Alex Smith
@alexsmith1982.bsky.social
Senior Advisor & Inaugural Fellow, Obama Foundation • Visiting Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School • Trustee & Board Member • Ex: The Cares Family, Ed Miliband, LabourList.
Our mission at The Obama Foundation is to inspire, empower, and connect next generation leaders to change their world.
Three of those leaders sat down with President Obama in London recently to discuss how to meet the challenge of rising authoritarianism.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNa...
Three of those leaders sat down with President Obama in London recently to discuss how to meet the challenge of rising authoritarianism.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNa...
How to stop authoritarianism across the globe: a conversation with President Obama
YouTube video by Obama Foundation
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Our mission at The Obama Foundation is to inspire, empower, and connect next generation leaders to change their world.
Three of those leaders sat down with President Obama in London recently to discuss how to meet the challenge of rising authoritarianism.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNa...
Three of those leaders sat down with President Obama in London recently to discuss how to meet the challenge of rising authoritarianism.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNa...
The loveliest and perhaps most socially relevant John Lewis Christmas ad in years.
Beautifully captures the complexity of male connection, technology, the passage of time, intergenerational love, and so much in between.
youtu.be/z1bRlnyQeDk?...
Beautifully captures the complexity of male connection, technology, the passage of time, intergenerational love, and so much in between.
youtu.be/z1bRlnyQeDk?...
Where Love Lives | John Lewis & Partners | Christmas Ad 2025
YouTube video by John Lewis
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 1:36 PM
The loveliest and perhaps most socially relevant John Lewis Christmas ad in years.
Beautifully captures the complexity of male connection, technology, the passage of time, intergenerational love, and so much in between.
youtu.be/z1bRlnyQeDk?...
Beautifully captures the complexity of male connection, technology, the passage of time, intergenerational love, and so much in between.
youtu.be/z1bRlnyQeDk?...
With so many challenges and opportunities ahead in the coming years, how can we ensure our boys and young men develop values of respectful masculinity, community, and entrepreneurship?
October 24, 2025 at 7:40 PM
With so many challenges and opportunities ahead in the coming years, how can we ensure our boys and young men develop values of respectful masculinity, community, and entrepreneurship?
You could always tell these homes were going to be special, because United St Saviour's Charity was focused on community – for those living in the homes, and the wider world outside.
bbc.com/news/articles/c4gwlz6k96no
bbc.com/news/articles/c4gwlz6k96no
Riba Stirling Prize 2025: Appleby Blue Almshouse named Britain's best new building
Appleby Blue Almshouse in London wins the Royal Institute of British Architects' Stirling Prize.
bbc.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM
You could always tell these homes were going to be special, because United St Saviour's Charity was focused on community – for those living in the homes, and the wider world outside.
bbc.com/news/articles/c4gwlz6k96no
bbc.com/news/articles/c4gwlz6k96no
Reposted by Alex Smith
💜 We belong to clubs but just as importantly they belong to us.
October 6, 2025 at 2:34 PM
💜 We belong to clubs but just as importantly they belong to us.
Successful social movements find ways to build civic power, to cross class differences, and to mobilise those who don’t yet agree.
For all those looking for hope in times of challenge and change, this is a strong call to action, for the UK as well as elsewhere:
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
For all those looking for hope in times of challenge and change, this is a strong call to action, for the UK as well as elsewhere:
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
America Needs a Mass Movement—Now
Without one, America may sink into autocracy for decades.
www.theatlantic.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Successful social movements find ways to build civic power, to cross class differences, and to mobilise those who don’t yet agree.
For all those looking for hope in times of challenge and change, this is a strong call to action, for the UK as well as elsewhere:
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
For all those looking for hope in times of challenge and change, this is a strong call to action, for the UK as well as elsewhere:
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
'It's a narrative you don't often hear in our media... [but] I've always seen communities come together.'
Yes, this is a time of challenge and lost social interactions, but when people work together with hope, stronger communities are possible:
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/vide...
Yes, this is a time of challenge and lost social interactions, but when people work together with hope, stronger communities are possible:
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/vide...
Luton v Tommy Robinson: the myth of a town divided – video
Summer 2025 was marked by a surge in anti-immigrant protests, attacks on mosques and racist graffiti across the UK. The unrest, stoked by far-right agitators such as Tommy Robinson, sought to pit comm...
www.theguardian.com
September 12, 2025 at 10:45 AM
'It's a narrative you don't often hear in our media... [but] I've always seen communities come together.'
Yes, this is a time of challenge and lost social interactions, but when people work together with hope, stronger communities are possible:
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/vide...
Yes, this is a time of challenge and lost social interactions, but when people work together with hope, stronger communities are possible:
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/vide...
Of course employers should consider culture when hiring. But we need more exposure to, not protection from, people we disagree with – in work as in society. Working through tensions is part of what drives successful collaboration and cohesion.
www.thetimes.com/article/09e1...
www.thetimes.com/article/09e1...
Rejecting a job applicant over their football team is fair, judge rules
Bosses have the right to consider whether a prospective employee would get on well with existing staff, the employment judge said
www.thetimes.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Of course employers should consider culture when hiring. But we need more exposure to, not protection from, people we disagree with – in work as in society. Working through tensions is part of what drives successful collaboration and cohesion.
www.thetimes.com/article/09e1...
www.thetimes.com/article/09e1...
What a privilege to meet the 35 new Obama Foundation Leaders in Europe last week, as they began their six-month program.
In total, the Foundation has welcomed 205 new Obama Leaders from multiple regions, as we work to empower the next generation to change their world:
www.obama.org/programs/lea...
In total, the Foundation has welcomed 205 new Obama Leaders from multiple regions, as we work to empower the next generation to change their world:
www.obama.org/programs/lea...
Meet the 2025-2026 Europe Leaders
Meet the new cohort
www.obama.org
September 9, 2025 at 7:27 PM
What a privilege to meet the 35 new Obama Foundation Leaders in Europe last week, as they began their six-month program.
In total, the Foundation has welcomed 205 new Obama Leaders from multiple regions, as we work to empower the next generation to change their world:
www.obama.org/programs/lea...
In total, the Foundation has welcomed 205 new Obama Leaders from multiple regions, as we work to empower the next generation to change their world:
www.obama.org/programs/lea...
‘One wonders how much longer we can avoid adding a personal finance GCSE to the national curriculum. No child should leave school with zero understanding of savings, pensions, and all the pitfalls – especially in this age of industrialised scams.’
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
Footballers’ financial naivety has put them on the losing...
The revelation that former players lost millions in investments is a sad tale of misplaced trust
observer.co.uk
September 7, 2025 at 8:39 AM
‘One wonders how much longer we can avoid adding a personal finance GCSE to the national curriculum. No child should leave school with zero understanding of savings, pensions, and all the pitfalls – especially in this age of industrialised scams.’
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...
“All of us, side by side, united while celebrating our differences”
Nicely said, @markfergusonmp.bsky.social ❤️
Nicely said, @markfergusonmp.bsky.social ❤️
August 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
“All of us, side by side, united while celebrating our differences”
Nicely said, @markfergusonmp.bsky.social ❤️
Nicely said, @markfergusonmp.bsky.social ❤️
Reposted by Alex Smith
Fantastic hire by @labourlist.bsky.social - when I was Editor, Emma was one of best contributors to the site in every sense. She understands what LabourList is and what it has the power to be. Good luck @emmaburnell.bsky.social labourlist.org/2025/07/new-...
Emma Burnell announced as new LabourList Editor - LabourList
LabourList is delighted to announce that Emma Burnell has been appointed as the new Editor of the leading media and events platform for all things Labour.
labourlist.org
July 25, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Fantastic hire by @labourlist.bsky.social - when I was Editor, Emma was one of best contributors to the site in every sense. She understands what LabourList is and what it has the power to be. Good luck @emmaburnell.bsky.social labourlist.org/2025/07/new-...
Thrilled @emmaburnell.bsky.social is the new @labourlist.bsky.social editor. Emma started writing for the site in 2009 and has always been thoughtful, pluralist and deeply connected to the site’s mission. Good luck, Emma, and congrats to all involved on a great hire.
labourlist.org/2025/07/new-...
labourlist.org/2025/07/new-...
Emma Burnell announced as new LabourList Editor - LabourList
LabourList is delighted to announce that Emma Burnell has been appointed as the new Editor of the leading media and events platform for all things Labour.
labourlist.org
July 25, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Thrilled @emmaburnell.bsky.social is the new @labourlist.bsky.social editor. Emma started writing for the site in 2009 and has always been thoughtful, pluralist and deeply connected to the site’s mission. Good luck, Emma, and congrats to all involved on a great hire.
labourlist.org/2025/07/new-...
labourlist.org/2025/07/new-...
'Those near a Sure Start centre in early years performed better at 7, 11 and 16 and got better GCSEs. At 15 they had 15% fewer absences from school. 12- to 14-year-olds had 50% fewer mental health hospitalisations.'
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
To those who question what Labour stands for – look at Best Start. It will change Britain’s future | Polly Toynbee
Sure Start was New Labour’s finest achievement, and the Tories destroyed it. Now it’s back with a mission to put children at the heart of everything, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
July 8, 2025 at 1:33 PM
'Those near a Sure Start centre in early years performed better at 7, 11 and 16 and got better GCSEs. At 15 they had 15% fewer absences from school. 12- to 14-year-olds had 50% fewer mental health hospitalisations.'
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"We have much to lose in the erosion of neighborly concern, the impetus to look out for others we don’t know that well. Neighborliness is collective belonging."
This is thoughtful about how progress comes when people from different experiences bond:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
This is thoughtful about how progress comes when people from different experiences bond:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
I crisscrossed America to talk to people whose views I disagreed with. I now have one certainty
I’ve spoken to white nationalists in Tennessee and Black activists in Texas – and learned about what it takes to connect across difference
www.theguardian.com
June 3, 2025 at 7:58 AM
"We have much to lose in the erosion of neighborly concern, the impetus to look out for others we don’t know that well. Neighborliness is collective belonging."
This is thoughtful about how progress comes when people from different experiences bond:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
This is thoughtful about how progress comes when people from different experiences bond:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
So good to see Ed Miliband so humble about the past and so passionate about the future (especially on climate) in this @therestpolitics.bsky.social with @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social and Rory Stewart. Two fantastic episodes, ultimately rooted in hope:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMg...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMg...
Ed Miliband: Why Blair & Farage Are Wrong About Net Zero (Part 2)
YouTube video by The Rest Is Politics: Leading
www.youtube.com
June 2, 2025 at 7:49 PM
So good to see Ed Miliband so humble about the past and so passionate about the future (especially on climate) in this @therestpolitics.bsky.social with @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social and Rory Stewart. Two fantastic episodes, ultimately rooted in hope:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMg...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMg...
Retention is just as important to an organisation’s culture and success as recruitment. MUFC have lost some very good players prematurely over the years. McTominay and Lukaku deserve every success at Napoli ⚽️
GOLAÇO DO NAPOLI
Napoli 1x0 Cagliari
⚽️ Scott McTominay - golaço
🅰️ Mateo Politano
🏆 Série A | última rodada
Napoli 1x0 Cagliari
⚽️ Scott McTominay - golaço
🅰️ Mateo Politano
🏆 Série A | última rodada
May 23, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Retention is just as important to an organisation’s culture and success as recruitment. MUFC have lost some very good players prematurely over the years. McTominay and Lukaku deserve every success at Napoli ⚽️
Editing @labourlist.bsky.social was one of the great privileges of my career. The site remains a vital place for debate, influence and action. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to build on the last 16 years (!) of impact.
labourlist.org/2025/05/labo...
labourlist.org/2025/05/labo...
LabourList job vacancy: We're looking for a new Editor - LabourList
Job Title: Editor Location: London, including some home working Reports to: LabourList Board Salary: Approximately £40,000-55,000, depending on…
labourlist.org
May 23, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Editing @labourlist.bsky.social was one of the great privileges of my career. The site remains a vital place for debate, influence and action. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to build on the last 16 years (!) of impact.
labourlist.org/2025/05/labo...
labourlist.org/2025/05/labo...
Reposted by Alex Smith
I’ve written for @thespectator1828.bsky.social about people’s stories in focus groups of how they’ve turn inward and become less social since the pandemic and the risk it leaves us lonelier, more isolated less cohesive and less open to new experiences. www.spectator.co.uk/article/were...
April 2, 2025 at 9:46 AM
I’ve written for @thespectator1828.bsky.social about people’s stories in focus groups of how they’ve turn inward and become less social since the pandemic and the risk it leaves us lonelier, more isolated less cohesive and less open to new experiences. www.spectator.co.uk/article/were...
‘What matters most isn’t success, or wealth, or stuff. It’s connection and relationships and love.’
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/m...
What is the meaning of life? 15 possible answers – from a palliative care doctor, a Holocaust survivor, a jail inmate and more
I asked some well-known names for their thoughts on the ultimate existential question. Their answers were fascinating, funny – and could help us frame our days on Earth
www.theguardian.com
March 22, 2025 at 7:42 PM
‘What matters most isn’t success, or wealth, or stuff. It’s connection and relationships and love.’
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/m...
‘If you don’t like what is happening, you don’t need to wait for someone to come along: you need each other.’
Inspiring call to action on what it takes to build a movement of change:
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...
Inspiring call to action on what it takes to build a movement of change:
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...
March 21, 2025 at 10:04 PM
‘If you don’t like what is happening, you don’t need to wait for someone to come along: you need each other.’
Inspiring call to action on what it takes to build a movement of change:
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...
Inspiring call to action on what it takes to build a movement of change:
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...
How do we build belief and resilience – not just individually, but collectively, as a nation?
Gareth Southgate is asking some of the questions, offering some of the answers, and telling part of the story that will help us navigate the future.
Gareth Southgate is asking some of the questions, offering some of the answers, and telling part of the story that will help us navigate the future.
"We have to show young men that character is more important than status."
Sir Gareth Southgate demands leaders step up to become positive role models for 'isolated' young men.
Sir Gareth Southgate demands leaders step up to become positive role models for 'isolated' young men.
March 19, 2025 at 10:35 AM
How do we build belief and resilience – not just individually, but collectively, as a nation?
Gareth Southgate is asking some of the questions, offering some of the answers, and telling part of the story that will help us navigate the future.
Gareth Southgate is asking some of the questions, offering some of the answers, and telling part of the story that will help us navigate the future.
Always a pleasure to be with Mike Omoniyi.
In this conversation we discuss inequality and loneliness, why boys and men are vulnerable in ways we've not grappled with, and the bigger national story that's needed to help everyone feel they belong.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEZB...
In this conversation we discuss inequality and loneliness, why boys and men are vulnerable in ways we've not grappled with, and the bigger national story that's needed to help everyone feel they belong.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEZB...
The Loneliness Epidemic: What No One Is Brave Enough to Say | Alex Smith
YouTube video by Common Sense
www.youtube.com
March 14, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Always a pleasure to be with Mike Omoniyi.
In this conversation we discuss inequality and loneliness, why boys and men are vulnerable in ways we've not grappled with, and the bigger national story that's needed to help everyone feel they belong.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEZB...
In this conversation we discuss inequality and loneliness, why boys and men are vulnerable in ways we've not grappled with, and the bigger national story that's needed to help everyone feel they belong.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEZB...
As a Visiting Fellow at @harvardkennedy.bsky.social @shorensteinctr.bsky.social I've reviewed evidence on The Cares Family's impact from 2011-2023.
The study shows how intergenerational connection can reduce loneliness and build community in times of change:
shorensteincenter.org/commentary/l...
The study shows how intergenerational connection can reduce loneliness and build community in times of change:
shorensteincenter.org/commentary/l...
The Loneliness Crisis: Evidence on Causes and Solutions from the UK | Shorenstein Center
In October, 2018, I stood inside a drafty community center tucked under a bridge over a quiet side street in otherwise bustling south London, nervously awaiting the arrival of Britain’s prime minister...
shorensteincenter.org
March 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
As a Visiting Fellow at @harvardkennedy.bsky.social @shorensteinctr.bsky.social I've reviewed evidence on The Cares Family's impact from 2011-2023.
The study shows how intergenerational connection can reduce loneliness and build community in times of change:
shorensteincenter.org/commentary/l...
The study shows how intergenerational connection can reduce loneliness and build community in times of change:
shorensteincenter.org/commentary/l...