The Ripple Effect by the Rank Foundation

What makes a great leader?When it comes to the social sector it seems there’s no clear cut path to leadership. But there are shared values -  like inclusivity and collaboration -  that the best of leaders demonstrate.I'm Caroline Broadhurst, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at The Rank Foundation.And this is The Ripple Effect - a podcast celebrating Rank’s thriving Network of leaders improving life in the communities they cherish.In this pilot series I'll be speaking to leaders from across the UK, learning what led them to charitable work, and what shaped them into the inspiring leaders they are today.Tune into The Ripple Effect, coming soon to wherever you get your podcasts.Brought to you by The Rank Foundation - a thriving network for social good

In episode 1 of The Ripple Effect, Caroline Broadhurst sits down with not one incredible leader, but two - a mentor and mentee.  Jordan Ignatius, is the managing director of Reaching Higher, and his mentee Alfie Dance Laing, is the sports lead. In this episode Jordan and Alfie talk about how their faith and passion for sports have motivated them to change their direction in life, and also to become leaders. They share what they love about each other’s leadership styles, what they love most about their work, and their hopes for Reaching Higher and the sector.

James Watts-Rees, the director of Generation Rhondda is a former Rank Aspire participant. James' leadership journey has only just begun but he’s already making an impact in his community. From reading programmes for youngsters to immigration advice for refugees, James and his team are creating ripples right across the Rhondda Valley in Wales. Hear who and what has influenced James’s leadership style in episode 2 of The Ripple Effect.

In episode 3 of The Ripple Effect, Caroline Broadhurst had a chat with Debbie Fawcett, the CEO of HARV Domestic Violence Team, a domestic abuse service based in east Lancashire.With an MA in leadership, Debbie’s biggest lessons have been learned by having to be flexible and adaptable when faced with big challenges on the ground. Her entrepreneurialism and a compassionate approach to people management, has enabled the charity to go from strength to strength.In this episode Debbie shares her early aspirations and career moves, giving incredible insight into the leader she is today.   

For episode 4 of The Ripple Effect, Caroline Broadhurst had an insightful chat with Claire Morgans, the founder and CEO of YKids children's charity. YKids run after school clubs and activities for children and young people in Liverpool, The charity also supports the families of those children with a community pantry among many other things Leadership was not something that Claire set her sights on, but her natural ability to inspire led her to it all the same. In this episode Clare talks about how Christianity led her to youth work, despite not really liking kids at the time! She also talks about valuing neurodiversity and the different types of leadership including her own.

This National Trustees’ Week, Caroline Broadhurst speaks to Jo Ropner, a Rank Foundation trustee and Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.Jo shares the pivotal moment that inspired her lifelong dedication to civic duty and kindness. She also discussed the King's Award for Voluntary Service, highlighting this exciting opportunity to recognise volunteers with such a prestigious honour.The King's Award for Voluntary Service is the equivalent to an MBE, recognising excellence in volunteering. Find out more in this special edition of The Ripple Effect!

In episode 7 of The Ripple Effect, Caroline Broadhurst is in conversation with David Dorward, MBE. David is an Associate Director with The Rank Foundation in Dundee where we have invested in community development through leadership and enterprise. He is also the Founder of Dundee Bairns - a children’s charity, supporting community projects in areas of high multiple deprivation.David shares with Caroline the advice he gives to people just beginning their careers. He also reflects on how he stayed accessible in his leadership role at Dundee Council and reveals what led him to work with The Rank Foundation - despite his initial misgivings!

In episode 8 of  The Ripple Effect Caroline Broadhurst talks with Emma Pears, Founder and Chief Officer of Selfa, an independent children's charity based in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Emma also received the Memorial Award at Rank’s 2024 networking conference! This year’s Memorial Award is an opportunity to travel and explore outstanding examples of leadership, connected to addressing a social issue, and consider how it could be applied within a local context. In this episode, recorded ahead of the conference, Emma reflects on how her upbringing influenced her worldview and shaped her leadership approach. She also delves into the evolution of her 'compulsive helper' persona towards an ability to ‘sit with’ the discomfort that comes when making tough decisions.