The Charity CEO Podcast (Dhivya O'Connor)
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| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Jan 2025 | Ep 51. Eliza Reid, Former First Lady of Iceland and writer: Championing Gender Equality | 00:37:59 | |
“Gender equality is a choice… working for greater gender equality is not a zero sum game, where you’re taking something from one group and giving it to another - it’s helping to level the playing field for everyone.” Special guest, Eliza Reid, is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, entrepreneur and former First Lady of Iceland. Iceland has topped the World Economic Forum’s gender equality rankings for 15 years, as the country with the smallest gender gap. In her first book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They are Changing the World, Eliza examines what it is about Iceland and Icelandic society that makes it the most gender-equal country in the world. We talk about Eliza’s own extraordinary journey from growing up on a farm outside of Ottawa in Canada, to becoming the First Lady of Iceland, and what she has learnt along the way. It is a fascinating account, showcasing Eliza’s determination to go beyond the traditional expectations of her role as First Lady, make the most of unexpected opportunities, and to use her unique voice and privilege to advocate for gender equality and social justice. Recorded December 2024. Guest Biography Eliza Reid is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, co-founder of the acclaimed Iceland Writers Retreat and former First Lady of Iceland. She was born and raised in Canada but has lived in Iceland for over twenty years. Eliza’s first book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World, was an instant bestseller in Canada and Iceland, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Pick, and translated into numerous languages. Her first novel, an Iceland-set mystery called Death of a Diplomat (Death on the Island in the U.S.), will be published in spring 2025. From 2016 to 2024, Eliza served in the unofficial role of First Lady, while her husband was President of Iceland, during which time she served as patron of numerous organisations, and was named a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals. Passionate about inclusion, belonging, and equality, she wielded her influence through poignant op-eds, a compelling TEDx talk, and dozens of keynote addresses to audiences around the world, including presidents and royalty. Eliza has degrees from the University of Toronto (Trinity College) and Oxford University (St. Antony’s College). She lives in the outskirts of Reykjavík with her husband and four children. Links https://elizareid.com/ | |||
| 03 Mar 2025 | Ep 52. Kathy Evans and Rosie Ferguson, former CEOs of Children England and House of St Barnabas: A conversation on charity closure and lasting impact | 01:02:27 | |
In the nonprofit world, we often celebrate beginnings—new initiatives, fresh funding, and ambitious strategies. But what happens when a charity needs to close its doors? Does closure mean failure, or can it be part of a responsible, strategic decision? In this conversation, Kathy Evans of Children England and Rosie Ferguson from House of St Barnabas explore the realities of charity closure: the challenges, the tough choices, and the lessons learned. We discuss how to ensure impact outlasts an organisation, the role of sustainability, and why ending well is just as important as starting and staying strong. | |||
| 07 Sep 2020 | Ep 3. Sarah Mitchell, CEO Heart of the City: Corporate Social Responsibility and the future of charity partnerships | 00:31:46 | |
“There is a move away from the more traditional charity partnerships... (towards) a kind of main-streaming of responsible business.” In this episode I speak with Sarah Mitchell, CEO of Heart of the City, a charity working with small to medium sized companies to help them to develop a purpose beyond profit. We discuss the changing face of corporate partnerships; Scenario Planning amidst uncertainty; and reflect on the positive aspects of working through the pandemic. Sarah also highlights some key leadership learnings and the importance of taking time for reflection and self-care as a Chief Executive. This episode was recorded in August 2020 via Skype, before Sarah’s new appointment as CEO of Cycling UK was announced. Guest Biography Sarah Mitchell has been CEO of Heart of the City since May 2017. She is due to take up the position of CEO at Cycling UK in October 2020. Sarah has spoken and written about entrepreneurship in charities and is currently working on a book to be published by Routledge on the future of the charity sector. Previously Sarah was CEO at Carers Network and Head of Housing at Crisis and Senior Policy Advisor at Shelter. She has also worked as an Assistant Director in the UK Civil Service (Department for Business), at the European Parliament and in the Commission. Sarah is the Vice-Chair of the grant making charity the Nationwide Foundation. Links ‘Picture This’ - Guide to Scenario Planning for Voluntary Organisations: https://www.cass.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/37297/picture_this.pdf www.theheartofthecity.com If you enjoyed the show please click the subscribe button on your podcast app and consider leaving a 5 star review. It will only take a few seconds and reviews really help make a difference, as they enable more people to find and listen to the podcast. Visit www.thecharityceo.com for full show details and to submit questions for future guests. Thank you for listening. | |||
| 08 Nov 2021 | Ep 25. Michelle Mitchell OBE, CEO Cancer Research UK: Cancer care, COVID-19 and the power of collaboration | 00:49:00 | |
“Leaders who can convene and collaborate are going to be best placed to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic world… No one (single) person, no one organisation, in fact no one country can beat cancer... we go faster when we collaborate and partner.” Michelle Mitchell epitomises her organisation’s strap-line: Together we will beat cancer. Driven by an absolute determination to accelerate progress in cancer research, Michelle shares leadership insights and lessons learned from being CEO of this £600m organisation. Being the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research, has not meant that Cancer Research UK has been immune to the effects of the pandemic. CRUK is predicting a £250m drop in income over the next 3 years, which will seriously impact their ambitions to enable 3 in 4 people to survive cancer by 2034. We also talk about the impact the disruption of the past 18 months has had on the cancer community; and the importance of partnership, and the One Cancer Voice collaboration, in ensuring the continued delivery of world-class cancer services. Recorded September 2021. Guest Biography Michelle Mitchell OBE is Cancer Research UK’s first female CEO. CRUK is the world's largest independent funder of cancer research. Michelle believes that by working together, and building the strongest possible team, we will beat cancer together. She is a member of the National Cancer Board, and has extensive non-executive experience, serving on the Boards of NHS England and The King’s Fund, a leading health policy think-tank. Before joining Cancer Research UK, Michelle was CEO of the MS Society for five years. Prior to that, she was Director General at Age UK, the UK’s largest older people’s charity. Michelle has a BA in Economics, an MA in Politics and Public Administration and an International Executive Diploma from INSEAD. Michelle was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to the charity sector. Links https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ This episode is sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management https://www.edentreeim.com/ | |||
| 24 Aug 2020 | Ep 1. Gemma Peters, CEO Blood Cancer UK (Part 1): Leading through the pandemic - Impact on cancer communities and the charity sector | 00:56:32 | |
“We do really need the government to acknowledge that this (research) investment is critical. It’s critical to patients, but it’s also critical to the UK as an entity. The UK’s strength in medical research is something that we are all so proud of.” In this very first episode of The Charity CEO Podcast we speak with Gemma Peters, CEO of Blood Cancer UK. In Part 1 of our conversation, we talk about leading through the current crisis; the impact of delayed healthcare and medical research for cancer patients; discuss the tough decisions behind redundancy consultations at Blood Cancer UK; collaboration in the charity sector; and even outline a proposal for setting up a Charity Mergers and Partnerships hub! Gemma reflects on what she has learnt as a leader and on decision making with imperfect data. She also shares how being open and vulnerable has actually helped bring her closer to her team and made them collectively more effective. Episode recorded August 2020 via Skype. Visit www.thecharityceo.com for full show details. Gemma Peters joined Blood Cancer UK as Chief Executive in September 2017. Prior to this she worked at King’s College London and King’s Health Partners as Executive Director of Fundraising and Supporter Development. Gemma also spent 7 years as Trustee for Action Aid UK. www.bloodcancer.org.uk | |||
| 05 Jun 2023 | Ep 42. Areeba Hamid and Will McCallum co-Executive Directors, Greenpeace UK: Co-leading for Change | 00:51:25 | |
“We have won the war on climate denial… (but) we cannot underestimate what an enormous fight this is… the climate movement being mainstream doesn’t mean we have the power to make change happen yet.” In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with not one, but two impressive non-profit leaders: Areeba Hamid and Will McCallum, co-Executive Directors of Greenpeace UK. What's unique about Areeba and Will is that together they have shattered several barriers in their leadership roles. Areeba is the first woman and person of colour to lead Greenpeace UK, and, they are the first duo to assume this position. We dive into the essential role that Greenpeace continues to play in today's world, where the climate movement has become mainstream, and how their work continues to influence policy and drive social change. We explore the co-leadership model that Areeba and Will have adopted, discovering what makes it work and how they navigate conflicts. They also share valuable advice for other charity leaders and organisations who may be contemplating this approach. Recorded April 2023. Guest Biographies Areeba Hamid is co-Executive Director of Greenpeace UK. Areeba has worked at senior levels in Greenpeace offices around the world from 2006-2020, campaigning on issues like marine conservation, coal expansion in India, rainforest destruction in Indonesia, and tar sands in Canada and North America. Areeba re-joined Greenpeace UK from The Sunrise Project, where she led their global finance program. She is also a board member of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants. Born in India, she will be the first woman and first person of colour to lead Greenpeace in the UK. Will McCallum is co-Executive Director of Greenpeace UK. Prior to this, he was Head of Oceans at Greenpeace UK from 2015-22. Will led campaigns on sustainable fisheries, including working alongside low impact fishing communities. He founded and led the international 30x30 campaign geared to create ocean sanctuaries in international and national waters. Before that, he oversaw the launch of Greenpeace UK’s first campaigns on plastic, helping reshape the global conversation about plastic waste away from litter to being one about reducing production. He is the author of the book, How to Give Up Plastic, which has been translated into 12 languages. Links https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/ | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | Ep 36. Jean-Michel Grand, CEO Action Against Hunger UK: No child should die of hunger! | 00:58:24 | |
“No child should die from hunger… we have the treatment… this treatment has 95% cure rate… and (yet) only 20% of the severely malnourished children in the world have access to this (life-saving) treatment” In a world where enough food is produced to feed everyone on earth, how is it that nearly 3 billion people - over a third of the world’s population - can’t get the food that they need to survive! Jean-Michel Grand, CEO of Action Against Hunger UK, shares his views on what is driving this global humanitarian crisis of hunger and what action needs to be taken to resolve it. We talk about crises in Africa, Pakistan, Ukraine and also Action Against Hunger’s programmes right here in the UK, developed in response to an increase in food poverty and food insecurity for millions of UK households. Jean-Michel lays down the challenge to the UK’s newly elected Prime Minister to put the UK’s international aid spending back up to 0.7% and to reclaim Britain’s position of influence on the global stage. He also shares some powerful leadership lessons learned over 20 years of being a CEO. Recorded September 2022. Guest Biography Jean-Michel Grand has been the CEO of Action Against Hunger UK since 2003. He started his career in the humanitarian sector in 1994, as a logistician during the Bosnian war where he worked for two years before being deployed to mostly conflict and drought related humanitarian crises. He spent the subsequent six years in Chechnya, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Malawi and Zimbabwe, working for Action Against Hunger. Jean-Michel represents Action Against Hunger UK on the International Executive Committee of the organisation’s International Network (which is present in over 50 countries). He was a Board member of VOICE, the network of European Humanitarian NGOs and is currently part of the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) Board, as an agency member. He has also been part of the CEOs' “Sounding board” on effective management hosted by Bain and Company since 2006, and is a Director of ACFIN trademark licensing company. Over the past three decades, Jean-Michel has dedicated most of his efforts to addressing child undernutrition around the world and helping populations affected by humanitarian crises. Links https://www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk/ | |||
| 05 Oct 2020 | Ep 5. Charlotte Hill OBE (Part 2), Founding CEO of Step Up To Serve: Leadership, babies and the intricacies of Maternity Leave! | 00:31:32 | |
“The Chief Execs who I really admire are those who wear their heart on their sleeve and are open and honest and themselves.... they are their authentic selves... no matter where you see them and no matter who they are talking to, they are themselves.” In this episode, Part 2, of my conversation with Charlotte Hill, we talk about the joys and the challenges of having babies whilst being busy Chief Executives. We discuss issues surrounding Maternity Leave, Shared Parental Leave and around women transitioning back in to the workplace; and explore perceived barriers to leadership for women. We reflect on how lockdown has shown everyone in a much more human light, having to juggle work, children, self-care and in Charlotte’s case, even breast-feeding! Charlotte reveals her personal struggle with fertility and how being vulnerable can actually make us stronger and more respected as leaders. This episode was recorded in September 2020, via Skype. Guest Biography Charlotte Hill became Chief Executive of Step Up To Serve in 2014 at the start of the #iwill Campaign. Prior to that she had been CEO of UK Youth. She is currently on secondment to BBC Children In Need, but will return to Step Up To Serve for the final months before the time-limited organisation closes its doors at the end of 2020. Charlotte started her career working in Parliament for the Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman QC MP. She then moved to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) as their Parliamentary Advisor. Charlotte has also worked with children’s charities in Australia and Cambodia. Charlotte was awarded an OBE for services to young people in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List. Links https://www.iwill.org.uk/ | |||
| 01 Jul 2024 | Ep 50. Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO Women's World Banking: There's nothing micro about a billion women! | 00:48:17 | |
"Empowerment is the ability to make choices... and... having economic tools, economic resources is a way of providing the means for those choices." The world has come a long way since 1974 when women in America could not have their own bank account or checking account without their husband’s signature. The 1st United Nations World Conference on Women in 1975 and the subsequent creation of Women’s World Banking in 1979, have played a massive part in enabling women today to achieve financial independence and be economically empowered. Mary Ellen Iskenderian has been at the helm of Women’s World Banking for 18 years. She joins us today to talk about how far we have come with respect to women’s financial inclusion, her organisation’s work in this area, particularly in low-income settings, and how far we have yet still to go. We talk about her book, ‘There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women’ - a reference to the nearly one billion women who until a couple of years ago, were outside of formal financial systems - and how women’s financial inclusion is not just good for women and their families, but also, good for business, good for the resilience of the global economy, and essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Recorded May 2024. Guest Biography Mary Ellen Iskenderian is President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, the global nonprofit devoted to giving low-income women in the developing world access to the financial tools and resources they require to achieve security and prosperity. She joined Women’s World Banking in 2006 and leads the Women’s World Banking global team, based in New York, and also serves as a member of the Investment Committee of its two impact investment funds. Mary Ellen is a passionate advocate for women’s economic empowerment through greater access to finance. She is a leading voice for the world’s one billion women not actively engaged with the financial sector, urging the banking industry to view this community as a powerful new market of small business owners, heads of households, and consumers of financial products and services. Prior to Women’s World Banking, Mary Ellen worked for 17 years at the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank. She had previously worked for the investment bank Lehman Brothers. Mary Ellen is a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a member of the Women’s Forum of New York. She serves as a Director on the Board of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. A 2017 Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Fellow, Mary Ellen holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She was recently recognized in the Forbes 50 over 50: Investment list, which highlights female investors and financial leaders. Her first book, There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: Making Finance Work for Women, was published by MIT Press in April 2022. Links https://www.womensworldbanking.org | |||
| 04 Mar 2024 | Ep 48. Cherie Blair CBE KC, Founder, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women: Enabling economic gender justice | 00:55:58 | |
“There is a problem! Business has a problem, the world has a problem, because we are just not utilising the talents, the ambitions, the drive of half the world’s population (the female half)... Economic gender justice is essential both for women’s freedom and equality, but also for the development of the world.” We are honoured to have on the podcast, Cherie Blair CBE KC! As the Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, Cherie has been a relentless advocate for women's rights, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Our discussion delves into her vision for the Foundation, her journey as a leading barrister and King's Counsel in the male-dominated legal profession, and the gendered challenges women still confront today. Cherie is of course, the wife of the former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and is an inspiration to women across the world. Recorded January 2024. Guest Biography Cherie Blair CBE, KC is a leading King’s Counsel with over 35 years’ experience. Cherie is a strong advocate for women’s rights and in 2008 she founded the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. The Foundation promotes the financial independence of women in low and middle income countries so that they can be financially independent, have a stronger voice in their societies, and, contribute to their communities. Since its inception, the Foundation has had a significant and measurable impact on the lives of more than 250,000 women entrepreneurs in 105 countries especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Cherie is actively involved in the Foundation, travelling internationally to visit projects and donors and to advocate for women entrepreneurs globally. Cherie studied law at the London School of Economics (LSE) and is also the Founder and Chair of the pioneering law firm Omnia Strategy where she focuses on cross-border dispute resolution, commercial arbitration, mediation and human rights. Cherie was awarded a CBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List for services to women’s issues and to charities in both the UK and overseas. She is the wife of former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair. They have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Links Www.cherieblairfoundation.org | |||
| 05 Sep 2022 | Ep 34. Mita Desai, CEO Young Trustees Movement: What is the role of charity Governance? (and what Boards must do to get it right!) | 00:36:53 | |
“It’s not the role of a Trustee to know all the answers; it’s asking great questions. And if we only have a homogeneous group of people on (a) Board, it lowers your ability to ask really great questions from different perspectives, which lowers our ability to manage risk.” Mita Desai is the Chief Executive of the Young Trustees Movement. The Young Trustees Movement aims to double the number of young trustees, so that charity boards can better navigate uncertainty, better reflect the interests of their communities and future-proof their decision making. Currently only 3% of charity Trustees in the UK are under the age of 30. Mita talks about the disruptive campaign her organisation is running to change perspectives on who a Trustee can be. They are also raising awareness on the role of governance and what charity governance is really there to do. We talk about how organisations can create the culture for diverse perspectives to thrive, not just on their Boards but across their workforces. Mita shares practical advice on what Boards can do to ensure that representation is not tokenistic and that different voices are genuinely welcomed and valued. Mita shares her own experiences of being a young Trustee and how the maxim ‘Never let fear get in the way of the choices you want to make’ has led her to where she is today. Recorded July 2022. Guest Biography Mita Desai currently serves as CEO of the Young Trustees Movement. Mita has over 10 years of experience in the Youth Sector and youth voice advocacy. She has been part of a variety of campaigns including Votes at 16, A Curriculum for Life, and the Alternative Vote referendum. Mita holds a BA in Social Policy, has served as Chair of the British Youth Council and sat on the Advisory Board for Step Up To Serve. Links https://youngtrusteesmovement.org This episode is kindly sponsored by EdenTree, a charity owned investment manager and leader in responsible and sustainable investing. | |||
| 18 Jan 2021 | Ep 9. Julie Bentley, CEO Samaritans: Learning, Leadership and Listening | 00:41:01 | |
“You don't need to have all the answers, you don't need to have solutions... you just need to be able to listen.” Julie Bentley is CEO of Samaritans, the suicide prevention charity. In this episode Julie shares life and leadership lessons, from being a post-lady early in her career, to how she grappled with the gremlins of Imposter Syndrome. She highlights key qualities of leadership: emotional intelligence, authenticity, resilience, humility, kindness, vulnerability and humour! - all of which she believes have been important through her own leadership journey. We talk about the work of Samaritans: providing a place where someone is always available to listen, without judgement. The Samaritans’ service delivery model is unique, as it is entirely volunteer run. With a vision of ensuring that fewer people die by suicide, Samaritans has over 17,000 trained ‘listening volunteers’ who respond to calls for help. Currently 1 in 5 callers to Samaritans are voicing concerns about the impact of COVID-19, indicating a significant risk to mental health from the pandemic. We discuss Brew Monday, turning the third Monday in January (traditionally known as Blue Monday) into a campaign aimed at encouraging people to stay connected with a virtual cup of tea; particularly important as the UK is now in its 3rd full lockdown nationwide. #BrewMonday Julie also opens her heart about her brother Roy’s, death and talks about co-curating the book ‘Sisters and Brothers’, breaking taboos around talking about death, dying and bereavement. This is a poignant, moving and inspirational start to our second Season. Recorded December 2020. Guest Biography Julie Bentley has been a charity CEO for over 18 years and has led some of the UK’s most well-known charities including Action for Children, Girlguiding, Family Planning Association and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Julie joined Samaritans as CEO in November 2020. She is currently also Vice Chair of NCVO (National Council of Voluntary Organisations). Julie is a passionate advocate for the voices of those with lived experience being at the heart of a charity. She has a reputation for driving change and for the authenticity she brings to her leadership. In 2014, she was named as Third Sector’s ‘Most Admired Charity CEO’ and appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. In 2019, she received The Charity Times Award for ‘Outstanding Individual Achievement’ and was voted one of the sector’s ‘Most Influential Leaders’. Links www.samaritans.org www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday www.cruse.org.uk Buy ‘Sisters and Brothers: Stories about the death of a sibling’ book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3obuEGw | |||
| 07 Aug 2023 | Ep 44. Ruth Marvel, CEO The Duke of Edinburgh's Award: A vision for young people | 00:47:16 | |
“Deceptively simple, but devastatingly effective” This is how Ruth Marvel, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK, describes the Award. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was started by His Royal Highness the late Prince Philip in 1956 to provide young men with development opportunities to acquire self-confidence, gain a sense of purpose and help them become well-rounded citizens. Today, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or DofE provides an experiential learning framework that is open to all young people age 14 to 24, supporting them to learn new skills, overcome obstacles, and build confidence and resilience. Ruth shares how the organisation has changed over the years, and we explore their current strategy to enable one million young people to participate in the life-changing programmes, with particular focus on providing access to those who experience marginalisation. With a third of young people in the UK leaving school feeling like they are failing, we talk about the current context for young people, and what skills, outside of formal education, they need to really thrive in today’s world. Ruth also shares reflections on the discipline of leadership in the voluntary sector and how as leaders, we constantly need to question whether we are delivering our missions in the most effective way. Recorded June 2023. Guest Biography Ruth Marvel is the CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) in the UK. The DofE exists to help young people build a life-long belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had. Ruth is passionate about social justice and she has a particular interest in advancing opportunities for young people, social innovation and the power of collaboration and design thinking to solve social problems. Since joining DofE in 2019, Ruth has led the development of a new organisational strategy which aims to give a million young people, especially the most marginalised, a life-changing DofE experience by 2026. Before joining DofE, Ruth was Acting CEO at Girlguiding, which is the largest organisation of girls and young women in the UK and supports 400,000 young members to build their skills and confidence, have fun and be heard on the issues they care about. Prior to that, Ruth was Director of Strategy and Innovation at the disability charity Scope, where she led on organisational strategy, innovation and co-designing services with disabled people and their families. Ruth started her career as a campaigns officer at Scope, working to strengthen Disability Rights legislation. Ruth is a Trustee of GoodGym, and a Fellow of the Clore Social Leadership Programme. Links https://www.dofe.org/ | |||
| 17 Jan 2022 | Ep 28. Tim Howarth, Founding CEO United World Schools: Believing in the power of education to transform lives | 00:43:08 | |
“If there’s one over-riding feature that has really driven success in the last 10 years, it really is that complete and utter belief in the Mission... (and) linking up with people who share that commitment, to the power of education to transform lives.” Today’s is a very special episode: I am speaking with Tim Howarth, my predecessor at United World Schools and its Founding CEO. Tim tells the story of taking United World Schools (UWS) from his family’s kitchen table to the global organisation it is today, with over 1,200 staff operating across 4 continents and reaching nearly 50,000 children in poor and marginalised communities. UWS builds and runs schools in remote areas of the Global South, providing primary education to children who otherwise would not have a school to go to. With a Vision of a world where all children have the chance to go to school, the organisation aims to give every child access to free, quality and inclusive education, transforming life opportunities for children living in remote and marginalised parts of the world. UWS currently operates programmes in Cambodia, Madagascar, Myanmar and Nepal. Tim shares key leadership lessons from the perspective of building an organisation from the ground up, as well as tips and best practices for charity leaders seeking to establish meaningful partnerships with local governments. Tim also talks about how being bold, and having complete belief and faith in the Mission, has been key to the success of United World Schools over the past decade. Recorded December 2021. Guest Biography Tim Howarth is the Founding Chief Executive of United World Schools (UWS). After ten years with the organisation, Tim recently transitioned the UWS CEO role to our podcast host herself, Dhivya O'Connor. Under Tim's leadership, UWS reached almost 50,000 previously out-of-school children, establishing over 260 UWS Community Schools and learning sites in remote regions of South East Asia, and most recently in Madagascar. The organisation has been recognised with several awards and prizes: WISE Award in 2019, HundrED Prize for Educational Innovation in 2019 & 2020, and the UNESCO Prize for Ethnic Minority Literacy Programmes in 2020. Tim is a trained teacher. Prior to his time at UWS, Tim worked in a number of leadership and consultancy roles, developing teaching and leadership capacity in UK and Australian schools. Tim is also an RSA Fellow and in 2019 was listed on the UK Social Entrepreneur Index. Links https://www.unitedworldschools.org/ This episode is sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management https://www.edentreeim.com/ | |||
| 21 Jun 2021 | Ep 20. Frank Fletcher, CEO Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust: Sailing through the Pandemic | 00:51:46 | |
“The partnership puts young people at the centre and not brand … we should all be working together to achieve Mission, rather than brand awareness or the size of our turnover or how many staff we employ.” Frank Fletcher is CEO of The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The Trust supports young people with cancer, engaging them in outdoor activities, to help re-build their confidence and their lives, after cancer. We talk about how the Trust pivoted to a Virtual Summer during 2020 and what it has learnt during the pandemic in order to better support young people recovering from cancer. We discuss the Trust’s newly formed partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust and CLIC Sargent (now Young Lives vs Cancer) - a fantastic example of leaving brand differences at the door to truly focus on what is best for young people. Frank shares his learnings on establishing this formal partnership and strongly encourages other charity leaders to follow suit. Recorded May 2021. Guest Biography Frank Fletcher has been CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust since 2005. The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national charity that inspires young people aged 8-24 to believe in a brighter future, living through and beyond cancer. Supporting young people through sailing, outdoor activities and virtual year-round engagement, the Trust helps young people feel more positive, accepted, confident and independent, as they look ahead to re-establish their place in the world. Before his appointment at the Trust, Frank worked at the UK Sailing Academy, another youth charity utilising the power of the outdoors to transform young people’s lives. Unsurprisingly, outdoor pursuits feature heavily in Frank’s personal life; he enjoys walking, paddle-boarding, cycling, swimming, and running. Other spare time is spent relaxing in his allotment, and with his family on the Isle of Wight. Links https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/ | |||
| 11 Oct 2021 | Ep 23. Leonor Stjepic, CEO Montessori Group: A values-based approach to education, life and leadership | 00:40:55 | |
“To be able to say, in a small way, I moved the needle to make (someone else’s) life better, is actually something that money cant buy...” Leonor Stjepic is Chief Executive of the Montessori Group. Montessori education was created by Dr Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. Leonor talks about Montessori education being an approach rather than a curriculum, providing the framework and structure, within which the child has the freedom to learn. The aim is to prepare children for the current realities of the world they are growing up, whilst instilling them with core values such as curiosity, kindness and collaboration. We talk about leadership and Leonor shares the 3 qualities she thinks are most important in a leader: being authentic, having empathy and being ready with a Plan A, B, C & Z! We also talk about the new Montessori Leadership Programme that overlays Montessori values on to a leadership development framework for Board and Executive level leaders. Leonor shares personal stories from her vast leadership experience and we discuss the #KindnessMatters campaign: the organisation’s quest to share One Million Stories of Kindness. Recorded July 2021. Guest Biography Leonor Stjepic is Chief Executive of the Montessori Group, as well as an award-winning social entrepreneur. The first part of Leonor’s career was spent in the private sector in several senior roles and then running her own consultancy. In 1994 Leonor decided to volunteer to work with children and women who were victims of the war in the Balkans. Upon returning to London, she then transitioned into the charity sector. Leonor has served as CEO of the Galapagos Conservation Trust and CEO of the medical research institute, RAFT. During her time at RAFT, Leonor created a life sciences company, Smart Matrix Ltd, and was at its helm for five years, whilst concurrently serving as CEO of RAFT. Leonor sits on the Advisory Board of Global Thinkers Forum and the Steering Committee of Karanga. Links https://montessori-group.com/ https://www.edentreeim.com/insights/edentree-sponsor-the-charity-ceo-podcast-season-3 | |||
| 06 Dec 2021 | Ep 27. Sarah Vibert, CEO National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO): Culture change is not linear | 00:38:18 | |
“This is about structural issues in society and structural issues in the sector… Diversity and inclusion is a problem right across the sector… (and) the sector is about social justice and so there is an urgency for us as a sector to get this right. Culture change is not a linear process… real culture change takes a long time… trust and healing is the very beginning of that sort of conversation.” Sarah Vibert is the Interim CEO of NCVO, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. NCVO is a membership body that champions charities and volunteers. Its focus is supporting its member organisations and enabling their efforts to make the world a better place. In the current context, NCVO is playing a key role in re-imagining the voluntary sector, collaborating with other infrastructure bodies and influencing government. NCVO is a founding member of The Civil Society Group, an informal group which aims at improving collaboration within the sector and streamlining engagement with government. In February 2021, a leaked EDI Report revealed systemic issues around bullying, harassment and racism at NCVO. Having just stepped up to the CEO role the month before, Sarah talks about the journey she has taken her team and the organisation on, and the difficult process of rebuilding trust. Sarah shares valuable lessons learned through leading this culture change. Recorded September 2021. Guest Biography Sarah Vibert is the Interim Chief Executive of NCVO. Sarah stepped up to the role in January 2021, having previously been NCVO’s Director of Membership and Engagement. Prior to joining NCVO, Sarah was Chief Executive of the umbrella charity, The Neurological Alliance. She has also served in senior management roles at Epilepsy Society and In Kind Direct, having started her career in local government management, including working for The Mayor of London. Sarah is a Trustee of The Brain and Spine Foundation and volunteers for her son’s school PTA. Links https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ This episode is sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management https://www.edentreeim.com/ | |||
| 01 May 2023 | Ep 41. Anna Josse, Founder & CEO Prism the Gift Fund: The Joy of Giving, without the hassle of admin! | 00:40:09 | |
“Gift Aid, yes people know about it (but) they still dont understand it… there is about £750m unclaimed in Gift Aid every year, split between smaller charities unable to claim or dont have the skills to do it and higher rate tax-payers not really understanding … how they could be claiming an additional 25% on the gross (donation) in their tax returns.” Our guest today is Anna Josse, Founder and CEO of Prism the Gift Fund. Prism is a UK-based charity that is changing the face of philanthropy. Prism’s mission is to increase the flow of funds into the charitable sector, through creating efficiencies in the process of giving. Prism offers a unique and straight-forward alternative to setting up a charitable foundation, enabling donors to give tax-efficiently without the administrative hassle. Since its inception in 2005, Prism has facilitated over £550m in donations to thousands of charities across the world. In this episode, we dive into the different services offered by Prism, including Donor Advised Funds and Collective Funds. We explore how their innovative approach is revolutionising mid to high level giving in the UK, and also discuss the rise of the Philanthropy Paradox. Anna shares her insights on how the UK charity sector can learn from the American approach to philanthropy, as well as her vision for making philanthropy accessible to all. Recorded February 2023. Guest Biography Anna Josse is the Founder and CEO of Prism the Gift Fund (Prism). Prism’s aim is to increase the flow of funds into the charity sector. Previously, she worked in the high-tech industry and set up the Yazam EU office as Director of Investor Relations and set up and ran the British arm of a USA based charity, the New Israel Fund. Anna also acts as a trustee and advisor for several charities. She is the director and shareholder of the financial services company Regent Capital that specialises in investment products and services to UK-based HNW investors Links https://prismthegiftfund.co.uk/ This episode is sponsored by Society https://www.society-search.com/ | |||
| 25 Oct 2021 | Ep 24. Darren Cormack, CEO Mines Advisory Group (MAG): Leadership by deliberate action | 00:43:05 | |
“Be curious and communicate… Find the tension between reflection and action. (As a leader) you can equip yourself and you can develop in particular ways by deliberate action.” Darren Cormack is Chief Executive of the Mines Advisory Group, also known as MAG International. Since its establishment in 1989, MAG has helped over 20 million people in more than 70 countries, rebuild their lives and livelihoods after war. This global humanitarian and advocacy organisation works to find and remove lethal landmines and unexploded bombs in place affected by conflict. With over 5,000 staff across 26 countries, Darren shares his experiences stepping up to take the top job at the height of the pandemic in May 2020. He provides insights on lessons learned and practical examples of how he is steering MAG and its people, to thrive in a changing environment. Darren also talks about the importance and relevance of MAG’s work in a changing global context, and how even today, at least 15 people are killed or injured by landmines every single day. Recorded August 2021. Guest Biography Darren Cormack is the CEO of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a global humanitarian, development and campaigning charity. Darren joined MAG in 2008 and prior to taking over as CEO, Darren was the Director of Strategy and Government Relations, responsible for the design, articulation and delivery of MAG’s organisational funding strategy. Darren holds a first class Masters degree in International Management from the University of Lancaster Management School and is an experienced Non-Executive Director. Before he joined MAG, Darren worked in the private and non-profit sectors in the UK and internationally, managing a range of environment, conservation, humanitarian and development projects. He has lived and worked in Cambodia, South Sudan, Sudan, the Philippines and Indonesia. Links https://www.maginternational.org/ This episode was sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management. https://www.edentreeim.com/insights/edentree-sponsor-the-charity-ceo-podcast-season-3 | |||
| 24 May 2021 | Ep 18. Helen Moulinos, CEO POhWER: What are our Human Rights? | 00:43:33 | |
“Being your authentic self makes you a happier person and a better leader.” Helen Moulinos is the Chief Executive of POhWER, Britain’s largest human rights advocacy charity. POhWER was established in 1996 by a group of people with disabilities who were fighting social injustice and challenges in their lives. Today POhWER still operates with these roots at the heart of everything it does: supporting marginalised, vulnerable and socially excluded people through its charitable work. In 2020, POhWER reached over 400,000 people nationally, ensuring their rights were upheld and they were empowered to make independent choices. In this episode we talk about rights-led empowerment, as well as advocacy and rights in the particular context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the controversial ‘vaccine passports’ (or COVID Status Certification) and how during lockdown a number of groups have seen their human rights eroded. Helen also shares the story of her own leadership journey and insights on transitioning in to the charity sector from investment banking. Recorded April 2021. Guest Biography Helen Moulinos is the Chief Executive of POhWER. Over a 27 year career, Helen has held senior positions in the charity sector for Marie Curie, Stonewall, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society and The Children’s Society; and in the private sector for Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Lloyds Banking Group and HSBC. Helen has always been an active human rights advocate. She has campaigned for change in Human Rights, HIV/AIDS community, LGBT+ Rights and Mental Health over the last 30 years in the USA and United Kingdom. Her passion is to empower people to live independent lives, to embrace the power of diversity and persuade powerful institutions to drive societal change towards a fairer equitable society. Helen lives with depression and dyslexia. In 2001 she was caught up in the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York, from which she inherited hearing loss and PTSD. Helen has lived in Britain since 2001 and calls North London her home. She is a keen cook, avid traveller, and aspiring yogi. Links https://www.pohwer.net/ Survey on Human Rights Attitudes and Opinions:https://www.pohwer.net/pohwer-survey-british-human-rights | |||
| 14 Feb 2022 | Ep 30. Charlotte Hill OBE, CEO The Felix Project: The Food Rescuers! | 00:41:41 | |
“A big piece of what we are trying to do is work with the partners to get the food to where it’s working hardest… food is (just one) part of breaking the cycle of food insecurity.” Charlotte Hill is the new Chief Executive of The Felix Project, a charity dedicated to redistributing food and fighting food poverty in London. The Felix Project believes in a vision of London where no-one goes hungry and good food is never wasted. With an ambition to deliver 100 million meals a year to Londoners by 2024, The Felix Project collects surplus food from suppliers and delivers them to over 1,000 front line organisations, such as food banks, charities and schools. All with the purpose of reducing food waste and to help the most vulnerable in London, by providing access to fresh food and healthy meals. Charlotte is a second time guest on this podcast and shares how her passions for engaging with young people and volunteers, sustainability and driving place-based change, have now all come together in the fight against food poverty. She shares a clear aspiration for stopping the cycle of food waste and food insecurity in London, enabling the city to be more sustainable and a genuine world leader in this space. Recorded January 2022. Guest Biography Charlotte Hill became CEO of The Felix Project in January 2022. Prior to that Charlotte was the Chief Executive of Step Up To Serve, the organisation that coordinated the #iwill campaign, from 2014 to 2020. From 2010 to April 2014 she was the Chief Executive of UK Youth. Charlotte started her career working in Parliament for Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman QC MP in a number of roles. After five years with Harriet Harman, Charlotte moved to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) as their Parliamentary Advisor. After the NSPCC, Charlotte moved to Australia and worked for a Government Relations & Communications Consultancy and for a children’s charity in Sydney. She also later worked in Cambodia, teaching English in an orphanage. Charlotte is a Trustee of the EFL Trust, an RSA Fellow and a Board member of Westminster House Youth Club in her local area. She has a degree in Political Science & Philosophy from Birmingham University. In 2012 Charlotte received the award of ‘Rising CEO Star’ at The Charity Times Awards. In 2016 she became Alumna of the Year at the University of Birmingham. In 2019 she was awarded an OBE for services to young people. Links https://thefelixproject.org/ This episode was sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management. https://www.edentreeim.com/insights/edentree-sponsor-the-charity-ceo-podcast-season-3 | |||
| 02 Nov 2020 | Ep 7. Sophie Livingstone MBE, Managing Director, Trustees Unlimited: Making Governance sexy! | 00:42:04 | |
“Your job as a Trustee is to be a custodian of the higher purpose of the mission and vision of the organisation.” ‘Sexy’ is not normally a word one associates with charity governance. This conversation is about how the function of governance can be truly inspirational and what organisations can do to attract more diverse talent to their Trustee Boards. My guest Sophie Livingstone has extensive experience on both sides of the charity boardroom table. Over the past 20 years she has served on Boards of numerous organisations and was the founding CEO of City Year UK. Sophie was recently recognised with an MBE for ‘services to charity’ in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours. In this episode we highlight the importance of representation and role models in leadership. Sophie talks about the development of an ‘Inspire List’; a list curated to celebrate and showcase Trustees of diverse backgrounds and from different walks of life. We also discuss the dynamics of power in Boardrooms and different structures for effective governance. Recorded October 2020, via Zoom. Guest Biography Sophie is currently Managing Director of Trustees Unlimited. Over 20 years she has served in a number of governance positions: as Chair of Little Village, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Generation Change, Trustee of the Royal Voluntary Service, Trustee of Street Kids International UK, Trustee of Rural India School Enterprise (RISE) and Chair of Governors of John Milton Primary School. She is the founding CEO of City Year UK, a charity enabling young people to tackle inequality through doing a year of voluntary service in schools. Sophie sees herself as a social entrepreneur, passionate about collaborating with others to address social injustice. She was awarded an MBE for ‘services to charity’ in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Links www.trustees-unlimited.co.uk www.trustees-unlimited.co.uk/the-inspire-list www.girldreamer.co.uk | |||
| 12 Apr 2021 | Ep 15. Angela McConville, CEO National Childbirth Trust: Creating a Movement for Change | 00:46:52 | |
“Great Chief Executives... they are not (necessarily) the innovators; they might be the change-makers... its about creating the conditions for the team to thrive and for the movement to thrive...” Angela McConville is the CEO of the National Childbirth Trust, also known as the NCT Charity. In this episode we explore how NCT has created a grass-roots, volunteer-led movement providing services for expectant and new parents. Angela describes how embracing the power of digital during the pandemic actually led to a huge increase in the organisation’s reach and in the uptake of its services. NCT campaigns for change and we discuss some key campaigns the charity has led, including mental health support and provision for new mothers (#HiddenHalf). We also spotlight the important work carried out by MBRRACE-UK on improving maternal mortality rates and outcomes for Black mothers. We discuss community organising and how NCT has seen a paradigm shift in the way it empowers and engages its volunteers, as a result of the pandemic. Angela holds that organisations need to do more to remove barriers to volunteering and to really harness the power of ‘hyper-local’ community engagement. Angela also shares personal stories juggling leadership and motherhood and life. Recorded March 2021. Guest Biography Angela McConville is CEO of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), the UK’s largest charity for new parents. Angela joined NCT in January 2020, having previously been Chief Executive of a number of charities working in community development, social and economic regeneration and heritage management. After an early career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Angela has spent her working life in charities and not-for-profit enterprises. Her experience ranges from managing a leading visitor attraction and world heritage site, to creating a new strategy for one of London’s largest community development trusts. Angela has also served on a number of not-for-profit Boards, including The London Apprenticeship Company, City of Westminster College and the London Transport Museum. Angela grew up in Northern Ireland and found inspiration in the work and efforts of her family and local community to forge opportunity and create provision, in the face of social and political turbulence. She studied at Trinity College Dublin and Henley Business School, and also spent a year studying at the University of Paris, Jussieu. Angela now lives in Oxfordshire with her young family. Links https://www.nct.org.uk/ https://www.nct.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/hidden-half-campaign https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/assets/downloads/mbrrace-uk/reports/maternal-report-2020/MBRRACE-UK_Maternal_Report_Dec_2020_v10.pdf | |||
| 15 Feb 2021 | Ep 11. Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO Directory of Social Change: Leadership of Courage and Hope | 00:57:13 | |
“You learn to be courageous by stepping out of your comfort zone; being absolutely terrified and doing it anyway… courage is about being beaten back but then taking a step forward.” Debra Allcock Tyler is the CEO of the Directory of Social Change, an organisation that provides resources, training and support to enable all charities to be successful. In this episode we discuss the key opportunities and risks ahead for the charity sector in 2021. Debra provides some practical advice for leaders to thrive through the ongoing crisis; as well as lessons learned from the pandemic that we should carry forward. Debra reflects on her own career journey and shares the fundamental skills that she thinks are vital to being a good leader: courage, resilience and vision. A passionate advocate for the voluntary sector, Debra affirms that if you are connected to the Vision and Mission of an organisation, then anything is possible. Recorded January 2021. Guest Biography Debra Allcock Tyler has been the Chief Executive of the Directory of Social Change (DSC) since 2001. She is a renowned authority in the field of leadership and governance in civil society, an internationally published author of several books, and writes ‘The Last Word’ column for Third Sector magazine. Debra is a Trustee of In Kind Direct, the Berkshire Community Foundation, Vice-President of the Soldiering On Awards, and an Ambassador for women and girls at risk of or affected by female genital mutilation and other harmful practices for the Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF). She was the founder Chair of the Small Charities Coalition and served as a member of the Charity Commission’s SORP Committee. After a brief stint in the private sector, Debra has spent most of her career in the charity sector. Following a short period as a management consultant in her 20s, she moved into leadership roles covering a range of functions including campaigning, policy development, sales, product development, media relations and training. Debra has a degree in psychology, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Royal Institution. She admits to being a slave to a basset hound called Arthur. Links https://www.dsc.org.uk | |||
| 02 Oct 2023 | Ep 46. Nisha Anand, CEO Dream.Org: Finding common ground with unlikely allies | 00:49:57 | |
“The humanity that connects us is stronger than what has been created to divide us”. Nisha Anand is the CEO of Dream.Org, a nonprofit organization that brings people together across racial, social and partisan lines to solve society’s toughest problems. A born change-maker, Nisha was arrested in 1998 while handing out pro-democracy leaflets in the military dictatorship of Myanmar and was sentenced to five years in jail. Her arrest put her on the international stage and changed her thinking on how to bring about lasting change and reform. This is her story and that of Dream.org, an organisation that was founded by CNN commentator and New York Times bestselling author, Van Jones, and that Nisha has led as CEO since 2019. With her team at Dream.org, Nisha works at the intersection of criminal justice reform, green economics and tech equity, to develop innovative solutions to social and racial justice issues. Recorded August 2023. Guest Biography Nisha Anand is an Indian-American activist, mom of two teenagers, and a boundary-busting national leader for social and racial justice. Once a grassroots activist arrested in Burma for påro-democracy demonstrations, Nisha is known today as a leader in cultivating unlikely and unconventional partnerships to create change. As Dream.Org’s CEO, Nisha guides a team of storytellers, organizers, and policy experts working on some of society’s toughest problems to create a better future for all. Links www.dream.org | |||
| 01 Mar 2021 | Ep 12. Susan Daniels OBE, CEO National Deaf Children's Society: Driving Change and Dreaming Big! | 00:40:29 | |
“Our vision is a world without barriers for every deaf child... Our job as an organisation is to challenge the culture of low expectations (for deaf children)” There are over 50,000 deaf children in the UK and more than 34 million deaf children worldwide. It is important to encourage them – and their families – to dream big. Susan Daniels is the CEO of the National Deaf Children’s Society, the UK’s largest charity for deaf children. The organisation raises awareness and provides expert support to families on childhood deafness, and campaigns for deaf children’s rights, so they have the same opportunities as everyone else. As someone who sees herself as a leader, who just happens to be deaf, Susan is steadfast in her belief that a deaf child can do and achieve anything that a child with hearing can. What holds deaf and disabled children back are the inherent structures and expectations in society and education systems. Getting rid of such social, educational and cultural barriers is the first step towards meaningful equality. We explore the ACEVO report, “Hidden Leaders: Disability Leadership in Civil Society”; and Susan shares her views on what leaders and organisations in civil society and beyond, need to consider in order to be truly disability-inclusive. Susan also reflects on her own leadership journey. Over 28 years, Susan has overseen the National Deaf Children’s Society's grow from £1m to £24m annual income, influencing policy-makers and delivering real change for deaf children. Her advice to leaders is to always focus on the Big Picture, choose your battles and when in doubt or stuck, ask others for help. Recorded February 2021. Guest Biography Susan Daniels has been the Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children's Society since 1992. Prior to that, Susan served in a number of leadership positions at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (now Action on Hearing Loss). Susan was a Commissioner of the Disability Rights Commission from 2003 until its merger with the Commission for Equality and Human Rights in 2007. Susan has also served as Chair of the UK Council on Deafness, the umbrella body for all organisations working in the field of deafness. Susan is currently Chair of the NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme Quality Assurance Advisory Group. She is Chair of Groundbreakers, an informal networking group for female CEOs in the voluntary sector; and is also a member of the BBC Appeals Advisory Committee. In 2006, Susan was awarded an OBE for services to deaf children and their families. Links https://www.ndcs.org.uk/ https://www.acevo.org.uk/reports/hidden-leaders/ | |||
| 06 Jun 2022 | Ep 31. Suzanne Ehlers, CEO Malala Fund: Amplifying girls' voices! | 00:47:07 | |
“Believe in yourself. Believe that you do have the power to make the change… (Malala) believes in an individual’s ability and power to make the change that they so desire… she tells young women everywhere… believe in your story and believe in your own capacity to catalyse that change and make that impact.” The world knows the story of Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani education activist, who was shot by the Taliban when she was just 15 years old. Shot, for speaking out on behalf of girls and their right to an education. Malala Fund is working towards a world where every girl can learn and lead. Suzanne Ehlers, CEO of the Malala Fund tells us about the work the organisation does to break down barriers that hold girls back, creating change pathways and amplifying girls’ voices. We also talk about our responsibilities as leaders to bring about true equity, diversity and inclusion, and how we can look to re-distribute and re-orient power in our own organisations. Suzanne also shares her personal leadership journey and why the cause of fighting for equal rights for women and girls is her “true North”. 10 years after Malala’s shooting, the Taliban have once again decreed that girls cannot go to school in Afghanistan. And so, the fight continues. Recorded May 2022. Guest Biography Suzanne Ehlers has served as CEO of Malala Fund since February 2020. In this role, she provides leadership to a global network of experts and advocates who are breaking down barriers that prevent girls from going to school. Suzanne works closely with co-founders Malala and Ziauddin Yousafzai, to advance progress toward girls’ education around the world. Prior to her appointment at Malala Fund, Suzanne served as President & CEO of PAI, a global advocacy leader in the effort to protect and promote the reproductive rights of women and girls. Earlier in her career, Suzanne was a grant-maker at Wallace Global Fund. Suzanne also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Central African Republic (CAR) following her graduation from Cornell University with a degree in Government. Suzanne speaks French, Spanish and Sango (language of the CAR). She is an avid walker and baker. She grew up in south Texas and now resides in Washington DC, with her husband, two daughters and two dogs. Links https://malala.org/ | |||
| 15 Mar 2021 | Ep 13. Girish Menon, CEO STiR Education: Transforming the lives of 60 million children | 00:48:50 | |
“Education systems are failing (to prepare) children to face a world of unknown unknowns.” 53% of children coming out of world education systems are ‘learning poor’. STiR Education is striving to create a world where every child develops a love for life-long learning, through reigniting intrinsic motivation in teachers and building supportive education eco-systems. It’s goal is to reach 60 million children in public education systems worldwide by 2025. STiR Education (Schools and Teachers Innovating for Results) was started in 2012, and in just 8 years has reached an incredible 6 million children and 200k teachers across India and Uganda. In this episode I speak with Girish Menon, the CEO of STiR Education, about STiR’s programmes, aiming to create more effective public education systems where teachers love teaching and children love learning. We explore the colossal impact the pandemic has had on children’s education and stalled progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Education - “to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all”. Over a billion children and young people worldwide have had their education disrupted this past year, over 500 million of whom have no effective access to remote learning. With over 24 million children at serious risk of not going back to school, it is vital that governments of the world prioritise investment in education and education systems. Girish also shares his leadership wisdom gained over 30 years working in the international development sector. Recorded February 2021. Guest Biography Girish joined STiR in January 2021 after five years as Chief Executive at ActionAid UK. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a leader in the international development sector, having previously held roles as International Programmes Director and Deputy CEO at Water Aid UK, where he was responsible for programmes in 22 countries across Africa and South Asia. Girish was born and brought up in India and started his career with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme. He has also worked in India with ActionAid, Plan International and DFID. Since moving to London in 2005, he has also served on the boards of various non-profit organisations. He is currently on the Board of Hope and Homes for Children. Links https://stireducation.org/ | |||
| 10 May 2021 | Ep 17. Kate Lee, CEO Alzheimer's Society: Care Deeply and Be Honest | 00:48:05 | |
“(As a leader) if your head isn’t above the parapet, it’s in the sand” Kate Lee is CEO of Alzheimer’s Society. In this interview we talk about how the organisation supports people with dementia and her own experience of dementia with her mother, who has been living with the disease for over 16 years. We also explore the principle of Radical Candor, as introduced in the book of the same name by Kim Scott, and that in order to be effective as leaders, we need to care deeply and be honest. Giving honest and constructive feedback is key to achieving this. Kate reflects on her own emotional resilience and ability to recharge. She also shares her belief that given the enormous emotional toll of the past year, what is needed now is for everyone to embrace kindness and compassion. Recorded April 2021. Guest Biography Kate Lee joined Alzheimer’s Society as Chief Executive in March 2020. Prior to this role, she was CEO at children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent for four years, during which time she rebranded the organisation, setting new values and building a culture of total team working. She successfully lobbied Government to fund the funerals of all children under the age of 18 and founded the Children and Young People’s Cancer Coalition. She also recently joined the Board of Trustees of World Child Cancer. She was previously CEO of Myton Hospice, an adult palliative care charity in Coventry and Warwickshire, where she worked with many individuals with dementia and their families. Before that Kate spent 16 years at British Red Cross leading UK service delivery, before becoming Director of UK and International Strategy and Deputy CEO in 2005. Kate is a proud Yorkshire woman and lives in Coventry with her husband and two teenage children. She loves gardening and tea. Links https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ RANKED NO. 6 IN TOP 25 CHARITY PODCASTS TO FOLLOW IN 2021 (May 2021 edition) https://blog.feedspot.com/charity_podcasts/ | |||
| 22 Nov 2021 | Ep 26. Alasdair Harris, Executive Director Blue Ventures: Conservation by communities, for communities | 00:46:33 | |
“The real disruption in our work has come about as a result of our impact model which is (about) turning conventional approaches to conservation upside down and grounding management of the sea in secure local tenure… management by communities for communities” Alasdair Harris is Founder and Executive Director of the marine conservation organisation, Blue Ventures. With a mission focused on rebuilding tropical fisheries with coastal communities, Alasdair talks about how developing an impact model that was truly by communities, for communities, has been transformative in sustaining locally led conservation. We discuss approaches for achieving impact at scale, including Blue Ventures’ partnership with United World Schools. The collaboration is aimed at developing an education programme in order to provide holistic support to fishing communities in the poorest regions of Madagascar. Alasdair shares insights learned on his leadership journey, going from biologist to social entrepreneur to human rights advocate! We also talk about his hopes and aspirations for the global climate conference, COP26. Recorded October 2021. Guest Biography Alasdair Harris is the Founder and Executive Director of Blue Ventures. Blue Ventures works at the interface of marine protection and poverty alleviation, developing locally led approaches to marine conservation that benefit people and nature alike. Alasdair holds a PhD in marine ecology and an honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. He is an Ashoka fellow, Skoll Awardee, and TED fellow. Links https://blueventures.org/ https://www.unitedworldschools.org/News/launching-in-madagascar This episode is sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management https://www.edentreeim.com/ | |||
| 01 Feb 2021 | Ep 10. Mark Longbottom, CEO Heart Kids New Zealand: People, Purpose and Podcasting! | 00:41:17 | |
“Less about egos and logos and let’s think more about mission and (those) whose lives we are trying to help and change... People first, Mission always.” With 12 babies every week born with Congenital Heart Defects in New Zealand and just one specialist hospital in the entire country that can provide treatment, Heart Kids New Zealand provides a lifeline of vital care and support for children, young people and families affected by these incurable conditions. Mark Longbottom is CEO of Heart Kids New Zealand by day and podcast host of the Purposely Podcast by night. Mark lived in the UK and worked in the UK voluntary sector for nearly 20 years before moving back to his home country of New Zealand in 2019. In this episode we talk about the differences between the charity sectors in New Zealand and the UK, the work of Heart Kids, and of course Jacinda Arden! We share our experiences podcasting and why we think its a good idea for charities to consider launching their own podcasts. Recorded December 2020. Guest Biography Mark has 25 years of nonprofit experience both in the UK and New Zealand, leading fundraising, events, service delivery, community engagement, and commercial functions in well-known charities such as The Prince's Trust, MS Society, Terrence Higgins Trust, Auckland City Mission, New Zealand Aids Foundation and Auckland Foundation. Mark is currently Chief Executive of Heart Kids New Zealand, a charity providing lifelong care and support to children, young people and families impacted by childhood heart defects or CHDs. Previous to that he was Head of the St. James's Place Charitable Foundation for over a decade. The Foundation is the seventh largest corporate foundation in the UK and it is the charitable arm of St. James’s Place Wealth Management. Mark is also the Founder of the Purposely Podcast, interviewing inspirational people. Purposely was set up to amplify the stories of founders and leaders of nonprofits, charities, for-purpose businesses, as well as social entrepreneurs. Mark’s hope is that Purposely will inspire other people to make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of people living in our communities and those who need the help the most. Links https://heartkids.org.nz/ https://www.purposelypodcast.com/ | |||
| 05 Dec 2022 | Ep 37. Bejal Shah, CEO ReachOut and Verena Hefti MBE, CEO Leaders Plus: The Power of Mentoring! | 00:46:09 | |
“In a way what we are doing, is we’re engineering social and cultural capital for those who don’t have it… that’s what mentoring is” In this episode we explore a new format for the show. Two charity CEOs having a panel discussion on the topic of mentoring: Bejal Shah, CEO of ReachOut and Verena Hefti, Founder and CEO of Leaders Plus. ReachOut is a mentoring and education charity, rooted in local communities. Working in under-resourced areas across the UK, ReachOut’s programmes support young people to grow in character and confidence, sparking change in themselves and society. Leaders Plus is a social enterprise working with individuals during maternity leave, shared parental leave and beyond, to progress in their careers whilst enjoying their young families. The Leaders Plus flagship Fellowship programme support parents to progress in big careers whilst juggling small children. We talk about the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of mentoring, how it applies to different age-groups and how each organisation measures that all important evidence of impact. And above all, how the experience of mentoring can have a transformational impact on an individual’s life and career trajectory. Recorded September 2022. Guest Biographies Bejal Shah is the CEO of ReachOut, a mentoring charity working in under-resourced communities to support young people to grow in character and confidence to achieve positive long-term outcomes. After leaving university, Bejal was determined to make a positive contribution to society and joined Explore Learning in 2009, forging a career in front-line education work. Following this she joined ReachOut in 2017 to head up their programmes nationwide, becoming the CEO in 2021. Bejal is passionate about supporting young people to be the best versions of themselves, helping them develop the tools to make decisions that benefit themselves and those around them, and achieve their full potential. Verena Hefti MBE is the CEO and Founder of the social enterprise Leaders Plus. She set up Leaders Plus in order to support leaders with babies and young children to continue to progress their careers. Verena believes that no one should have to choose between becoming a CEO and enjoying their young children. She stands for supporting parents to fulfil ambitious career dreams which she believes is essential to achieving gender equality at the top. Verena is also the host of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast. Previous to Leaders Plus, Verena ran leadership development programmes and events for 10 years in Switzerland, Denmark, and the UK, working with various organisations, including Teach First. Verena is from Switzerland and has MA in Social Anthropology from the University of Manchester. She was awarded the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and an MBE for services to working parents in 2022. Links https://www.reachoutuk.org/ https://www.leadersplus.org.uk/ | |||
| 07 Jun 2021 | Ep 19. Baroness Delyth Morgan, CEO Breast Cancer Now: Achieving more through Collaboration | 00:49:21 | |
“Providing support for today and hope for tomorrow.” Baroness Delyth Morgan is the CEO of Breast Cancer Now. Delyth has been leading the charge in the breast cancer space for many years. She is widely credited with achieving consolidation in the sector, having presided over the merger of Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer in 2015 and the more recent merger of Breast Cancer Now and Breast Cancer Care in 2019. We discuss the significant progress that has been made in research, treatment and care for breast cancer patients. However, there is still a way to go before Breast Cancer Now can achieve its vision of a future where everyone with breast cancer lives. We talk about the impact of Brexit on the medical research sector in the UK; and how pandemic-induced delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment, is costing lives. This conversation is full of Delyth’s wisdom and insights, as she shares her experiences and advice on leadership, on influencing, on collaborating and most important of all, on not giving up hope. Recorded April 2021. Guest Biography Delyth Morgan is the Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now. Delyth spent 10 years at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, as the charity’s first Chief Executive, from 1996, before which she worked at Shelter, Workplace Nurseries Campaign and Asthma UK. After becoming a life peer she was appointed to Government in 2007, when she served as Children’s Minister for the Department of Children Schools and Families, Minister for Intellectual Property and Quality at the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills and Government spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions in the House of Lords. In 2011, Delyth returned to the field of breast cancer at the helm of Breast Cancer Campaign before going on to become Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now formed when the charity first merged with Breakthrough Breast Cancer back in spring 2015. Delyth currently sits in the House of Lords as an independent peer. She is a Fellow of University College London and Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Cancer Research and Cardiff University. She is Patron of Pancreatic Cancer UK and The Sheila McKechnie Foundation and Honorary President of Cancer 52. She also chairs the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI). Links https://breastcancernow.org/about-us | |||
| 06 Mar 2023 | Ep 40. Ella Gudwin, CEO VisionSpring: Enabling a billion people to see | 00:48:52 | |
“Creating One VisionSpring is anchored in what we do, so our mission and our social enterprise models, and its anchored in how we do it, and that is in the values that are at the heart of our teamwork… I cant emphasise enough how much values are critical to our success.” There are over a billion people in the world who don’t have the eye-glasses they need. VisionSpring is a non-profit that provides affordable eyeglasses to people in need. The organisation aims to improve the lives of people, particularly in low income settings, by increasing access to eyeglasses. With partnerships in over 43 countries they are on a mission to make the wonder of clear vision possible for everyone. My guest today is Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring. Under Ella’s leadership, VisionSpring has tripled its impact, selling over 10 million affordable eyeglasses in emerging and frontier markets. Ella talks about how eyeglasses improve daily functioning, productivity and earning potential, creating a greater likelihood of a pathway out of poverty. We discuss hybrid business models, Board dynamics, mentoring and developing organisational values. Ella shares her insights on taking over from a Founder and what it means to have received a transformational $15m gift from Mackenzie Scott. Recorded February 2022. Guest Biography Ella Gudwin is CEO of the social enterprise VisionSpring, which accelerates the uptake of eyeglasses among people who live on less than $4 a day. Under Ella's leadership, VisionSpring will correct the vision of 10 million low-income adults and children, unlocking $2.16 billion in income earning potential at the household level. Ella is a global health strategist with more than 20 years of experience. Her passions for social justice and economic development took root while living and working in Indonesia during the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the ensuing people power revolution. Prior to joining VisionSpring, Ella served as senior vice president of strategy and programme development at the global health and emergency response organization, AmeriCares. Ella has also led humanitarian operations as vice president of emergency response, and managed access to medicine and other health interventions in ten countries as director of Asia and Eurasia partnerships. Previously, Ella served as the head of foreign government and board relations at the Population Council, focused on reproductive health, youth, and poverty. Ella regularly speaks about hybrid business models that blend earned revenue with philanthropy; growing a purpose-driven business; and measuring social impact. She has shared views with audiences of NPR/PRI, Forbes, The Guardian, Fortune, Skoll World Forum, SoCap, Duke, MIT, Stanford, Princeton and Yale universities, and the Clinton Global Initiative among others. Ella earned a Masters degree in Emerging Market Economics and Southeast Asia studies from SAIS, Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelors from Vassar College. Ella is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Ella and her daughter enjoy getting out of the city for walks in the woods. Links https://visionspring.org/ https://www.unlockherpotential.com https://www.thegirlsnetwork.org.uk/ | |||
| 31 Jan 2022 | Ep 29. Shirah Mansaray, Founder & CEO I Am Somebody's Child Soldier: Being part of the solution | 00:37:12 | |
“Technology has an incredible role to play in helping us deal with the challenges of children not being able to access education … but its (impact) is only in how we harness that technology and ensure that it’s grounded in local contexts and local needs.” Shirah Mansaray is the Founder and CEO of the charity, I Am Somebody’s Child Soldier. Having recently joined the Board of Amnesty International UK, Shirah talks about how from a young age she has felt compelled to address human rights issues and give children a voice. I Am Somebody’s Child Soldier is dedicated to empowering and supporting former child soldiers and victims of war in Uganda, through education, rehabilitation and mental health initiatives. Shirah also shares her experiences on often being the only black female leader in a boardroom; and provides practical advice on what organisations can do to genuinely embed change and champion true Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Recorded December 2021. Guest Biography Shirah Mansaray is the CEO and founding trustee of the international charity, I Am Somebody’s Child Soldier, which provides mental health support to former child victims of war in Uganda. Shirah has over 15 years’ experience working in the humanitarian field, with organisations ranging from the United Nations and the Human Rights and Economic Affairs Department at the Council of Europe, Strasbourg. Shirah is a Non-Executive Director and Trustee of Amnesty International UK. Shirah is passionate about advocating for mental health as a fundamental human right for populations in the Global South and worldwide. Shirah is currently a PhD scholar at University College London (UCL) conducting academic and industry research on healthcare policies and architectures that promote mental health through design responsibility and sustainable environmental design. She has a Master’s degree in Development, Technology and Innovation Policy from UCL, where her thesis interrogated the efficacy of the World Food Program’s Blockchain based digital identification system and the data privacy rights of refugees. Shirah is a trained lawyer and is currently seconded to Bates Wells LLP where she advises charities, non-profits and civil society organisations in the UK and internationally on governance matters, commercial agreements, charity law and human rights law. Links https://www.iamsomebodyschildsoldier.org/ This episode was sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management. https://www.edentreeim.com/insights/edentree-sponsor-the-charity-ceo-podcast-season-3 | |||
| 16 Nov 2020 | Ep 8. Paul Evans, CEO Leadership Through Sport & Business: Youth unemployment and the risky business of changing the world | 00:38:06 | |
“Our core purpose as charities isn’t to manage risk assessment and excel sheets ... our core purpose is to change the world, is to make change happen. That’s what we’re here for.” Paul Evans is CEO of Leadership Through Sport & Business, a social mobility charity that prepares and supports bright young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into roles with major firms. In this episode Paul delves into the situation for young people in Britain today and their ‘stolen future’, arising from the current crisis in youth unemployment. He highlights how the pandemic has laid bare social inequalities and how his organisation is creating meaningful opportunities for disadvantaged young people - ensuring that those at risk of under-employment find careers equal to their ambition and ability. We talk about the habits of discipline as key to a successful and happy life. We also discuss attitudes to risk in the charity sector; and Paul reflects on how in an increasingly risky world, charities need to remain true to their core purpose: which isn’t just to manage risk, but to change the world. Recorded October 2020, via Skype. Guest Biography Paul Evans joined Leadership Through Sport & Business in April 2020. Previously he was Managing Director at the award winning Street League and CEO of the national education charity, UFA (University of the First Age). Paul has a strong background in education, youth services, homelessness and mental health. He is passionate about social mobility, inclusion and creating real and lasting change in society. Paul is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and full member of the Chartered Management Institute. He is also a Trustee at learning disability charity, REACH. Links www.leadershipthroughsport.org | |||
| 01 Aug 2022 | Ep 33. Barbara-Anne Walker, CEO Ashgate Hospice: Changing the conversation about death and dying | 00:56:48 | |
“Part of Ashgate’s ambition is to change the conversation about death and dying… to enable conversations to happen in daylight, in general conversation, about death and dying. We’re all going to die, its not something that any of us can avoid… ” Barbara-Anne Walker is the Chief Executive of Ashgate Hospice. Ashgate Hospice is a specialist hospice, providing palliative and end of life care for the community of North Derbyshire. Their vision is for people with a life-limiting illness to be able to live well, and have a good death. And for their families to be supported and comforted through the process. Less than 30% of hospice funding comes from the NHS and yet the hospices provide a vital service within the UK healthcare system. Barbara-Anne and her team at Ashgate Hospice have been prolific in engaging the community, campaigning and raising awareness for hospice funding, both locally as well as on the national stage. Barbara-Anne is emphatic about the need to change the conversation about death and dying. We talk about the organisation’s iconic Sparkle Walk event. We also talk about Ashgate Hospice’s own podcast, The Life and Death Podcast, which explores frank and honest conversations about death and what ‘dying well’ really means. Barbara-Anne shares her thoughts on the importance of visible leadership and her role, as a leader, in creating a learning culture. She also shares some practical learnings gained from working through the pandemic. Recorded May 2022. Guest Biography Barbara-Anne Walker is the CEO of Ashgate Hospice. Barbara-Anne has worked in the voluntary sector for over 30 years and has had an interest in palliative and end of life care since early in her career when she worked with people affected by HIV. Barbara-Anne led the national social care programme for Macmillan Cancer Support and previously worked as Operations Director with the British Red Cross. She was a Non-Executive Director of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust for eight years. In 2021 she was shortlisted for the Charity Times ‘Leader Of The Year’ award. Barbara-Anne is Scottish and Derbyshire has been her home for over 20 years. Links https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/ | |||
| 26 Apr 2021 | Ep 16. Catharine Brown, CEO Designability: Doing Important Work! | 00:48:40 | |
“Despite all the discrimination legislation that exists and despite the equality, diversity and inclusion that we are (all) talking about, the needs of disabled people are not routinely met...” From using augmented reality to help dementia patients make a cup of tea, to building electric powered wheelchairs (the Wizzybug!) for physically disabled children, Designability creates practical products to enable disabled people live with greater independence. Catharine Brown, CEO of Designability, shares with us her charity’s work to improve the lives of the UK’s 14 million disabled people. Creating products based on principles of Design Thinking, the organisation puts the needs of disabled people at the centre of the user experience. Designability’s vision is to ensure that every disabled person has the products they want, to live the life that they choose. We talk about the leadership challenges and benefits of flexible working in a post-COVID world. Catharine shares her personal experiences encountering in-flexible working practices as a young mother and how even today the ‘motherhood penalty’ still affects women and their career choices. However, that certainly did not deter Catharine in her pursuit of doing ‘important work’. Recorded March 2021. Guest Biography Catharine Brown is the CEO of Designability, a charity which creates and provides products to enable disabled people to live with greater independence. Catharine joined Designability in 2019 and created a new strategy for the organisation, helping people with primarily physical disabilities with their mobility needs, as well as expanding the charity’s reach. Before her role at Designability, Catharine’s career has been in two halves – firstly in the commercial sector in marketing and leadership roles for brands including Selfridges, Marks & Spencer and The Economist; and then in the charity sector where she held Interim Director posts for five national charities, as well as provided consultancy services for charities on fundraising, marketing and leadership strategy projects. Catharine has been a Trustee of the Bath Festivals and has served on the Board of ActionAid UK since 2015. Links https://designability.org.uk/ | |||
| 29 Mar 2021 | Ep 14. Kirsty Schneeberger MBE, CEO Synchronicity Earth: Going forward to Better | 00:51:35 | |
“COVID-19 has been this reset moment... it has really forced us to pause, to take a breath and to re-evaluate... what do we want to leave behind after the pandemic and what do we want to take forward.” Kirsty Schneeberger was CEO of Synchronicity Earth between December 2019 and March 2021, helping to steer the organisation through some of the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Synchronicity Earth is a biodiversity and conservation funder. Its vision is to create a world where all life is valued, celebrated and flourishing. In this episode we explore how planetary health and human health are interconnected and how the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a great ‘re-set’. We talk about climate change, climate leadership and bio-cultural diversity. Kirsty reveals her personal experiences as a youth activist, determined to save the planet. We discuss the importance of carving out space and time to focus on our personal well-being and the role nature plays in this. Kirsty holds that emotional resilience and nourishing oneself is the key to effective leadership. Recorded February 2021. Guest Biography Kirsty Schneeberger was CEO of Synchronicity Earth between December 2019 and March 2021, helping to steer the organisation through some of the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that Kirsty was the Head of Strategic Partnerships at the environmental law organisation ClientEarth. Kirsty’s experience ranges from working on the Paris climate process resulting in the Paris Agreement, coordinating environment and development stakeholder engagement for the Rio +20 summit, managing a climate portfolio at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and leading the youth engagement programme for the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change. Kirsty is a qualified lawyer and holds the roles of Chair of the UK Environmental Law Association, and Trustee of the Environmental Law Foundation. Born in Zimbabwe, Kirsty spent her formative years surrounded by nature and has spent her career striving to conserve the environment and address climate change. She was awarded an MBE in 2010 for services to environmental conservation. Links https://www.synchronicityearth.org/ ‘The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-the-economics-of-biodiversity-the-dasgupta-review | |||
| 27 Sep 2021 | Ep 22. Sharath Jeevan OBE, Founder & Chair, Intrinsic Labs: Leaders as nurturers of purpose and impact | 00:45:11 | |
“(For leaders) it’s about being able to ask the right question at the right time… that’s classic talent nurturing behaviour… trying to help everyone on your team become the best versions of themselves. The trick is to help create the space for us all to reflect on what really motivates each one of us in our unique context, giving us all the courage and the tools to make small, incremental but powerful changes towards it.” Sharath Jeevan is one of the world’s leading experts on ‘intrinsic motivation’ and author of the book, Intrinsic: A Manifesto to Reignite Our Inner Drive. Having recently founded the social purpose business, Intrinsic Labs, Sharath is on a mission to help leaders solve deep motivational challenges. In his book, Sharath lays out a framework and strategies for leaders to align their organisations and their teams around purpose, thereby tapping into that inner or intrinsic motivation that drives us all. We explore the role of leaders in creating space for their teams to co-create solutions and to serve as nurturers of talent and impact. And we discuss the power of creating a Personal Mission Statement. Recorded Aug 2021. Guest Biography Sharath Jeevan is one of the world’s leading experts on ‘intrinsic motivation’ and is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Intrinsic Labs, which supports organisations to embed motivation principles in their work. He has previously held senior roles in companies such as eBay and Booz & Co, as well as in government and the social sector. Sharath was the Founder and CEO of STiR Education, an international education NGO, established in 2012. STiR scaled from 12 schools in 2012, to 35,000 schools across India, Uganda and Indonesia in 2021, impacting over 200,000 teachers and 7 million children. Sharath also founded Teaching Leaders, a leadership programme for inner-city schools in the UK, which was expanded to all eligible schools by the UK government and replicated in 8 US cities with the support of the Obama Administration. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Economist, NPR, CNN, CNBC, The Hindustan Times and The Times of India. An accomplished speaker, Sharath has addressed large audiences at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Lego Ideas Festival in Denmark, TEDx Shiv Nadar Conference in Delhi and WISE Summit in Qatar. Sharath holds degrees from Cambridge and Oxford Universities and from INSEAD. He was awarded an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the field, and served on the steering group of the Education Commission, the pre-eminent global body founded by former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Sharath’s first book “Intrinsic: A Manifesto to Reignite Our Inner Drive” was published in multiple countries in September 2021. Sharath was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year's Honours for services to education. Links https://www.intrinsic-labs.com/sharathjeevan Book: Intrinsic: A Manifesto to Reignite Our Inner Drive: UK: https://amzn.to/3kib5wJ Global audience: https://linktr.ee/intrinsicamazon This episode was sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management. https://www.edentreeim.com/insights/edentree-sponsor-the-charity-ceo-podcast-season-3 | |||
| 06 Nov 2023 | Ep 47. Karen Burgess, Founder & CEO Petals, with Alice Bailey: Life after Baby Loss | 01:00:15 | |
Trigger warning: This episode explores and talks about miscarriage, stillbirth and baby loss. Baby loss and miscarriage is something that many parents face and yet it is still something that is not openly talked about in today’s society. In this very special episode, I speak with Karen Burgess, Founder & CEO of the charity Petals, that provides counselling support to families affected by baby loss. Karen and I are joined by Alice. Alice shares with us the story of her daughter, Vera, and the journey that she and her husband, Dave, have been on with Petals. Together we seek to dispel the stigma surrounding baby loss and encourage those who need support to reach out to specialist services like Petals. Recorded August 2023. Guest Biography Karen Burgess is the Founder and CEO of Petals, The Baby Loss Counselling Charity. Karen has been a practising counsellor since 1998. Alongside running a successful private practice, she gained wide-ranging experience across schools, the NHS, addiction units, workplaces and hospital settings. Since founding the organisation in 2011, Karen has grown Petals into a national charity, with 35 counsellors delivering over 6,000 specialist counselling sessions every year. Karen has become a leading player in influencing change in the field of baby loss support and in raising awareness of the need for psychological support for bereaved parents. Karen is a member of the Pregnancy and Baby Charities Network, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Baby Loss and the International Stillbirth Alliance (ISA). Alice Bailey is a clinical nurse specialist originally from Sheffield. She now lives in Surrey with her husband, Dave, and their three boys, Fred, Ralf and Will. In 2016, Alice and Dave became first-time parents to their daughter Vera. Vera was sadly stillborn at 38 weeks. Alice and Dave have since been supported by Petals, who have been by their side every step of the way. Links www.petalscharity.org | |||
| 19 Oct 2020 | Ep 6. Bhawani Singh Shekhawat, CEO The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK: The Indian disrupter tackling food poverty in schools | 00:40:41 | |
“We are all born geniuses and the purpose of human life is to find an interface for that genius... and food can truly be the catalyst for that interface.” 3.5 BILLION meals and counting... Bhawani Singh Shekhawat is the Chief Executive of The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK. The Foundation started 20 years ago in India, to tackle the dual issues of classroom hunger and access to education for disadvantaged children. The Foundation’s guiding vision is that no child should be deprived of an education because of hunger. This is the remarkable story of how The Akshaya Patra Foundation grew from serving meals to 1,500 students, to serving over 3.5 billion meals to date, through the creation of an internationally award-winning Food for Education Programme. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is, today, highly acclaimed as the world’s largest non-profit run Mid-day Meal Programme, serving about 2 million meals daily. Its work has been recognised by the World Economic Forum, it has been formulated as a Case Study at Harvard Business School and in 2019 the Foundation received the BBC Global Food Champion Award. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is now expanding its work in the UK, serving free, nutritious food to the homeless and to children vulnerable to food poverty, during school holidays. In this episode Bhawani talks about the importance of food and how it plays a key role in creating a better society. He demonstrates how through the power of great questions, organisations and individuals can access more of their genius. And he highlights powerful lessons in leadership along the way. This episode was recorded in October 2020, via Skype. Guest Biography Bhawani Singh Shekhawat has led The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK since 2016. Prior to that he had an extensive career in the corporate world leading large multi-national teams in organisations including Nielsen, Reckitt Benckiser and Coca-Cola, across multiple geographies. He is the Co-Founder of the Adhyayan Foundation and serves as a Non-Executive Director on a number of Boards, including The Vedica Scholars Programme and Women’s Alliance and HaikuJAM. Bhawani is a listed member of the London Bureau of Speakers on Customer Centricity, Insight, Innovation and Leadership. Links https://www.tapf.org.uk https://www.akshayapatra.org | |||
| 03 Jul 2023 | Ep 43. Mark Russell, CEO The Children's Society: Fighting for Hope and Happiness | 00:35:20 | |
“You change the world, when you change the lives of children… It is better for society to build stronger children, than fix broken adults.” The Children’s Society believes that every young person deserves a good childhood. Reflecting on the current context for young people in the UK today, is Mark Russell, CEO of The Children’s Society. Mark tells us how he and his colleagues are stepping up the fight for hope and happiness for young people, at a time when its under threat like never before. We explore the ramifications of the UK government’s Illegal Migration Bill and why British children have the lowest well-being rates in Europe. The goal of The Children’s Society is that by 2030, the damaging decline in children’s well-being has been overturned, setting a path for long lasting growth and prosperity. Mark sets out what he believes needs to happen for us to get there. Its a conversation full of passion, raw anger and hope. Enjoy. Recorded May 2023. Guest Biography Mark Russell was appointed Chief Executive of The Children’s Society in 2019 and leads a team of 750 staff and 10,000 volunteers. He is passionately committed to social justice and fighting for children and young people. Before joining The Children’s Society, Mark served as Chief Executive of Church Army for 13 years. Mark grew up in Northern Ireland and read Law at Queen’s University Belfast. He has 10 years’ experience as a youth worker, supporting young people in England and Northern Ireland. In 1999, Mark was awarded the ‘British Gas Tomorrow’s People Award’ for his cross-community work, bringing Catholic and Protestant young people together across Northern Ireland in the run up to the Good Friday Agreement. Mark has been a Trustee of The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England and has served as Chair of The Marylebone Project, the largest women only homeless project in the UK. He is a Governor of a large high school in Hampshire, an Honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. Mark lives outside London with his partner David and in his spare time he loves to travel, keep fit and a good red wine. If he were ever on Mastermind, his specialist subject would be the West Wing! Links https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/ Twitter: @markrusselluk | |||
| 04 Sep 2023 | Ep 45. Laura Kyrke-Smith, Executive Director International Rescue Committee UK: Re-settlement for Success | 00:41:29 | |
“It was thanks to this country that lots of those rights and protections that exist for refugees are in place … but now… you get that sense in lots of parts of the world, frankly, that the UK isn’t playing the active role that it has played historically.” The International Rescue Committee is a global organisation that helps people affected by humanitarian crises. The IRC supports people who have been caught in conflict and been forced to flee their homes, enabling them to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Founded at the call of Albert Einstein in 1933, the IRC today works in over 40 crisis-affected countries, as well as with communities across Europe and the Americas. Laura Kyrke-Smith is the Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee in the UK. We talk about the current global context for refugees - 108 million people forcibly displaced around the world. Contrary to popular opinion, the vast majority of these displaced people are not in the wealthy countries in the Global North, but are either within their own country or within a neighbouring country, often also a low and middle income country. We discuss the UK’s Illegal Migration Bill, which seeks to remove the right to asylum - a stance that is in stark contrast to Britain’s position back in 1951, as one of the original drafters of the Refugee Convention. And how today, Britain’s standing on the international humanitarian stage is sadly not, what it once was. Recorded June 2023. Guest Biography Laura Kyrke-Smith is the Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee in the UK. She leads IRC’s work to raise funds, raise awareness, and deliver policy and practice change to help people who are caught up in conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Laura has been with IRC since 2016 as the IRC’s Director of Communications in Europe. Before joining IRC, Laura was a Partner at Portland Communications. She started her career in the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where she worked as a policy analyst and speechwriter. Laura has a MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a MA in History from the University of Cambridge. Links https://www.rescue.org/uk | |||
| 24 Aug 2020 | Ep 2. Gemma Peters, CEO Blood Cancer UK (Part 2): Implications of Black Lives Matter - What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion really mean? | 00:29:52 | |
“It cannot possibly be true that we have the best scientists working on blood cancer, if that scientific community only represents one bit of the population.” In Part 2 of our conversation with Gemma Peters, CEO of Blood Cancer UK, we delve in to what Diversity, Equity and Inclusion really means for the charity sector. Gemma shares the responsibility she feels being a white leader, with an all-white Board, Executive Team and with predominantly white scientific researchers. We look at specific initiatives that Blood Cancer UK are pursuing to address this and how, as a sector, we can look to disestablish racist structures and precedents. Gemma reveals that the true inspiration and drive for the work comes from the people she and her organisation are striving to help. For some extra inspiration, watch the video she talks about from people affected by blood cancer, saying thank you to the staff at Blood Cancer UK. https://bit.ly/2Y8bV3L Episode recorded August 2020 via Skype. Visit www.thecharityceo.com for full show details. Gemma Peters joined Blood Cancer UK as Chief Executive in September 2017. Prior to this she worked at King’s College London and King’s Health Partners as Executive Director of Fundraising and Supporter Development. Gemma also spent 7 years as Trustee for Action Aid UK. www.bloodcancer.org.uk | |||
| 13 Sep 2021 | Ep 21. Alice Dearing & Danielle Obe, Co-Founders & Chair, Black Swimming Association: Representation and creating Olympic history! | 00:38:57 | |
“The BSA (Black Swimming Association) is set up as a bridge… building bridges into disenfranchised and disengaged communities.” Alice Dearing made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as the first black female swimmer to represent Team GB at an Olympic Games. Danielle Obe is Chair of the Black Swimming Association, a charity that she co-founded along with Alice. The Black Swimming Association (BSA) is a non-profit organisation set up to diversify the world of aquatics through education, advocacy, support and research. In England currently 95% of black adults and 80% of black children don’t swim. Furthermore, black children are 3 times more likely to drown than white children (Source: Swim England) The BSA is on a mission to change this. To break down barriers that African, Caribbean and Asian communities face in aquatics and to highlight the importance of learning to swim, as an essential and invaluable life saving skill. Alice and Danielle, through the BSA, are determined to make aquatics safer and more accessible to their communities, by inspiring and facilitating participation and inclusion for all. Recorded Sept 2021. Guest Biographies Alice Dearing was 24 years old when she made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Originally from Birmingham, she learned to swim at 5 years old and joined competitive swimming at 8 years old; eventually progressing to elite level. In Tokyo she became the first black woman to represent Team GB in a swimming event at an Olympic Games. Alice has a passion for making swimming accessible to all, which led to her co-founding the Black Swimming Association (BSA) in 2020. Since then she has become a voice for black people in swimming, seeking to promote the life saving benefits, as well as to increase diversity and inclusion in the sport. Danielle Obe is Co-founder and Chair of the Black Swimming Association (the BSA). Under her leadership, the BSA has gone from a simple concept to an internationally recognised organisation, positioned to tackle inherent systemic and institutional inequalities, break barriers to participation, and drive change for more ethnic diversity in aquatics. Danielle's background is in Business Change & Integration Management, with a wealth of experience across the private, public and voluntary sectors. She is also an entrepreneur, mother of three avid swimmers, and inventor of Nemes, a revolutionary tool designed to solve a significant barrier to aquatics - the issue of water and chemical damage to hair and hairstyles, when swimming. Links www.alicedearing.comTwitter: @alicedearingx https://thebsa.co.uk This episode was sponsored by EdenTree Investment Management. https://www.edentreeim.com/insights/edentree-sponsor-the-charity-ceo-podcast-season-3 | |||
| 06 May 2024 | Ep 49. Dianne Calvi, President & CEO Village Enterprise: Full bellies and big dreams! | 00:58:17 | |
With an audacious goal to lift 20m people in Africa out of extreme poverty by 2030, Dianne Calvi, President and CEO of Village Enterprise, joins us to share how they plan to make this happen. Centred around their core value of ‘Ubuntu’, a South African term, which means ‘humanity’ or ‘I am because we are’, Village Enterprise seeks to transform lives through entrepreneurship, innovation and collective action. By partnering with other nonprofits, governments, agencies, and private sector companies, Village Enterprise equips first-time entrepreneurs in Africa with the resources and skills to start climate-smart businesses and savings groups. We talk about their Poverty Graduation Model and building up their evidence base, using Randomised Control Trials, which has helped catalyse funding for their exciting new programme: working with USAID, the French and the Rwandan governments to end extreme poverty in Rwanda for good. Dianne also shares her personal family story, revealing what really drives her to do this work, which, as one of their entrepreneurs says, is all about enabling full bellies and big dreams. Recorded March 2024. Note: The title of this episode is a direct quote from an entrepreneur that Village Enterprise supports in Africa, describing the impact of their work. Guest Biography Dianne Calvi has been working to end extreme poverty in rural Africa as Village Enterprise’s President and CEO since 2010. Since joining Village Enterprise, Dianne has increased the breadth and depth of the organization’s impact by focusing on strategic partnerships, innovation and technology, rigorous monitoring and evaluation, and building a highly qualified African team. To date, Village Enterprise has trained over 274k people, started over 80k businesses, and lifted over 1.65 million people out of extreme poverty. With Dianne at the helm, Village Enterprise has completed an independent randomized control trial (RCT) and launched the first Development Impact Bond in poverty alleviation. Prior to joining Village Enterprise, Dianne served as the President of Bring Me A Book Foundation, a literacy nonprofit that she scaled through partnerships in both domestic and international locations. Previously, she worked in the private sector for Microsoft, Xerox, and Montedison in Milan, Italy. She has served on several nonprofit boards and was recently appointed to the InterAction board of directors. Dianne received a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from Bocconi University (Milan, IT) on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. Links https://villageenterprise.org | |||
| 21 Sep 2020 | Ep 4. Charlotte Hill OBE (Part 1), Executive Director, BBC Children in Need: Pandemic impact on young people and the power of collective action - #iwill Campaign | 00:32:26 | |
“If we can get young people becoming Trustees and volunteers as young people, that’s when they form habits, and so they will then be volunteers and fundraisers and Trustees ... for the rest of their lives ... So it’s a great investment in our society more broadly and in civil society if we can get them engaged at a young age.” My guest this episode is Charlotte Hill, the founding CEO of Step Up To Serve. In Part 1 of our conversation, Charlotte and I talk about her current role, on secondment, as Executive Director for Children and Young People with the BBC’s Children in Need. There she is co-ordinating the COVID-19 funding response and developing a longer term strategy for collaboration, in the children and young people funding space. Charlotte reflects on her journey with Step Up To Serve, its achievements and the intricacies of running a time-limited collective impact project. We discuss the particular challenges for young people in the current crisis, and how we must engage young people, in helping to think through what the ‘new normal’ should be, in order to build back a stronger civil society. This episode was recorded in September 2020, via Skype. Guest Biography Charlotte Hill became Chief Executive of Step Up To Serve in 2014 at the start of the #iwill Campaign. Prior to that she had been CEO of UK Youth. She is currently on secondment to BBC Children In Need, but will return to Step Up To Serve for the final months before the time-limited organisation closes its doors at the end of 2020. Charlotte started her career working in Parliament for the Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman QC MP. She then moved to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) as their Parliamentary Advisor. Charlotte has also worked with children’s charities in Australia and Cambodia. Charlotte was awarded an OBE for services to young people in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List. Links https://www.iwill.org.uk/ | |||
| 04 Jul 2022 | Ep 32. Sarah Woolnough, CEO Asthma + Lung UK: Breath is life! | 00:30:53 | |
“It’s terrifying not being able to breathe… and that’s informed a lot of our strategic thinking and our positioning, because nobody should have to struggle to breathe and we can do so much better for people with lung conditions.” Sarah Woolnough is the CEO of the newly rebranded charity Asthma + Lung UK. Poor lung health is the 3rd biggest killer in the UK and yet only 2% of publicly funded medical research goes towards this cause. Asthma + Lung UK is here to change that. And be the driving force behind the transformation of the nation’s lung health. Sarah talks about her learnings from leading the collaborative journey of the re-brand process. She also shares her personal experiences, being a first-time CEO, joining the organisation during lockdown and being a busy mum of 4 young children. Recorded May 2022. Guest Biography Sarah Woolnough is the CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, the charity leading the fight to improve care and support for everyone with a lung condition. Sarah has a background in policy and communications, having spent many years as Executive Director of Policy, Information and Communications at Cancer Research UK, has worked in the civil service, Parliament and at the membership organisation, Sport and Recreation Alliance. Sarah also has extensive non-executive experience. She is Co-Chair of the NHS England National Respiratory Board, which directs NHS England’s efforts to improve outcomes for those with lung disease. She sits on the Board of the Accelerating Access Collaborative, a key government initiative aimed at encouraging swifter adoption of new technologies and treatments to tackle ill health. She is Trustee of mental health research charity MQ, a member of the Richmond Group of health charities and a previous trustee of ASH, the Association of Medical Research Charities, the National Cancer Research Institute and Bliss, the special care baby charity. Sarah is passionate about improving outcomes for all those with a lung condition and reversing the historic lack of investment in lung research. Sarah has led several successful public health campaigns and is a vocal campaigner for clean air. Sarah was nominated as Charity Leader of the Year in the Charity Times Awards shortlist for 2022. Links https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/ | |||
| 06 Feb 2023 | Ep 39. Siobhan McCarthy Morton, CEO Adventure Ashram: A small but mighty force against human trafficking | 00:46:48 | |
There are 8 million people affected by human trafficking in India every year, and over 50 million globally. According to the UN, 79% of human trafficking is for sexual exploitation and 20% of all trafficking victims are children. Adventure Ashram is a small but mighty charity that is looking to change this! Driven by a spirit of adventure and freedom, the Adventure Ashram focuses on supporting grassroots anti-trafficking and education projects in South India. In this episode I speak with their CEO, Siobhan McCarthy Morton. Adventure Ashram’s Vision is a world without injustice, in which all people can enjoy their rights, their self-determination and their freedom. We talk about Adventure Ashram’s partnership delivery model, and Siobhan tells us about mobilising for their iconic Yoga Stops Traffick global event, with a team of just 3, showcasing the power of collective action. Siobhan also sounds a rallying cry for the value and importance of small charities, with a reminder that all charities, no matter how large or small, are made up of a community of people who care deeply about a cause, and this, is what makes them powerful change-makers. Recorded December 2022. Guest Biography Siobhan McCarthy Morton is the CEO of Adventure Ashram, a small charity currently supporting grassroots projects in India, with a focus on anti-trafficking, education and accessible health care. Founded by an adventurous group of motor bikers in 2007, the charity has raised over £1.5 million to date, and helped thousands of women and children access freedom and opportunities. Siobhan joined Adventure Ashram in 2022, having previously spent six years at the children’s heart charity ECHO, initially as their Communications and Volunteering Manager before being promoted to Head of Operations. Prior to that Siobhan was Head of Marketing at the grant-making organisation, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity. Siobhan is also a Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton because she believes that all women and children should be able to choose their path in life, free from harm. Siobhan is currently studying for a Master’s in Voluntary Sector Management at Bayes Business School and lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two young sons. Links https://www.adventureashram.org/ https://yogastopstraffick.org/ https://www.adventureashram.org/karma-curry-feb-2023 | |||
| 03 Oct 2022 | Ep 35. Chris Bird, CEO The Raheem Sterling Foundation: Mindset of a Champion! | 00:44:32 | |
“Everybody’s got a talent, but not everybody gets the opportunity. And thats what we’re about; we’re about opening that door and getting people through that door… that’s what’s missing in a lot of communities and society today… There’s a lot of talented young people out there… The Raheem Sterling Foundation is about capturing that (talent) and making sure the opportunities are there.” This episode is a very special collaboration with The Olympic Mindset Podcast. I have teamed up with its host, Dominic Broad, to bring you this conversation with Chris Bird, CEO of the newly formed Raheem Sterling Foundation. Chris is also the Founder of EQ Esports, CEO of Sports Tours International, a Trustee of The Running Bee Foundation and in the late 90s was the COO of Manchester City Football Club. We speak with Chris about leadership and what it takes to have the mindset of a champion - not just in sport but in any walk of life. Chris shares his aspirations for The Raheem Sterling Foundation and how through its focus on education, employment and social mobility, it aims to create opportunities and change the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. We have a fascinating conversation about levelling up and what that means in reality versus just in a political manifesto. And of course we also talk about football. Recorded August 2022. Guest Biography Chris is CEO of The Raheem Sterling Foundation, which champions further education, employment opportunities and social mobility for young people. Chris is a leader in business and sports, and is widely considered a media, PR and communications authority. His media career started in 1982, working in commercial radio and regional newspaper sales. He now holds the position of Executive Chairman for Quest Media Network, as owner of the newspaper he delivered as a boy. He is also CEO of Sports Tours International. Chris served as COO at Manchester City Football Club, where his negotiations were crucial in securing major commercial and sponsorship agreements that were highly profitable for the club. Chris joined Manchester City FC as a freelance PR Consultant before he was appointed as the Chairman’s Assistant. His rise from freelancer to COO reflects that of the club, climbing from Division 2 to English football’s top tier, the Premier League. Chris is also the Founder and Trustee of The Running Bee Foundation and actively participates in challenges inspiring communities to lead healthy and active lives. Links https://raheemsterlingfoundation.org/ https://www.theolympicmindsetpodcast.com | |||
| 02 Jan 2023 | Ep 38. Alex Day, Managing Director Big Give: The Generosity Multiplier! | 00:37:26 | |
“What we have learned throughout the years of running the Big Give… is that Match Funding is a great way to get more people to give, and people to give more.” The Big Give is the UK’s leading online match funding platform. The Big Give Christmas Challenge took place from the 29th of November to the 6th of December 2022 and in that one week, raised £28.6m for over 1,000 charities across the UK. With more than £233m raised to date, the Big Give has been a huge enabler of digital fundraising through Match Funding. With the strap line “Matching Donations, Multiplying Impact”, they are in essence, a Generosity Multiplier. In this episode I speak with the Big Give’s Managing Director, Alex Day, about how the Big Give came into being, its plans for the future, and tech as an enabler for social good. Alex also shares how through a focus on building resilience, skills and profile for charities, and amplifying the campaign’s messaging, they have enabled 92% of participating organisations to reach new supporters bringing in a third of the overall donations. Charity fundraisers, listen to find out about the Big Give’s campaigns that are launching this year and how your charity could benefit. Recorded December 2022. Guest Biography The Big Give is the UK's biggest digital match funding platform which has raised over £233m for not-for-profit organisations since 2008. Alex Day joined the Big Give as Managing Director in 2015. During his tenure, Alex has has grown the size and impact of the Big Give's flagship campaign, the Christmas Challenge, from £7.2m raised for 258 charities in 2015, to £28.6m raised for 1,021 charities in 2022. He has also led on a number of high profile match funding campaigns, including raising £2.6m following the Grenfell Tower Fire. Alex has spent the majority of his career in the not-for-profit sector. He has worked for a number of international development and humanitarian NGO's including Tearfund and Medair. Alex holds a BA Hons in Business and Geography from Exeter University and an MA in Charity Management from St Mary's University, which included a thesis entitled 'Impact Bonds: The future of disaster resilience funding'. He is Vice-Chair of Excellent Development, an international development charity specialising in water conservation, and lives in Surrey with his wife and young son. Links https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/ | |||
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