Why should charities look to recruit from the corporate world? Maya Bhose, The Well Placed

In the latest episode of the Charity Show, hosts Piers Townley and Tim Beynon dive into the intriguing world of Charity collaborations and the potential for corporate skills to revolutionise the charity sector.

This episode is packed with inspiring stories, insightful discussions, and practical advice for anyone involved in the third sector. One of the standout segments of the episode is the discussion about the unique partnership between Elton John and Marmite. This collaboration has resulted in a limited edition design jar featuring iconic shots from Elton John's career. The partnership is not just a creative endeavour but also a substantial financial commitment, with a $1 million partnership that aims to make a significant impact. 

The episode also features an inspiring story of Hedgey Harry, a ten-year-old boy who cycled 2300 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats and back again to raise £15,000 for Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital. Harry's dedication and love for hedgehogs earned him the nickname 'Hedgey Harry,' and his incredible journey serves as a reminder of the power of individual effort in making a difference. 

The main focus of the episode, however, is the discussion with Maya Bhose, founder of The Well Placed. Maya's organisation helps midlife marketing professionals from the corporate world transition into the charity sector through paid placements. Maya shares her own journey from the corporate world to the charity sector, highlighting the challenges she faced and the motivation behind setting up The Well Placed. She emphasises the skills gap in the charity sector and how professionals from the corporate world can fill these gaps with their expertise in marketing, fundraising, and digital tools.

Maya's insights into the similarities between the corporate and charity sectors are eye-opening. She explains how the commercial mindset of focusing on the bottom line, targets, and data analysis can be incredibly beneficial for charities. This perspective is particularly relevant as charities increasingly need to think like businesses to ensure sustainability and impact. 

The episode also touches on broader issues affecting the charity sector, such as public trust, the use of digital tools, and ageism in the workplace. Tm and Piers discuss recent reports indicating that public trust in charities is at its highest level in ten years, a positive sign for the sector. They also delve into the low adoption rates of AI and digital tools in charities, suggesting that there is much room for improvement. 

For anyone working in the charity sector or considering a transition from the corporate world, this episode is a must-listen. It offers valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories that highlight the potential for transformative change through innovative partnerships and the infusion of corporate skills into the charity sector. 

Tune in to the latest episode of The Charity Show to explore these themes and more. Whether you're a seasoned charity professional or new to the sector, there's something in this episode for everyone.