Purposing

Talent and customers choose companies with purpose over those who only prioritise profit. Businesses must step up or get left behind. But where to start? Purposing speaks with leaders from some of the world’s most recognised brands to discover how they built purpose into their businesses. Join CEO of Given Agency, Becky Willan and a host of guests as they demystify this misunderstood topic into clear, actionable advice you can use in your own business. Why did John Lewis Partnership modernise their purpose in the midst of a global pandemic? How did The Body Shop make their purpose matter to everyone in their business? What are Lloyds Banking Group doing to make decisions differently, to help Britain prosper? All this and more on this season of Purposing.

Can your cuppa change a global industry? Putting the tea in sustainability | Gareth Mead, Lipton

We all love a cuppa, but did you know the contents of the mug in your hands could hold the key to transforming global value chains?in this episode, Becky is joined by Gareth Mead, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer at Lipton Teas and Infusions, the world’s largest tea company.Gareth is responsible for shaping how the business defines and delivers its sustainability ambitions. With two decades of experience in corporate affairs, he’s helped some of the world’s biggest brands find their voice and their values.In this conversation, you’ll hear how Lipton is rethinking the role of business in creating “value for all, the realities of embedding positive social and environmental impact in a complex, global system. They also explore why the future of sustainable business depends on transparency and collaboration. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

11-25
34:25

Mutual benefits: How YBS enacts purpose to make financial services mutual, meaningful and member-led | Susan Allen, YBS

What if decisions were not just owned by stakeholders, but shaped by the customers themselves? In this Episode, Becky is joined by Susan Allen. Susan is leading the organisation at a time when financial services must do more than deliver profits. They must build trust, resilience, and create lasting value for their members and communities. In this conversation, you’ll hear how a mutual organisation can support financial resilience and inclusion in times of economic uncertainty, why creating the right culture is central to delivering both social good and commercial success and what it takes for leaders to embed purpose meaningfully, so it shapes decisions from the boardroom to the branch floor.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

11-11
33:49

What the 'purpose gap' reveals about leadership and trust (and 3 THINGS needed to get employees to stay) | Sarah Gillard and Ben Hayman

 Some estimates put the cost of replacing an employee in the UK at 25,000 pounds. And with one in five people considering leaving their roles, that really adds up. It's not just about risk, it's about missed opportunity. In this episode, Becky is joined by Sarah Gillard, CEO of A Blueprint for Better Business, a not-for-profit that helps organisations define and live their purpose. Sarah’s work aims to create a better society through better business, helping senior executives navigate the tension between profit, purpose, and long-term impact.She's also joined by Ben Hayman, Managing Partner at Given, to explore insights from this year’s Purpose Gap research, exploring the disconnect between what companies say about purpose and what employees actually experience day to day.In this conversation, you’ll hear why business purpose still matters, even in a polarised, uncertain world. We also delve into what the growing “purpose gap” reveals about trust, leadership, and communication, and how leaders can bring clarity, conviction, and humanity back into decision-making.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

10-28
35:41

WWF’s innovative new model to fund wildlife conservation | Stanley Anyetei, WWF

In this episode Becky is joined by Stanley Anyetei, Financing Green Lead at WWF Netherlands. Stanley is helping to redefine how conservation is funded, shifting from traditional philanthropy to innovative financial models that bring in private capital and long-term resilience.In this conversation, you’ll hear why WWF is evolving its funding strategy in response to shrinking public and philanthropic finance, how impact investing brings discipline and scale to conservation and what not-for-profits need to unlock investment-ready solutionsDo you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

10-14
36:55

What is sustainable finance?: 3 steps to access cheaper, long-term finance and create impact | Vijay Bains, Emirates NBD Group

In this episode, Becky is joined by Vijay Bains, Group Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of ESG at Emirates NBD. With a career spanning climate science research, consulting, and corporate leadership, Vijay is leading the charge to embed sustainability at the heart of one of the Middle East’s largest banks, pushing the boundaries of what it means for financial institutions to take responsibility in shaping a more sustainable future. They explore why sustainable finance is not just a technical exercise, but a real opportunity for cheaper, longer-term capital and strategic partnerships, how embedding sustainability into governance, risk management, and remuneration can transform organizational behavior and what it looks like to pioneer initiatives like reversing the gender pay gap, operational emissions reductions, and climate finance disclosures.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

09-30
35:44

Unlocking influence and creating change as an individual | Arabella Ellis, Co-Founder of Gyre

The role of the sustainability leader is rapidly shifting. It’s no longer just about technical expertise – it’s about navigating complexity, unlocking influence, and leading transformation. So how do you actually do it?In today's episode, I’m joined by Arabella Ellis, cofounder of Gyre, and a seasoned leadership consultant and coach. With deep expertise in organisational psychology, she helps sustainability leaders connect with purpose, expand their influence, and show up with clarity, even in the messiest of systems.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

07-15
34:02

Uniting Purpose and Storytelling to Drive Sustainability at Virgin | Darshna Myronidis, Group Director of Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing priority for organisations, but driving it forward can feel challenging and uninspiring. So how can we make it more engaging for teams while still delivering real impact?This week, Becky is joined by Darshna Myronidis, Group Director of Sustainability at Virgin. With over 20 years of experience, Darsh is now leading Virgin’s efforts to embed sustainability into the heart of the business, harnessing the power of storytelling and innovation to drive meaningful social and environmental impact.In this conversation, you’ll hear how flipping traditional sustainability roles on their head can create space for real systems change, how to balance compliance and regulation with a future-focused, value-creating sustainability strategy and why fun, collaboration, and bravery are more powerful than ever.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

07-01
34:31

A greener route: Decarbonising Europe's largest delivery network: Caryn-Ann Allen, Geopost

Cutting emissions is crucial for the planet. But how can we effectively shift the mindsets and behaviors of suppliers whose practices have a significant environmental impact?In this episode, Becky is joined by Caryn-Ann Allen, Group Associate Director for Sustainability at Geopost. Caryn is currently leading the charge on decarbonising Europe’s largest parcel delivery network, championing the power of collaboration, policy, and mindset shifts to drive meaningful environmental impact.In this conversation, you’ll hear how transport and logistics, one of the world’s most carbon-intensive sectors, can become a driving force for climate action. They also explore how Geopost is cutting emissions across a complex, outsourced network and the role of policy, infrastructure, and governance in scaling cleaner delivery, and why clarity and long-term vision matter.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

06-17
32:14

Healing beyond healthcare: The role of sustainability in shaping Bupa’s vision for people and planet | Nigel Sullivan

What role can sustainability play in improving both the health of people and of the planet?In this episode, Becky is joined by Nigel Sullivan, Chief Sustainability & People Officer at Bupa. Currently leading their global push to integrate purpose at the heart of healthcare, Nigel is championing the intersection of human and planetary health to drive lasting impact across communities worldwide.In this conversation, you’ll hear how Bupa’s purpose is transforming healthcare and guiding their global strategy, the role of sustainability in shaping Bupa’s future vision for people and planet and the key actions they are taking to create lasting impact in both healthcare and the environment.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

06-03
27:02

Championing the power of sport to drive meaningful social and environmental impact | Gemma Wiggs and Jamie McKeown, World Rugby

Sporting events can be truly transformative. But how do you create positive impact, long after the tournament ends?Today, Becky is joined by Gemma Wiggs and Jamie McKeown from World Rugby — the global governing body for rugby union and organisers of the Rugby World Cup. Gemma is Head of Tournament, Team & Rugby Services and is currently leading preparations for the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025. Jamie is World Rugby’s Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion ManagerIn this conversation, you'll hear how they’re making rugby more accessible and inclusive, and why this an essential driver of growth for the game and their top advice when using any kind of big moment to drive positive change that lasts.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

05-20
32:53

Avon Calling: A Purpose-Led Model for Women's Economic Empowerment | Natalie Deacon, Avon

When an organisation has had purpose in the heart of the business for decades, how do you ensure you keep that purpose fresh?Today, Becky is joined by Natalie Deacon, Executive Director of Purpose and Sustainability at Avon. Natalie has been an integral part of defining and articulating Avon’s purpose, with particular focus on gender equality, breast cancer awareness and violence against women and girls. In this conversation, you’ll hear how to keep your purpose fresh when it’s been a long-standing part of your brand, how to use reps on the ground to create change on a local level and how a direct selling model can help to empower women economically in today’s market. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

05-06
35:11

Driving innovation and change in urban mobility | Will Butler Adams, CEO at Brompton

Our cities have been built around the automobile. So how do we reclaim our streets to promote modes of transport that benefit both people and the environment?This week, Becky speaks to Will Butler Adams, CEO at Brompton. The company has inspired a whole new category within the bike industry and has become a force for positive change in urban mobility.In this conversation, you’ll hear how to build a purposeful culture that drives innovation and how it has helped fuel the success of the Brompton business.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

04-22
31:40

Top 5 tips for 2025: Creating a culture that attracts and retains top talent

At this time of year, around one in ten of your workforce is looking for new jobs. And nearly half of employees are considering leaving their job due to employers failing to live up to their stated values and purpose. So what does it take to have a good business culture, and what role does purpose have in creating the culture that attracts - and retains - talent? In this best bits special episode, we’re looking back at some of our favourite interviews from series 3, with tips and examples from the people who have been there and done it…We’ll take you through five actionable steps for 2025 to build performance culture through purpose.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

02-04
18:13

Breaking the glass ceiling through purpose: Finding Formula 1's first female driver with Ali Donnelly, More Than Equal

Less than 10% of all motorsports participation is female. And low statistics like this transcend across the sporting world compared to male athletes. With so many myths, stigmas and systemic barriers, how do you break the glass ceiling and allow these champions to take the wheel? Today, Becky is joined with Ali Donnelly, CEO of More Than Equal, the global not for profit organisation with a mission to find and develop the world's first female Formula One champion. actionable In this conversation, we'll explore how to create positive change in the system through one of the most important cultural lenses out there, sport.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

10-31
30:31

Executing global purpose strategy with local impact with Alma Alejandro

Having the right global purpose strategy to create change is essential. But how do you make sure it also has local impact? Today, Becky is joined by Alma Alejandro, Marketing Director for Global Intimate Health and Wellness Brands at Kimberley Clark. In this conversation, we'll be exploring how to drive global impact with the right global purpose strategy and how to demonstrate results.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

10-17
34:10

Climate Week NYC Special with Stuart McLachlan and Annabelle Stamm, Anthesis

This episode is a Climate Week special, in which we’ll be getting an insider’s view of New York Climate Week - the people there, the key events, trends and topics.This year’s theme is ‘It’s Time‘, emphasises the urgency of climate action and spotlight businesses, organisations, and governments already driving momentum and breaking down barriers to progress. Today, Becky is joined by Annabelle Stamm and Stuart McLachlan, who were on the ground at Climate Week representing Anthesis, a company committed to driving sustainable performance. They spent the week bringing together clients and organisations to address challenges, break down obstacles, and accelerate meaningful change.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.To learn more about sustainable performance, follow Anthesis on Linkedin.

10-01
30:30

Driving long-term success in a family owned business with Steve Beechey, Group Public Sector Director at the Wates Group

Family-owned businesses are truly unique, serving as the embodiment of tradition, community, and legacy. But how do these qualities shape their sense of purpose? More importantly, can the core values that define family businesses be infused throughout an entire organisation, driving culture and long-term success?Today, Becky is joined by Steve Beechey, Group Public Sector Director at the Wates Group. In this conversation, they’ll be discussing how Wates designed, shared and implemented purpose in a family owned business.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

09-19
30:08

Can the creative arts slow down climate change? With Polly Mackenzie, Chief Social Purpose Officer at UAL

Creative expression brings joy, purpose, and meaning to human lives. More than that, it is the definition of the possible, the desirable and the tactical. But can the next generation actually use the arts to tackle climate change and help to build more equitable prosperity?Today, Becky is joined by Polly Mackenzie, Chief Social Purpose Officer at the University of Arts London and former Head of Policy for the Deputy Prime Minister. In this conversation, they’ll be discussing how creativity needs purpose and how purpose needs creativity to create true social impact for society and the planet.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

09-05
27:56

How to build corporate reputation through purpose with Claire Hawkins, Director of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Phoenix Group

Corporate reputation is more important than ever. Potential customers are not only looking at the services an organisation provides, but its public visual identity and how it makes a difference to society. But how do you build authentic corporate reputation through purpose and, in turn, create value?Today, Becky is joined by Claire Hawkins, Director of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Phoenix Group, The UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement business. In this conversation, they’ll be discussing how to build corporate reputation by putting purpose at the heart of innovation and how to navigate the risks that come with using your voice to create change.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.This is a Flamingo Media production brought to you by Given

08-22
32:02

When to change your purpose with Chris Jackson, Group Head of Colleague Experience at Centrica

Having purpose at the heart of your business is essential for meaningful brand impact. It’s also essential that your purpose is understood by all areas of your organisation. But with growth, unpredictable change and societal shifts, can your purpose become irrelevant? Was it clear enough to begin with? And how do you know when it’s time to change your purpose? Today, Becky is joined with Chris Jackson, Group Head of Colleague Experience at Centrica, Leading energy services and solutions provider focused on energising a greener, fairer future. In this conversation, they’ll be discussing when it’s time to change your purpose and how to implement a new one that is clear and understood across your organisation.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

08-08
34:21

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