re sitting with your own little cluster tonight.” This was an invitation for attendees to spark ideas, share perspectives, and collaborate on initiatives that could drive real transformation for Guernsey.
3. Lead with Vision and Courage
Transformation requires leadership, and meaningful change often begins with buy-in from senior leaders who have the power to set the tone and direction “It has to come from the top, but change can also bubble up from the bottom,” she noted, highlighting the role of grassroots efforts in influencing entrenched mindsets. She called on leaders to act with moral courage, adapt to new challenges, and set the tone for innovation and collaboration across their organisations.
“You’ve got an extraordinary abundance of stuff here... use it.”
Mary Portas’s parting words challenged Guernsey to harness its entrepreneurial energy and strong community ties to craft a bold, transformative vision.
By leading with purpose, creating partnerships, and consistently asking, “How do we make this better?” Guernsey can define its future as a thriving, sustainable, and innovative community that is respected and admired around the world.
Learn more about Chamber’s People & Planet priorities HERE
Pictured: All images from Chris George.
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