Fellow Spotlight: David Forsgate

We're constantly inspired by the remarkable ways the On Purpose community creates impact and brings about transformative change. This month we're excited to shine a light on David Forsgate from our January 2012 Associate Programme cohort!

Having completed the Associate Programme in October 2013, I’m now based in Jakarta, Indonesia. For the past 8 years I’ve transitioned to an entirely new industry and country with my young family. At ERALDA we want to be upfront and address one of the fashion industry's biggest problems, which is how do we manufacture clothing that is not going to damage people and / or the planet. 

To address this problem, we have to find fresh approaches and bring in new possibilities and attitudes. The climate crisis is very much a crisis with time not on our side. We’ve brought in different techniques from our leadership team and I’ve personally tried to share what I learned at On Purpose - whether that is the RIVAS Goals, Issue trees, Theories of Change and more! As an organisation, we have also participated in Mindfulness training with coach Derek Hill from Waking Waves who I worked with as an Associate at my placement, JustGiving, and who I've kept in touch with since. Similarly Tim, Director of Policy at Progressio (my second placement) gave me advice on a campaign to attract capital investment for climate tech solutions in the fashion industry. A theory of change for this ongoing project was developed through the techniques I learned from the fantastic people at The Social Innovation Partnership - many of whom are On Purpose Fellows.  

Naturally, working on solutions to one of fashion's biggest problems and building a family business, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, has had its challenges; health issues, the business on the brink at times, difficult conversations with team members and also the wonder of being a parent and husband. If it weren't for my journey of self-discovery as an Associate and the mentoring, coaching and network I was able to engage with while on the programme, I don't think I would have been able to cope half as well with some of the challenges thrown at us. 

On Purpose was a dream to me when I saw it all come together and I jumped at the opportunity as soon as I could. I hope the network grows stronger, larger and even more action-oriented. Global problems are oftentimes interconnected and intersect further than we initially see on the surface.

If you are ever passing through Indonesia please say hello, let's collaborate and get good stuff done.