Leaders with Purpose

How can charities create lasting change when funding is falling and demand keeps growing?
In this special episode of Leaders with Purpose, recorded live at the International Fundraising Congress (IFC), Lou Lai sits down with Willeke van Rijn, CEO of the Resource Alliance, to explore why collaboration is essential to the future of civil society.
Drawing on a global community of over 30,000 fundraisers, campaigners and changemakers, Willeke shares how organisations can work towards a shared purpose, build stronger supporter communities and give emerging leaders the trust to act.
From why “80% is good enough” to the power of calling people in, this conversation explores what courageous leadership looks like when the pressure is on.
00:00 Welcome to Leaders with Purpose at IFC00:39 Why is civil society shrinking?02:25 Collaboration and putting purpose first04:52 What collective action looks like in practice06:19 Trust, emerging leaders and progress over perfection08:55 Calling people in and building bridges10:18 Courage and the power of community13:50 Stories of people creating change16:36 Narrative, misinformation and collective voice18:34 The changing landscape of resource mobilisation20:34 What’s next for the Resource Alliance?25:14 Why attend IFC in 2027?
The International Fundraising Congress (IFC) is the Resource Alliance's annual global gathering, where the world's fundraisers and changemakers get clear, take action, together. IFC 2027 takes place 19 to 22 October 2027 in the Netherlands. 
Tickets are on sale now, with £400 off a full-price ticket for those who book early. Find out more and book at https://www.resource-alliance.org/event/ifc-2027/
Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations with leaders creating positive change.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
Willeke van Rijn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willeke-van-rijn-8150215/Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

How can charities build stronger corporate partnerships? 
Start with a clear ask and an understanding of what matters to the business you’re approaching.
In this mini episode of Leaders with Purpose, Debbie Wall, ESG Director at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, shares what makes a charity partnership pitch stand out, drawing on her experience on both sides of the conversation.
From researching the person behind the business to showing how a partnership benefits both organisations, Debbie offers practical advice for charity leaders and fundraisers looking to open doors.
In this episode:00:00 What makes a great partnership pitch?00:15 Researching people and company culture01:49 Where charity and corporate approaches fall short03:21 Making a clear ask and showing commercial value04:18 What Sage’s Growth Project teaches us about mutual benefit04:55 Why strong partnerships take time
Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations on leadership and creating meaningful change.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
Debbie Wall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiewall70/?isSelfProfile=falseLou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

What happens when one of the most high-profile teams in motorsport decides to use its platform for good?
In this episode, we're joined by Debbie Wall, ESG Director at the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, to talk about breaking the rules to get ahead of the game in ESG and philanthropy.
Debbie takes us behind the scenes of building an ESG function from scratch inside a Formula One team, and explains why ESG matters not just ethically but commercially. She shares how sport can be a powerful platform for positive change, and what modern, purpose-led partnerships look like in practice.
If you've ever wondered how to approach or pitch to a major organisation like Aston Martin F1, Debbie offers candid advice on what makes a partnership stand out. She also discusses the team's inclusion and diversity work and how they're opening doors for people who might never have seen themselves in motorsport.
To close, Debbie shares practical tips for anyone looking to build a career in ESG, sustainability or purpose-driven work.
Chapters00:00 Introducing Debbie Wall00:53 A zigzag career through marketing, philanthropy and Formula One04:48 Building ESG at Aston Martin F110:38 Creating opportunities through mentoring and partnerships14:28 Using Formula One’s platform to drive change17:06 Mission 44 and challenging established ways of working20:54 Building teams with different strengths23:53 Mentorship and knowing when to move on27:39 Bringing the right partners together29:32 Building stronger charity and corporate partnerships33:33 Supporting women in motorsport and leadership37:25 Finding community in Formula One39:32 Helping young people find a route into the industry43:05 Advice for the next generation of leaders48:19 What’s next for Debbie and Aston Martin F1?50:26 Closing reflections
The episode explores contemporary approaches to philanthropy, corporate partnerships and ESG strategy, and is a must-listen for anyone interested in how business, sport and social impact can drive each other forward.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
Debbie Wall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiewall70/?isSelfProfile=falseLou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

How honest should leaders be when they’re struggling?
In this extra mini episode of Leaders with Purpose, Ben Kay, Chief Experience Officer at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), joins Lou to discuss vulnerability in leadership, his experience of burnout and why speaking openly about mental health is essential.
Ben shares how difficult periods have shaped the way he leads, why health must remain a priority and how finding purpose has brought greater meaning to his work.
Topics covered include:00:00 Navigating uncertainty as a leader00:56 Being open about vulnerability and burnout02:38 Why it’s important to say when you’re not fine04:25 Putting health first within an organisation05:02 Finding personal purpose through your work06:00 Creating a shared sense of purpose at BACP
This honest conversation offers reassurance to leaders facing difficult periods and a reminder that asking for support can be an important step forward.
Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations about purposeful leadership, workplace culture and mental health.
Listen to the podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us
Ben Kay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkay76/ Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/ manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

Could AI make mental health support more accessible without losing the human connection at the heart of therapy?
In this mini episode of Leaders with Purpose, Ben Kay, Chief Experience Officer at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) explores the role AI could play in supporting the nation’s mental health.
With public services under pressure and private therapy unaffordable for many, people are already turning to AI chatbots during vulnerable moments. Ben discusses the risks this creates, why technology should complement rather than replace therapists and the need for strong ethical frameworks.
He also explains how BACP can help technology companies develop safer, more human tools grounded in evidence and clinical understanding.
Topics covered include:00:00 - Creating an ethical framework for AI00:14 - The growing gap in access to mental health support01:28 - Using technology to support human interaction02:00 - Why vulnerable people are turning to AI chatbots02:42 - The risks of using AI for mental health support03:06 - Why AI cannot replace human connection03:38 - How technology could support therapists and clients04:15 - Bringing therapeutic ethics into technology05:19 - BACP’s responsibility to its members05:46 - Why decisions must be grounded in research06:16 - Helping the public choose safer digital tools06:54 - Using AI to support the nation’s wellbeing
Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations about leadership, mental health, technology and organisational change.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
Ben Kay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkay76/Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

Can AI improve access to mental health support without replacing the human connection at the heart of therapy?
In this episode of Leaders with Purpose, Lou Lai is joined by Ben Kay, Chief Experience Officer at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Ben shares how his experience of burnout has shaped the way he leads and why vulnerability should be treated as a strength in the workplace. He also explores the ethical role AI could play in mental health support, from helping therapists with everyday tasks to supporting people when human help is unavailable.
The conversation also looks at BACP’s transformation as it approaches its 50th anniversary, including how the organisation is improving its membership experience and preparing for a future defined by constant change.
They also covered:
00:53 - Moving from the private sector into purpose-led work02:14 - Supporting counsellors and psychotherapists across Britain05:43 - Leading an organisation through major change10:00 - Why change management must remain human12:56 - Financial sustainability in purpose-led organisations16:45 - Technology, AI and access to mental health support19:18 - Can AI support therapy without replacing human connection?22:47 - Building ethical technology for mental health25:20 - Vulnerability, burnout and leadership28:03 - Why leaders need to admit when they are not fine30:00 - Finding purpose through personal experience32:55 - The future of membership at BACP37:13 - Rebuilding trust with 76,000 members39:16 - Using continuous feedback to improve member experience41:34 - Measuring how easy an organisation is to engage with45:33 - Why every organisation is judged by its last best experience47:49 - Building technology for an uncertain future52:08 - Keeping human connection at the centre of change54:14 - What happens when people do not support the vision?59:39 - Advice for the next generation of leaders
Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations about leadership, organisational change, mental health and technology.
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
Ben Kay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkay76/Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

What makes someone feel safe enough to speak up, ask for help or challenge a leader at work?
Psychological safety shapes whether people contribute their ideas, raise concerns and give honest feedback. Without it, important questions go unasked and problems can remain hidden. When people feel safe, teams can learn from each other and make better decisions and impact.
In this mini episode of Leaders with Purpose, David Amos-Reeves, Head of Customer Experience and Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, explores how leaders can build psychological safety through the everyday behaviours and interactions that shape workplace culture.
Drawing on his own research into psychological safety and his experience leading teams, David explains how seemingly small reactions from leaders can have a lasting impact on whether people feel comfortable contributing. 
Other topics covered include:
00:00 - Belonging, inclusion and psychological safety00:41 - Researching psychological safety in the workplace01:40 - How leadership behaviour shapes psychological safety02:10 - Why one negative response can stop someone speaking up02:45 - Rewarding feedback, questions and asking for help03:30 - Creating a culture where teams challenge their leaders04:21 - Psychological safety within teams vs across organisations05:26 - Psychological safety in boards and governance06:42 - Why people worry about speaking up07:30 - How curiosity and open-minded leadership create safety08:00 - A powerful example of psychological safety in actionSubscribe to Leaders with Purpose for conversations on leadership, workplace culture, psychological safety, employee engagement and creating organisations where people can thrive.Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations about charity leadership, technology, customer experience and digital transformation.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
David Amos-Reeves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidreeves87/Prostate Cancer UK: https://prostatecanceruk.org/Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

What does a truly customer-centred charity look like?
Lou Lai is joined by David Amos-Reeves, Head of Customer Engagement and Experience at Prostate Cancer UK, to explore how charities can build stronger relationships with the people they support.
They discuss moving away from traditional fundraising silos, using data to understand people more fully and applying AI in ways that improve experiences rather than create more distance.
David also shares the research he carried out into psychological safety while working at the Woodland Trust. By comparing high and low-scoring teams, he found that leadership behaviour had a major impact on whether people felt safe enough to speak up, ask for help and challenge ideas.
Other topics covered include:00:00 Introducing David Amos-Reeves01:17 From fundraising to customer experience05:18 Customer engagement at Prostate Cancer UK08:56 Designing around customer outcomes11:18 Measuring loyalty and engagement14:28 AI and charity customer experience19:49 The hidden cost of automation26:08 Building a voice of the customer programme29:26 Moving from management into leadership33:08 Team one versus team two41:04 Rethinking feedback46:44 Psychological safety in practice54:26 Leading through change58:54 Where charities should start
Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations about charity leadership, technology, customer experience and digital transformation.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
David Amos-Reeves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidreeves87/Prostate Cancer UK: https://prostatecanceruk.org/Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

How can cultural organisations reach new audiences and turn first-time visitors into loyal supporters?
In this mini episode of Leaders With Purpose, Josephine Chanter, Deputy Director of the Design Museum, shares how the museum is rethinking audience development and cultural engagement.
Josephine explains why meeting people where they are is essential. By using familiar interests, nostalgia and popular culture as an entry point, cultural organisations can introduce audiences to new ideas and take them on a deeper journey. 
The Design Museum has already seen the impact of this approach, with its Tim Burton exhibition attracting 260,000 visitors and helping grow its membership to 10,000.
She also explores the challenge of building loyalty in a world where people have more choice than ever.
Topics covered include:00:00 Building a new audience development strategy00:33 Reaching younger and more diverse audiences01:31 Using programming to create organisational change02:15 Rethinking who is represented in cultural spaces02:40 The “Happy Meal test” for reaching a mass audience03:45 How the Tim Burton exhibition grew the Design Museum’s audience04:01 Turning visitors into loyal supporters05:00 Building meaningful audience relationships05:29 Putting audience insight at the heart of an organisation06:10 Returning from maternity leave into a new leadership role06:47 Asking for support and overcoming self-doubt07:19 Why three mentoring conversations proved transformational
Subscribe to Leaders With Purpose for more conversations about leadership, organisational change and creating meaningful impact.
Subscribe to the podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:Josephine Chanter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-chanter/Louise Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/Manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/

How do cultural institutions lead change while staying creative, audience-focused, revenue-driven and true to their purpose?
In this episode of Leaders with Purpose, Lou Lai, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Manifesto, is joined by Josephine Chanter, Deputy Director of the Design Museum, to explore what it takes to lead transformation across one of the UK’s most recognised cultural institutions.
Josephine shares her journey from political lobbying and communications into the culture sector, reflecting on two decades at the Design Museum and the lessons she has learned about leadership, audience engagement and loyalty, decision-making and change.
She also discusses women in leadership, including what it means to be a present as a leader, how to create safe spaces for teams to challenge the status quo, and why cultural organisations need to meet audiences where they are while still inspiring them to think differently.
Topics covered include:00:00 Introduction to Josephine Chanter and the Design Museum00:54 Josephine’s journey into the culture sector04:43 Leading change at the Design Museum12:42 Helping teams navigate transformation and ambiguity17:09 Building an audience strategy for the future21:51 Loyalty, relevance and meeting audiences where they are24:38 Mentoring, support and women in leadership32:34 Rethinking boardrooms and better governance36:53 Creating autonomy, trust and safer decision-making42:05 Challenging “we’ve always done it this way”48:49 How technology, AI and Instagram are changing audience behaviour55:20 Measuring impact and making better decisions56:34 Advice for the next generation of cultural leaders57:51 What’s next for Josephine and the Design Museum
This conversation offers valuable insight into cultural leadership, audience strategy, digital transformation, governance, women in leadership and leading change with clarity and purpose.
Subscribe for more conversations on charity leadership, cultural organisations, nonprofit strategy, digital transformation, governance and social impact.
Subscribe to the podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:Josephine Chanter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-chanter/Louise Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/Manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/