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Published by Adam Stacey
The Charity Changemakers Podcast dives deep into the world of non-profit leadership. Join us as we interview the CEOs and directors who are making a real impact in our communities. Each episode unveils the journeys that led these passionate individuals to the third sector. We explore the inspiring stories behind their charities, the challenges they navigate, and the exciting opportunities they're tackling. Get ready to be motivated by the power of giving and discover how you can get involved in creating positive change.
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In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Kathryn Ward , a people leader, consultant, interim, fractional and coach who spent six years as Chief People Officer at Guide Dogs before founding her own consultancy, Zephyr People. Kathryn shares the moment a headhunter first called about the Guide Dogs role in January 2019 - and why she turned it down, convinced she didn't have the right background. By the time they called back in April, a shift from a fixed to a growth mindset had changed her answer, and it shaped how she's approached every big career decision since. Together, Adam and Kathryn unpack: Why she nearly said no to the job that defined her charity career The gendered confidence gap behind that hesitation, and how she moved past it Why "you have to like people to be good at HR" is a myth Trusteeship as the smartest, lowest-risk way to test a move into the sector The breadth and loneliness of sitting on a charity exec team Why charity leaders need more peer-to-peer networks, not fewer Leaving Guide Dogs to build Zephyr People - a portfolio life of consultancy, interim work and coaching Burnout, trauma-informed coaching, and why change is so hard for people who've self-actualised through their cause Kathryn also reflects candidly on loneliness in leadership, the staff reps she still stays in touch with more than former senior colleagues, and why making space for quieter voices has become central to how she leads. This is a warm, practical conversation for anyone weighing a move into the charity sector, sitting on the fence about a trustee role, or wondering whether "good enough" really is good enough to take the next step. Takeaways Career journey from commercial HR into the charity sector Imposter syndrome and the shift to a growth mindset The realities - and the myths - of a career in HR and people leadership Trusteeship as a deliberate route into charity leadership The breadth and complexity of sitting on a charity exec team Portfolio careers - consultancy, interim work, fractional roles and coaching Peer-to-peer networks and why the charity sector needs more of them Burnout, trauma-informed coaching and leading through change Inclusive leadership and making space for every voice Chapters 00:00 Introduction and quickfire questions 07:11 The phone call that changed everything - falling into charity leadership 10:46 Overcoming imposter syndrome to become a Chief People Officer 18:40 Why trusteeship is the smartest way in from commercial 22:17 The hardest part of stepping up - holding the breadth of an exec role 26:58 The power - and the gap - in charity peer-to-peer networks 32:06 Leaving Guide Dogs and launching Zephyr People 35:53 Coaching, burnout and why change feels so hard in charity culture 38:40 Leadership lessons learned the hard way If you enjoyed the episode, please like, share and leave a review. Your support helps more charity leaders and changemakers discover the show. #CharitySector #CharityLeadership #NonProfitLeadership #CharityCareers #HRLeadership #PeopleAndCulture #Coaching #CharityChangemakers
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by David Craig, Chief Executive of Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance , for a conversation about a career that was never planned. David talks candidly about falling into the sector almost by accident – from processing invoices in a hospitality company, into its public relations team running charity-of-the-year partnerships, and from there into professional fundraising with no formal background in it at all. He shares the pivotal, deeply personal moment that reshaped his path: after his son was born ten weeks premature, David became a trustee of Bliss, the charity for newborn babies, and helped establish Bliss Scotland from scratch. That experience of sitting on the other side of the boardroom table gave him his first real grounding in governance and strategy, and set him on course for his first chief executive role at 38. Eleven years into leading Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance, David reflects on what's kept him in one organisation for so long in a sector where leaders typically move on every five to seven years, what it's like leading a team whose work is genuinely life or death, why he's already thinking about succession planning, and why – whatever the job title – he still describes himself first as a fundraiser. Takeaways A career that began entirely by accident, from accounts admin to public relations to professional fundraising How corporate charity-of-the-year partnerships can be a genuine route into the sector Why a personal crisis – his son's premature birth – led David to become a trustee of Bliss The case for taking on a trusteeship as a deliberate career development move Becoming a first-time chief executive at 38, at Falkirk FC's Community Foundation Why David still calls himself "a fundraiser" despite the CEO title What's kept him at Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance for eleven years and counting Succession planning, and the responsibility of leaving an organisation in a stable position Leadership lessons learned the hard way: listening, clarity, and a culture of "no surprises" Chapters 00:01 Introduction and quickfire questions 05:41 Falling into fundraising by accident 15:39 Recruitment consultancy and becoming head of fundraising at the Tulliken Trust 18:56 A premature birth, a chance leaflet, and becoming a Bliss trustee 28:22 First CEO role: rebuilding Falkirk FC's Community Foundation 31:47 Joining Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 38:06 Eleven years on: why David has stayed, and planning for succession 43:40 The leadership lesson David learned the hard way #CharitySector #AirAmbulance #CharityLeadership #NonProfitLeadership #CharityCareers #Trusteeship #Fundraising #CharityChangemakers
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Julie Randles, Chief Executive of Power2, a children and young people's charity based in Ashton under Lyne, working across Greater Manchester, the North West, West Midlands and Greater London. Julie's route into the sector was anything but obvious, starting on the WHSmith graduate scheme, moving through Waterstones and children's publishing, then into charity by way of unpaid volunteering at Save the Children. She talks candidly about why volunteering and trusteeship are two of the most underrated routes into senior charity leadership, what running Power2's Teens and Toddlers programme has taught her about self worth, and why the gap between proven impact and available funding remains one of the sector's biggest frustrations. Julie also reflects on the hardest leadership lesson of her career, learning when passion needs a little less heart on the sleeve. Takeaways Volunteering can be the fastest route into a charity career, even at a senior level Sitting on a board teaches you what it is really like to be a CEO Charity job applications reward detail, not passion statements Proven programmes often can not scale because funding lags behind demand Lived experience across a team changes how a charity works, not just what it says Chapters 00:00 Introduction and quick fire questions 04:00 From WHSmith to Save the Children, an unlikely route into charity 11:00 Why volunteering and trusteeship open doors 19:40 Inside Power2, Teens and Toddlers and the programmes that followed 24:40 The funding gap holding back proven impact 35:15 How to actually get a charity sector job 38:40 The hardest leadership lesson Julie has learned If you enjoyed the episode, please like, share and leave a review. Your support helps more charity leaders and changemakers discover the show. Visit the Power2 website here. #CharitySector #NonprofitLeadership #CharityChangemakers #Power2 #CharityCareers #Trusteeship #SocialImpact
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Roxanne Lawrance, CEO of Teens Unite, a charity supporting young people aged 13 to 24 living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Roxanne never planned a career in the sector. She built a commercial career in business analysis and contact centre management before volunteering with Teens Unite while on maternity leave, telling the founders she'd stay for two years. Nearly nine years on, she's leading the organisation. Roxanne and Adam unpack how she moved from founder led leadership to running the charity herself, the mentors and "be bold" mindset that shaped her career, and why she believes the best charities operate with the same commercial discipline as any business, just with a different kind of profit. A candid conversation on team culture, handling funding setbacks, and what it really takes to lead in the charity sector. Takeaways Career journey from commercial leadership into the charity sector Why business skills transfer directly into nonprofit leadership The value of career mentors, and being bold enough to ask for them Building a team culture around honest feedback and psychological safety Navigating funding setbacks without losing team morale Why the best charities are mission driven and commercially disciplined Chapters 00:00 Introduction and background 05:17 Getting into the charity sector 09:24 The two year plan that became a career 14:05 Building a team culture that isn't built by accident 18:18 Mentors, and being bold in who you ask 25:57 Success, setbacks, and what continues when you're not in the room 40:20 Why charities need mission and commercial discipline #CharitySector #NonProfitLeadership #CharityCareers #LeadershipLessons #ThirdSector #CharityChangemakers #Podcast
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Olivia Barker White, co-founder and Chief Executive of Kids Club Kampala, an international children's charity now working across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Olivia traces her journey from an 18-year-old on a gap year in Uganda to running a 20-year-old organisation that has supported over 1.5 million people. She's candid about the discomfort of "voluntourism," the moment that turned a fun kids' football club into something much bigger, and why she believes small, agile charities are often better placed than large NGOs to respond to real need on the ground. Together, Adam and Olivia unpack: the ethics of gap years and international volunteering, the accidental, organic route into founding a charity, why a community-led partnership model (not a UK-charity-knows-best model) has been central to Kids Club Kampala's growth, how being small allowed the charity to pivot fast during COVID and feed thousands when larger NGOs pulled their staff out, and why donor stewardship and thanking supporters well has quietly driven two decades of growth. Olivia also reflects honestly on pride, burnout, boundaries, and learning that she isn't personally responsible for solving everything – and why looking after her own wellbeing is what keeps the charity sustainable for the long run. Takeaways The ethics of gap years, volunteering and avoiding "white saviourism" How Kids Club Kampala started organically from a gap year friendship, with no strategy or plan The moment that shifted focus from fun and games to child protection and basic needs Why a genuine, equal partnership model with local teams is central to impact How being a small charity enabled a fast pivot to emergency food relief during COVID The value of excellent donor stewardship in sustaining long-term growth Learning to set boundaries and protect wellbeing as a charity leader Chapters 00:00 Introduction and quick-fire questions 04:35 Olivia's route into the charity sector 07:12 Gap year in Uganda and the founding of Kids Club Kampala 17:03 The return trip and the moment that changed everything 23:44 Registering as a charity and building the UK–Uganda partnership 28:03 Why small charities can be more adaptable than large NGOs 31:02 Pivoting to emergency food relief during COVID 32:15 Olivia's personal journey to becoming full-time Chief Executive 37:36 The power of donor stewardship 39:56 Kids Club Kampala today: education, family strengthening and child protection 42:06 Reflecting on impact, pride and sustaining yourself for the long run #podcast #charity #careers #internationaldevelopment #nonprofitleadership #charitychangemakers
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Ru Watkins, Chief Executive of Hamelin, a learning disability and autism charity growing rapidly across Essex and East Anglia. Ru brings a career unlike most in the sector. After 23 years in the British Army, he moved into corporate roles with BT and others before a phone call from a headhunter changed his direction entirely. That call led him to Noah's Ark Children's Hospice in North London, a struggling organisation with something worth saving. It was the first of what would become a defining theme across his leadership career: walking into complexity, listening hard, and building something better. His arrival at Hamelin tells that story at its most vivid. He was called in to close the charity down. Instead, he walked the sites, listened to families, and went back to the board with a different proposition entirely: invest and grow. Four and a quarter years later, Hamelin supports nearly 1,750 people and families, has moved from 100% statutory reliance to 60% self-generated income, and holds significant reserves. In this conversation, Adam and Ru explore: How a chance phone call took Ru from corporate burnout to charity leadership What 23 years in the military actually teaches you about listening, chaos, and getting things done Why Ru walked into Hamelin's board interview and told them not to close it The Klingon Cloak of Care and what it costs people with learning disabilities and autism Why community building is the most important thing charities can do right now The danger of chief executives confusing their ambition with organisational readiness What chief exec loneliness really looks like and how Ru manages it Why letting a support worker leave to train as a nurse is a mark of success, not failure How Hamelin is getting young adults with learning disabilities into employment Ru is direct, self-aware, and genuinely funny. This is a conversation about what bold, values-led leadership looks like in practice, not in theory. Find out more about Hamelin : www.hamelin.org.uk
What does Formula One have to teach the charity sector about impact? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Rushab Shah, founder and CEO of OneHive, a tech for good organisation helping youth charities streamline their admin and scale their impact. Rushab's route to the sector is anything but conventional. After studying mechanical engineering at Warwick, he worked in the F1 supply chain, drove test cars around tracks for a living, and led digital strategy for a business decarbonising maritime transport across the Shetland Islands. Running a youth club for disabled young people throughout university kept the mission close. When the engineering career reached its ceiling, he looked at the charity sector with an engineer's eye and spotted something striking: charities spend enormous time delivering programmes and then enormous time analysing what happened. By which point, it's too late to change anything. In Formula One, you know what the lap time will be by the end of the first corner. What if youth charities could work the same way? That question became OneHive, now supporting around 30,000 young people across 18 youth-focused organisations, with a county council investing to roll the platform across 10 charities simultaneously. Adam and Rushab explore: Why charities are measuring impact too late, and what real-time data actually changes on the ground How a shared interest in Thomas Tank Engine taught Rushab more about inclusion than any disability training The "say yes to everything" approach that built a career in five years and a startup from scratch Why small and medium charities are currently beating large ones at adopting tech The tension between failing fast and working with vulnerable young people The honest lesson on when to pitch and when to shut up and listen A candid, practical conversation about what genuine sector transformation looks like when someone builds it from the ground up. Find out more about OneHive at onehive.ai Chapters [00:00] Introduction and quickfire questions [05:00] A 17-year-old hosting a residential for young people with disabilities [08:30] From F1 data to the charity sector, and what the gap revealed [13:00] Building a career by saying yes to everything [16:15] How TutorHive became OneHive [21:20] What OneHive looks like today, 30,000 beneficiaries and growing [24:00] Real-time safeguarding, the Joe example [29:00] Sceptics, screen time and why tech is the solution but not the answer [34:20] The THRIVE framework and plans for Manchester and beyond [38:00] The personal cost of always saying yes [40:45] The hardest leadership lesson: knowing when to stop pitching #CharityChangemakers #TechForGood #CharitySector #YouthWork #SocialImpact #NonprofitLeadership #DataForGood #DigitalTransformation
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Callum Dixon, Director of Service Delivery and Member Support at Citizens Advice, for a candid and reflective conversation about a career built on stepping into the unknown. Callum's journey started with a semi-dismissal at a law firm drinks reception that inadvertently pointed him toward Citizens Advice as a volunteer. From there he moved through Shelter, higher education, a chief executive role at 25, a merger, a housing association, and eventually home to the national Citizens Advice organisation, where he has held four different leadership roles in five years. Together Adam and Callum explore: Being told you're too young for a job, and taking it anyway What gorilla-glueing carpet while writing a National Lottery bid teaches you about small charity leadership The loneliness of the chief executive role and why peer community matters Leading a merger and the strategic lessons around stakeholder management How federated organisations teach soft power over positional authority What becoming an adoptive parent changed about Callum's leadership style Why the version of yourself you were 10 years ago shouldn't be recognisable The importance of slowing down in a sector driven by passion and urgency Callum also talks openly about the complexity of Citizens Advice as a federated charity, the postcode lottery of advice funding across England and Wales, and the ongoing work to shift power dynamics through co-design with their member network. To find out more about Citizens Advice, volunteer, or access advice, visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk If you enjoyed the episode, please like, share and leave a review. Your support helps more charity leaders and changemakers discover the show. Takeaways Stepping into a role before you feel ready is often how the most valuable learning happens Building a peer community is essential for chief executives navigating isolation at the top Parenthood can fundamentally shift how you understand and exercise leadership Federated organisations require influence and relationship skills more than positional authority Slowing down is a leadership discipline, not a weakness Chapters 00:00 Introduction and career journey 08:50 Becoming a chief executive at 25 15:00 Peer support, board relationships and early leadership lessons 19:00 Merger, housing association and the road to Citizens Advice 22:00 Career development, visibility and backing yourself 26:00 Parenthood and evolving leadership style 33:00 How Citizens Advice works and what it delivers 38:41 How to get involved with Citizens Advice
Adam is joined by Jess Camburn-Rahmani, Chief Executive of Cerebra, a UK charity supporting children and families living with brain conditions. Jess takes us on a fascinating career journey from a VSO placement with an indigenous communities NGO in Uganda, to community development in Swansea, to building Elrha (a humanitarian innovation organisation) from a single grant into a 40-staff organisation with over £40 million of lifetime funding, before making a significant move into the disability sector. This is a conversation full of hard-won wisdom: about what it really means to lead without being the expert, how to build an organisation that isn't dependent on its founder, and why the relationship between a CEO and their board is one of the most undervalued assets in the charity sector. Together, Adam and Jess explore: How a VSO placement in Uganda shaped a career built on humility and listening Building Elrha from a £250k project grant into a global humanitarian research and innovation organisation Leading through personal loss and learning to know when it's time to move on The 18-month wobble many working parents experience and why having a brilliant board chair can make all the difference Why calling your charity "a family" might actually be doing your team a disservice The dangers of founder syndrome and how to leave an organisation at the right time What drew Jess to Cerebra and the growth journey she's leading there now Why every CEO has imposter syndrome and why that's actually a good thing The leadership mantra she's carried with her: give credit when things go well, take accountability when they don't Takeaways Career journey and international development Building organisations from the ground up Founder transitions and succession Board and trustee relationships Leading dispersed and remote teams Parenting and leadership Imposter syndrome Organisational culture About Cerebra Cerebra supports children and families across the UK living with brain conditions, from neurodivergent conditions through to rare diseases and birth injuries. All services are free of charge. Find out more at cerebra.org.uk and listen to their podcast, The Calm and the Complicated , on all major podcast platforms. Chapters [00:00] Introduction and quickfire questions [04:38] How Jess found her way into the charity sector [06:27] Reflections on VSO and the ethics of international development [08:41] Community development in Swansea and the role of Save the Children [12:42] The origins of Elrha, from a grant project to a global organisation [16:36] Leadership lessons from building something from scratch [19:35] The importance of a brilliant board relationship [21:43] Knowing when to move on and the guilt of leaving [26:13] Cerebra, what the charity does and why Jess was drawn to it [32:58] Leadership qualities that take organisations on growth journeys [34:42] Building culture across a dispersed team [39:48] Advice to your earlier self, nuggets of leadership wisdom #CharityLeadership #NonProfitLeadership #CharityChangemakers #HumanitarianSector #CharityCareers #DisabilitySector #Podcast #LeadershipLessons #ThirdSector #CharitySector #BoardGovernance #SocialImpact #PurposeDriven #OrganisationalGrowth
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Rob Avann, charity consultant, interim leader and seasoned trustee, for a conversation that gets into the real nuts and bolts of charity governance - and why so many organisations are still getting it wrong. With 20 years in the sector, eight years as a permanent CEO, a spell as interim CEO, and 16 years across five trustee boards, Rob brings a rare 360-degree perspective. He shares how his career began in local government - commissioning services around crime, domestic violence and community safety - before a growing connection to the charity sector pulled him across. His first trustee role came before his first charity job, and that sequence, he argues, shaped everything that followed. Adam and Rob dig into what makes the board-CEO relationship work, why it so often doesn't, and what both sides consistently get wrong. Rob is candid about the mistakes he sees in his consultancy work, from the absence of clear governance frameworks to boards that drift into the operational when clarity breaks down, and explains why governance is never a destination, always a journey. Together, Adam and Rob unpack: Why every CEO should serve as a trustee somewhere else - and what it changes The chair-CEO relationship as the most important dynamic in any charity How to build trust across the board without letting challenge slide into blame What a governance review actually looks like - and how to handle findings that surprise people The honest realities of transitioning from CEO to consultant, including the sleepless nights How interim and permanent CEO roles differ in mindset, not just tenure The power of mentoring and where to find it - from Cranfield Trust to the Kilfinan Group Why delegation isn't optional, and burnout is what happens when leaders forget that Rob also reflects on the managers who shaped him, why he wishes he'd told them so at the time, and what he'd say to his younger self about not carrying the weight of an organisation alone. Takeaways Trusteeship | Governance | Board-CEO relationships | Interim leadership | Charity consulting | Mentoring | Delegation | Career development Chapters [00:00] Introduction and background [08:23] Why trusteeship is pivotal — for trustees and CEOs alike [10:08] What goes wrong between boards and chief executives [16:44] Navigating the line between governance and operations [21:44] Leading through COVID and the value of strong foundations [23:36] Mentoring, great managers and how to find support [28:10] The transition to consulting — variety, freedom and the odd sleepless night [32:17] Permanent vs interim CEO — a different mindset entirely [36:55] Governance reviews — holding up a mirror to organisations [40:27] Leadership advice and what Rob would tell his younger self #CharityGovernance #Trusteeship #CharityLeadership #NonProfitLeadership #CharityChangemakers #BoardDevelopment #CharityCareers #CharitySector #InterimLeadership #ThirdSector
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Jonny Cobbold, Director of Development at Change Mental Health , a Scottish mental health charity supporting around 12,000 people a year. Jonny brings rare candour to the conversation, sharing his own lived experience with mental health, the career pivot that changed everything, and what it really takes to lead with consistency, humanity and purpose. Jonny opens up about his early career in recruitment - a world that left him in tears and led him to quit - and how that moment of misalignment set him firmly on the path into the charity sector. From there, he charts his journey through education charities to his current role at Change Mental Health, a place he describes as an incredibly personal fit, both culturally and because of his own mental health history. Together, Adam and Jonny unpack: • Why a bad six months in recruitment became the defining moment of his career • His lived experience of anxiety and how it shapes the way he leads today • The fine line between being open about mental health and oversharing as a leader • How working remotely for a Scottish charity while living near Liverpool actually works • Building team culture across a dispersed organisation • The power of long-term executive coaching and knowing yourself as a leader • Why energy and enthusiasm will only take you so far • The nuts and bolts of consistent, reliable leadership that teams actually need • Change Mental Health's growth and the ambition that drives it • Mental health in the workplace: why Jonny is passionate about training and prevention This is a warm, honest and thought-provoking conversation for anyone navigating senior leadership, working through their own relationship with mental health at work, or looking for a reminder that sustainable leadership starts with knowing yourself. Takeaways • Career journey and sector entry • Mental health and lived experience in leadership • Remote working and team culture • Executive coaching and self-awareness • Consistent and reliable management • Mission alignment and values-led leadership • Workplace mental health training Chapters [00:00] Introduction and quickfire questions [08:00] How Jonny got into the charity sector [14:00] Lived experience of mental health and leading with empathy [18:00] Work-life balance and working remotely across borders [23:00] Building and maintaining team culture across distance [30:00] The role of executive coaching over 14 years [34:00] Change Mental Health - who they are and what they do [39:00] Mental health in the workplace and what comes next [41:00] Where to turn if you're struggling with your mental health [42:00] One leadership lesson learned the hard way Hashtags #CharityChangemakers #MentalHealth #CharityLeadership #NonProfitLeadership #CharityCareers #MentalHealthAtWork #Leadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #ThirdSector #CharitySector #PurposeDriven #SocialImpact #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipLessons #ScotlandCharity
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam is joined by Lee Barnett, Chief Encourager of Sandy Bear Children's Bereavement Charity, for a warm and candid conversation about life, leadership and supporting bereaved children and families across Wales. Lee shares a career journey that began in catering, moved through NHS dementia care, youth work with the Red Cross and public health commissioning, before arriving at Sandy Bear three years ago. He reflects on what compassionate leadership really looks like, why it's so often mistaken for weakness, and how personal life experience has shaped him as much as any formal training. Together, Adam and Lee unpack: How a career without a clear plan can be the best kind of foundation Why bereavement work involves far more laughter than people assume Sandy Bear's model of supporting families before, during and after a bereavement Why early grief support can reduce risky teenage behaviour and improve educational outcomes The challenges of funding a small charity and the freedom that comes from reducing statutory dependency Why Sandy Bear is "bigger than bereavement" The origin of the Sandy Bear name, rooted in the beaches of Pembrokeshire Why being the least important person in the room might be the mark of a great leader A generous, grounded and joyful conversation for anyone working in the charity sector, leadership, or the often overlooked world of bereavement support. Takeaways Career journey | Compassionate leadership | Children's bereavement | Funding challenges | Grief and young people | Wales charity sector Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Journey 09:13 Transition to Sandy Bear and Challenges of Funding 14:46 Working with Local Authorities and Long-Term Planning 20:54 Impact of the Charity's Work and Positive Memories 26:21 Collaboration with Hospices and Family Support 32:44 The Origin and Name of Sandy Bear 40:51 Lessons Learned and Compassionate Leadership #CharityLeadership #Bereavement #ChildrensCharity #CompassionateLeadership #CharitySector #Wales #NonProfitLeadership #CharityChangemakers #SocialImpact #ThirdSector
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam Stacey speaks with Kit Powney, Head of Digital Maturity at Tearfund. Kit shares her journey from campaigning and advocacy into digital strategy, and explains how charities can approach digital transformation in a practical and thoughtful way. The conversation explores how technology, data and AI are reshaping the sector, but also why strategy, values and people must remain at the centre of any transformation effort. Kit also offers practical advice for organisations that feel overwhelmed by the pace of change, explaining why starting small and building a digital mindset across teams can unlock real impact. From AI adoption to organisational culture, this episode provides a thoughtful look at how charities can navigate technology while staying focused on mission and impact. Takeaways Digital transformation is about organisational change, not just technology AI can unlock efficiency and innovation if aligned with strategy and values Many charities already have powerful tools available within Microsoft and Google ecosystems Small changes and experiments can deliver significant improvements Developing a digital mindset across teams is critical for successful transformation The charity sector must balance innovation with ethical considerations and human oversight Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:27 Transition into Digital Strategy 13:39 The Role of Digital Transformation 21:19 Opportunities and Risks of AI 35:23 Career Advice and Future Outlook If you enjoyed the episode, please like, share and leave a review. Your support helps more charity leaders and changemakers discover the show. #CharitySector #AIForGood #DigitalTransformation #Podcast
Paul Griffiths, CEO of the Association for Cultural Enterprises, shares his career journey in the charity sector, from his role at English Heritage to becoming the Director of Painshill Park. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of leadership during challenging times. The conversation covers a range of topics, including adapting to change and implementing safety measures, the role of the Association of Cultural Enterprises, annual conferences and events programs, the experience of traveling and visiting members, challenges in the culture sector, weather and event planning, resilience and adaptation, supporting local attractions, and leadership lessons learned. Takeaways Career journey in the charity sector Impact of COVID-19 and leadership Adaptation and safety measures are crucial in the face of change. Supporting local attractions is vital for the community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:26 Role at English Heritage 12:05 Director of Payne's Hill Park 17:08 Impact of COVID-19 and Leadership 23:01 Adapting to Change and Safety Measures 28:30 Traveling and Visiting Members 35:01 Weather and Event Planning 41:18 Supporting Local Attractions #CharityLeadership #CulturalEnterprise #MuseumLeadership #CharitySector #NonProfitLeadership #HeritageSector #SocialImpact #CharityCareers #LeadershipLessons #ThirdSector #FundraisingStrategy #NonProfitGrowth #VisitorExperience #PurposeDriven #CharityChangemakers
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers Podcast , Adam is joined by Ben Drabble , Chief Executive of Train , to explore a refreshingly honest charity career journey - from international mission, to fundraising leadership, to local youth work on his doorstep. Ben shares how he stepped into his first Director role through a pure job share model - one inbox, one calendar, total trust - and why job sharing can be an incredibly effective (and often overlooked) way of opening up senior leadership to people with caring responsibilities. Together, Adam and Ben unpack: What a pure job share really looks like at Director level Why job shares have such a high success rate when done well The leadership growth that comes from shared responsibility and constant feedback Moving from a large, international charity to leading a small local organisation Taking a £20k pay cut to gain lifestyle, alignment, and joy in work Why mission alone is not enough if you don’t enjoy the day-to-day The danger of confusing aptitude with true career alignment Ben also reflects candidly on leadership development, career pivots, learning later in life, and why happiness can’t sit permanently on the far side of your next promotion. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for anyone navigating senior leadership, considering flexible working, or wrestling with what “success” really looks like in a charity career. Takeaways Career journey Job sharing Networking Fundraising Youth work Leadership Transition Mission Alignment Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Journey 05:59 Impact of Gap Year Programs 12:45 Building Professional Networks 20:09 Practicalities of Job Sharing 29:19 Transition to Chief Executive Role 41:16 Lessons in Leadership and Mission Alignment
Step into the world of portfolio careers with Rob Green, as he shares his journey from street fundraising to leading digital transformation projects. In this episode, Adam Stacey explores how Rob built a career that spans both charity and commercial sectors. Get insights on resilience, the growing role of technology in fundraising, and the importance of networking and personal branding.Discover Rob’s top lessons:From street fundraising to career reinventionHow switching sectors boosts your perspectiveThe growing impact of technology and AI on fundraisingDiversifying income streams for long-term successWhy personal branding and networking are essential for a fulfilling careerJoin us as we look into building a career with variety, purpose, and flexibility. Whether you're a fundraiser or looking to build a career with purpose, this episode offers practical advice to help you achieve long-term sustainability.☑️ Connect with Rob Green Here!- Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgreencv/ - Company Website: https://www.hibridgit.com/ - Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hibridgit/ Chapters00:00 – Rob Green: An introduction06:14 – Finding purpose in street fundraising10:32 – Lessons from permanent roles in charities14:20 – Technology’s growing impact on fundraising18:12 – AI and the future of giving23:28 – Getting the best from digital platforms25:36 – Embracing AI and innovation27:57 – The portfolio career mindset31:02 – Building your network and personal brand40:07 – Advice for the next generation of fundraisers43:17 – Outro🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.https://www.youtube.com/@CharityChangemakers/?sub_confirmation=1
In this powerful episode of The Charity Changemakers Podcast , Adam Stacey speaks with Howard Taylor , Chief Executive of Lumos Foundation — the global charity founded to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, loving family . Howard’s story spans the corridors of government, corporate boardrooms, and the United Nations. From his early years in India to leading international development efforts for the UK government, heading global programmes at the Nike Foundation , and tackling violence against children at the UN , his journey reveals how purpose and pragmatism can come together to drive real systemic change. This is a conversation about leadership, optimism, and what it takes to change systems that have failed children for generations . Howard shares the inside story of how Lumos has already helped reunite over 280,000 children with families — and why the charity is now focusing upstream, preventing family separation before it happens. Whether you work in the charity sector, government, or business, Howard’s reflections on cross-sector leadership, adaptability, and long-term impact will leave you inspired to think bigger about change. Howard Taylor leads Lumos Foundation , ensuring every child grows up in a loving family. Lumos has reunited over 280,000 children with families across the world. Howard’s career spans UK Government, Nike Foundation , and the United Nations . He shares lessons on resilience, purpose, and the power of optimism in leadership. Discover how corporate tools and public sector thinking can unite to deliver social impact. Learn why systemic change is the only way to truly transform global child welfare. 00:00 – Introduction to Howard Taylor and Lumos Foundation 05:06 – The role of optimism in leadership 07:50 – Journey into the charity sector 10:40 – Early career in government and international development 13:24 – From government to corporate philanthropy 16:18 – The Girl Effect and the power of storytelling 19:25 – Nonprofit vs corporate cultures 24:35 – Lessons from early life and leadership 26:49 – Tackling global challenges at the UN 29:25 – Joining Lumos: a new chapter 35:51 – Lumos Foundation’s mission and future 40:02 – Howard’s reflections and advice Listen & share The Charity Changemakers Podcast is available on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and YouTube . Follow, rate, and share to help inspire the next generation of changemakers.
In this episode of The Charity Changemakers Podcast , Adam Stacey speaks with David Knott , Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund — the UK’s largest grant-maker, awarding more than £700 million last year to over 12,000 community projects . David reflects on his career across public service, including time in the Prime Minister’s office, and shares what he’s learned since stepping into the charity sector. The conversation dives into the future of funding , from how AI could streamline grant applications to why community resilience and adaptability are more important than ever. He also opens up about the realities of leadership — the isolating moments, the need for support networks, and the lessons he’d pass on to his younger self. Whether you’re leading a charity, applying for grants, or curious about the changing role of the sector, this is a must-listen episode packed with insights. 👉 To find out how you can apply for National Lottery Community Fund support — especially for environmental projects — visit: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk Key takeaways The National Lottery Community Fund makes a grant every eight minutes Community resilience is central to tackling today’s challenges AI could transform the way charities apply for funding — but it must keep the human touch Charities play a powerful role in shaping public policy Leadership in the sector can feel isolating — but support is out there Moving from government to charity demands a fresh approach to leadership Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to David Knott and the National Lottery Community Fund 08:19 – David’s journey into the charity sector 12:03 – Leadership challenges in government and charity 19:44 – The evolving role of charities 23:11 – Responding to the cost-of-living crisis 28:20 – Making funding accessible and streamlined 31:17 – The role of AI in grant applications 33:27 – Connecting charities across regions 36:40 – Support systems for charity leaders 41:38 – Advice to his younger self 43:20 – Series 2 outro Listen & share 🎧 The Charity Changemakers Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Follow on your favourite platform — and don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review to help inspire the next generation of changemakers.
In this episode of the Charity Changemakers podcast, Adam Stacey speaks with Claire House-Norman, Director and Fundraising Consultant at the Philanthropy Company. With more than three decades of experience in the charitysector, Claire reflects on her journey from community fundraising to major donor engagement and into consultancy. She highlights the power of relationship-building, the need for agility in times of financial uncertainty, and the evolving opportunities in donor engagement. Claire offers practical fundraising insights for today’s market, with a standout reminder about mid-level donors. Too often, this group sits unnoticed between community fundraising and major gifts, yet they hold huge potential. By segmenting your database by both gift size and frequency, you can uncover a pool of committed supporters who are primed for deeper engagement. Investing time in tailored stewardship for this mid-value segment can unlock significant growth and strengthen long-term donor relationships. Claire also shares how mentorship and personal traits such as curiosity and resilience have shaped her career, offering valuable insights for those looking to make their mark in the sector. Key takeaways Over 30 years’ experience in fundraising and PR A career journey from community fundraising to major donor engagement Agility is essential for charities navigating financial challenges Relationship fundraising is increasingly valuable, especially for mid-value donors Consultancy brings a fast-paced and dynamic working environment Curiosity and resilience are critical personal traits for fundraising success Mentorship and training are vital for developing the next generation of fundraisers The sector faces financial hurdles, but also opportunities for innovation Fundraising should always feel personal and one-to-one, even at scale Taking risks can lead to significant professional and personal growth Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Claire House-Norman 07:02 – Claire’s Journey into Fundraising 12:25 – Early Career Experiences and Learning 18:00 – Transitioning to Major Donor Fundraising 21:19 – Establishing Fundraising Departments 23:27 – Building Relationships in Fundraising 24:37 – The Importance of Passion in Recruitment 25:10 – Innovative Approaches to Fundraising 28:58 – Consultancy in Fundraising: A New Perspective 32:00 – Trends in Fundraising: Mid-Value Donors 34:52 – Navigating Challenges in the Charity Sector 37:49 – Personal Traits for Success in Fundraising 40:57 – Transitioning to Consultancy: Pros and Cons 44:20 – Advice to My Younger Self 45:07 – Series 2 – Outro Listen & share The Charity Changemakers Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Follow us on your favourite platform, and don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review to help inspire the next generation of changemakers.
In this episode of The Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam Stacey speaks with Greg Allen, Chief Executive of Devon Air Ambulance and Professor of Practice (Leadership) at Exeter University Business School. Greg shares his fascinating, non-linear career journey spanning financial services, the military, the NHS, and now the charity sector. He reflects on lessons learned from three decades of leadership, the influence of mentors and networks, and why he believes curiosity, discipline, and continual learning are the cornerstones of effective leadership. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of running a regional charity with a multi-million-pound turnover, the role of trustees, and the importance of balancing personal purpose with professional demands. Greg also discusses the value of giving back through teaching and mentoring, and why focusing on strengths is more powerful than obsessing over weaknesses. Whether you’re leading a team, considering a career change, or simply curious about what it takes to run a life-saving charity, this episode offers rich insights and encouragement. Careers don’t have to follow a straight line – non-linear paths can build resilience and breadth of skills Strong networks and peer support are vital for leaders navigating the pressures of chief executive roles Trustees are partners in impact, not just overseers – understanding their perspective strengthens governance Leadership evolves from authority-driven to listening and coaching – emotional intelligence matters Purpose is a powerful driver: for Greg, the mission of Devon Air Ambulance is deeply personal 00:00 – Introduction to Greg Allen 01:00 – Career journey: finance, military, NHS, and charities 07:20 – First steps into the charity sector 10:30 – Lessons from non-linear career paths 15:30 – Networks, mentors, and professional development 18:00 – The value of trustee roles 21:30 – Evolving a leadership style 24:50 – Joining Devon Air Ambulance 27:20 – Inside a complex regional charity 29:10 – Fundraising, gifts in wills, and financial sustainability 31:50 – Recruitment challenges and opportunities 34:00 – How to get involved with Devon Air Ambulance 35:20 – Teaching leadership at Exeter University 38:30 – Advice to my younger self Discover how Greg’s leadership journey – shaped by resilience, networks, and purpose – can inspire your own path in the charity sector. Devon Air Ambulance – https://www.daat.org Exeter University Business School – https://business-school.exeter.ac.uk #CharityCareers #Leadership #Trusteeship #AirAmbulance #CharitySector
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