Host Tim Beynon is joined by guest co-host Claire Stanley - Director of Policy and Communications at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising - for an honest and at times personal conversation about what it really takes for women to reach the top in the fundraising and third sector. Despite women making up 60% of the charity workforce, only 32 of the top 100 charities are led by women.

The episode features an in-depth interview with Anna Lord, CEO of Ethiopiaid UK, and Monwara Ali MBE, motivational speaker and women in leadership coach, covering the gender pay gap, the compounded barriers facing women from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, the role of mentorship, and what organisations need to change structurally to open up leadership for women.

Drawing on data showing that the gender pay gap in the sector stands at 10.6% - equivalent to nearly £7,000 a year - and that only 6% of charity CEOs identify as Asian or from a minoritised ethnic background, this episode makes a powerful case for why the sector must move beyond conversation and into action.

The discussion also explores imposter syndrome, the impact of maternity leave on career progression and the importance of backing yourself - and each other.

Meet the Guests

Anna Lord, CEO, Ethiopiaid UK

Anna has worked for Ethiopiaid for 11 years, stepping into the CEO role almost a year before this episode was recorded. Ethiopiaid was founded in 1989 and operates a partner-led model, supporting 14 Ethiopian charities across areas including maternal health, disability, education, emergency relief, and increasingly, climate change mitigation. The organisation has a team of 12 and Anna is passionate about creating an empowering culture in which every team member feels able to take the lead.

Monwara Ali MBE, Motivational speaker and women in leadership coach

Monwara has worked across the charity sector for over 32 years, from youth work and women's refuges to Camden local authority and a 15-year stint as CEO of Waltham Forest Community Hub. She is now a motivational speaker, coach and mentor specialising in helping women grow into leadership roles. She also leads mountain-climbing retreats, including trips to Snowdon and Austria, as a tool for building confidence and resilience.

Monwara was awarded an MBE in the King's New Year's Honours List 2026.

Connect with our guests and contributors

Claire Stanley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairestanleypr/

Anna Lord - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-lord-ethiopiaid/ 

Monwara Ali MBE - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monwara-ali/ 

Be a part of the show

We really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...

• Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-us
• Send us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraising

Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Host Tim Beynon is joined by guest co-host Damian Chapman - Chartered Institute of Fundraising trustee, founder of Fundraiser in the Room, and chair of ROGARE fundraising think tank - for an unflinching conversation about inappropriate donor behaviour, power imbalances in fundraising relationships and why donor codes of conduct are essential to creating safer working environments for fundraisers.

The episode features an in-depth interview with Antonia Brownlee, Director of Philanthropy at Scottish Ballet, who shares the organisation's journey in developing and implementing donor guiding principles. Antonia discusses the challenges of addressing inappropriate behaviour, the importance of leadership buy-in, and the positive impact the guidelines have had across the entire organisation - particularly on dancers who engage with donors at events.

Drawing on shocking research from ROGARE showing that 51% of fundraisers have experienced behaviour from donors that made them feel physically or mentally unsafe, and that three quarters have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their careers, this episode makes a powerful case for why the sector must act now to protect fundraisers whilst maintaining strong donor relationships.

The discussion challenges the long-held assumption that fundraisers must simply tolerate inappropriate behaviour as "part of the job", and demonstrates that implementing clear boundaries actually strengthens organisations rather than weakening them.

Guests and contributors

Damian Chapman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchapmanuk/
Trustee, Chartered Institute of Fundraising
Founder, Fundraiser in the Room
Chair, ROGARE fundraising think tank

Antonia Brownlee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-brownlee-406119395/
Director of Philanthropy, Scottish Ballet

Be a part of the show

We really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...

• Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-us
• Send us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraising

Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Regular host Tim Beynon and guest co-host Harpreet Kondel - Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising - are joined by Alan Clayton, Chair of Revolutionise International and Research and Creative Director of EmPower Mental Fitness, for a deep, evidence-led conversation about what wellbeing really means in fundraising, and why it is one of the strongest predictors of high performance, retention and long-term sustainability in the sector.

Drawing on the largest research project ever conducted into wellbeing and fundraising, Alan explores the early warning signs of burnout, the pressures uniquely faced by fundraisers, and why connection, purpose and resilience matter more than quick fixes or surface-level wellbeing initiatives. The discussion challenges some of the most common myths around stress, resilience and self-care, offering practical insights for fundraisers, leaders and boards alike.

Alongside this, Harpreet reflects on the Institute’s strategic priorities and the growing recognition that wellbeing is not a “nice to have”, but a core part of supporting fundraisers to thrive, particularly in challenging economic and social conditions.

The episode also shares a personal wellbeing story from within the Institute, highlights practical support available to fundraisers, and rounds up key sector campaigns and opportunities to get involved.

Guests and contributors

Harpreet Kondel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harpreetkondel/
Chair, Chartered Institute of Fundraising

Alan Clayton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjohnclayton/
Chair, Revolutionise International
Research & Creative Director, EmPower Mental Fitness
Author and wellbeing researcher specialising in fundraising performance

Useful links

• Chartered Institute of Fundraising
  https://ciof.org.uk
• EmPower Mental Fitness
  https://em-po.com/
• Revolutionise International
  https://www.revolutionise.com/ 
• UK Giving Report
  https://www.cafonline.org/insights/research/uk-giving-report 
• Payroll Giving Month:
  https://www.payrollgivingmonth.com/ 
• The Great Gift Aid Hunt:
  https://www.swiftaid.co.uk/charity/ggah/ 
• Chartered Institute of Fundraising and AAW Benchmarking Survey:
  https://www.aawpartnership.com/fundraising-benchmarks-survey-2026 

Be a part of the show

We really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...

• Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-us
• Send us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraising

Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk