Starts at the Top Podcast

Episode 82 - Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK and Deputy Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness

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.

Episode 81 - Srabani Sen - Srabani Sen OBE, Founder and CEO of Full Colour

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.

Episode 80 - Kwesi Afful - Executive Director of Digital and Marketing at Scope

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.

Re-publishing - Sal Naseem, author of “True North: A Story of Racism, Resilience and Resisting Systems of Denial”

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.

 

Episode 79 - Alison Court, Chief Transformation Officer at Oxfam and a discussion about AI

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.

 

Episode 78 - Sal Naseem, author of “True North: A Story of Racism, Resilience and Resisting Systems of Denial”

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.

 

Episode 77 - John May, Chief Executive of Cats Protection

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.

 

 

Episode 76 - Said Dajani, Head of Digital at Diabetes UK

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.

Episode 75 - Mark Atkinson - Director General for the Royal British Legion

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.

Episode 74 - Alina Addison, author of The Audacity Spectrum

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.