Starts at the Top Podcast Starts at the Top

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.
 
NotesFind out more about Shelter
https://www.shelter.org.uk/
 
Tech newsBBC 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.
 
NotesFind 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/c1ww6vz1l81oBroadcasters cannot stop ‘deepfakes’ and misinformation on election day- Yahoo news https://uk.news.yahoo.com/broadcasters-cannot-stop-deepfakes-misinformation-121540189.htmlEmail 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.
 
NotesFind 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.
 
NotesNels 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.
 
NotesMark 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.
 
NotesFundraising 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-sectorMusic 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.