Ep3 - Mind - Dr Sarah Hughes - Breaking the mould

In Episode 3 of Leading Lights, Abi has the pleasure of meeting Dr Sarah Hughes, the inspirational CEO of Mind, the mental health charity.

Sarah has worked in mental health and social justice for 35 years. She has held a number of chief executive roles in the voluntary sector including for the prestigious think tank The Centre for Mental Health. She holds a professional doctorate on the topic of women and leadership and was given an honorary doctorate by Hull University where she happily studied social work in the mid 90s. 

Sarah's vision of becoming the CEO of Mind was established at the age of 18 when she ‘found her people’ during a gap year job at Mind Haringey. She was strongly influenced by her father’s leadership style and her mother’s resilience. She has a clear idea of what it means to be a feminist leader, which she applies to her role daily.

During the conversation Sarah reveals what it takes to lead in really complex environments, which she learned in her role managing mental health services at HM Prison Holloway, along with her understanding of the importance of combining theory and practice.

Sarah talks about what it’s like to challenge the perceptions of how a CEO ‘should’ look, speak and carry themselves and her thoughts on the 'strong headwinds' facing the charity sector. She shares how finding levity at difficult moments, her 'CEO squad', and spending time with her family are her coping strategies.

About Mind

Mind, the mental health charity, provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. The charity campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. They won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.

To find out more about Mind:

Follow Mind on X | Instagram | TikTok| Facebook | LinkedIn or visit mind.org.uk

If you enjoyed this conversation, please come back! We release new episodes on the first Monday of every month. And, we’d love you to rate, review and subscribe to Leading Lights - this helps other people to find the podcast.

And, if you’re a Head of brand, marketing or creative within a charity, why not join us at the MOREVER Meetup to share ideas and insights with women in similar roles from other charities.

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