Given - Part of Anthesis

Purposing

A Management , Business and Education podcast

#59 in Management · 🇮🇪 #122 in Management · 🇬🇧

About the show

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.

Newest episodes

Why tech and sustainability make the best of bedfellows: Inside ServiceNow’s approach to change | Lyndsay Harris-Kyei

Nov 10, 2026 34 min

What does it take to make sustainability part of the way a business thinks, operates and grows? And how can sustainability teams connect their work to business priorities, from customer needs and efficiency to innovation and revenue? In this episode, Becky is joined by Lyndsay Harris-Kyei, VP, Global Impact & Chief Sustainability Officer at ServiceNow. Drawing on ServiceNow’s journey to embed sustainability across its business and products, Lyndsay shares how the company is bringing sustainability into everyday decision-making and connecting its impact ambitions with business growth. In this conversation, you’ll hear why sustainability needs to be part of the fabric of a business rather than a standalone function, how teams can make the case for sustainability in terms of business value, and why the role of the Chief Sustainability Officer is evolving. Lyndsay also explores how AI and technology can help sustainability teams work more effectively, the importance of responsible AI governance, and why collaboration across industries and supply chains is essential to scaling progress. This conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders, sustainability professionals and anyone looking to understand how sustainability can become a driver of business resilience, innovation and long-term growth.

How fair are bananas? What Fyffes learned from a workers rights crisis in its value chain | Caoimhe Buckley

Oct 27, 2026 37 min

What does it take to make a global supply chain more sustainable? And how can businesses address the human rights and environmental challenges behind everyday products like bananas? In this episode, Becky is joined by Caoimhe Buckley, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Fyffes. Drawing on Fyffes’ journey to strengthen its approach to human rights and sustainability, Caoimhe shares how the company has worked to better understand the impacts of its supply chain and create meaningful change in the communities connected to its business. In this conversation, you’ll hear how a human rights crisis became a turning point for Fyffes, why listening to communities and building long-term partnerships are essential to progress, and how businesses can work with farmers and suppliers to improve outcomes for people and the planet. Caoimhe also explores the challenges of banana pricing, the role of shared investment, and how approaches such as regenerative agriculture can contribute to a more sustainable future. This conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders, sustainability professionals and anyone looking to understand how businesses can take greater responsibility for their supply chains and turn sustainability commitments into lasting impact.

What if supermarkets could end food poverty? The Iceland Food Club story | Hilary Berg

Oct 13, 2026 39 min

What does it take to turn a good idea into meaningful social change? And how can businesses work with communities to tackle real-world problems like food insecurity in ways that create lasting impact? In this episode, Becky is joined by Hilary Berg, a social innovation leader whose work spans initiatives including Iceland’s Food Club and projects with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Drawing on her experience bringing businesses, charities and communities together, Hilary explores what it really takes to move from good intentions to solutions that make a difference. In this conversation, you’ll hear why effective social innovation starts with listening to the people experiencing a problem, how the right partnerships can turn an idea into action, and why testing, learning and adapting are essential to creating solutions that work. Hilary also shares insights on building support within organisations, challenging traditional ways of thinking, and creating social impact that can grow beyond a single project. This conversation provides a wealth of practical advice for business leaders, sustainability and CSR professionals, and anyone looking to make social impact more meaningful, collaborative and sustainable.

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All episodes

Why tech and sustainability make the best of bedfellows: Inside ServiceNow’s approach to change | Lyndsay Harris-Kyei

Nov 10, 2026 34 min

How fair are bananas? What Fyffes learned from a workers rights crisis in its value chain | Caoimhe Buckley

Oct 27, 2026 37 min

What if supermarkets could end food poverty? The Iceland Food Club story | Hilary Berg

Oct 13, 2026 39 min

LIVE from New York Climate Week: Finding the Actionable Edge

Sep 29, 2026 48 min

Sustainability has spent years building the business case, but the low-hanging fruit has largely been picked. The challenge now is finding the more difficult, higher-value opportunities that can drive growth and resilience. In this special live episode of Purposing, Becky is on the ground in New York for Climate Week, exploring how organisations can move from sustainability ambition to action, and build strategies that deliver both business value and positive impact. Joining Becky for this discussion is an expert panel of sustainability leaders: Kevin Eckerle, Head of Environmental Affairs at Bayer Consumer HealthMarissa Saretsky, Chief Sustainability Officer at OpellaEric Johnston, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Nestlé Waters & Premium BeveragesApril LaCroix, Global Head of Strategy at Anthesis In this conversation, you’ll hear how sustainability leaders are turning carbon into capital, making the case for investment and finding the “Actionable Edge”, where ambitious ideas meet practical action. And listen out for a few hot takes along the way, along with questions from the audience on what it really takes to turn sustainability into business value. Want to dig deeper into ROI² and the Actionable Edge? Download the report HERE: https://www.anthesisgroup.com/insights/high-hanging-fruit-actionable-edge/ Learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful. You can download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE: https://givenagency.com/insidersguide/

James Reed: "Socialism and Capitalism don't work, but THIS works." - How becoming PhilCo forces long-term strength, not short-term extraction.

Feb 3, 2026 31 min

In this episode, Becky is joined by James Reed, Chairman and CEO of Reed, one of the UK’s most recognisable and successful family-owned businesses. James is also the author of Karma Capitalism, a bold vision for a more ethical and purpose-driven approach to business. Becky and James explore what Karma Capitalism looks like in practice and whether responsible, values-led business models can truly thrive amid today’s economic uncertainty, growing inequality, and rapid technological change. How philanthropy-owned companies, often referred to as “Philcos”, are redefining corporate ownership, challenging traditional shareholder models, and reshaping how businesses behave, grow, and succeed over the long term. Why James believes some ESG frameworks fall short of delivering real impact, and what meaningful execution, accountability, and ethical leadership actually look like in modern organisations. As AI reshapes the world of work, James shares his perspective on the future of employment and the critical role that government policy, public funding, and education will play in supporting workers and businesses alike. This episode dives deep into ethical capitalism, corporate responsibility, sustainable business models, and AI’s impact on employment, offering practical insight for founders, CEOs, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of business in the UK and beyond. 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.

The sustainable return on investment framework: Proving profit, people and performance can align | Emilio Tenuta

Jan 20, 2026 37 min

This week Becky is joined by Emilio Tenuta, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab. With more than three decades working at the intersection of business and sustainability, Emilio has helped shape how one of the world’s largest B2B companies approaches growth, impact and responsibility, and how those priorities can be designed to work together. We talk about Ecolab’s Exponential Return on Investment approach and what it shows about the link between sustainability, organisational effectiveness and profitability. We also explore why water, often overlooked in the climate conversation, is fast becoming a defining business issue, from resilience and risk to operational performance. The conversation looks at how purpose is embedded at scale at Ecolab through measurable outcomes, practical partnerships and a focus on execution in the real world. 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.

The sustainability agenda 2026: Where leaders should focus their attention | Matthew Bell, CEO of Anthesis

Jan 6, 2026 39 min

What lies ahead in shaping the sustainability agenda in 2026? And what do leaders need to be preparing for to drive real-world change whilst driving profit? Today, Becky is joined by Matt Bell, the new CEO at Anthesis, for a more forward-looking, strategic conversation on what lies ahead. In this conversation, you’ll hear where leaders should focus their attention in shaping this year's sustainability agenda, how the role of the CSO is evolving as sustainability moves from ambition to action, and what role AI can play and the capabilities that will separate the leaders from laggards. 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.

When your purpose stops landing: How Legal & General rebuilt theirs and how you can too | Emma Hardaker-Jones

Dec 9, 2025 33 min

When a company built on purpose realises its purpose no longer lands, everything has to be re-examined. Even the language that once united it. So how do leaders reshape something so emotional, so foundational, without breaking what made it powerful in the first place? In this episode, Becky is joined by Emma Hardaker-Jones, Group Chief People and Transformation Officer at Legal & General. Emma has played a central role in defining Legal & General’s most recent chapter, with a big focus on purpose and culture. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Legal & General reshaped their purpose to make it meaningful for every colleague, from the boardroom to the phone lines. They they unpick what it takes to hardwire culture change into leadership behaviour and why balancing head and heart is essential for building a purpose-driven 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.

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

Nov 25, 2025 34 min

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.

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

Nov 11, 2025 33 min

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.

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

Oct 28, 2025 35 min

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.

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

Oct 14, 2025 36 min

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 solutions 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.

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

Sep 30, 2025 35 min

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.

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

Jul 15, 2025 34 min

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.

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

Jul 1, 2025 34 min

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.

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

Jun 17, 2025 32 min

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.

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

Jun 3, 2025 27 min

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.

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

May 20, 2025 32 min

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 Manager In 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.

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

May 6, 2025 35 min

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.

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

Apr 22, 2025 31 min

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.

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

Feb 4, 2025 18 min

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.

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

Oct 31, 2024 30 min

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.

Executing global purpose strategy with local impact with Alma Alejandro

Oct 17, 2024 34 min

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.

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

Oct 1, 2024 30 min

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.

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

Sep 19, 2024 30 min

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.

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

Sep 5, 2024 27 min

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.

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

Aug 22, 2024 32 min

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

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

Aug 8, 2024 34 min

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.

How to measure meaningful brand impact with Mitch Oliver, Global VP of Brand and Purpose at Mars Inc.

Jul 25, 2024 33 min

The idea of brand purpose is pretty contested within marketing. Critics are claiming that we’ve reached ‘peak purpose’ and are calling for people in advertising to stop trying to save the world and get back to selling stuff. But is this true, or have we actually reached another level of maturity when it comes to purpose? With consumers more switched on to social change than ever, marketers have a responsibility to create meaningful impact as well as driving sales. But how do you measure meaningful brand impact? Today, Becky Willan is joined by Mitch Oliver, Global VP of Brand and Purpose at Mars Inc - a multinational manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products and the fourth-largest privately held company in the United States. In this conversation, we’ll be discussing how to translate a business’s purpose into meaningful and measurable brand impact - across different markets, categories and products. 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. Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

Trailer: Purposing Season 3

Jul 25, 2024 1 min

This year, many businesses are finding it tougher than ever. So wouldn’t it be easier to put purpose and sustainability on the back burner? At least until it feels like there’s less of a trade off with profit… What if I told you that despite the current economic climate, some of the world’s leading organisations are taking an entirely different approach, prioritising purpose as a fundamental driver of organisational performance? And they are thriving. I’m Becky Willan, CEO of Given, back with a 3rd season of Purposing, the podcast that lifts the lid on how to run a truly purpose-driven business. With more leaders worried about ESG backlash, and purpose being seen as a distraction from commercial priorities, we’re bringing you brilliant guests who are committed to doing purpose properly - and are reaping the rewards. They’re leaders in organisations like Mars, Kimberly Clark, Centrica and many more. Together we demystify this often misunderstood topic, as they share their successes, learnings and actionable advice to help you to put purpose at the heart of your 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.

If we don’t fix the market, we won’t fix climate change with Steve Waygood, Chief Responsible Investment Officer at Aviva Investors

Aug 1, 2023 30 min

The science on climate change is clear: the planet is heating at an alarming rate. We’re already at risk of breaching the limits set in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Rapid action is needed to ensure net zero pledges are kept and sustainable practices are implemented across business. No amount of disclosure or engagement will correct the course we’re on if businesses and business leaders don’t fix the fundamental market failures that are driving climate change. Today, Becky Willan is joined by Steve Waygood, Chief Responsible Investment Officer at Aviva Investors to discuss the financial and economic arguments for tough, fast action on the climate emergency. Steve’s been at the heart of sustainable finance since the 1990s, witnessing its growth in ambition, scale and influence every year. Working with the World Wide Fund for Nature straight out of university, Steve established their ethical investment policy, and has been with Aviva Investors for almost two decades. 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.

Moving faster, aiming higher, and digging deeper - the role of advocacy in purpose-driven businesses, with Char Love from Natura&Co

Jul 20, 2023 32 min

The power to drive real change comes when every single person in the business feels that they are extended members of the advocacy team - but what are the principles that underpin a credible and impactful advocacy strategy? Today, Becky Willan is joined by Char Love, Global Director of Advocacy at Natura&Co, whose subsidiary brands include Avon and The Body Shop. Char has a track record of working with sustainable business - co-founding corporate sustainability thinktank VOLANS and later launching B Lab UK, to help businesses on the journey to becoming certified B Corps. Char’s new role in advocacy with Natura&Co has seen her developing and embedding the principles of Authentic, Ambitious, Agency, Allyship, Activism into their advocacy strategy. 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.

Why systems-thinking is essential for purpose-led businesses, with Dr. Sally Uren, CEO, Forum for the Future

Jul 4, 2023 28 min

If businesses want to achieve anything more than incremental change which reinforces that system, we need a new way of operating. It’s true that the world is messy and complicated, but if we’re serious about delivering purpose and driving environmental and social change, we need to rewire the system around us so that we can all thrive in the future. When components of a system synchronize on shared aims, purpose can be better achieved. So how can systems thinking benefit people and the planet? In this episode, Becky Willan talks to Sally Uren, CEO of Forum for the Future. Forum was founded in 1996 with the aim of advancing the goals of sustainability. As non-profit organisation, Forum works with with business, governments and civil society to accelerate the shift towards a just and regenerative future. Sally received an OBE in the 2017 for her efforts in making business more sustainable. 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.

How Ben & Jerry’s put fearless activism at the core of their social mission

Jun 20, 2023 30 min

We need businesses and brands to have a tangible, positive impact on the world. Employees, customers and consumers expect it; they want to see the companies they work for and shop from take a stand on the issues they care about. But when those issues are complex and at times polarising, how does a business take action credibly and consistently, whether playing the role of advocates or activists? To mark World Refugee Day, Becky Willan talks to Jessie Macneil-Brown, Head of Social Mission Europe at Ben & Jerry’s. It’s not only an iconic global ice cream brand, it’s vocal on the the rights of refugees and asylum seekers - one of the biggest issues of our time. It’s a political battleground and fraught with tension in the media. But for Ben & Jerry’s, they’ve not been afraid to stand firm. Jessie tells us exactly how the brand has advocated for safe routes, and helped entrepreneurial refugees resettle and thrive in their new homes. In this episode you’ll learn how to maintain your stance in the face of criticism, create safe spaces for open dialogue, and educate your staff on the right language to use. - 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.

How to disrupt an industry through purpose with Hayley Still, CEO at Hydrogen Group

Jun 6, 2023 29 min

Recruitment is a commercially-driven industry where results and commissions keep the wheels turning. Few would expect purpose to be front and centre. But fundamentally, it’s an industry with people at its heart, and people are the drivers of purposeful change. So how can recruitment firms embed and activate purpose to transform their businesses? Today, host Becky Willan speaks to a leader who climbed her company ranks from Graduate Recruiter to CEO. Hayley Still’s journey to the top of Hydrogen Group has put her in a prime position to reshape purpose at the company. Now operating in 67 countries, Hydrogen merged with Argyll Scott in 2017 - and when Hayley took over as CEO in 2022 she saw an opportunity to cement that merger, catalyze new company-wide values and ignite a fresh purpose. In this episode, you’ll discover how you can disrupt an industry through purpose, and using moments of change to rearticulate and reinforce core values. 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.

The good growth story - how purpose, sustainability and innovation have built the Graze brand

May 23, 2023 28 min

Pioneers of purposeful business have been around for decades. Graze is a recent addition rewriting the snacking playbook for healthy people and planet. But what if balancing the needs of society with what's good for profits was required by law for every business? On this episode of Purposing, Becky Willan speaks to healthy snack CEO, Joanna Allen. She joined British supermarket staple Graze in 2020, believing customers shouldn't compromise between taste and nutrition. With this purpose built into everything Graze does, the business isn't afraid to lean into big decisions or tough conversations. And Joanna's taking these conversations beyond the four walls of the company. Reengineering product packaging to make it more sustainable meant new partnerships with suppliers. And beyond this, she's now a prominent campaigner for the Better Business Act. 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.

How purpose can unite teams and drive impact, with Cath Possamai, Talent Acquisition Director for Amazon in EMEA

May 10, 2023 31 min

Having a clear, actionable purpose that acts as a real North Star can help businesses attract and retain talent, build engaged workforces and drive innovation. But what if your starting point is diverse, disparate teams with completely different agendas? Today, host Becky Willan speaks to Cath Possamai, Talent Acquisition Director for Amazon in EMEA. Before arriving in tech, she led recruitment for the British Army as part of a struggling and much-scrutinised partnership with Capita. The two organisatons were culturally misaligned, but by co-creating a shared purpose, Cath was able to instigate a major reset. Now at Amazon, Cath’s found teams can operate like separate businesses - from Web Services to Devices to Stores - so building a unified purpose is an essential part of breaking down siloes and driving collaboration. In this episode, you’ll learn that focusing on incremental change - not just big promises - and upskilling leaders to bring purpose to life in a way that keeps it front of mind for everyone - can help you unlock the cultural benefits of 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.

How to unlock profit with purpose - what sustainability can do for your bottom line

Apr 25, 2023 27 min

Global supply chains and seasonal production gives fashion a big carbon footprint. We’ve heard a lot about this in fast fashion. But in the luxury space, the story is changing. Shoppers are conscious of where products come from, and how they impact the planet and people. But how can companies harness sustainability to drive purpose and growth? Today, host Becky Willan speaks to a Global Director of Sustainable Business reshaping purpose in fashion. Tom Berry has been at FARFETCH for 5 years - a company that connects customers in over 190 countries with 1,400 of the world’s best-known fashion brands, boutiques and department stores. Four years into launching their sustainability strategy, Positively FARFETCH, Tom is demonstrating clear commercial results from their groundbreaking approach. In this episode you’ll learn how FARFETCH embraces partnerships with forward-thinking start-ups, providing tangible solutions to the industry’s problems. And how small behavioural changes among company leaders, workforces and consumers, can help drive profit with 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.

Trailer: Purposing Season 2

Apr 25, 2023 1 min

It might feel like purpose is under attack from the “anti-woke” brigade. But that isn’t stopping leading companies rewiring their businesses around a different set of priorities - making them more sustainable, more inclusive, and, ultimately, more purposeful. Becky Willan, CEO of brand purpose agency Given, is back with a brand new season of Purposing - the podcast that lifts the lid on how to run a truly purpose-driven business. Last season we spoke with leaders from organisations like IKEA, The Body Shop and John Lewis Partnership to discover how they defined their purpose and put it to work in their business - boosting engagement, driving innovation and building better brands. This season, we’re back with more guests from Ben and Jerry’s, Farfetch, and Aviva and many more, to demystify this often misunderstood topic into clear, actionable advice you can use in your own 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.

How purpose catalyses growth at the world's most successful furniture retailer, IKEA

Feb 1, 2023 27 min

In the last episode of the first season of the Purposing podcast, Given CEO Becky Willan speaks to Simon Henzell-Thomas, Global Director Climate, Ingka Group (IKEA). The two discuss how purpose can catalyse positive change inside and outside a global organisation, the challenge of sustainable growth, and busting myths about the retail giant. Simon explains how IKEA is shifting to sustainable materials and business models at a scale that’s unimaginable for most companies and lifts the lid on the things that really make the difference - from circular and inclusive design approaches to investment management, governance and measurement. Listen to Purposing for the inside story on one of the world’s most respected purpose-driven businesses. 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 organizations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

Bringing environmental and social prosperity through purpose with Peter Simpson, CEO of Anglian Water

Jan 18, 2023 32 min

Rewiring a business around a new set of purpose-driven priorities is a huge undertaking. It can take several years and involve reassessing strategy, culture, innovation, and investment. Companies serious about purpose recognise that every decision either advances or detracts from the role they play in profitably solving problems for people and the planet. In her latest podcast episode, Given CEO Becky Willan spoke with Peter Simpson, CEO of Anglian Water and founding member and co-Chair of the University of Cambridge’s Corporate Leaders Group (CLG), about what it takes for businesses to play a meaningful role in the transition to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient and socially inclusive economy. Listen to Purposing to get the insider's story on how Peter has led Anglian Water’s transformation into a truly purpose-driven business, including the move to enshrine their purpose in the fabric of their company constitution; their Articles of Association. These efforts have been widely recognised in the UK; they were named Responsible Business of the Year in 2017, voted ‘best place to work’ in the UK by Glassdoor in 2019, and earned the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2020. 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. Links: BSI standard on purpose-LED business: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/standards/bsi-knowledge/sustainability/purpose-and-esg-standards/ Responsible Business Tracker by Business in the Community: https://www.bitc.org.uk/the-responsible-business-tracker/

Using purpose to drive growth, challenge inequality & tackle the climate crisis

Dec 7, 2022 36 min

Even if you’re not familiar with Reckitt, you’ll probably have some of their products in your home, including iconic household brands like Dettol, Finish, Strepsils or Durex. The company exists to “protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world.” As you’ll hear in today’s episode, they take this purpose seriously; and are working hard to embed it in every part of the Reckitt culture. The sixth episode of Purposing offers insight into the multinational company’s strategy to make purpose more than just brand positioning, building systems for measuring impact and adding substance to new product development. David Croft, Global Director of Sustainability at Reckitt, will share how they’re applying purpose to innovation, sustainability, and supply chain management - in a way that drives growth and makes a positive difference on inequality and climate change. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven brand from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

Making sustainable business transformation the engine of your purpose, with Esther Verburg, Executive Vice President of Sustainable Business and Innovation at Tommy Hilfiger Global & PVH Europe

Nov 23, 2022 31 min

When global fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger combined sustainability, inclusion and innovation in one team with a mission to drive purposeful business transformation, it was essential to embrace new ways of working. In her latest podcast episode, Given CEO Becky Willan spoke with Esther Verburg, Executive Vice President of Sustainable Business and Innovation at Tommy Hilfiger Global & PVH Europe, about how their unique approach has transformed what success means for their iconic brand. Listen to Purposing to get the insider's story on how Tommy Hilfiger brings purpose to life by deeply understanding customer needs, finding new ways of changemaking within the business, and combining diverse skills, experiences and perspectives under one mission. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven brand from the company that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders Guide to Purpose HERE.

Refreshing purpose in one of the original purpose-driven businesses with Nina Bhatia, Executive Director, Strategy & Commercial Development at John Lewis Partnership

Nov 9, 2022 28 min

During 2020’s Covid pandemic, high street retail faced a catastrophe. But the high street legend John Lewis Partnership saw it as an opportunity - to take the time to refresh their purpose and galvanise their 78.000 Partners. Today, Nina Bhatia, Executive Director, Strategy & Commercial Development at John Lewis Partnership, sits down with Given CEO and host Becky Willan to discuss how the Partnership’s Purpose became more vital than ever. Find out about the co-creative strategy used to update and embed their new purpose and how it's propelled John Lewis Partnership into bold new business areas outside traditional retail. This episode will help you identify the right time to reset your purpose agenda and show you how to implement a plan to embed and activate your purpose. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the original consultancy for purpose-driven businesses, that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose here.

Engaging leaders on purpose with Fiona Cannon

Oct 26, 2022 25 min

Building purpose into a business from the ground up is hard. No surprises there. But reinforcing a long-standing intention can be almost as tricky. This was the task Lloyds Banking Group undertook when they decided to double down on their ambition of ‘Helping Britain Prosper’. In this episode, host Becky Willan speaks with Lloyd Banking Group’s Sustainable Business Director Fiona Cannon about the challenge of embedding purpose in one of Britain’s largest banks. This episode will help ensure your purpose-driven mission is delivered with substance and is factored into every business decision. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from the company that’s helped some of the world's most influential organisations become more purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.

Making Purpose Personal with The Body Shop’s Jenny Whitehorn

Oct 12, 2022 24 min

It's one thing for C-suite executives to get excited about purpose. But what’s the point if that’s not reflected across the entire workforce? When the original activist beauty brand The Body Shop rewrote its purpose, the first question was: how do we get the message from the boardroom to the shop floor and help everyone understand, own and act on our purpose? Today, host Becky Willan sits down with The Body Shop’s Head Franchise Director for Latin America Jenny Whitehorn. We find out how they worked with psychologists to help a thousand employees discover their personal purpose, and what it took to land the message in 70 different countries in the midst of a global Pandemic. This episode will help you inspire your entire team to live their purpose at work. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven brand from the company that’s helped some of the world's most influential organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE. Note: At the time of recording, Jenny’s role was Global Customer Experience Director. She’s since moved to the role referenced above.

Why purpose driven businesses need to be more collaborative companies

Sep 28, 2022 26 min

Anyone interested in solving the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges will tell you that it can only be done through collaboration. No single business, NGO or government can do it alone. But that’s easier said than done. Charity Business In The Community (BITC) exists to help change that - by bringing organisations together to create a fairer and more sustainable world. Today, host Becky Willan sits down with Amanda MacKenzie OBE, BITC’s CEO. Becky discovers how BITC facilitated collaboration between arch rivals Mcdonald's and Burger King and how they mobilised businesses up and down the UK to make a difference for communities in response to COVID-19. This episode shows you how to make the case for deeper, more purposeful collaboration. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven brand from the company that’s helped some of the world's most influential organisations become more purposeful? Download the first and the second editions of the Insiders' Guide to Purpose here.

Trailer: Purposing

Sep 28, 2022 1 min

Does your company's approach help solve the world’s problems? If not, it might be time to take action for the future of your business and the planet. Join CEO of Given Agency, Becky Willan and guests from some of the world's biggest brands to discover what it takes to become a truly purposeful business. New episodes air every second Wednesday.

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Podcast details

Created by: Given - Part of Anthesis
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 10, 2026
Episodes: 48
Release period: Every two weeks
Avg. episode length: 30 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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