In a serendipitous pair-up, chemistry professor turned green business executive— Lian , head of growth for the climate-tech firm Oleo —sparks with software developer and former Royal Navy techie, Carl. This meeting underscored the highly charged and frankly polarized political climate within the United Kingdom. The two met at Saltfish in Darlington, where they discussed their diverging political views and experiences, illustrating how personal connections can transcend ideological differences.
Lian, a member of the Labour Party, calls Carl a progressive, centre-left by the political spectrum. Carl is a solid Conservative voter, who has just recently become receptive to the Reform Party. Their shared dinner conversation led to thoughtful and educational conversations between differing political party affiliations. They reflected on their career and life experiences, which introduced a beautiful mosaic of tapestry that informed their unique perspectives.
Professional Backgrounds
Lian’s academic record is truly extraordinary. Now he’s gone from listening to students’ first smells of chemistry, to leading growth efforts in the incubator space at a university-born green startup. He once mentored a PhD student on migratory fish, who eventually became his boss. This dynamic showcases the wholly new professional relationships that have developed between academia and industry. It’s Lian’s passion for environmental sustainability that drives his work. In his new position he hopes to advance proposals that lead to substantive progress in combating climate change.
The trajectory of Carl’s career has seen him spend time in the Royal Navy, which he describes as a very positive experience. During his tenure for NATO from 2016 to 2018 in Kabul, he has suffered this era of tragedies. Carl describes this period as “the best two years of my life,” noting, “Embassy parties all the time, like Ibiza with rifles.” His experiences abroad have shaped his worldview and contributed to his current outlook on politics and governance.
Both men understand the importance of their professional experiences to their understanding of politics. Lian’s commitment to social equity through environmental initiatives aligns with his Labour Party membership, while Carl’s military background influences his conservative leanings.
Political Differences
That night, Lian and Carl enjoyed dinner together at Saltfish. It was this meal that opened up a radical and enriching exchange between their contrasting political perspectives. Lian expressed concern over current political trends, emphasizing that “the way he is trying to bully the great universities of the US into toeing the line is disgraceful.” This quote encapsulates Lian’s fears about the current political environment and what it means for education and academic freedom.
Carl, by contrast, expressed a more realistic view of national politics. Sure, he admitted that he’s voted Conservative for the last 30 years, but he made it clear that he’s thinking of voting Reform. This overall shift is a sign of hope for progress, for a new direction and desire to explore different political paths. Over dinner they shared their different perspectives and opened up about how life experiences drive political decisions. These decisions can be radically different from each other.
Common Ground
Though they disagreed on a lot, it was Lian’s expertise that interested Carl and kept the two of them engaged with one another as equals. Their conversation was a reminder of just how powerful – and necessary – real conversations can be in breaking down ideological barriers. And yet, both men understood that simply listening to each other’s perspectives can go a long way toward building mutual empathy and stronger collaboration.
Adding to the tension, Lian quickly learns that her new friend, Carl’s wife, is an old college classmate of Lian’s. She is a caseworker for their local MP, further entwining the two. This combination of personal and professional networks is a great example of how our connected lives can help create conversations that we may not know how to have otherwise.
As they concluded their meal at Saltfish, Lian and Carl were appreciative. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have such an open and frank discussion. The dinner served as a reminder that despite stark political differences, individuals can come together to share their stories and perspectives.