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What we can learn from the Government Chief Whip on winning people over
If television is to be believed, politics is a dirty and manipulative business – a take that feels quite at odds with my own experience of having met many generous, kind and socially focused politicians – who also work very hard.
Like so many of us, I have been captivated by shows such as the long-running political thriller House of Cards, in which congressman Frank Underwood uses a machiavellian mix of coercion, influence and blackmail to wriggle his way up the greasy pole to power.
It is a representation of power-grabbing which is echoed elsewhere across popular culture, in endless TV dramas, social media commentary and the breathless press reporting of political infighting, leaks and backstabbing. All of this has combined to create an almost universally accepted narrative that the political class are untrustworthy and in it for themselves. And, so …
I have always been fascinated to know what really happens behind the closed doors of Parliament or Congress. I’m sure it’s no picnic at all but, is it really as dog-eat-dog as we are led to believe?
Hello, I’m James Batchelor MBE
Expert on technology, entrepreneurship and digitisation for the ageing population - campaigner to Prevent Undiscovered Deaths - and inventor of the 'I am okay' button
My name is James Batchelor and every day I strive to discover new ways to use Technology, Leadership and Change to help organisations grow and also make the world a better place too.
I want everybody to understand this potential. That’s why I work as a mentor for other founders, entrepreneurs and passionate people. And, that’s why I am sharing my own insights and those of other brilliant people with you here.
I make regular speaker appearances, talking about themes including entrepreneurship, being a founder and the use of technology to help older and vulnerable people. I am also available to take part in media and expert-panel interviews on these subjects.
In 2004 I invented the ‘I am okay’ button (which we have evolved in to OKEachDay®) and various other processes to improve contact for older and higher needs people. This along with imitations inspired by it, has gone on to protect and improve contact for hundreds of thousands of people all over the UK and beyond.
I am also the founder of Alertacall – a ‘Queen’s Award’ winning company that helps tens of thousands of people feel safe, connected and informed whilst also combating loneliness and isolation.
I have also worked with a number of charities, including as Trustee of The Silver Line; a British charity helpline for older people founded by Dame Esther Rantzen.
In 2025 I was honoured to be made MBE by King Charles on behalf of the UK Government for ‘Services to Technology For Older People’.
My work and my life has one simple philosophy: Live Well, Give Back.
