Stuart Rivers
Founder of Thinkler Consulting, former CEO of Sailors’ Society and director of Quench social enterprise. An innovator and disrupter with a background in digital technologies in the corporate and charity sectors.
Since leaving the technology sector in 2001, he has built capability in charity leadership, strategy, income generation and governance, leading to my appointment as Chief Executive of Sailors’ Society from 2013 to 2019.
During his tenure the charity was transformed – culturally, strategically and operationally – from an outdated organisation into what has been described as a ‘200 year old start-up’ that is leading the transformation of welfare provision globally. Primarily driven by cultural change, the digital transformation culminated in becoming a platform provider to other welfare providers and achieving service efficiencies that enabled the reach and range of the charity to grow.
A prolific networker, good communicator and relationship manager, he regularly conducted television, radio and print interviews, including with BBC World, BBC News, SKY, ITV and C4 as well as regional TV and radio channels and industry media around the world.
Through Thinkler, and working with an eclectic group of associates, Stuart is now able to share his expertise with both the business and charity sectors, to bring fresh ideas to fruition.
Founder & Senior Consultant
Founded Thinkler in 2019 to help businesses, charities, social enterprises and start-ups reframe and rethink their mission for future fitness.
Through this process, the aim is to bring fresh thinking to the challenges facing clients and help them to create, innovate and disrupt in often crowded markets so that they can have an edge.
2019 – present
Chief Executive
Providing leadership to international charity with teams in 30 countries, bringing strategic vision and cultural transformation to establish Sailors’ Society as a ‘200-year-old start up.’
Development of digital platform strategy and implementation of internal systems strategy. Creation of Ship Visitor and Wellness at Sea mobile apps to improve outcomes for beneficiaries and deliver programme efficiencies.
2013 – 2019
Social Enterprise Founder
Founded Quench to ignite social enterprise and build community, through empowering, equipping and supporting people.
Quench offers training and mentoring opportunities to young people, budding entrepreneurs, local social enterprises and start-up companies that need strategic direction and encouragement to make a difference in the community.
2017 – present
Executive Director
Responsible for trading subsidiaries, including international consultancy publishing, research and exhibitions.
Worked internationally in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia to build capacity, new funding streams and drive cultural change.
2010 – 2012
Community Director
Responsible for providing leadership and pastoral support to church and community groups in Aldershot, Farnham and Guildford.
Founder member of the homelessness forum, working with charities, government agencies and corporate organisations to encourage social change.
2003 – 2009
Commercial Director
Worked in various positions over 15 years, in UK and Sweden. Having started in technical support and software development & diagnostics, moved into sales & business development, before being appointed as commercial director for Ericsson Sweden, with international responsibility for the transition from direct to indirect distributer network.
1986 – 2001
FEARLESS LEADERSHIP
“Fearless leadership is not about recklessness. It is about confidently taking risks that can further your mission and make your vision a reality.”
Stuart Rivers, 2018
InnoVia
Project Manager
Ship Visitor
Creative Director
Tribal Leadership
Visual Media
our Work
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