Leslie Dighton
Leslie is an economist who believes economics falsely dominates the way political, business and social choices are made and their outcomes. His views were formed in part through a childhood of extreme poverty and later direct experience of civil war in Biafra and the battle for independence in Algeria, where he worked in Shell’s marketing and operations.
Prior to that, he was part of Shell’s futures division in London. Subsequently, he formed a consultancy and leadership forum focussed on the fundamentals of renewal in organisations. He ran this for twenty years working with business, governments and civic organisations to explore issues of purpose, connectivity and creativity.
In addition to the Tales, he has written books of social autobiography, the Little Books of the Common Good and an essay on the widespread disengagement in society entitled Notes from Exile. He has sat on the boards of companies, think tanks, universities and charitable foundations.
Jennifer Williams
In 1977, Jennifer founded the Centre for Creative Communities, which she directed until 2009. Its work stretched across the United States, Europe, India, Japan, and South Africa, always with the same purpose: to strengthen the common good by bringing together the arts, education, and community development.
Jennifer has written books on topics including cultural exchange, the arts and urban regeneration and cross sector collaboration. Jennifer's artwork, mainly visual, ranges from hand made books, cutouts, photography, illustration and printmaking to the making of masks. Prior to moving to the UK, Jennifer ran a touring puppet theatre known as Williams Toy Theatre, which was awarded a number of distinctions from the international puppet community.
In 2003, Jennifer became a member and trustee of the International Futures Forum. It was there that she first encountered Leslie and the emerging Tales of Ashok.
Why now?
Where to buy
Epiphanies
Ashok’s journey leads him to contend with a series of interwoven crises: sustainability, war, inequality and mirgation. Read some short briefings by Leslie on how these are playing out in today’s world.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All author royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
Ashok sows the seeds for personal and community transformations. Read about individuals and communities’ we think have taken on the transformative spirit of Ashok.
Why now?
Ashok’s journey leads him to contend with a series of interwoven crises: sustainability, war, inequality and mirgation. Read some short briefings by Leslie on how these are playing out in today’s world.
Who we are
Leslie is an economist who challenges economics’ dominance in public life. His work includes social autobiographies, Little Books of the Common Good and other essays. Find out more about Leslie, our illustrator, Jennifer, and how Ashok came to be.
Transformations
Ashok sows the seeds for personal and community transformations. Read about individuals and communities’ we think have taken on the transformative spirit of Ashok.