Today we’d like to introduce you to Amb Keith Kirkwood.
Hi Keith, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In the beginning, before we formed the NGO Gift Global Initiative and before becoming the Global Representative of The Private Office of a United Arab Emirates Royal Family, I was an elected official and grew frustrated with how things were being operated and thought there was a better more efficient way to get things done. I found if I could bring the public and private sectors together, I could solve problems at a more rapid pace. I felt and still feel that the NGO space doesn’t do enough to showcase the work that the private sector does in social impact partnerships.
I changed that from our end by shooting the work in the field being done highlighting the brands and companies involved with enough quality that they then could use it at board meetings, shareholder conferences, and their own corporate responsibility. All of this increases their return on investment (ROI). From there we then started to take on international problems by bringing foreign governments and the private sector together. Following the same blueprint. It all starts with, how can you create the most value for others to help you with your goals, no matter what business or venture you’re in. It should be the same question asked. Our goal is to make a lasting impact globally by bringing governments together and mobilizing motivated people to alleviate human and planet suffering.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No matter what business you’re in the road isn’t always going to be smooth but good leaders are able to adapt and lead through times of adversity and uncertainty.
At the start of Covid 19, we had a full year of initiatives planned that were awaiting funding that was put on hold due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. So, we adapted and created programs that were needed for the current times.
Being able to pivot in your business is a big factor for survival and growth.
We’ve been impressed with Gift Global Initiative, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
GIFT Global Initiative is a Humanitarian Diplomacy organization that alleviates human suffering through Social Impact Initiatives by bringing governments and world leaders together, mobilizing the power of volunteers, and engaging the generosity of donors.
We educate our Corporate Partners on creating a Social Impact Marketing Strategy to add Shareholder Value, Increase Customer Acquisition and Double the Impact of their Donations.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
In our line of work, risk comes with the territory, most recently we were in Ukraine 2 weeks after the war started, on a humanitarian aid delivery mission, our van was hit with bullets and the HQ we were set up at was 6km away from a missile attack.
Multiple times a day the air sirens would sound off warning of a Russian aircraft or missiles being sent into the area.
In many cases where there is the most need for aid, it is not the safest of locations. Currently, we are in talks to head to Afghanistan so that will be another situation where there will be a risk but there is a major need for humanitarian aid and diplomacy, so that’s what we will be doing.
Pricing:
- We have a climate change initiative where we provide mobile solar lights that are $15 that people can sponsor.
Contact Info:
- Website: ggiusa.org
- Instagram: @KeithKirkwood1
- Facebook: KeithKirkwood
- Youtube: Gift Global Initiative
