In September, we interviewed Kamila Kingstone, a former Fast Streamer who worked across departments, Number 10, and the Cabinet Office.

She shared incredible insights into the mindset that helped her have impact and maintain her values in demanding environments.

Here are the three key lessons we took from the session:

1. Act with Intention

“What is my objective in this conversation?“

Kamilla learned how important it is to have a clear purpose before starting or sending anything. That simple rule helped her manage conflict and keep momentum when faced with setbacks.

It’s about choosing a response or action that aligns with where you’re trying to get, rather than how you might feel in that moment.

Actions:

• Define your objective before every email, call, or meeting.
• Come up with a plan of how best to achieve that (e.g., tone, format).
• Review whether your approach actually worked. & capture any lessons.

2. Be bold, but Principled

“I gate-crashed a cabinet committee meeting chaired by Michael Gove, who I knew would be too polite to kick me out.”

During COVID, Kamilla joined a ministerial meeting (which she was not invited to) to get the minister to agree with her idea on the record. This agreement was instrumental in the government eventually delivering support to those who couldn’t afford or access food during the pandemic.

By getting herself into the right conversation, at the right time, Kamilla was about to start a process that ended up helping thousands of vulnerable people.

3. Create Opportunities

“Even if that paid job isn’t fascinating, you can find your own exciting opportunities around it.”

If you’re struggling to gain formal experience or not getting what you need from your job, Kamilla’s advice is to create your own. Consider starting a podcast, running a radio show, studying a language, observing an election or pitching articles to your local newspaper.

There are lots of opportunities out there to build your skills. On top of that, there’s infinite ways for you to create your own side-projects that fill the gaps you need.

Don’t accept what’s in front of you as all there is. Be creative!