The Purposeful Strategist

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 large-scale change requires disciplined communication, protection of process, and deep respect for educators and communities. She describes why access to learning remains one of the most powerful levers for human potential and how storytelling and representation shape how we see ourselves.In their conversation, they explore:• Why education is a system built on trust and how that trust can be protected during change.• What “protecting the process” means in large-scale, high-stakes education reform.• Why alternative pathways and lifelong learning are reshaping what it means to be educated.• How AI and misinformation are changing the role of communication in education.• Why education remains one of the most important drivers of social and economic mobility.FINN PartnersMenKus & AssociatesSupported by Norman BroadbentBelden Menkus, Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, works with CEOs and senior leaders to align their strategy and purpose. Working with organisations where leadership is shared rather than centralised, Belden's work is defined by intellectual clarity, collaboration, and a commitment to practical results. Drawing on his experience at McKinsey & Company and decades spent advising complex organisations, he supports mid-sized institutions—particularly law firms and membership bodies—as they navigate strategic inflexion points and build enduring value during periods of uncertainty.He is a public speaker and strategic thinker with a wide intellectual range, bringing together business insight, historical perspective, and cultural curiosity—combining the instincts of a consultant with those of a historian and an explorer of ideas. In addition to consulting, he hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a weekly podcast discussing how business leaders themselves bring purpose into real strategic action.

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 navigating a pivotal moment: balancing long-term investment, sustainability, and competitiveness while remaining anchored in the regional communities ports serve. He reflects on why ports are often overlooked despite being foundational to supply chains, energy transition, and national resilience—and how leadership, trust, and clarity are essential when competitors, policymakers, and investors must align around shared challenges.In their conversation, they explore: • Why strategy is a process rather than an event—and what that means for execution. • How to lead effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder systems. • The importance of trust, pace, and clarity when competing interests sit around the same table. • Why government and the private sector often struggle to align, even when using the same language. • The role of ports in enabling the energy transition, including floating offshore wind. • How decisions made today will shape the UK’s economic resilience for the next hundred years.UK Major Ports Group MenKus & AssociatesSupported by Norman BroadbentBelden Menkus, Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, works with CEOs and senior leaders to align their strategy and purpose. Working with organisations where leadership is shared rather than centralised, Belden's work is defined by intellectual clarity, collaboration, and a commitment to practical results. Drawing on his experience at McKinsey & Company and decades spent advising complex organisations, he supports mid-sized institutions—particularly law firms and membership bodies—as they navigate strategic inflexion points and build enduring value during periods of uncertainty.He is a public speaker and strategic thinker with a wide intellectual range, bringing together business insight, historical perspective, and cultural curiosity—combining the instincts of a consultant with those of a historian and an explorer of ideas. In addition to consulting, he hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a weekly podcast discussing how business leaders themselves bring purpose into real strategic action.

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 thoughtfully integrating AI and aligning its three-year strategic plan around what clients truly value.In their conversation, they explore:How ‘the most human law firm’ became the organising ambition for Penningtons’ strategy and culture.The role of Project Alaska in defining the firm’s values and identity.Why strong foundations –brand, collaboration, innovation—drive sustainable commercial performance.How the firm is integrating AI to support quality, sustainability and client value.Why authenticity, accessibility, and trust sit at the heart of Helen’s leadership.How the firm is shaping its long-term strategy following the Thomas Cooper merger.Penningtons Manches CooperMenkus & AssociatesSupported by Norman BroadbentBelden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

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 reflects on the challenge of balancing creative ambition with commercial discipline, and how clarity of purpose acts as an anchor for decision-making.In their conversation, they explore:• How to scale a thriving specialist consultancy without losing its character or values.• Why purpose must define strategic boundaries, investment choices, and behaviour.• How to balance design creativity, client ambition, and return on investment.• Why “people buy people” — and how culture, trust, and listening sustain growth.• How to create places people love to be in, from community spaces to service stations.• The role of courage, generosity, and assertive conversations in leading through change.Pegasus Group: https://www.pegasusgroup.co.uk/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/Belden Menkus, Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, works with CEOs and senior leaders to align their strategy and purpose. Working with organisations where leadership is shared rather than centralised, Belden's work is defined by intellectual clarity, collaboration, and a commitment to practical results. Drawing on his experience at McKinsey & Company and decades spent advising complex organisations, he supports mid-sized institutions—particularly law firms and membership bodies—as they navigate strategic inflexion points and build enduring value during periods of uncertainty.He is a public speaker and strategic thinker with a wide intellectual range, bringing together business insight, historical perspective, and cultural curiosity—combining the instincts of a consultant with those of a historian and an explorer of ideas. In addition to consulting, he hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a weekly podcast discussing how business leaders themselves bring purpose into real strategic action. 

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 built on trust and long time horizons, and why collaborative strategy, people-centred innovation, and cultural alignment are essential to sustainable change.In their conversation, they explore:·       How mutuals and purpose-led organisations are experiencing a cultural resurgence.·       Why deeply collaborative strategy-building creates genuine buy-in during transformation.·       How people-centred process design can drive innovation across an entire sector.·       The role of financial institutions in enabling social mobility and long-term resilience.·       How to adopt new technologies, including AI, without compromising customer trust.·       Why a possibilist mindset is essential for leadership in periods of uncertainty and change.One Family: https://www.onefamily.com/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/Belden Menkus, Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, works with CEOs and senior leaders to align their strategy and purpose. Working with organisations where leadership is shared rather than centralised, Belden's work is defined by intellectual clarity, collaboration, and a commitment to practical results. Drawing on his experience at McKinsey & Company and decades spent advising complex organisations, he supports mid-sized institutions—particularly law firms and membership bodies—as they navigate strategic inflexion points and build enduring value during periods of uncertainty.He is a public speaker and strategic thinker with a wide intellectual range, bringing together business insight, historical perspective, and cultural curiosity—combining the instincts of a consultant with those of a historian and an explorer of ideas. In addition to consulting, he hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a weekly podcast discussing how business leaders themselves bring purpose into real strategic...

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 identify exceptional talent, while generating data that shows where ability is being overlooked. Joe reflects on how entrepreneurial discipline and knowing what not to do have enabled the organisation to scale impact without scaling its team.In their conversation, they explore:·       How a for-profit model can unlock new incentives for social change.·       What it means to compete for young people’s attention against major consumer platforms.·       Why collecting data early enables future breakthroughs.·       How impact and organisational growth are not the same thing.·       How technology can scale opportunity with precision — and change lives at scale.Zero Gravity: https://www.zerogravity.co.uk/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/Belden Menkus, Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, works with CEOs and senior leaders to align their strategy and purpose. Working with organisations where leadership is shared rather than centralised, Belden's work is defined by intellectual clarity, collaboration, and a commitment to practical results. Drawing on his experience at McKinsey & Company and decades spent advising complex organisations, he supports mid-sized institutions—particularly law firms and membership bodies—as they navigate strategic inflexion points and build enduring value during periods of uncertainty.He is a public speaker and strategic thinker with a wide intellectual range, bringing together business insight, historical perspective, and cultural curiosity—combining the instincts of a consultant with those of a historian and an explorer of ideas. In addition to consulting, he hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a weekly podcast discussing how business leaders themselves bring purpose into real strategic action. 

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 of involving people with lived experience at every stage, why accessibility can’t be an afterthought, and how balancing innovation with thoughtful design creates technology that genuinely improves lives. From navigating the complexities of 24 UK rail systems to adapting the platform for Japan, Jay offers an inside look at building a scalable, global model for inclusive travel.In their conversation, they explore:• The origin story behind Transreport and the inequality that sparked its creation.• How a hybrid B2C/B2B model maximises customer experience and operational value.• Why lived-experience users play a central role in product development.• The trade-offs between speed of innovation and accessible design.• How Transreport adapted its platform for Japan’s transport systems and communities.• The potential for AI to transform accessibility and rethink how disabled people interact with technology.• Why mission-aligned investors matter for long-term stability and purpose.• How prioritising accessibility ultimately creates better experiences for all passengers.Interested in learning more?Transreport: https://transreport.co.uk/Menkus and Associates: https://www.menkus.com/Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

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, and why flexibility is no longer “alternative” but increasingly the norm.In their conversation, they explore:• How Axiom’s strategy sits at the intersection of economic reality, technology disruption, and talent evolution.• Why flexibility is becoming the default model for in-house legal teams—and what this means for the profession.• The biggest misconceptions law leaders have about AI, and why organisational readiness matters more than tool selection.• How Axiom uses rapid piloting, data, and client feedback to drive innovation and value.• What it will take for legal leaders to seize the current moment of turbulence as an opportunity rather than a threat.Axiom: https://www.axiomlaw.com/en-gb/Menkus and Associates: https://www.menkus.com/Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

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 reflects on the challenges of sustaining a legacy institution in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, and how clarity of purpose, consistent leadership, and trust form the foundation for meaningful transformation.In their conversation, they explore:• How to lead legacy organisations through change without losing their soul.• Why clarity of purpose drives effective strategy and execution.• How to align operational rigour with humanity and kindness in leadership.• The importance of trust, mentorship, and consistency in building strong teams.• How to ensure innovation solves real problems and delivers measurable value.• Why supporting people to grow—both within and beyond the organisation—strengthens culture and impact.King Edward VII’s Hospital: https://www.kingedwardvii.co.uk/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/ Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

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 over two decades in global finance, he shares how commercial discipline and purpose can work hand in hand to create scalable impact.In their conversation, they explore:• How Bboxx’s “super platform” model integrates technology, finance, and community partnerships.• Why bridging the gap between impact, change, and financing is essential for lasting development.• The importance of structuring purpose-driven ventures for financial sustainability.• How subsidies and partnerships with governments in Nigeria and Rwanda are expanding access.• The multiplier effects of energy access—from education to agriculture and healthcare.• Why Anthony believes in creating “impact credits” for saving lives.• How redefining what success looks like can unlock new models of growth and inclusion.Find more about Bboxx here: https://www.bboxx.com/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/ Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

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 KERB balances commercial success with social enterprise roots.• The lessons from international expansion and why no two KERB sites are the same.• How community and customer feedback guide their next phase of growth.• Why authenticity and partnership—not solely ‘landlordship’—define KERB’s model.• New frontiers for impact, from food waste and supply chains to sector-wide advocacy.Simon offers a candid, forward-looking perspective on how to scale without losing the flavour, community, and fun that make KERB unique.Learn more about KERB’s story and locations here: https://www.kerbfood.com/Menkus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/ Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

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, and Weightmans’ embrace of AI and generative technologies. She discusses how Weightmans is evolving to meet client demand, expand internationally, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing legal landscape.In their conversation, they explore:• How “see the possibility” became the firm’s purpose and a guiding lens for strategy.• Why culture and collaboration sit at the centre of Weightmans’ success.• How they are using technology and AI to drive both internal efficiency and client innovation.• The importance of strong leadership teams and long-term succession planning.• What it means to lead with integrity, trust, and curiosity in today’s profession.Weightmans’ website: https://www.weightmans.com/Belden is the founder and Managing Director of MenKus & Associates, a consulting and CEO advisory firm that helps leaders fully activate their organisation’s potential to succeed. MenKus and Associates helps top teams develop purposeful strategies and then turn their intentions into action and results. Their approach is to be a strategic catalyst and thought partner, creating alignment, clarity and action.Menkus & Associates website: https://www.menkus.com/

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 move on from B Corp while still using its principles to shape Oakland’s decisions about clients, culture, and social issues.• Why moments of challenge reveal more about leadership than smooth growth.• The role of AI in consultancy and where human connection still creates value.• What it takes to prepare the next generation of leaders.Richard offers a candid, values-driven perspective on leading through change and staying true to purpose.The Oakland Group: https://weareoakland.com/Belden is the founder and Managing Director of MenKus & Associates, a consulting and CEO advisory firm that helps leaders fully activate their organisation’s potential to succeed. MenKus and Associates helps top teams develop purposeful strategies and then turn their intentions into action and results. Their approach is to be a strategic catalyst and thought partner, creating alignment, clarity and action.Menkus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

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 outcomes.• Why gold-standard building design and a customer orientation are essential for value creation in real estate.• Lessons Simon brings from retail real estate, where digital disruption reshaped what physical spaces must deliver.• Paul’s perspective on culture, autonomy, and partnership as the real drivers of success in healthcare environments.• The role of tenant partnerships, net promoter indicators, and system-wide collaboration in shaping a new paradigm for healthcare real estate.• What future shifts in policy and funding could mean for how users experience healthcare across Europe.Simon and Paul show how purpose, culture, and strategy can align to create healthcare spaces that truly heal—offering a glimpse into the next era of healthcare real estate.Northwest Healthcare REIT: https://www.nwhreit.com/Living Work Consulting: https://livingworkconsulting.com/Belden is the founder and Managing Director of MenKus & Associates, a consulting and CEO advisory firm that helps leaders fully activate their organisation’s potential to succeed. MenKus and Associates helps top teams develop purposeful strategies and then turn their intentions into action and results. Their approach is to be a strategic catalyst and thought partner, creating alignment, clarity and action.Menkus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

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 strategy resets to succession planning, she offers an inside look at how the firm is aligning its people behind ambitious growth while staying true to its culture.In their conversation, they explore:• How open feedback and authentic communication build trust and collaboration.• Why a firm-wide strategy reset was critical to aligning partners and staff behind a shared vision.• How rebranding elevated HaysMac’s market position and better reflects its people.• The importance of nurturing home-grown talent and creating clear career pathways.• Why promotions should be based on readiness, not time served.• How diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded into day-to-day practice.• How embracing “butterflies in your stomach” moments drives personal and professional growth.HaysMac: https://haysmac.com/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

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 breakthrough innovation. She also explores what it will take to move beyond talk and achieve real behaviour change in the investment ecosystem.This conversation covers:·       Why launching an EIS fund could make early-stage investment more accessible for investors.·       The challenges of a tougher economic environment—and the opportunities it still presents.·       How a low-fee model and partnership with Syndicate Room lowers barriers for investors.·       The importance of community and collective intelligence in due diligence.·       Examples of innovation already backed, from fertility alternatives to motion capture tech.·       Why building a pipeline of future women investors matters as much as funding founders.·       The gap between data showing female founders’ impact and the action investors are taking. Angel Academe: https://www.angelacademe.com/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

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 NGN is navigating the controversy around hydrogen for heat, the government’s growing focus on electrification, and the need to diversify energy sources for security and resilience. At the same time, he highlights the cultural shifts inside NGN.This conversation covers:·       Why hydrogen remains central to industrial energy, even as electrification dominates government priorities.·       The importance of pragmatism in balancing net-zero ambitions with affordability for customers.·       How industry collaboration and leadership are critical in times of adversity.·       NGN’s approach to culture: accountability, citizenship, and listening to communities.·       Building resilience through supply chain development, job protection, and sector-wide cooperation.·       Why putting people first—customers, communities, and colleagues—is the foundation for lasting impact. Northern Gas Networks: https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

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 appearance, and how the Institution is helping members navigate complex shifts in skills, risk appetite, and public expectations.In their conversation, they explore:• Why transport is the “glue” of society—and why its value must be made more visible.• How CIHT has embedded climate action, equity, and inclusion into its core decision-making frameworks.• The evolving role of professional bodies in setting standards, shaping culture, and holding government accountable.• Challenges around the green skills gap—and how to make the sector more attractive and future-ready.• The opportunities and limits of AI as a tool for change in infrastructure planning and delivery.• What it takes to lead cultural change through “soft influence” and qualitative success.• How CIHT is expanding its international outlook and adapting to structural shifts like devolution.• The importance of knowing what aligns with your purpose—and learning to say no to everything else.CIHT: https://www.ciht.org.uk/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

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 solutions involve AI, sometimes they don’t — but when they do, Rosie ensures they are implemented at the right time, in the right way, and with the right safeguards.In their conversation, they discuss:• Why solving the right problem sometimes means not using AI at all• Scaling up skills across the firm to use AI effectively and responsibly• Enhancing evaluation frameworks for AI tools before adoption• Exploring generative AI in client portals to improve transparency and service• Balancing internal innovation with growing client expectations• The risks of rushing untested AI products to market• Why Rosie believes AI’s transformation of law will be profound but not instantaneous• Keeping client benefit and team wellbeing equally at the heart of AI adoptionBrabners: https://www.brabners.com/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

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 leaders.In their conversation, they discuss:·       Why procurement and supply have never been more vital to sustainability, national economies, and society·       Acting as a global voice for the profession and a thought leader in the field·       Moving industry debates toward long-term thinking and away from short-term fixes·       Building a “shared consciousness” across a diverse, international membership·       Helping countries and organisations understand skills gaps and set global standards·       Navigating the world’s deep dependence on China and its tightly wound supply networks·       How CIPS is evolving to meet future challenges and encourage more innovative thinking·       Showcasing meaningful career paths in procurement and supply to attract new talentCIPS: https://www.cips.org/MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/