Speaking Engagements & Podcasts
Honest conversations about fundraising, leadership and the reality of charity life
After nearly 20 years in the charity sector, I’ve got plenty of stories, lessons and opinions about what it really takes to make fundraising work. Some come from the things that went brilliantly. Others come from the decisions I’d make differently now.
I enjoy sharing those experiences, particularly when they help someone see a familiar challenge from a different perspective or feel more confident about what to do next.
I speak at conferences, webinars and events, contribute to podcasts and panel discussions, and facilitate conversations with fundraising professionals and charity leaders.
My approach is warm, honest and practical. I’m not particularly interested in making things sound more complicated than they are, and I don’t believe every session needs to end with a list of ten things people should be doing differently. Sometimes the most useful thing is an honest conversation about what actually works.
Previous speaking and training
Fundraising Everywhere
The Elischer Foundation
FemMEntored
Family Arts Leadership Symposium
Awen Coaching
The Jane Curtis Podcast
SOFII’s I Wish I’d Thought Of That
Focus Foundation workshops for small charities
Covering leadership development, fundraising strategy, organisational sustainability and lessons from fundraising campaigns.
What I speak about
The realities of fundraising leadership
Nobody tells you quite how much of fundraising leadership involves managing people, navigating organisational relationships and making difficult decisions. Lessons from my own leadership journey on confidence, accountability and building teams.
Building a positive fundraising culture
Even the most talented fundraising team will struggle without support from the wider organisation. What it takes to create the conditions for good fundraising, from trustees and senior leaders to colleagues.
Strategy that works in practice
The difference between an ambitious plan and one that can realistically be delivered: better decisions, the right opportunities, and the people, investment and capacity needed to make progress.
Leading through uncertainty and change
How to lead through change, manage competing pressures and support teams without pretending to have all the answers.
Sustainable fundraising with limited resources
Practical lessons for small and medium-sized charities on income development, prioritisation and making the most of available opportunities, without assuming more is always the answer.
What you can expect from me
Real experience, practical examples and a willingness to talk honestly about the challenges of working in the charity sector.
I want people to leave a session feeling they’ve learned something useful, recognised something of their own experience and perhaps started thinking about a familiar problem differently.
I’m comfortable delivering prepared talks, joining panels, contributing to podcasts and facilitating interactive sessions. I particularly enjoy sessions with space for discussion, questions and learning from others’ experience.
Interested in working together?
I’m available for conferences, webinars, panel discussions, podcast interviews and speaking engagements. Tell me a little about your audience, the themes you’re exploring and what you’re hoping people will take away.