Starts at the Top Podcast

How Save The Children UK is leading digital change in a volatile world We chat to Trevor Gordon, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Save the Children UK   This week we are chuffed to bits to bring you a brand new episode featuring an insightful chat with the brilliant Trevor Gordon, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Save the Children UK. Trevor is an award-winning leader in customer-centric digital technology and transformation and recently returned to the charity sector. Get ready for a fascinating discussion on: Urgent Transformation in Charities: Trevor shares why non-profits must accelerate their digital, data, and technology adoption to meet today's challenges. Navigating AI Implementation: How Save the Children UK is swiftly putting AI governance and pragmatic solutions into practice, seeing immediate value. Strategic Partnerships: The critical role of collaborating with tech vendors and peer organisations to drive significant change. Building a Resilient Workforce: Creating a culture where people feel empowered and connected to their purpose, is crucial for retaining talent.   Paul and Zoe discuss the latest, eye-opening insights from Microsoft's 2025 Work Trend Index and the Anthropic CEO's bold predictions about AI's impact on jobs. 2025 is the year to get serious. Don't miss this inspiring conversation and Trevor's top cocktail recommendations for a well-deserved end-of-week treat!   Show notes The Microsoft 2025 Work Trend Index Anthropic's CEO about AI's impact on the job market. Please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

Decoding AI: Trust, Ethics, and the Path to Inclusive Innovation Join Zoe Amar and Paul Thomas on Starts at the Top for a conversation with Steph Wright, Head of the Scottish AI Alliance. In this episode, we delve into the landscape of artificial intelligence, exploring how we can move beyond the hype to build a future where AI is not only innovative but also fundamentally trustworthy, ethical, and inclusive. Steph brings a diverse perspective to the AI conversation, drawing from a fascinating background that spans astrophysics, the arts, and the third sector. She shares her unique journey and how these varied experiences have shaped her commitment to ensuring AI benefits everyone in society. In this engaging discussion, Zoe, Paul, and Steph discuss: How Steph's unconventional career path informs her holistic approach to technology and her unwavering belief in the power of diverse perspectives within the AI field. The fundamental importance of embedding ethical considerations and inclusivity at the very core of AI development. Steph challenges the notion of these being secondary concerns, highlighting their crucial role in creating truly beneficial technologies. Why the relentless pursuit of increasingly large and powerful AI models can often overshadow the real-world impact and potential for harm. We discuss the need to shift focus towards tangible value and responsible application. The often-overlooked environmental and social implications of large language models and AI development, including energy consumption and the ethical sourcing of training data. The need for more diverse and dissenting voices to shape AI's future and the impactful work of Diverse AI in fostering a more representative and equitable ecosystem within AI. Advice on where to start, how to prioritise ethical considerations from the outset, and why a deep understanding of your specific challenges should always precede the technological solution. Zoe and Paul also delve into: A discussion about the Charity AI Task Force's important response to the UK government's AI action plan, underscoring the essential role of civil society organisations in ensuring that AI works for the benefit of all members of society. Insights into a newly released global research report examining the accountancy sector's preparedness for AI adoption, highlighting both the opportunities and the potential challenges. Charity AI Task Force response to government AI action plan Chartered Accountants Worldwide - report on accountants and AI Scottish AI Alliance Steph Wright on LinkedIn Please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

Leading differently - The AI hype cycle & building inclusive tech We chat with with Melissa Ezechukwu, digital strategist.   In this episode, Zoe and Paul navigate the current whirlwind of tech trends, starting with the viral AI action figure craze that has dominated LinkedIn feeds. They discuss the online phenomenon, questioning its true value and the potential environmental impact of such widespread use of generative AI. Is this a glimpse into AI's potential to solve global issues or just a fleeting moment of digital self-obsession? Then, they dive into a long-awaited and insightful conversation with Melissa Ezechukwu, a brilliant freelance digital consultant and strategist. With over 15 years of experience in the tech for good space, Mel shares her motivations for working with non-profits and socially conscious businesses, highlighting her passion for fairness and amplifying the voices of the underserved. Mel recounts her accidental journey into the digital world, a path that many in the industry will find relatable. Her personal story underscores the challenges and the resilience required, particularly for women of colour, in navigating the often-unseen biases within the tech industry. Zoe and Paul also explore with Mel the key digital trends impacting charities right now, including the double-edged sword of AI, the potential of automation, and the crucial role of data in creating joined-up and personalised user experiences. They question whether the traditional charity website is facing its twilight years and discuss the importance of thoughtful adoption of new technologies. The conversation tackles the vital issue of diversity and inclusion in tech, particularly in the development and deployment of AI. Mel shares her insights on the dangers of biased datasets and the urgent need for diverse voices in shaping the future of technology, drawing on her experience with organisations like Global Tech Advocates Black Women in Tech. In this episode, you'll hear about: The LinkedIn AI action figure trend: playful innovation or environmental concern? Mel's inspiring journey into the tech for good sector and her passion for social impact. The ongoing challenges of resource and siloed working within non-profit digital teams. Key digital trends for charities: AI, automation, and data-driven experiences. The enduring importance of a user-centred and effective charity website. The critical need for diversity and inclusion in tech, particularly in AI development, and the potential dangers of bias. Mel's work with Global Tech Advocates Black Women in Tech and the importance of building supportive networks. Invaluable advice Mel would give to her younger self navigating the tech industry as a woman of colour. We hope you find this episode as thought-provoking and valuable as we did. Thank you for tuning in to Starts at the Top. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on your favourite podcast platform – it truly helps us reach more leaders. Share this episode with a friend or colleague who you think would benefit from hearing these important conversations. Join Zoe and Paul again in a couple of weeks for another episode of Starts at the Top, where we continue to explore what it takes to lead differently.   Show notes Please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

In this episode, we speak with Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK and Deputy Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness. Brian shares insights from Mental Health UK's 2025 Burnout Report highlighting the concerning rise of stress and burnout, particularly among young professionals, and the growing trust deficit between employers and employees. Key Takeaways: The Burnout Reality: We explore the alarming statistics on stress and burnout in the UK workplace and the generational differences in how these issues are perceived and managed. Building Trust: Brian discusses the critical role of trust in fostering a healthy workplace culture and offers practical advice on how leaders can build and maintain that trust, especially with younger employees. Co-designing the Workplace: We examine the importance of involving employees in shaping workplace policies and practices to create a supportive and inclusive environment. Leadership and Vulnerability: Brian shares his leadership journey and emphasizes the importance of authenticity, empathy, and modeling positive behavior. The Power of Fun: We discuss the often-overlooked role of fun in building a positive workplace culture and mitigating the risks of toxic environments. Managing Wellbeing: Brian offers practical tips for managing well-being during challenging times, emphasizing the importance of facing challenges head-on. The effects of technology: The episode also touches on the effects of technology and social media on the well-being of younger generations, and how this impacts the workplace. Inspired by this conversation, Zoe and Paul discuss mental health and the impact of social media and smartphones on children. Show notes Mental Health UK's Burnout Report Edelman's Trust Barometer Please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

What Leaders Need to Know: Navigating DEI in Today's Climate We chat to Srabani Sen OBE, Founder and CEO of Full Colour Are DEI efforts under threat? In a world where political winds shift and extreme views gain traction, how do leaders champion inclusion? What's really happening in organisations on the ground? Join Zoe Amar and Paul Thomas as they dive deep with Srabani Sen, founder and CEO of Full Colour, in this powerful and timely episode. What you'll discover: The evolving landscape of DEI: Srabani unpacks the current geopolitical climate and its impact on EDI programs, revealing the resilience of those committed to change. Beyond the headlines: We explore the lasting effects of recent social unrest and the importance of understanding diverse experiences. Practical strategies for inclusive leadership: Srabani shares actionable advice for organisations of all sizes, from prioritising initiatives to fostering a culture of psychological safety. The future of leadership: Learn how inclusive leadership is the key to navigating the accelerating pace of change and meeting the evolving expectations of stakeholders. In tech news, Zoe and Paul discuss a recent article about how parents are navigating the use of AI with their children, and how it is influencing their own parenting. Show Notes Find out more about Full Colour  Zoe and Paul discussed: Guardian article on AI and parenting https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/01/parents-children-artificial-intelligence Tim Cook episode https://www.startsatthetop.co.uk/episodes/tag/Tim+Cook Please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Why Every Leader Needs an Exit Strategy We chat with Kwesi Afful, Executive Director of Digital and Marketing at Scope. Kwesi Afful, Executive Director of Digital and Marketing at Scope, joins us to discuss his bold approach to leadership: building the deletion of his role into the company's business plan. In this episode of Starts at the Top, we have a cracking chat with Kwesi Afful, the Executive Director of Digital and Marketing at Scope. Kwesi shares his journey from the NHS to the charity sector and highlights the importance of collaboration and partnerships to achieve greater impact. But here's the real kicker: Kwesi's decided to make his role redundant by April 2026! This bold move challenges traditional notions of leadership and succession planning, raising questions about how we can ensure a smooth transition and continued success for organisations.   Key takeaways from this episode: Collaboration is king: Kwesi highlights the power of working together to achieve greater impact, both within and across sectors. Building accessibility into technology: Kwesi discusses the importance of making technology accessible for everyone, including staff and beneficiaries. The value of cross-sector collaboration: Kwesi shares his experience working with Deloitte to develop an accessible GenAI tool and emphasizes the importance of standing up for your values in these collaborations. Charities need to work together more: Kwesi calls for greater collaboration among charities to share learning, increase purchasing power, and influence the ethical development of emerging technologies. The importance of an exit strategy: Kwesi's bold move to plan for the deletion of his role sparks a conversation about succession planning and the need for leaders to consider their exit strategy. Join us as we explore these topics and more with Kwesi Afful in this inspiring episode of Starts at the Top. Paul and Zoe discuss what's happening with AI across the charity sector, including the new AI taskforce and the consultation for the new Charity Digital Code of Practice.   Show notes:   Find out more about Scope Zoe and Paul discussed: The Charity AI Taskforce https://www.wearecast.org.uk/our-work/how-we-work-with-funders-and-partners/charity-ai-task-force/ The Charity Digital Code of Practice consultation (small charities) The Charity Digital Code of Practice consultation (large charities) Please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

We're republishing our episode with Sal Naseem ahead of our new season which starts this Thursday, 27th February. This episode launched in the lead-up to Christmas 2024 and we are incredibly proud of it. We wanted to give our listeners, another chance to listen and to bring it to the top of everyone's feeds.  Trigger warning: This episode contains descriptions of racial abuse, workplace bullying, and discrimination which some listeners may find distressing In this powerful episode, Sal Naseem, former Regional Director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, shares his extraordinary journey of leading change within policing oversight during some of the most challenging cases in recent history, from Wayne Cousins to the Sarah Everard case. He discusses how maintaining your values and moral compass is crucial when pushing for systemic change, even in the face of intense resistance. In his role as Regional Director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Sal spent nearly a decade overseeing some of the most high-profile police misconduct cases. Recognised as one of the top 10 voices on anti-discrimination on LinkedIn and named in the Diversity Power List 2023-24, Sal has contributed to several BBC documentaries and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Through his deeply personal account, Sal shares vital lessons about leading change in complex systems: Why finding common purpose with unlikely allies is crucial for driving meaningful change The importance of approaching leadership with humility and leaving ego at the door How to maintain your values when faced with systemic resistance The true cost of driving change and the importance of self-care Why exceptional leadership is rooted in consistent character both inside and outside work One of Sal's most powerful insights is that "to lead in a values-led way and to lead in a true sense is hard because you have to make hard choices." His experiences demonstrate how maintaining your moral compass can guide you through the most challenging leadership decisions. Sal's new book, "True North: A Story of Racism, Resilience and Resisting Systems of Denial" is available on Amazon and in all good bookshops. It offers a raw and honest account of his experiences fighting for change within the system while facing institutional resistance and personal challenges. Photo credit: Lensi Photography Buy Sal's best-selling book, “True North: A Story of Racism, Resilience and Resisting Systems of Denial" Subscribe to Sal's newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/finding-your-true-north-7201671449361756160/ And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

The Year AI Changed Everything: 2024's Biggest Leadership Lessons We chat to Alison Court, Chief Transformation Officer at Oxfam In a special end-of-the-year episode, Starts at the Top tackles the elephant in every boardroom: artificial intelligence. Paul and Zoe unpack how 2024 became the year AI moved from buzzword to business reality, revealing stark differences between how charities and companies are rising to the challenge. Drawing on their vantage points across both sectors, Paul and Zoe deliver eye-opening insights: while grassroots charity workers are embracing AI with gusto (adoption soaring from 35% to 61% this year), many charity leaders remain hesitant. Meanwhile, the private sector is seeing AI reshape entire business models, backed by serious investment. The resulting discussion is both a wake-up call and a practical roadmap for 2025. We discuss: Why 2024 marks a turning point in AI adoption across sectors The surprising truth about where AI innovation really happens in charities How private equity is transforming the accountancy sector through AI investment Essential lessons from Oxfam's pioneering approach to AI governance What charity boards must do differently in 2025 Preview of game-changing AI guidance coming in the new Charity Digital Code of Practice Featured Interview: Alison Court, Oxfam's Chief Transformation Officer, shares candid insights about getting board-level buy-in for AI innovation - a must-listen for anyone trying to drive digital change from the top. Looking ahead to 2025, Paul and Zoe discuss their AI New Year's resolutions for leaders, including Zoe's insider preview of the updated Charity Digital Code of Practice and Paul's compelling case for putting AI at the heart of five-year strategies. Don't miss this essential capstone to a year that changed everything about how we think about leadership and AI. Note - The clip we discussed at the end of the episode hasn't been included. We'll add it to a future episode and share it on social media.   Please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

Trigger warning: This episode contains descriptions of racial abuse, workplace bullying and discrimination which some listeners may find distressing In this powerful episode, Sal Naseem, former Regional Director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, shares his extraordinary journey of leading change within policing oversight during some of the most challenging cases in recent history, from Wayne Cousins to the Sarah Everard case. He discusses how maintaining your values and moral compass is crucial when pushing for systemic change, even in the face of intense resistance. In his role as Regional Director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Sal spent nearly a decade overseeing some of the most high-profile police misconduct cases. Recognised as one of the top 10 voices on anti-discrimination on LinkedIn and named in the Diversity Power List 2023-24, Sal has contributed to several BBC documentaries and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Through his deeply personal account, Sal shares vital lessons about leading change in complex systems: Why finding common purpose with unlikely allies is crucial for driving meaningful change The importance of approaching leadership with humility and leaving ego at the door How to maintain your values when faced with systemic resistance The true cost of driving change and the importance of self-care Why exceptional leadership is rooted in consistent character both inside and outside work One of Sal's most powerful insights is that "to lead in a values-led way and to lead in a true sense is hard because you have to make hard choices." His experiences demonstrate how maintaining your moral compass can guide you through the most challenging leadership decisions. Sal's new book, "True North: A Story of Racism, Resilience and Resisting Systems of Denial" is available on Amazon and in all good bookshops. It offers a raw and honest account of his experiences fighting for change within the system while facing institutional resistance and personal challenges. Photo credit: Lensi Photography Buy Sal's best-selling book, “True North: A Story of Racism, Resilience and Resisting Systems of Denial" Subscribe to Sal's newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/finding-your-true-north-7201671449361756160/ And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

Slow-Burn Leadership: Why The Best Change Takes Time We chat with John May, CEO of Cats Protection Leading a charity with 1,000 staff and 10,000 volunteers requires a delicate balance of co-creation, patience, and cultural transformation. In this episode, John May shares insights from his role as Chief Executive of Cats Protection, discussing how to create lasting organisational change and foster meaningful partnerships between staff and volunteers. At the heart of our conversation with John are powerful insights about creating sustainable change in large organisations: The evolution of voluntary organisations and the need for new partnership models between paid staff and volunteers Why co-creation, rather than compromise, leads to better decision-making The importance of taking time to build lasting change rather than seeking quick wins How to embed values deeply into organisational culture rather than letting them become mere PowerPoint slides Supporting pet owners through the cost-of-living crisis while expanding reach from 157,000 to millions of cats John shares a refreshing perspective on leadership, emphasising that sustainable change often takes longer than we initially think and requires patience, gentle persuasion rather than imposition, and genuine co-creation with all stakeholders. Digital transformation isn't just about tech - it's about knowing when to build specialist teams, when to distribute expertise, and crucially, when your organisation is ready for change. Zoe and Paul also discuss what Trump's election win tells us about how leadership is changing.   Notes Cats Protection https://www.cats.org.uk/ News stories https://iandunt.substack.com/p/scattered-thoughts-on-the-worst-of  https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-musk-government-spending-audit-commission-b2607847.html Find out more about the upcoming changes to The Charity Digital Code of Practice. And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.    

Digital Transformation, Influence & the Power of "Nosiness" We chat to Said Dajani, Head of Digital at Diabetes UK Digital transformation isn't just about tech - it's about knowing when to build specialist teams, when to distribute expertise, and crucially, when your organisation is ready for change. In this episode, Said Dajani shares insights from his 11-year journey as Head of Digital at Diabetes UK, discussing how to navigate organisational change and create innovative solutions in the charity sector. Said shares practical wisdom about leading digital change in large organisations, including: How to build and maintain social capital for long-term change When to centralise or distribute digital expertise Ways to balance innovation with organisational readiness Approaches to implementing AI in healthcare services Methods for creating commercial opportunities while serving charitable objectives The episode explores Said's experience of evolving from leading a centralised digital team, to fostering digital expertise across the organisation. His insights on timing, relationship building and organisational understanding offer valuable lessons for leaders managing similar transitions. Zoe and Paul also discuss the news about changes to The Charity Digital Code of Practice.   Notes Diabetes UK https://www.diabetes.org.uk/ Listening Lab https://www.listeninglab.co.uk/ Find out more about the upcoming changes to The Charity Digital Code of Practice.    And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Rethinking Charity Leadership: Bold Strategies for a New Era We speak to Mark Atkinson, Director General for the Royal British Legion Join us for an insightful conversation with Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, as he reflects on his first 100 days and beyond in this pivotal role. In this game-changing episode, Mark shares fresh perspectives from his transition to the Royal British Legion in January 2024, tackling the big questions facing the sector: How can a 100+ year old institution like the Royal British Legion stay relevant in today's rapidly changing world? What does strategy development look like when balancing rich heritage with the need for innovation? How is the charity sector evolving post-pandemic, and what challenges lie ahead? How can the sector rediscover its mojo and innovate after the challenges of lockdown and and the ongoing cost of living crisis? Drawing on his experiences at the Royal British Legion, RNID, and Scope, Mark offers a candid look at: Practical approaches to evidence-gathering and stakeholder engagement in strategy development Addressing 'small-c conservatism' in the charity sector to drive meaningful change Navigating leadership challenges in a post pandemic, changing workforce, particularly addressing the expectations of younger employees entering the sector The importance of making tough decisions to ensure long-term organisational success Strategies for reinvigorating the sector and finding new energy in the face of ongoing challenges Mark discusses how charities can maintain their focus on evidence and delivery while carving out time to think creatively about the future, even in challenging times. Whether you're a trustee, CEO, emerging leader, or passionate about the future of charities, this episode offers invaluable insights into the realities of leading major charities through periods of significant change. Tune in now to challenge your assumptions and join the conversation about why, and how, the future of the sector needs to look different to the present. Zoe and Paul also discuss National Podcast Day the week we launch our 75th episode!   Notes The Royal British Legion https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/   And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

From Authenticity to Audacity: Alina Addison's Blueprint for Purpose-Led Leadership We chat to Alina Addison, author of ‘The Audacity Spectrum: Leading with Care, Courage and Non-Conformity' In our latest Starts at the Top episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alina Addison, author of "The Audacity Spectrum" and founder of Adaptaa. Alina's take on leadership is bold and refreshing. She challenges the idea that leaders are often pigeonholed as "too much" or "not enough", instead encouraging us to embrace our quirks and lead authentically. We covered quite a bit of ground, including: Alina's intriguing 'eight A's' of leadership Why so-called 'soft skills' are actually hard to master Balancing care for others with self-care The role of emotional intelligence in decision-making Practical tips for more authentic leadership Whether you're grappling with how to lead differently, or simply curious about new approaches to leadership, there's plenty to chew on here. We were particularly struck by Alina's simple yet powerful advice: take a moment to breathe, say 'thank you' daily, and don't be afraid to take that first step towards change. Do give it a listen. We think you'll find it a thought-provoking way to spend 45 minutes of your day. In tech news, Zoe and Paul discuss why diversity in the tech workforce is getting less funding and airtime.   Notes More about Alina's book ‘The Audacity Spectrum' https://profilebooks.com/2024/08/19/the-audacity-spectrum-read-an-extract/ Information about Adaptaa https://adaptaa.co.uk/ BBC story about women in tech groups and diversity https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7858w2yj75o Our episode with Maggie Philbin https://www.startsatthetop.co.uk/episodes/episode13-maggiephilbin-teentech And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

AI and Accessibility: RNIB's Innovative Approach to Inclusive Technology We chat with Jim Sanders, Director of Innovation and Transformation at RNIB. In our new episode of Starts at the Top, we explore the intersection of AI, technology, and accessibility with Jim Sanders, Director of Innovation and Transformation at RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People). Jim shares how RNIB is leveraging innovative technologies, including AI, to create more inclusive solutions for blind and partially sighted people. Key highlights: RNIB's innovative use of AI for services, including developing chatbots Addressing accessibility challenges through technological solutions, including the "last five metres" problem How designing for blind and partially sighted people often leads to better products for everyone RNIB's exploration of new business models that balance social impact and financial sustainability The importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving meaningful change in accessibility Jim offers valuable insights on leadership in the digital age, emphasising the need for a broader, more collaborative approach to solving societal challenges. While AI is a part of RNIB's innovation strategy, Jim also discusses wider technological and design approaches to creating a more inclusive world. This episode is essential listening for charity leaders, tech innovators, and anyone interested in how technology, including AI, can contribute to greater accessibility and inclusion. What really excited us about this episode was hearing how RNIB is not just adapting to technological advancements, but actively shaping them to benefit all. This conversation will challenge your perceptions and inspire new thinking about inclusive design and innovation in the AI era. Don't miss it! In tech news, Zoe and Paul discuss the recent BBC Panorama programme about screen time for children and parenting, Can We Live Without Our Phones?   Notes Find out more about RNIB https://www.rnib.org.uk/ BBC Panorama programme - Can We Live Without Our Phones? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gdqzxypdzo https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0022n0f And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Ethical AI: Charting the Course for Responsible Leadership In our latest episode of Starts at the Top, we explore the ethical frontiers of AI with Tim Cook, founder of AIConfident and former head of the UK government's Office for Artificial Intelligence. As AI revolutionises our world, Tim offers invaluable insights for leaders navigating this new landscape: Understanding AI's broader implications beyond tactical applications Balancing safe experimentation with strategic, ethical considerations AI's transformative impact on education, work, and knowledge acquisition The dual potential for groundbreaking innovation and significant risks Crafting organisational AI policies that promote responsible innovation Drawing from his experience in government, Tim shares reflections on leading through turbulent times and the importance of maintaining perspective in high-pressure roles. Tim discusses AI's potential to influence democratic processes worldwide through deep fakes and misinformation. However, he remains optimistic about AI's capacity to solve complex societal problems when used ethically and responsibly. This episode is essential listening for everyone, whether you're just starting to explore AI or you're already well-versed in the technology. Whether AI excites or concerns you, Tim offers practical strategies for understanding its impact and using it ethically in your organisation. Learn how to foster a culture of responsible innovation and empower your team to embrace AI's potential while being mindful of its challenges. Paul and Zoe also discuss the role of social media in the UK riots and what this means for organisations using these platforms. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will challenge your perceptions and inspire you to lead with confidence and integrity in the AI era.   Notes Find out more about AIConfident https://www.aiconfident.co.uk/ UK Riots Third Sector article https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/zoe-amar-uk-riots-turning-point-sector-fights-racism/management/article/1883476 News Agents' episode about the far right on and offline https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/inside-the-cult-of-the-far-right/id1640878689?i=1000664840838 And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (.srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

Demystifying AI: A Charity Leader's Guide to Digital Innovation We chat to Devi Thomas, Global Leader of Nonprofit Community Capacity at Microsoft Philanthropies, and Dan Kershaw, CEO of nonprofit Furniture Bank   In this eye opening episode of Starts at the Top, we dive into the world of AI and its transformative potential for the charity sector. Join us as we chat with two visionaries at the forefront of charity digital innovation: Devi Thomas, Global Leader of Charity Community Capacity at Microsoft Philanthropies, and Dan Kershaw, CEO of nonprofit Furniture Bank in Canada. Devi shares invaluable insights on how AI is reshaping the charitable landscape, from streamlining operations to attracting new talent. She emphasises the sector's unique position to become "architects of AI solutions" for social good, challenging charities to lead the charge in ethical AI adoption. Dan Kershaw's story is nothing short of inspiring. He takes us through Furniture Bank's journey from AI novice to innovator, demonstrating how even small charities can harness AI's power with creativity and a dash of courage. From AI-generated imagery tackling 'furniture poverty' to multilingual volunteer support, Dan's practical examples prove that the potential of AI is within reach for all. Zoe and Paul discuss how leadership might change under the new Labour government.   Notes: Find out more about Furniture Bank https://www.furniturebank.org/about-furniture-bank/ and their AI generated campaign https://www.furniturebank.org/postcard/ Leadership news: Article about new Labour MP intake https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c727ny2jd84o And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Leading Through Crisis: Polly Neate on Resilience, Empathy & Speaking Truth to Power We chat with Polly Neate, CEO at Shelter As the UK faces a defining general election amidst a deepening housing emergency, bold and resilient leadership has never been more crucial. In this raw and revealing episode, Polly Neate CBE, CEO of Shelter, shares hard-won lessons from her decades on the frontlines fighting for social justice. Polly offers an unflinching look at the challenges of leading a charity through nonstop change and fighting for social justice in a world increasingly fractured by fear and polarisation. Drawing on her experiences at Shelter, Women's Aid, and beyond, Polly makes a compelling case for the power of empathy and lived experience to cut through the noise and forge genuine connection. She challenges leaders to rethink authenticity, embracing consistency and boundaries as the foundations of trust and impact. As charities face mounting pressure to stay silent, Polly issues an urgent rallying cry to speak truth to power. She shares how Shelter is harnessing creativity and the power of storytelling to put the housing emergency firmly on the election agenda - and inspires listeners to find their own voice and conviction. Tune in for a master class in leading with integrity, grit, and heart. Learn how to support your teams through the toughest of times, stay grounded in purpose, and mobilise the public to drive systemic change. In a political landscape reshaped by COVID and Brexit, this episode is a must-listen for any leader seeking to navigate uncertainty and lead the charge for a more just and compassionate society. Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired to act. Please note our interview with Polly was recorded before the UK election was announced.   Notes Find out more about Shelter https://www.shelter.org.uk/   Tech news BBC story- Bot or not: Are fake accounts swaying voters towards Reform UK? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1335nj316lo Guardian article on the UK's first AI MP: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/10/brighton-general-election-candidate-uk-first-ai-mp-artificial-intelligence Guardian article on smart doorbells and election campaigning: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/17/canvassing-to-empty-houses-knocking-on-doors-in-the-smart-doorbell-era And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

As the UK hurtles towards a momentous election, the digital landscape has become a fierce battleground where the fight for hearts and minds is being waged. In this crucial episode, we sit down with Berry Cochrane, CEO of digital mobilisation agency Forward Action, to explore how charities and organisations in the for good space can harness the power of digital to drive change and build people power at scale. With a wealth of experience from leading digital teams at Greenpeace and Amnesty International UK, Berry brings a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a crowded online space. She shares eye-opening insights on how organisations can craft creative campaigns that cut through the noise and prompt meaningful action, like Forward Action's impactful work on the Rwanda deportation flights. But as the election looms, the challenges are mounting. Berry dives deep into the pervasive issue of online misinformation and disinformation, offering practical strategies for how charities can prepare and protect their communities from the onslaught of fake news that threatens to drown out vital voices. In a world where traditional mobilisation tactics are losing their edge, Berry reveals the urgent need for organisations to innovate and adapt. She explores the untapped potential of digital organising to build volunteer power and shares how Forward Action is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of AI-powered campaigning. As the stakes couldn't be higher, this episode is a clarion call for progressive leaders to embrace the power of digital mobilisation. Berry challenges us to create meaningful calls to action that inspire people to become agents of change, reminding us that every click, share, and online action has the potential to shape the future of our society. Tune in to discover how you can navigate the digital minefield of this election year and emerge as a force for good. The time to mobilise is now – let's seize this moment and build a movement that will be felt for generations to come. In tech news, Paul and Zoe chat through the latest AI election developments, including how these technologies are being used to target younger voters. Please note our interview with Berry was recorded before the UK election was announced.   Notes Find out more about Forward Action https://forwardaction.uk/ Tech news   TikTok users being fed misleading election news- BBC story https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1ww6vz1l81o Broadcasters cannot stop ‘deepfakes' and misinformation on election day- Yahoo news https://uk.news.yahoo.com/broadcasters-cannot-stop-deepfakes-misinformation-121540189.html Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

The Safe Space Imperative: How Leaders Can Champion LGBTQIA+ Inclusion We chat with Lucy Straker (she/they), co-founder of Proud Changemakers As the UK gears up for a historic election, the need for safe, inclusive spaces has never been more critical. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Lucy Straker (she/they), co-founder of Proud Changemakers, to explore how they're transforming the landscape for LGBTQIA+ people across civil society. Lucy shares the inspiring story of how Proud Changemakers was born from a burning desire to create a platform where LGBTQIA+ voices could be heard, celebrated, and empowered. From their groundbreaking podcast to their vibrant social media presence, Lucy and their team are on a mission to spark change and foster belonging in a world that often feels anything but safe. We dive deep into the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in organisations of all sizes, from the isolation of being the sole representative in a small charity to navigating the complex dynamics of large LGBTQIA+ networks. Lucy offers invaluable insights on how leaders can cultivate genuinely inclusive environments where every person can thrive. With a career spanning over 15 years in the voluntary sector, Lucy brings a wealth of expertise in communications, campaigning, and community building. They reveal the game-changing potential of grassroots movements like Proud Changemakers to drive sector-wide transformation and imagine a bold future where their model could revolutionise inclusion across all industries. At a time when the stakes couldn't be higher, this episode is a rallying cry for leaders everywhere to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, champion diversity, and build a society where every voice is valued. Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to lead the change. In tech news, Paul and Zoe chat through what's new in the world of AI. Please note this episode was recorded before the UK general election was announced, on 22 May 2024.   Notes Find out more about Proud Changemakers https://linktr.ee/proudchangemakers   Tech news LinkedIn post about AI and inclusion https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zoeamar_artificialintelligence-charities-inclusion-activity-7197151633812668417-EGjE? BBC story about Geoff Hinton and Universal Basic Income https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnd607ekl99o.amp Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Beats and the boardroom: what leaders can learn from hip hop We chat to Nels Abbey, broadcaster, satirist and author of ‘The Hip Hop MBA'   What can organisations learn about leadership from the unlikeliest of teachers - hip hop's biggest moguls? On this thought-provoking episode, we're joined by writer, broadcaster, media executive and satirist Nels Abbey to break down the invaluable leadership insights found in his new book The Hip Hop MBA. From the book's origins after a chance London street encounter to unpacking why hip hop icons like Jay-Z, Missy Elliott and 50 Cent deserve to be studied alongside traditional business legends, Nels compellingly redefines the way we think about leadership success. We explore the resilience, decision-making skills, and sheer grit required for rap artists to beat the odds and build enduring empires. Nels shares priceless lessons from the paths of visionaries like Ice Cube walking away from a record deal and Suge Knight's tragic downfall after his ambition went unchecked. How have hip hop's greatest overcome adversity to display a leadership mastery that leaders should study? Nels argues that nurturing this same authentic, passionate, innovative mindset is exactly what we all need  to escape the traditional, myopic view of what a leader should be. Get ready to have your preconceptions shattered as Nels uses hip hop's most controversial and unlikely success stories to teach an urgent masterclass in courageous, forward-thinking leadership. You'll never see the boardroom the same way again. In tech news, Paul and Zoe chat through what's new in the world of AI.   Notes Nels Abbey's new book https://canongate.co.uk/books/3972-the-hip-hop-mba-lessons-in-cut-throat-capitalism-from-raps-moguls/ Follow Nels on social media: https://twitter.com/nelsabbey?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/nelsabbey/   Tech news AI and the Met Gala https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68968708 Open AI releases Deep Fake detector https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/technology/openai-deepfake-detector.html Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Sustainability: From Buzzword to Business Imperative We speak to Mark Shayler, Author of ‘You Can't Make Money From A Dead Planet'   Can profit and planet truly go hand-in-hand? How can leaders get sustainability on the boardroom agenda and baked into the DNA of their organisation? In this candid chat, Mark Shayler - bestselling author, sustainability guru and founder of Ape, a sustainability and innovation studio - pulls no punches on what it takes to make environmental responsibility a revenue-protecting business imperative, not just a box-ticking exercise. Mark joins us to discuss his recent book ‘You Can't Make Money From a Dead Planet.' Having advised big hitters like Nike, Bacardi and WPP, saving them over $200 million a year through greener practices, Mark offers real-world insights for leaders wanting to shift sustainability from greenwashing to genuine competitive advantage. This is an honest discussion about squaring profit with planet, getting buy-in from leaders, and Mark shares simple steps that will help even small organisations begin their journey towards sustainability. This is essential listening for any organisation that is serious about doing good business, and business for good, in the 21st century. In tech news, Paul and Zoe discuss the latest AI developments.   Notes Mark Shayler's new book https://www.koganpage.com/responsible-business/you-can-t-make-money-from-a-dead-planet-9781398612020 Ape Studios https://www.thisisape.co.uk/ Tech news Share your views in The Charity Digital Skills Report survey Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.    

Why we need to talk about grief in the workplace We chat with Nikki Bell, Co-Founder of Fundraising Everywhere   Bereavement will affect all of us in our lifetime. So why aren't we talking about it more in the workplace? We explore this topic with Nikki Bell, co-founder of Fundraising Everywhere, in this episode of Starts At The Top. Last year she and the Fundraising Everywhere team lost a close friend and colleague, Mandi Hine-Conway. This is a brave and honest conversation about why we need to talk about grief more at work, and how to support colleagues who have lost someone. We're very grateful to Nikki for being so candid and for her warm and open-hearted discussion of why and how we need to look after the people we work with better. Every conversation we've had with Nikki has been inspiring and life-affirming and this is no exception. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode is an open and honest conversation about grief and how leaders can best respond to death and grief in the workplace. If these are topics you would like to avoid at this time, please be kind to yourself and come back to this episode at a later date. In tech news, Paul and Zoe discuss the latest AI developments.   Notes Fundraising Everywhere https://www.fundraisingeverywhere.com/ Tech news Microsoft's new London AI Hub https://www.itpro.com/business/microsofts-new-london-ai-hub-is-another-huge-vote-of-confidence-in-the-uks-tech-sector Music artists take on AI https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-68717863 Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Women in leadership special part 4: Dr Lucy Ryan, author of ‘Revolting Women' on why midlife women are leaving the workplace We speak to Dr Lucy Ryan, author of ‘Revolting Women: Why Midlife Women Are Walking Out' Did you know that by January 2023 the number of women not in work had risen by 151,000 compared to 2020? More than twice as many women as men were not working because of family responsibilities. So when we saw that Dr Lucy Ryan had written a new book about why midlife women are leaving the workplace in their droves we knew we had to talk to her. Managing Director of Mindspring International for the last 20 years, Lucy has trained, consulted with, and coached over 10,000 leaders in global, blue-chip companies across 29 countries. She is also the author of ‘Revolting Women: Why Midlife Women Are Walking Out' , a book about one group that is often ignored in EDI strategies: midlife women. We asked Lucy about what leaders need to do to turn back the tide of talented midlife women who are leaving the workforce. By the time women reach middle age they have accumulated a huge amount of knowledge and experience, and organisations cannot afford to lose them. We discuss how leaders can prevent this from happening. Lucy takes us through her agenda for change - and tells us why we all need to get behind it. Thank you to Lucy for a wonderful conversation. It left us feeling inspired and energised, and we hope it does the same for you. In tech news, Paul and Zoe discuss social media addiction and how they're trying to break bad habits with their phones.   Notes ‘Revolting Women:Why Midlife Women Are Walking Out' https://practicalinspiration.com/book/revolting-women Mimdspring https://mindspring.uk.com/pages/lucy-ryan Tech news The Honest Broker blog on dopamine culture https://www.honest-broker.com/p/the-state-of-the-culture-2024 The Guardian's course on screentime reduction https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/19/reclaim-your-brain-readers-screen-time-reduced Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

Women in leadership special part 3: Aggie Mutuma on why leaders need to do more on inclusion We speak to to Aggie Mutuma, CEO of Mahogany Inclusion Partners   It's the third part of our new season special on women in leadership and we're talking about a topic that's on a lot of people's minds this week: inclusion. In 2020, Black Lives Matter became a huge movement for change. Yet despite inclusion being on the news agenda regularly ever since, the stats around representation tell a different story. Has the momentum behind the drive for inclusion slowed? What's really happening with EDI programmes? And, are leaders doing enough? We were delighted to have the opportunity to discuss all this and more with Aggie Mutuma, CEO of Mahogany Inclusion Partners. Aggie is a leading expert in Inclusion and Anti-Racism, as well as a passionate advocate, executive leadership coach, and engaging speaker, dedicated to fostering thriving cultures within organisations. Her achievements have earned her recognition as a top 20 Most Influential HR Thinker in 2022, as voted by her peers. Aggie joins us to discuss the state of play with inclusion and EDI programmes across different sectors and how, and why, leaders need to renew their commitment to this work. She tells us what really drives change in EDI, along with the practical steps leaders can take to help their organisations be more inclusive. Thank you to Aggie for sharing her invaluable advice. We loved talking to her. On a related note, Paul and Zoe also discuss the latest news on inclusion in the Parker Review in their round up of leadership news.   Notes Aggie Mutuma https://www.linkedin.com/in/aggie-mutuma/ Mahogany Inclusion Partners https://mahoganyinclusionpartners.com/ Leadership news: The Parker Review https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68530034 ACEVO's data on diversity in leadership https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/number-of-black-charity-ceos-declines-to-under-1-acevo-research-finds.html#sthash.x7RGYaPh.dpuf https://www.gov.uk/government/news/encouraging-diversity-in-public-appointments   Our sponsors We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by ArvatoConnect.  Arvato Connect is a socially conscious customer experience and business optimisation partner, for organisations who are ready to reshape and reinvent how they work and connect with those who matter most.  They develop and deliver innovative, technology-led solutions to enable their clients to form stronger connections, increase loyalty, create efficiencies – and ultimately, grow and confidently embrace the future.  To find out more about how ArvatoConnect could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website. www.arvatoconnect.co.uk Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

Women in leadership special part 2: Cathy Newman on life lessons from female leaders We chat to Cathy Newman, award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author   In the second part of our new season special on women in leadership we chat to Cathy Newman. You'll know Cathy as one of Channel 4 News' main studio presenters. She's also an award winning journalist and an author, joining us to talk about her new book The Ladder: Life Lessons from Women Who Scaled The Heights and Dodged The Snakes. The Ladder draws together the stories Cathy has heard from the extraordinary women she has spoken to on her Times Radio segment of the same name, from Angela Raynor to Davina McCall to Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah. Diverse as these women are, there are many common themes in their stories, which we explore with Cathy. From dealing with imposter syndrome, facing success and failure and embracing change, this episode is packed full of invaluable advice on how to navigate careers and life. We also discuss how leaders can take on board the experiences of women to create inclusive workplaces. Thank you to Cathy for a hugely energising and inspiring discussion. Please do share this episode with anyone who you think could benefit from Cathy's insights.   Notes Order The Ladder: Life Lessons from Women Who Scaled The Heights and Dodged The Snakes by Cathy Newman We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by ArvatoConnect.  Arvato Connect is a socially conscious customer experience and business optimisation partner, for organisations who are ready to reshape and reinvent how they work and connect with those who matter most.  They develop and deliver innovative, technology-led solutions to enable their clients to form stronger connections, increase loyalty, create efficiencies – and ultimately, grow and confidently embrace the future.  To find out more about how ArvatoConnect could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website. www.arvatoconnect.co.uk Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Women in leadership special part 1: Lorraine Candy on midlife liberation In this episode, we chat with Lorraine Candy, journalist and author of ‘What's Wrong with Me? 101 Things Midlife Women Need to Know'.   Hello, did you miss us? We're beginning Season 8 with a series of special episodes devoted to women in leadership. And we're kicking off this season with one hell of a guest. We're joined by the one and only Lorraine Candy, award-winning journalist, co-host of the phenomenally successful podcast Postcards from Midlife, and author. Her new book, ‘What's Wrong With Me?: 101 Things Midlife Women Need to Know' is out now in paperback. We wanted to find out what lessons Lorraine's book has for the workplace, and what leaders need to do differently. This was an eye-opening conversation for us. We discuss the transformation - and liberation- that women experience in midlife, and how this chapter is a time of change that forces many of us to sit with loss and painful feelings. We talk about menopause and perimenopause, and we discuss the strength and freedom that lies on the other side of midlife turbulence. Lorraine shares invaluable advice on how leaders and employers can better support women through it all. Thank you to Lorraine for kicking off our new season with an inspiring, uplifting conversation. Photo of Lorraine Candy is credited to Neil Cooper   Notes Order What's Wrong with Me? : 101 Things Midlife Women Need to Know by Lorraine Candy Listen to Postcards from Midlife We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people, and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website. Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodesstartsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)  Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Why CEOs need to think like producers, not directors We speak to Kate Lee, CEO of the Alzheimer's Society   It's our final episode of 2023 and we are going out with a bang thanks to a festive cracker of an episode with the one and only Kate Lee, CEO of Alzheimer's Society. Kate took over as CEO of the Alzheimer's Society in March 2020. As if starting one of the charity's sector's biggest roles on the brink of the pandemic wasn't enough, she was also determined to implement an ambitious programme of reform at the charity, improving culture, leadership and growth. Three years on, we sit down with Kate to reflect on what she has achieved, and her learnings. We discuss what's changed, and what other leaders can learn from this. We loved Kate's ideas on why CEOs need to reframe their roles, so that they act like producers, not directors. Kate also tells us how leaders need to take a new approach to leadership and power post lockdown, and why, and how, charities need to innovate and think differently about what their organisations, and their ambitions, should look like now. As Kate says, the world has changed since 2020, and we should be reinventing ourselves, not trying to build back to how things were before. We're grateful to Kate for an energising and inspiring conversation. If you need the equivalent of a double Americano to make it through the last few days before the Christmas break you have come to the right place! We'll be taking a break in January and will be back soon after with more episodes. See you in 2024!   Notes The Alzheimer's Society https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

We chat with Eloise Skinner, author of ‘But Are You Alive?', founder and psychotherapist. It's almost become a cliche to talk about finding meaning and purpose at work, especially with regard to the expectations of millennials and Generation Z, and what they want from employers. So what do leaders need to know about this? What does purpose and meaning really mean to young employees? And how should leaders facilitate this quest for meaning? Eloise Skinner is well placed to answer these questions, through her work as an author and psychotherapist. Having started her career in corporate law, Eloise's work now focuses on existential topics like meaning, purpose and identity. Eloise's newest book, ‘But Are You Alive?', focuses on finding meaning and purpose in everyday life. We discuss the difference between meaning and purpose, practical tips to help people find their purpose, whether they are established or aspiring leaders, and what young people really want from the world of work. Zoe and Paul also discuss recent news stories about Nihal Arthanayake and inclusion at the BBC, as well as the government's new AI skills framework for organisations.   Notes Eloise's website: www.eloiseskinner.com Book link: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/eloise-skinner/but-are-you-alive/9781529398885/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/eloiseallexia News stories: Nihal Arthanayake and inclusion at the BBC https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/bbc-presenter-says-overwhelmingly-white-workplace-affects-his-mental-health/ar-AA1kJ00y https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/nihal-arthanayake-bbc-white-journalism-b2455646.html UK government guidance on upskilling employees https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-business-guidance-to-boost-skills-and-unlock-benefits-of-ai Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

Can being an outsider be an advantage? We speak with Samuel Kasumu, author of The Power of the Outsider Samuel Kasumu is an award-winning social entrepreneur, commentator, and strategist. He was also the most senior black advisor in Boris Johnson's government until he left his role in April 2021. During his time in Downing Street, he became aware that he was an outsider. And this became the inspiration for his new book, The Power of the Outsider. Feeling like an outsider is an aspect of inclusion that hasn't been talked about often enough, and Kasumu wants to change that through his book. We chat to him about the experience of being an outsider and how it can be a source of strength. We also talk about what leaders can do to make everyone feel accepted. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, and leaders who want to create a sense of belonging in their organisations.   Show Notes The Power of The Outsider book https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/samuel-kasumu/the-power-of-the-outsider/9781529396911/ Zoe's blog about book recommendations https://zoeamar.com/2023/11/15/books-recommendations/ Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

How Conversations From Calais is bringing together art and activism We chat with Mathilda Della Torre, author of Conversations from Calais: Sharing Refugee Stories   When Mathilda Della Torre came home after visiting the refugee camps in Calais for the first time she thought, “I can't look away from this.” And so she began documenting the conversations between volunteers and migrants from Calais, firstly on posters, which people began to put copies up of on streets all around the world, and then in her book, Conversations from Calais. These conversations are moving, heartfelt and capture the diversity of refugees' lives. Della Torre's book is a window into refugee and migrant's stories, behind the tabloid headlines and culture wars we see on social media. As she says, it is an introduction into the topic, and the essays in the book from campaigners, artists and authors from Nish Kumar to Ai Weiwei to Yasmin Alibhai-Brown offer more experiences. Thank you to Mathilda Della Torre for an inspiring conversation. You can find out more about her book here: https://www.conversationsfromcalais.com/   Conversations from Calais book https://www.conversationsfromcalais.com/ Follow Conversations from Calais on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/conversationsfromcalais/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/conversationsfromcalais/ Twitter https://twitter.com/cfcalais Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

The future trends coming to your workplace We speak with Dr Michelle P.King, author of How Work Works and expert on organisational culture   Michelle P. King has spent the last two decades researching organisations and is an expert on organisational culture. She is a Senior Advisor to the UN Foundation's Girl Up campaign, where she leads the NextGen Leadership Development Programme and was previously Director of Inclusion at Netflix and the Head of UN Women's Global Innovation Coalition for Change. Her latest book, How Work Works, is about the changes that have disrupted the workplace in recent times- and how to navigate them. We chat to Michelle about how the workplace is evolving, from the need for greater inclusion to the rise of AI and how organisations might change again over the next few years. We also discuss how leaders, and employees, can prepare for the disruption ahead and get on the front foot with their careers. Michelle also tells us how leaders can create meaningful, fulfilling cultures for their teams. This episode is a great listen for anyone looking to understand how their organisation and its culture are developing in ways you may not be aware of. Michelle's book How Work Works is out now.   Notes How Work Works - https://www.michellepking.com/how-work-works/ More about Michelle P.King - https://www.michellepking.com/ We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website. Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)   Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Leaders' mental health special: part 2 We chat with Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind   Almost 10% more leaders feel more burned out than in 2020. What can we do about this? In the second of our two part special on leaders and mental health, we were honoured to speak to the one and only Sarah Hughes, CEO of mental health charity Mind. We wanted to find out how leaders can look after their mental wellbeing during an exceptionally tough year, and how they can give the same level of care to their teams. Sarah tells us why having a peer group is a really important part of leaders' wellbeing, whether the pandemic genuinely shifted the conversation about mental health and how people are processing the upheaval and trauma of the last three years. We also discuss why and how the charity sector needs to change- and some of the challenges that may be encountered along the way. Zoe and Paul also open the episode by sharing their experiences of how they manage their mental health.   Notes Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/ Third Sector podcast with Sarah Hughes https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/third-sector-podcast-sarah-hughes-mind-mental-health-role-charities/management/article/1819044 We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website. Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Leaders' mental health special: part 1 Ben Lindsay OBE is founder of Power The Fight, an award-winning charity which tackles violence affecting young people. 35% of leaders report that they feel stressed at work. More than 50% of managers feel burned out.  In our day jobs, we speak to leaders everyday who are dealing with huge pressures. We've been there ourselves with our own mental health challenges. So we thought it was high time we devoted two special episodes to leaders and mental health. In the first part of our special we are joined by Ben Lindsay OBE, founder of Power The Fight. Through his work Ben has learned how to take a trauma informed approach, and is a big advocate of therapy for his staff, and himself. We chat to Ben about how leaders can look after their mental health, how to deal with burnout and how he keeps going when dealing with a hugely challenging job tackling violence affecting young people. This is a raw and honest conversation about the challenges of leadership and how leaders can take care of themselves and their teams. We'll be back next week for the second part of our leaders' mental health special featuring Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind.   Notes Power The Fight https://www.powerthefight.org.uk/ We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website. Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (.srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

How The Wildlife Trusts are taking on digital transformation We chat with Alice Kershaw, Head of Digital Transformation at The Wildlife Trusts   Digital transformation can often feel very project heavy. This week we talk to Alice Kershaw, Head of Digital Transformation at The Wildlife Trusts, who is leading a holistic, root and branch approach to their digital transformation. It's all about creating sustainable, lasting change. Alice discusses the digital journey so far at The Wildlife Trusts, along with the knotty topic of how to make decisions about digital in a federated organisation. This involves work with staff who are at early stages on the digital journey, and Alice shares why the energy for digital transformation can come from those working at the grassroots. We also discuss exciting projects she has been involved in such as Nextdoor Nature, and what she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. Zoe and Paul discuss what the response to the allegations about Russell Brand and Elon Musk's idea to charge Twitter users tells us about the current state of socila media. The Wildlife Trusts https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/ Check out their campaigns https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/get-involved/our-campaigns Paul and Zoe discussed: The News Agents' podcast https://youtu.be/Ypnm630R04g?si=8Kz11Ob86NIJfL8S Starts At The Top interview with Soma Sara https://www.startsatthetop.co.uk/episodes/episode50-toxic-masculinity-workplace-leaders Elon Musk story from The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/19/elon-musk-twitter-x-subscription-fees-users-posts We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website.   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Why we need to think 'people-first' in the age of AI We speak to Ben Williams, CEO and co-founder of AI start-up Loopin   We're back from our summer break and excited to dive into discussing two of our favourite topics, workplace culture, and AI, with Ben Williams, CEO and co-founder of Loopin.  Ben is a best-selling author and leadership coach, who has worked with the likes of Gareth Southgate's England football team, Facebook, and Gymshark. With Loopin, Ben is using his commando mindset experience as a former Royal Marine and partnering with real-time AI to help combat burnout and empower managers to promote wellbeing in the workplace. We talked about empathy in the workplace, how leaders are recalibrating their leadership styles post lockdown, burnout, and how to motivate employees during a challenging year (and the answer isn't what you think it might be). We also discuss the role that AI can play in improving employees' well-being and supporting managers. This is a fascinating conversation that will be food for thought for anyone interested in improving organisational culture. Paul and Zoe also discuss tech news including where Google is at with AI.   More info about Loopin https://letsloopin.com/ Follow Loopin on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-loopin/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/letsloopin/?hl=en Twitter https://twitter.com/letsloopin   Notes Paul and Zoe discussed Google's search for an AI future https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-66659361 We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website.   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear!   Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music   Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.  

What leaders need to know about the 4 day week The 4 Day Week has grown in popularity since the pandemic and the rise of hybrid and remote working. Maybe you or your organisation have even tried it. Is it the future of the world of work? Or something that only works for certain roles and responsibilities? We thought we'd go straight to the source this week by talking to Joe Ryle, Director of  the eponymous 4 Day Week Campaign. Joe and his team are campaigning for a four-day, 32 hour working week with no loss of pay. Is the 5 day a week model of work broken? In his discussion with us Joe discusses how the UK works some of the longest hours in Europe, yet it's not making us more productive, just stressed and burned out. 58% of the British public expected a four-day week to be the normal way of working by 2030, with only 22% believing it would not. We chat through what leaders need to do to get ahead of this trend, and the practical tips they need to implement it. It certainly got us both thinking about how we can move to a 4 day week. Paul and Zoe discuss their experiences of new social media platform Threads, along with the key stats from the new Charity Digital Skills Report.   Notes   4 Day Week Campaign https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/ The Charity Digital Skills Report We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website.   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear!   Editing and production - Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music   Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

Toxic Masculinity in the Workplace: what every leader needs to Know We speak with Soma Sara, author, founder, and CEO of Everyone's Invited   72% of women have either encountered or witnessed inappropriate behaviour from male colleagues at work. A third (32%) of women say their careers have been affected by sexual harassment. What's caused this? And what do leaders need to do about it? Soma Sara, author, founder, and CEO of Everyone's Invited joins us to answer these questions. In June 2020, Soma Sara founded Everyone's Invited, an anti-rape movement organisation that allows survivors of rape culture to share their stories through testimonies anonymously on their website and Instagram profile. Soma was included in the BBC 100 global list of inspiring and influential women of 2021 and won the 2021 Harper's Bazaar Activist of the Year award. Soma shares with us what leaders need to know about misogyny in and outside the workplace and how to tackle it. We discuss the many forms that toxic masculinity can take, including the ones that may be hiding in plain sight. And we talk about the role that we can all, including leaders, play in challenging toxic masculinity, creating safer spaces and more inclusive cultures that not only benefit women but help everyone. All of these themes are explored in Soma's book, also called Everyone's Invited, which is out now in paperback. This is a frank, eye-opening discussion that some may find shocking - but you'll be glad you listened. Trigger warning - this episode contains references to themes of sexual assault and rape, which some individuals may find distressing.   Everyone's Invited https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/ Everyone's Invited book by Soma Sara https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/book Stats above are taken from https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1797842/third-womens-careers-affected-sexual-harassment-study-finds We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website.     Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

How emerging tech can supercharge your digital transformation (Digital Leaders Week - Special Episode) We chat with Wales Air Ambulance Charity and Arvato CRM Solutions about their partnership   Can emerging technologies help your organisation's digital transformation go further and faster? We attempted to answer this question as part of our live podcast recording at Digital Leaders Week, featuring Wales Air Ambulance Charity and Arvato CRM Solutions. We discussed how Wales Air Ambulance Charity used automation and AI to improve the donor and supporter experience, saving money and time, improving ways of working and developing staff skills. For example, using automation for new member communications has saved Wales Air Ambulance Charity up to £20,000 annually and is reducing its reliance on paper. Speakers: James Stephens Director of Finance & Commercial Services, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Mark Stevens- Head of Fundraising- Wales Air Ambulance Charity Mike Stewart- Intelligent Automation Practice Lead Arvato CRM Solutions   We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people, and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website.   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production - Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music

How to build your brand during a cost-of-living crisis We talk to Donna White, Senior Head of Digital and Youth Marketing at The Prince's Trust    When times get tough the first thing that gets cut is often the marketing budget. So when we heard that The Prince's Trust was taking a creative approach to digital marketing during the cost of living crisis we had to find out more. We first met Donna White, Senior Head of Digital and Youth Marketing at The Prince's Trust when she gave a brilliant presentation about her team's work at the Charity Digital conference. So we invited her onto our podcast for a longer chat. Donna describes how she and her colleagues are using digital to affirm The Prince's Trust's place as a youth brand, reaching young people as well as older supporters and donors. We discuss her charity's canny approach to digital marketing during the cost of living crisis, focusing on partnerships, and how they are using data to be as efficient as possible about where they invest their efforts. Donna also shares her advice on the age-old challenge of making the case for marketing as a strategic, not a service function. We felt really inspired after talking to Donna. Her story shows that it's possible to build a brand, achieve great results and be creative even when money is tight. Many thanks to Donna for sharing her insights.   Notes   The Prince's Trust https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/   We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions. Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people, and processes to improve their customer journey while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit their website.   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts also available through your podcast app.

How to tap into the power of skilled volunteers  It's Volunteers Week so we wanted to find out how charities and corporates alike can benefit from skilled volunteering programmes.  Kim Perlow is the founder and CEO of Link UP London an organisation that harnesses professional skills for social good through skilled volunteering. Link UP, which started in 2016, is committed to building stronger communities and offering meaningful volunteer opportunities by connecting skilled professionals with charitable organisations, in areas such as legal, finance, human resources, communications, marketing, data, strategy, organisational development and more. We chat to Kim about volunteering trends, how smart use of volunteering is helping charity leaders to take a step back from delivery to think about strategy and how the way that corporates and charities partner on volunteering initiatives is changing. Zoe and Paul share another update on what's going on with AI following the statement from the Center for AI Safety.    Notes Link UP London would love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering their skills in a meaningful way with London based community organisations or engaging their company in a skilled volunteering event or programme.  You can learn more on their website – www.linkuplondon.org  Find out more about their Corporate Programme - https://linkuplondon.org/corporates/ You can also find them on: LinkedIn – linkuplondon Twitter - linkuplondonuk Instagram - linkuplondonuk New stories: Ars Technica story on statement from Center for AI Safety Statement on AI Risk Rest is Politics podcast AI special   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts also available through your podcast app.

How to influence Westminster now We meet Ian Dunt, author, political journalist and broadcaster Have you ever wondered what really goes on in Westminster? Maybe you work in policy and are planning how to campaign for change in politically turbulent times? Ian Dunt, author of new bestselling book How Westminster Works…and Why It Doesn't is here to lift the lid on Westminster and share what he found, and what this tells us about leadership. As a political journalist and broadcaster, Ian spent several years working in the heart of Westminster. Ian discusses why our political system needs to change, how ministers make decisions, whether politicians getting burned out is a political issue, and how your organisation can influence policy when so much is up in the air. What needs to change about the current system, and how can we make this happen? This interview will be invaluable for anyone interested in or involved in working with politicians. We're grateful to Ian for a very thought provoking conversation. Speaking of politics, Zoe and Paul discuss what's going on with AI regulation at the start of this episode.   Notes Find Ian's book here: How Westminster Works... and Why It Doesn't by Ian Dunt Follow Ian Dunt on Twitter Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts also available through your podcast app.    

Why leaders need to rethink resilience We chat with Bruce Daisley, author of Fortitude, workplace culture expert, and podcaster   We're thrilled to open season 7 with a brilliant conversation with Bruce Daisley. Many of you will know Bruce as the author of Fortitude: The Myth of Resilience and the Secrets of Inner Strength (out now in paperback) and his previous book The Joy of Work. Bruce is a workplace culture expert and the host of the legendary podcast Eat Sleep Work Repeat.   In Fortitude Bruce challenges the myths we've all heard about resilience, and asks if they're really achieving their desired effect. Organisations invest time and money in resilience training. Schools aim to increase children's resilience. Yet the data shows that these interventions aren't always successful. Why is resilience seen as an individual, rather than a collective responsibility? How can leaders really help their teams develop inner strength? Are we doing it right? In this episode, Bruce explains why we need to flip the concept of resilience on its head and focus on the power of building communities in and outside the workplace. Fortitude is an especially timely read as he also discusses the impact of trauma and how we can help the people around us heal. This is a vital leadership skill given the events of the last 3 years. A huge thank you to Bruce for sharing his insights into what leaders need to do differently.   Fortitude: The Myth of Resilience and the Secrets of Inner Strength by Bruce Daisley is published by Penguin in paperback.   For more about Fortitude check out https://www.findfortitude.net/ Bruce has an excellent newsletter https://makeworkbetter.substack.com/ and  podcast Eat Sleep Work Repeat You can buy the book on Hive - https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Bruce-Daisley/Fortitude--The-Myth-of-Resilience-and-the-Secrets-of-Inne/27169356   We also have two copies of Bruce's book Fortitude to give away. To be in with a chance of winning sign up to our newsletter over at https://www.startsatthetop.co.uk/   We are delighted that this episode of Starts At The Top is sponsored by Arvato CRM Solutions.  Arvato CRM Solutions designs and delivers award-winning customer service, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital and intelligent automation solutions for some of the world's most respected brands, as well as innovative charity and public sector clients. They partner with clients to help them define their customer experience and transformation strategies by implementing the right technology, people and processes to improve their customer journey, while driving new efficiencies and helping them prepare for the future. To find out more about how Arvato CRM Solutions could help an organisation like yours and to receive a free no-obligation chat visit wwww.arvato.co.uk/WalesAirAmbulance   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music   Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts are also available through your podcast app.

How to put digital at the heart of your organisation We chat to Sharon Jones, Head of Digital Innovation at The King's Fund We're closing season 6 by chatting to a charity digital legend about their journey as a leader. Step forward Sharon Jones, Head of Digital Innovation at The King's Fund. Sharon has worked as an editor and producer in organisations such as MTV, Sky and among others, the BBC. Before The King's Fund she also worked at BookTrust. We discuss which of these experiences informed the way she leads and why, the digital challenges and opportunities she is leading on at The King's Fund and her thoughts on digital skills. We also chat through the latest digital trends facing the sector, and where charities are at with inclusion. Zoe and Paul also discuss what the Gary Lineker story means for how your organisation uses social media. Could your organisation face a staff walkout about a colleague's tweets in the future?   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file) Transcripts also available through your podcast app.

How leaders can reach Gen Z online We speak to Jeff Nathenson, Managing Director, International at Whistle. We speak to a lot of leaders who want to reach young people online. So how do you get the attention of Gen Z, when every brand and influencer is competing for their attention? Jeff Nathenson is Managing Director, International at Whistle, the digital entertainment media company for Gen-Z. Launching the international business of Whistle in 2014, Jeff has also worked on strategy, programming, channel management, marketing, and monetisation on behalf of The Premier League, the Olympics, FIFA, World Rugby, Major League Baseball, and many others. Jeff discusses how reaching young people online requires a completely different approach to communications, focused on participation in conversations with, and putting power in the hands of, your community. He tells us what this means for your digital marketing strategy and shares his advice on how older, more established organisations can learn from relative newcomers like YouTubers turned businesspeople, KSI and Logan Paul. Zoe and Paul also discuss the latest tech news, focusing on the role of social media in policing.

What it's really like to be a neurodivergent CEO We chat with Tree Hall, CEO of Charity IT Leaders It's estimated that 1 in 7 people in the UK is neurodiverse. So what is it like to be a neurodiverse leader?  Tree Hall, CEO of Charity IT Leaders, was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 47. In this very personal episode, she shares her story, exploring what autism means to her, and how it has shaped her life. Tree has become a staunch advocate of how everyone needs to understand autism and other neurodivergence. She is on a mission to make the workplace more inclusive and supportive of neurodivergent individuals. We're very grateful to Tree for sharing such an open, honest account of the experience of being a neurodiverse leader. We discuss how leaders can better understand what being neurodiverse means, and how improving the workplace with this in mind will help improve it for everyone. Zoe and Paul discuss the latest leadership and tech news including the director general of the CBI's comments about working from home and Jeremy Hunt's call for more over 50s to rejoin the workplace.   Notes: BBC story about over 50s in the workplace Twitter thread about the CBI's comments on remote work (original story on the BBC is here). Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)  

How to put the fun back into work We speak to Emmy O'Shaugnessy, Director of Innovation and Growth at Oxfordshire Youth, and Michael Rucker, organisational psychologist and author of The Fun Habit. The last 3 years have been tough and 2023 will be challenging. Engaging our teams is more important than ever so how can we bring fun and joy back into the workplace? Is it even possible right now? Joining us this week are two leaders who think it's not only achievable but necessary to experience pleasure and enjoyment at work. Emmy O'Shaugnessy, Director of Innovation and Growth at Oxfordshire Youth, is doing fascinating work with her organisation about this. Michael Rucker, an organisational psychologist based in Silicon Valley, is the author of The Fun Habit, a new book about the pursuit of joy and wonder and how it can change your life. Emmy and Michael take us through how leaders can create more opportunities for fun at work, how to make it inclusive, and where enjoyment can create additional benefits, such as developing psychological safety and changing your culture. Ultimately it's about us all being free to be who we are at work, and who doesn't want that?   Notes: Oxfordshire Youth Follow Emmy on Twitter The Fun Habit book (published by Pan Macmillan) Connect with Mike via his website and Twitter We also discussed this legal case about how a French employee won the right not to be fun at work(Business Insider).   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of this episode (srt file) Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)  

How to help your organisation hit refresh In our latest episode, we chat with Lou Lai, Chief Client and Transformation Officer at TPXimpact. The new year can mean new ways of doing things. And we've got just the episode for you if your organisation needs reinvention in 2023. Lou Lai, Chief Client and Transformation Officer at TPXimpact, knows all about transformation. We begin with her own story of a leader, and how she changed her career from charity to agency side, staying focused on the impact she wanted to have. Lou guides us through how organisations should approach transformation. We discuss why it's necessary to take a long hard look at your governance, leadership, and approach to inclusion if you want to see real change. We loved talking to Lou. Her interview will give you the energy and ideas to begin January on the right note. Paul and Zoe also round up the latest tech news. What does big tech cutting back on staff and office space mean for the rest of us?   Notes: LinkedIn : Tech giants downsize office space Reuters: Salesforce announces plan to cut 10% of workforce From Lou's interview: TPXimpact FemMentored   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Transcripts also available through your podcast app.

What will the leaders of 2023 need? We speak to Jane Ide, CEO of ACEVO The last two years have seen huge, unprecedented upheaval, leading to the current state of permacrisis. There are so many challenges facing civil society, and the wider world, into 2023. What qualities will leaders need for the road ahead? Few civil society leaders are better placed to answer this question than Jane Ide, CEO of ACEVO, the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations. Jane discusses why CEOs need time to think, and space to invest in relationships. We also discuss how leaders can master continuous change, both professionally and personally. If you're a leader who's ever experienced doubt, wondered where to focus your attention or questioned whether you're working as successfully as you can with your team this episode is for you. Jane's insights are both inspiring and reassuring, and will set you on the right path for 2023. Zoe and Paul also discuss how podcasts can be more inclusive, along with their views on racism at sector events.   Notes: Find out more about ACEVO Zoe Amar's blog What does ‘Where are you really from?' really mean? Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music Full transcript of episode 39 with Jane Ide (.txt file) - transcript also available through your podcast app.

How RNID went fully remote and agile We chat with Michael Wilkinson, Associate Director for Digital and Innovation at RNID Going fully remote, and agile, is a big ask of any organisation. It inevitably brings risk as much as opportunity. What do charities need to do to make this a success? Back in 2020 RNID (or Action on Hearing Loss as it was then known) announced its plans to sell its office and go fully remote. Not long after that, it decided to rebrand. That's a lot of change, but RNID has seized the opportunity to do things differently and embrace disruption. Michael Wilkinson, Associate Director for Digital and Innovation at RNID, tells us how their team has thrived through remote working, establishing new ways of working, removing core working hours, and taking an agile approach to leadership and strategy. Zoe and Paul discuss what's happening at Twitter after staff walkouts and share their advice on how to plan for whatever the future holds for the platform.   Notes: Find out more about RNID   RNID's hearing test   Read Michael's blog about his blueprint for digital transformation   Read Roger Swannell's blog about RNID's project opportunity canvas   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com   And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear!   Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas   Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music   Full transcript of episode 38 with Michael Wilkinson (.txt file) - transcript also available through your podcast app.  

Autumn books for leaders We recommend our favourite books and chat with the author of Human Powered, Trenton Moss.   Grab a coffee and head for your sofa. It's time to ease ourselves gently into a new season of Starts at the Top with our recommended new reads for leaders. We've rifled through our bedside tables to bring you a selection of the books we've loved reading over the summer, covering topics from a real-life Marvel superhero on the experience of being mixed race to how trauma can create the leaders of tomorrow, and why women are still taken less seriously than men. We also share a couple of our summer holiday reads. We then chat with Trenton Moss, bestselling author of ‘Human Powered' about how to grow emotional intelligence in the workplace, enhance team performance and improve everyone's experience of remote working. We'll be back soon with more interviews with exciting guests as Season 6 gets going. Make sure you subscribe to wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss out.   Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music

How NatWest are tackling the digital skills pipeline crisis We speak to Wincie Wong, Head of Services Workforce Technical Capability, NatWest   According to FutureDotNow almost 10 million UK workers are missing fundamental digital skills needed for today's workplace. Large organisations can make a big difference here, simply by skilling up their workforce. So what can we learn from them? We were thrilled to chat to Wincie Wong, Head of Services Workforce Technical Capability at Natwest about how she and her team are taking on the tech talent challenge at scale, retraining colleagues and thinking big about what the future of their organisation looks like. Wincie discusses why this work is only meaningful if it has inclusion at its heart, attracting more women and people from diverse backgrounds into careers in digital. She tells us how to support staff as they reskill, and shares what she has learned as co-founder of the NatWest Girls Can Code network and founding member of Tech She Can, a charity representing 230+ corporates working together to increase the number of women in technology roles in the UK through education. After a turbulent week in politics, Zoe and Paul discuss what this means for leadership and whether this means we need to rethink what power looks like, who we hand it to and how we hold leaders accountable.   Notes and links - Tech She Can Email us with your questions and ideas for future episodes startsatthetop@gmail.com And please leave us a review if you enjoy what you hear! Editing and production from Syren Studios and Paul Thomas Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music