Mikkel Juel Iversen’s journey is a testament to resilience and purpose. Originally from Denmark, Mikkel moved to London 25 years ago to study finance. His early career in banking was marked by redundancy during the dot-com bubble and the collapse of Enron. These setbacks led him to explore new paths, eventually moving into the film industry with Universal Studios. However, a personal health crisis in 2003 became a turning point, prompting Mikkel to turn to meditation and mind-body medicine, which cured his debilitating sciatica. This experience sparked a profound shift in his life’s focus towards helping people.
The foundation of Under One Sky was laid in 2008-2009 when Mikkel encountered two homeless men and dedicated himself to understanding and assisting them for about a year. This hands-on experience with homelessness revealed the complex challenges faced by those without shelter and inspired Mikkel to take action. Initially, Under One Sky started as a small initiative where Mikkel and a few friends distributed Christmas presents to the homeless in London. The positive response and the growing interest from his social circle encouraged him to formalize the effort.
Under One Sky officially became a charity in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis exposed the dire situation of homeless individuals in London, many of whom had no access to food or essential services. Mikkel and his team sprang into action, mobilizing volunteers and resources to provide immediate relief. Their efforts attracted significant media attention, leading to an influx of volunteers and donations. As Mikkel recalls, “When the rest of us are at risk of dying, those vulnerable and at risk of dying might be less interesting.” This realization drove the urgency of their mission.
One of the unique aspects of Under One Sky is its emphasis on storytelling and changing the narrative around homelessness. Mikkel believes that homelessness is not an identity but a situation triggered by various factors such as war, domestic abuse, or economic hardship. He emphasizes, “Homelessness is never where the story starts; it’s where the story of all the social ills end.” This perspective shifts the focus from the condition itself to the root causes, fostering empathy and understanding.
Another core component of Under One Sky’s approach is community building. By engaging volunteers and partnering with companies, the organization creates a network of support that extends beyond traditional charity models. Mikkel highlights, “The simple act of two strangers connecting can have such a fundamental shift in both those people.” This philosophy not only aids the homeless but also enriches the lives of volunteers, providing them with a sense of purpose and connection.
Mikkel’s background in finance and film has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of Under One Sky. His financial acumen ensures sustainable funding and resource management, while his storytelling skills help in raising awareness and mobilizing support. The charity has grown from a small, friends-and-family-based initiative to a robust organization with about 2,500 volunteers.
Looking ahead, Mikkel envisions a world where homelessness is eradicated through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. He is exploring scalable models and partnerships that combine private capital with social impact, such as social impact bonds. “We want to find models that actually can combine private capital and impact,” he states, underscoring the need for a multifaceted approach to solving homelessness.
In summary, Mikkel Juel Iversen’s work with Under One Sky exemplifies how personal transformation can lead to significant social impact. His journey from finance and film to philanthropy highlights the power of resilience, empathy, and innovative thinking in addressing complex societal issues. As Under One Sky continues to grow and inspire, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model for how communities can come together to create meaningful change.
By embracing Under One Sky’s mission, individuals and businesses alike can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
To learn more about Mikkel’s inspiring journey and the impactful work of Under One Sky, watch the full interview on YouTube.
