Inside the GCA Changemaker Week: How the journey begins

The first Changemaker Week took place in London in June 2025.

The first of three Changemaker Weeks, is all about grounding the journey. For the winners, it’s a chance to learn, reflect and connect – with their ideas, their role in the system, and with each other. It focuses on two things that matter just as much as the innovation itself: understanding the system – and understanding yourself.

Big ideas in a small village

This year’s first Changemaker Week began in Hurley, a picturesque village just outside London. Surrounded by nature and away from the usual distractions, the goal was clear: open up for honest conversations, shared experiences – and take the first steps into personal and professional growth through hands-on workshops.

We’ve come away with an amazing framework for how our small team can structure our growth and track our progress, which will be incredibly helpful. We’re leaving with so many valuable ideas from this week, and we’re excited to process everything and define our goals moving forward.

Daisy Harvey, Loom

Shifting to systems in London

Midweek, the group moved into central London and GCA partner The Mills Fabrica’s offices, shifting focus to systems thinking, impact, and stakeholder engagement.

Highlights from London included:

Introduction to the Systems Map | Facilitated by Accenture
Explored flows and forces across the textile value chain, encouraging changemakers to reflect on where their innovations sit and where they can create leverage for systemic change.

Impact measurement | Facilitated by Reach for Change
Focused on defining core problems, mapping root causes, and building a Theory of Change – helping each changemaker begin structuring how they measure their solution’s social impact.

Changemaker talk | Andreas Andrén, Colorifix
An honest and inspiring session from a past entrepreneur, reflecting on the real-life challenges and breakthroughs of building an early-stage innovation in the fashion and textiles space.

Taking a pause for well-being | Facilitated by The London Mindfulness Project
Introduced mindfulness as a practical tool for maintaining energy, focus and balance throughout the changemaker journey.

Way of working with innovation | Guest speakers from COS
A behind-the-scenes look at how brands approach innovation, offering practical insights on building partnerships and navigating supply chain entry points.

A toast to new ideas | Industry mingle hosted by H&M Foundation
To close the week, the changemakers were introduced to brands, investors and other key stakeholders during their first public appearance. Hosted at The Mills Fabrica, the evening offered a moment to connect, exchange ideas – and raise a glass to bold beginnings.

Just the beginning

The first Changemaker Week is designed to be just that – a beginning. A start to personal growth, systems thinking, and peer connection. Over the coming year, the winners will continue to build their innovations through tailored sessions, mentorship and collaboration across all three programme tracks – including hands-on support to move their ideas toward proof of concept.
And if you’re wondering what it’s like to be part of the Global Change Award – it starts with real people, real challenges, and a shared belief that fashion can do better.

All of us are working on different ideas, but we’re all moving toward the same goal: a more circular and sustainable industry. Knowing that we’re on this journey together, and that we’re not alone, is incredibly valuable. It’s something I’ll carry with me, especially during the more challenging moments ahead.

Josephine Mayer, CircularFabrics