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.

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.

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.