The Purposeful Strategist
I want to shift the discussion about organisational purpose from being about what organisations and leaders should do – to take a practical look at what they are doing – and what we can learn from that. We’re going to hear from business leaders across a range of industries how they think about purpose in their organisation - and in business more generally. We’ll explore how they make purpose a building block of their strategy and get their insider tips on the “how” of bringing purpose alive.
Leadership Means Improving The System
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Patrick Heath-Lay, CEO of People’s Partnership, about how the organisation behind The People’s Pension has grown into one of the UK’s largest workplace pension providers, and what it takes to build a system that works for millions.
They explore the organisation’s transformation from its roots in the construction industry, the impact of automatic enrolment, and how a not-for-profit, profit-to-member model shapes decision-making at scale.
In their conversation, they discuss:
• What a master trust pension is and how it works in p...
Reframing The Energy Transition
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax, about leading through the complexity of the energy transition and what it takes to operate in a system under growing pressure. They explore the strategic choices required as demand for electricity accelerates, the realities of managing a more volatile, renewables-led system, and how the narrative around energy is evolving beyond net zero.
In their conversation, they discuss:
• Why flexibility is critical in a system increasingly shaped by intermittent wind and solar.
• How Drax’s strategy has evolved from m...
Engineering a Safer World
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Ruth Boumphrey, Chief Executive of Lloyd’s Register Foundation, about how the organisation is working to “engineer a safer world” — using data, partnerships, and long-term investment to drive impact at scale.
They explore the Foundation’s evolving strategy, its shift towards locally led decision-making, and the role of evidence, including the World Risk Poll, in understanding and reducing risk and harm globally.
In their conversation, they discuss:
• What safety means in practice across infrastructure, people, and systems.
• How a charity can operate wi...
Building a “Sky of Social”: Inside the Creator-Led Media Economy
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Alistair Gosling and Ben Brown, co-founders of Wavelength Network, about building a media business for a world where platforms, creators, and algorithms shape how content is produced, distributed, and monetised. Drawing on backgrounds spanning global TV networks, consulting, music, and the creator economy, they reflect on how the traditional broadcast model is giving way to a more fragmented, creator-led ecosystem, and what that means for talent, brands, and audiences.
In their conversation, they explore:
How media consumption has shifted toward algorithm-driven, “lean back” experiences.The diff...Building a Specialist Firm
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with James Maxey, Founder and CEO of Express Solicitors, about building one of the UK’s largest specialist personal injury firms in a market shaped by regulatory change, fragmentation, and increasing institutional investment. From starting with just 22 clients in 2000, Express has grown into a 900+ person organisation handling around 45,000 live claims — combining scale with a tightly integrated, client-focused operating model.
In their conversation, they explore:
• How to build and scale a specialist law firm in a fragmented, competitive market.
• Why in-sourcing key parts of the valu...
Opportunistic and Optimistic
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Mia Drennan, Founder and CEO of GLAS, about building a global financial services firm by reimagining a function that once sat inside banks. From launching with £6,000 after the financial crisis to administering hundreds of billions in assets today, GLAS has grown into a leading independent platform serving private credit, banks, and capital markets worldwide.
In their conversation, they explore:
• How the 2008 financial crisis created the opportunity for an independent loan agency model.
• Why independence, proactivity, and execution became GLAS’s strategic edge.
•...
Running Lean, Thinking Long-Term
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Max Dubiel, co-founder of Redemption Roasters, a social impact coffee business working to reduce reoffending in the UK through training and employment. This mission-driven startup has grown into a multi-site retail and wholesale business, employing a significant proportion of prison leavers while operating in one of the UK’s most challenging sectors.
Max shares how Redemption is navigating a pivotal moment — from rapid expansion to disciplined consolidation in response to a tougher hospitality market. He reflects on raising institutional capital, restructuring the business under pressure, and stre...
Trust, Strategy, Growth
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Francesca Lagerberg, CEO of Baker Tilly International, about leading a global professional services network in a rapidly changing economic and technological landscape. Baker Tilly International brings together independent firms across more than 140 territories, providing mid-market clients with advisory, audit, legal and tax services delivered by a global community of over 50,000 professionals.
In their conversation, they explore:
• How global networks balance independence with shared standards, strategy, and trust.
• Why helping clients make well-thought-out decisions with imperfect information sits at the heart of Baker Till...
Building a Mental Health Service from the Ground Up
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Barny Guthrie, CEO of Clinical Partners, about building and scaling a mental health provider at a time of rising demand and unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems. What began as a small operation run from a spare bedroom has grown into a large mental health provider, employing around 400 staff and supporting patients across NHS, private insurance and self-pay pathways.
In their conversation, they explore:
• How Barny’s own early experiences with mental health shaped his motivation to help reduce human distress.
• The surge in dem...
The Future of Family Law
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Ken Fowlie, Chair of Stowe Family Law, about scaling the UK’s largest specialist family law firm in an era where private equity discipline and accelerating technological change are major themes. With 400 professionals and nationwide coverage, Stowe has grown into a modern, institutionally backed platform while remaining anchored in a clear purpose: “When families break down, we help them move forward.”
In their conversation, they explore:
• What private equity really adds to a professional services firm beyond capital.
• How to balance clients, colleagues...
Faith-Based Media in a Post-Broadcast World
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Kevin Bennett, CEO of Premier Christian Media, about leading a mission-driven media organisation in a rapidly changing technological and cultural landscape. What began in 1995 as a single London AM radio station has grown into the UK’s largest Christian broadcaster, reaching around 1.8 million listeners weekly across multiple radio stations, alongside a global podcast, digital, magazine, and events presence.
In their conversation, they explore:
• How a purpose-led organisation measures impact beyond financial metrics.
• The role of discernment in leadership decision-making.
• Balancing commerci...
Engineering Europe’s Next Tech Chapter
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Phill Robinson, co-founder of Boardwave about the structural challenge of scaling technology businesses in Europe and the leadership infrastructure required to compete in the age of AI. What began as a small, founder-led community sketched at a kitchen table has grown into a pan-European network of more than 2,500 tech founders, CEOs, and Chairs, spanning the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Nordics, and the Netherlands.
In their conversation, they explore:
• Why Europe has struggled to scale global software and AI leaders.
• The wide...
Breakfast That Changes the System
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Lindsey MacDonald, CEO of Magic Breakfast — a national charity working to ensure children at risk of hunger start the school day with a nutritious breakfast, ready to learn and thrive. What began more than two decades ago with bagels delivered from the boot of a car now supports over 350,000 children and young people across 1,000+ schools in England and Scotland, combining direct provision with advocacy to tackle child morning hunger at scale.
Lindsey explains how Magic Breakfast is navigating a pivotal policy moment, as government moves toward un...
Educating for Human Potential
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Marina Stenos, Managing Partner of FINN Partners’ Global Education Practice. Marina has spent her career working at the intersection of education, public affairs, and strategic communications—supporting foundations, school systems, universities, philanthropies, and education organisations as they navigate complexity, reform, and change.
Marina shares how education clients can modernise without losing the trust or expertise of the people they exist to serve. Drawing on work ranging from the updating of US science standards to advising education providers and institutions around the world, she reflects on why larg...
Ports as the Backbone of a Resilient Economy
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Geraint Evans, Chief Executive Officer of UK Major Ports Group—the organisation representing the UK’s nine largest port-owning groups, responsible for around three-quarters of the nation’s maritime trade. Sitting at the intersection of infrastructure, trade, and national resilience, UK Major Ports plays a critical role in shaping decisions that will influence the UK economy for generations. Since taking on the role in 2023, Geraint has brought a distinctive perspective shaped by senior experience in government and strategic consulting.
Geraint shares how the ports sector is naviga...
Becoming The Most Human Law Firm
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Helen Drayton, CEO of Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, a full-service UK and international law firm with more than 300 years of history. With offices across the UK, Europe, and Asia and FY25 revenue of £120 million, the firm is focused on purposeful growth, guided by its ambition to become ‘the most human law firm.’
Helen shares how she is leading the firm through evolving client expectations, all while keeping people, values, and sustainability at the core of the firm’s decision-making. Helen also shines light on how the firm is...
Creating Beautiful Places
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Douglas McCormick, Chief Executive Officer of Pegasus Group — one of the UK’s leading independent multidisciplinary development consultancies, bringing together planning, design, environment, infrastructure, and heritage. Since stepping into the role in 2024, Douglas has guided Pegasus through a period of strategic growth, building scale and capability while preserving what makes the firm distinctive: its boutique feel, deep expertise, and exceptional people.
Douglas shares how Pegasus is expanding its services, strengthening its influence across the built environment, and growing client relationships that endure beyond any single individual. He r...
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In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks withJim Islam, Chief Executive Officer of OneFamily, one of the UK’s leading financial mutuals. With a 50-year history and 1.5 million customers, OneFamily exists to inspire better futures—helping individuals and families build long-term financial resilience through inclusive savings, investment, and protection products.
Jim shares how OneFamily has reinvented itself while staying true to its founding purpose—diversifying its offerings, investing in technology, and redesigning customer experiences to make long-term financial products more accessible for new generations. He reflects on the challenge of leading transformation in a sector...
Scaling Mobility Without Charity
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Joe Seddon, Founder and CEO of Zero Gravity — a mission-driven technology company helping talented students from low-income backgrounds reach elite universities and careers. What began with the last £200 of Joe’s student loan has become a fast-scaling organisation of 25 colleagues, more than 40 enterprise partners, and over 15,000 students supported into higher education.
Joe explains how Zero Gravity has reimagined a sector traditionally dominated by charities by building a new commercial model. Through a mobile-first platform that turns university preparation into a habit, the company partners with institutions to id...
Transforming Accessibility in Travel
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Jay Shen, Founder and CEO of Transreport, the purpose-driven technology company reshaping accessibility in travel. What began as a single conversation about inequality has grown into the Passenger Assistance app—now used across the UK rail network, recognised as one of the most accessible apps on iOS, and forming the foundation of Transreport’s rapid international expansion.
Jay shares how Transreport’s mission—to remove barriers and make travel work for everyone—drives both the company’s product design and its culture. He reflects on the importance o...
Reimagining the Legal Function at Scale
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Daniel Hayter, Managing Director and Vice President for Europe at Axiom Law, the global pioneer of flexible, on-demand legal talent. With more than 3,500 legal departments supported worldwide—and over 1,500+ legal professionals in Europe alone—Axiom is reshaping how in-house teams resource, scale, and adopt new technologies.
Daniel shares how he’s helping steer Axiom through a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by economic pressures, technological disruption, and changing expectations from legal talent. He discusses Axiom’s four-pillar model, their ability to pilot and deploy AI tools at pace...
Pursuing an Original Purpose Through Change
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Jeremy Butler, Chief Executive Officer of King Edward VII’s Hospital—one of London’s most prestigious independent hospitals, known for its exceptional care and longstanding charitable mission supporting veterans. Since taking on the role in early 2025, Jeremy has led the hospital through a period of strategic renewal, balancing clinical excellence with sustainability and purpose as it enters a new phase under Bupa ownership.
Jeremy shares how the hospital is modernising its model while protecting what makes it distinctive: its ethos of compassion, equity, and service. He ref...
Financing Change: Building a Sustainable Future at Bboxx
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Anthony Osijo, CEO of Bboxx, a data-driven super platform that transforms access to essential services across Africa. From clean energy and cooking to e-mobility and smartphones, Bboxx connects millions of people to the infrastructure that powers opportunity and improves quality of life.
Since joining in 2022 to lead the company through a strategic reset, Anthony has guided Bboxx into a new phase of sustainable growth—expanding across multiple African markets, strengthening partnerships with governments and investors, and embedding advanced technology and AI into its operations. Drawing on ov...
Scaling Taste and Purpose
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus is joined by Simon Mitchell, CEO of KERB, a business redefining what it means to grow with purpose in the hospitality industry.
Simon shares how KERB has evolved from a London street food collective into a dynamic ecosystem of food halls, incubators, and partnerships across the UK, US, and Europe. KERB has opened new locations this year in Canada Water, Berlin, and Spitalfields, while strengthening its social impact—donating over £1 million to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds start their own food businesses.
This conversation explores:
• How K...
Seeing the Possibility at Weightmans
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Sarah Walton, Managing Partner of Weightmans LLP, one of the UK’s leading national law firms. With 1,700 colleagues across ten offices, Weightmans is on a journey from a UK Top 50 to a Top 30 firm—driven by its purpose to “see the possibility—for our clients and our colleagues.”
Sarah shares how she’s leading the firm through growth, innovation, and cultural change while keeping people and purpose at the heart of every decision. For example, they cover the launch of CyExcel, an innovative US-based cyber services business, an...
Leading Through Change
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus is joined by Richard Corderoy, CEO of The Oakland Group, a consultancy helping organisations achieve more with their data.
Since Richard’s last appearance in 2022, Oakland has achieved B Corp certification, joined the UK Government’s G-Cloud 13 framework, been named “Best Consultancy in the UK,” and been acquired by Softcat plc. Richard reflects on how the firm has navigated this transformation while keeping purpose and culture at the core.
This conversation explores:
• Why cultural alignment made the Softcat acquisition a natural fit.
• Why Oakland decided to m...
Rethinking Value: Patients, Properties, and Purpose
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Simon Betty, Head of Europe at Northwest Healthcare REIT, and Paul Lambert, Founding Director of Living Work Consulting and author of Alive: Cultivating Living Organizations for Success in a Digital Age.
Together, they explore how healthcare real estate can move beyond bricks and mortar to become living systems that deliver better outcomes for patients, clinicians, and communities—while still meeting financial and stakeholder standards.
In their conversation, they discuss:
• How Northwest is shifting healthcare delivery from hospitals to community-based facilities that improve pathways and...
Redefining Growth and Inclusion at HaysMac
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Natasha Frangos, Managing Partner at HaysMac, one of London’s top 10 audit firms. Since becoming the first woman to lead the firm in its 100+ year history, Natasha has overseen more than 80% growth, opened a new office in Cape Town, and guided a bold rebrand that reflects the firm’s innovative and collaborative spirit.
Natasha shares how her journey from trainee to Managing Partner has shaped her leadership philosophy, and why nurturing talent, embedding inclusion, and setting a clear vision are central to HaysMac’s long-term success. From s...
Funding the Future: Investing in Female Founders
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus is joined by Sarah Turner, co-founder and CEO of Angel Academe, the UK’s most active network of female angel investors. Sarah has long been focused on getting more women investing and channeling capital into female-founded tech startups. Now, she’s taken a bold next step—launching the UK’s first EIS fund for female founders.
Reflecting on the realities of today’s economic climate and the barriers to inclusive investment, Sarah shares how Angel Academe is helping women overcome red tape, build confidence, and invest collectively in breakthrou...
Leading the Net Zero Transition
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus is joined by Mark Horsley, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Gas Networks, which serves 6.8 million people across Northern England and has become a leader in the UK’s net-zero transition. Since his last appearance in 2021, Mark has been driving bold change—investing £25 million in partnership with JCB, and leading major collaborations such as East Coast Hydrogen, a collaboration between National Gas, NGN, and Cadent to connect hydrogen production and storage with industrial users in the region.
Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, Mark shares how N...
Redefining Mobility for a Sustainable Future
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Sue Percy, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), a professional body at the heart of shaping the UK’s transport networks. From setting national standards to advocating for equitable, sustainable infrastructure, CIHT plays a crucial role in how people and goods move—safely, efficiently, and inclusively.
Sue shares how her leadership blends long-term strategic vision with day-to-day pragmatism, ensuring that CIHT not only delivers on its purpose but also lives its values. She reflects on the sector’s progress since her last a...
Rethinking AI in Law
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Rosie Djurovic, Head of AI at Brabners, a leading UK law firm. He met Rosie as part of our research on the ways law firms are deciding how to use AI. Since joining in 2024, Rosie has been shaping an ambitious AI strategy built on three core pillars: brand-led, client-centred, and AI-enabled.
Brabners is taking a measured, people-focused approach to AI — starting from first principles to identify the real problems lawyers and clients face, then finding solutions that align with the firm’s broader goals. Sometimes those solu...
Rethinking Procurement
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Ben Farrell MBE, Global Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), the world’s largest professional body for procurement and supply professionals, with over 70,000 members in 160 countries and 97 branches worldwide.
CIPS plays a pivotal role in shaping resilient, ethical, and sustainable global supply chains — a profession now at the forefront due to shifting trade relationships and the weaponisation of supply chains. Ben shares how CIPS is helping countries thrive, raising standards, and closing global skills gaps while inspiring the next generation of procurement lead...
Empowering Exchange at Britain’s Busiest Port
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, Europe’s busiest ferry port and a critical gateway for trade, travel, and tourism. Handling one-third of EU-UK commerce and facilitating £144 billion of trade annually, Dover is known for its unparalleled efficiency with inbound dwell times averaging just five minutes.
Doug shares how his role as CEO blends operational excellence with long-term strategic vision, balancing the demands of national infrastructure, local communities, and global supply chains. From defining a clear purpose— ‘Empower Exchange’—to setting ambitious sustainability goals, he offers a...
Swimming Upstream: Redefining How Leaders Are Found
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Kate Grussing CBE, Founder and Managing Director of Sapphire Partners, a pioneering executive search firm reshaping how organisations find and support exceptional leaders. Since launching in 2005, Kate has been challenging the “usual candidate” mindset — broadening searches to uncover hard-to-find individuals who inspire others, act as role models, and create long-term value.
In their conversation, they discuss:
How identifying the traits of high-performing teams led Kate to see gaps in the executive search market.
Broadening strategy beyond the firm’s original focus on flexible...
Designing for a Sector in Crisis
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus is joined by Eric Ressler, Founder and Creative Director of Cosmic, a U.S.-based creative studio helping mission-driven organisations design strategy, messaging, and digital experiences that spark meaningful change. Eric offers a sharp perspective on how social impact design is evolving—and what might come next.
Reflecting on the challenges nonprofits face amid shrinking federal funding and digital saturation, Eric shares how Cosmic is helping organisations clarify their purpose, communicate with intention, and build coalitions that reduce duplication and deepen impact.
This conversation covers:
Rewriting the Rules of Women's Health Tech
Show notes here
Ecosystems of Impact
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus is joined by Andrew Wordsworth, co-founder and CEO of Sustainable Ventures, a firm dedicated to building the UK’s most impactful climate tech ecosystem.
Andrew shares how Sustainable Ventures has grown to support over 1,000 startups—expanding beyond London into Manchester, with plans for Glasgow—and how the firm continues to align deep purpose with commercial success.
This conversation explores:
· Why Sustainable Venture took external investment, and how they’ve stayed mission-aligned.
· The opportunity in regional climate tech ecosystems and how to support founders where they...
Relentlessly Getting Stuff Done
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Matt Hotson, Group Chief Operating Officer at Mishcon de Reya, one of the UK’s most distinctive law firms. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, top-tier disputes work, and sustained double-digit growth, Mishcon has built a reputation for marrying legal excellence with bold strategic thinking.
Matt shares how his role as COO touches every part of the firm that isn’t directly about practising law and is essential to helping lawyers do their best work with clients. From codifying values and vision to structuring operations and measuring succ...
World-leading Non-drug Treatment for Dementia
In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Devika Wood, CEO of Brain +, a certified health tech provider pioneering Ayla, a digital Cognitive Simulation Therapy (CST), the world-leading non-drug treatment for dementia.
Together, they explore what it takes to scale a mission-led innovation in a high-regulation, emotionally charged sector – and how strategy, purpose, and commercial realities intersect.
In their conversation, they discuss:
· Why CST’s inclusion in NICE guidelines opened the door to wide-scale adoption – and what challenges remain.
· How Devika and the Brain+ team are deploying CST through care homes...
