The Faces of Change: Millie
Faces of Change is a celebration of the people driving The Agency of Change forward, the creatives, facilitators and leaders turning ideas into real impact in communities across the country.
This time, the spotlight is on Millie Bottomley, Lead Facilitator at The Agency Chester, produced by Storyhouse.
Millie’s journey with us began after attending a Festival of Ideas event in Harpurhey, where she was inspired by the energy, honesty and passion in the room. Drawn to the programme’s people-first approach, she joined our team and has never looked back.
Now, Millie supports Agents to think deeply, stay curious and develop projects rooted in care, creativity and community connection.
Millie Q&A
What’s your connection to Chester?
I've been working in Lache and Chester for 3 years now and I LOVE it! Both the city and territory have lots of history and a unique personality. Storyhouse is such a great and varied organisation, offering so much to the people of Chester and beyond. Lache has such a strong community feel and I relate to the feeling of coming from a smaller city / town. The connections we have built in the community have and continue to bring me so much joy!
What inspired you to join The Agency team?
I was first introduced to the Agency during my time working at Contact. A year before I joined, I attended the festival of ideas in Harpurhey and was so inspired by the talent in the room from both the Agents and staff. The Agency was spoken about with such energy and I could see how everyone who was involved was so passionate about it's success. I wanted to be a part of this movement, it was like no other project I had come across before, I wanted to learn - so when a role for a project producer came up I jumped at it and have never looked back.
If you had to describe your role in one word (and why you chose that word!), what would it be?
Rat - it's become a bit of a running joke at this point! 🐀
I have nothing against rats, I actually see being a rat as a positive thing. Agency methodology would probably call me a questioner but being a rat is more fun.
When the dreaded 'right, I'm going to be a rat now' comes out, it's basically my way of offering constructive criticism and lightening up having to ask the difficult questions, the ones that people rarely want to hear or acknowledge. A huge part of my role is to encourage the Agents to think deeply, explore more, research, question, consult, spark curiosity and ask themselves how or why!
My rat antics are my way of showing the Agents affection, I know what amazing success they are capable of, sometimes it just takes a rat for them to see that in themselves.
Describe a moment at The Agency that made you feel especially proud or moved.
Recently, our Agents wrote and shared 'I care...' statements relating to the territory, themselves and their projects. Hearing more about their personal reasons for wanting to deliver their projects and their hopes for the territory and community members always pulls at my heartstrings.
In the hustle and bustle of preparing for panels and project planning, it's always these moments of pause and reflection that act as reminders of why we are doing this and what it means for each of us.
Who has been one of your biggest inspirations or role models (inside or outside The Agency)?
Kate Bradnam! I have and continue to learn SO much from Kate. She has been a part of The Agency basically since the start and I am very grateful to be able to tap into the mountains of knowledge and experience she has. The Agency pushes everyone (Agents and staff) to always be developing themselves and their practise. But this can only be done with the generosity of people like Kate - she's a powerhouse!
What’s a hidden gem in Chester that everyone should know about?
Cafe La-Chez Lache! Lache resident Carly has opened up a cafe in the community centre, it's the perfect place to get a jacket potato, full english or a coffee. It has been amazing to see her create a community of regulars in the building and we loveeee having a hot meal during our Saturday sessions! It's really nice to have somewhere in the territory for people to be able to sit, eat and enjoy one anothers company.
If you could invite any three people to a creative brainstorming session (alive or historical), who would they be?
Marcus Faustini - to bring all the Agency magic, a good sense of humour and provide provocations and questions that make us question everything!! (in the best way)
Jonathan Burrows - I love his book 'The Choreographers Handbook' and think he could bring some great creative tools for us to think with
Marina Abramovic - her work is bold, brave and unapologetic, personally she is a great reminder to not be consumed by worry about how the world perceives you!
What do you want to change in 2026?
2026 is the year of chipping away for me, continuing and building upon lots of different areas of my life and work.
Do you have a motto or phrase that guides you in your work or life?
Every 'no' leaves space for the right thing to come and take it's place.
Finally, if there were a movie or a book about your life, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
I've had to enlist the help of my best friend Molly for this one - hiya Mol!
"Hmmmm, it would have to be a coming of age type film. Where you are learning stuff about yourself along the way. Ultimately, you end up surrounded by friends and having a good time. Theres no specific plotline but it's all about good times and building each other up...a little bit like Little Miss Sunshine. Character wise maybe Saoirse Ronan or Natalie Portman"
"Why them?"
"I don't know, I just get that vibe"
Thanks Mols!
