The world of business is rapidly evolving, and the importance of purpose-driven leadership has never been more apparent. Today, brands are realizing that a focus on sustainability and societal impact not only aligns with their values but also drives long-term success. The Purposing podcast, launched by Given, a leading purpose consultancy under the Anthesis Group, has returned with a new season, offering listeners a closer look at what it really takes to build and lead purpose-led brands that are making a tangible impact.
What is the Purposing Podcast? The Purposing Podcast is a thought-provoking series that explores the intersection of business, purpose, and sustainability. It delves into the personal journeys and experiences of the leaders and visionaries driving meaningful change within some of the world’s most recognized brands. Hosted by Becky Willan, the founder and CEO of Given, the podcast features insightful conversations with executives who are reimagining the role of business in shaping a better world.
Each episode provides actionable takeaways that can inspire listeners to apply purpose-led strategies in their own organizations. Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or just starting your journey, the Purposing Podcast offers valuable lessons that bridge the gap between purpose and profitability.
Season Premiere: Will Butler-Adams – Leading Brompton Bicycle Toward Sustainability
The new season kicks off with a powerful conversation featuring Will Butler-Adams, the CEO of Brompton Bicycle, one of the UK’s most iconic and innovative manufacturing brands. With a strong passion for sustainability and urban transport, Will shares his experience of transforming Brompton into a purpose-driven brand that challenges traditional modes of transportation and emphasizes the role of business as a force for good.
In the premiere episode, Will discusses the key challenges he faced while steering Brompton through its sustainability journey, the mistakes he made along the way, and the wins that followed. His candid reflections offer invaluable lessons for business leaders looking to incorporate purpose into their corporate DNA.
Takeaways from Will’s Story:
- How Brompton aligns its brand strategy with sustainability goals.
- The challenges of implementing sustainability in a manufacturing business.
- The importance of innovation in achieving a long-lasting impact.
- Lessons learned from navigating the complexities of corporate transformation.
Upcoming Guests: A Wealth of Knowledge from Industry Leaders
The season will feature several high-profile guests who are also leading their respective companies towards more sustainable, purpose-driven futures. Each guest brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of purpose-led business. Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming lineup:
- Natalie Deacon – Executive Director, Purpose + Sustainability at Avon
- Natalie will discuss Avon’s sustainability initiatives and how the brand is empowering women globally.
- Gemma Wiggs – Head of Tournament, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
- Gemma’s episode will focus on the intersection of sports, gender equality, and sustainability in the world of women’s rugby.
- Jamie McKeown – Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at World Rugby
- Jamie will share how World Rugby is integrating diversity and sustainability into their global operations.
- Nigel Sullivan – Chief Sustainability and People Officer at BUPA
- Nigel’s insights will center on how BUPA is evolving to meet the challenges of corporate responsibility in healthcare.
Previous Episodes: A Look Back at the Podcast’s Impact
Since its inception, the Purposing Podcast has featured numerous prominent figures who have significantly influenced the world of purpose-driven business. Notable guests include:
- Mitch Oliver, Global VP of Brand & Purpose at Mars.
- James Timpson, CEO of Timpson.
- Tanya Joseph, Architect of the “This Girl Can” campaign.
- Simon Henzell-Thomas, Global Director of Climate at IKEA.
These episodes have sparked conversations around the importance of aligning brand purpose with corporate strategy and how businesses can create real-world impact through their operations.
Becky Willan: The Voice Behind the Podcast
The Purposing Podcast is hosted by Becky Willan, an expert in purpose-driven business strategy. With over 15 years of experience helping businesses define and implement purpose at the heart of their operations, Becky’s leadership has made Given a trusted partner for organizations looking to build purpose-led strategies. Her expertise allows her to ask the right questions, guiding guests to share their most valuable insights and lessons learned.
Becky is passionate about helping businesses achieve a balance between profit and purpose. She believes that integrating purpose into business strategy not only enhances the brand’s reputation but also delivers long-term financial success. As she kicks off the new season, Becky expresses excitement about returning with another series of practical and insightful conversations.
Becky Willan’s Statement: “At a time when so many businesses are looking for guidance and clarity around their impact initiatives, we’re thrilled to be back with some more insightful and practical conversations that others can use as inspiration. Will Butler-Adams is the perfect guest to kick off this new season. Purposing is all about hearing directly from the people who are hard-wiring and soft-wiring their organizations to deliver purpose alongside profit.”
Where to Listen: Accessing the Podcast
The first episode of the new series featuring Will Butler-Adams is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. The episode provides a rich, thought-provoking conversation that sets the tone for the rest of the series, packed with actionable insights for business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
Why Should You Listen?
- Discover how to balance purpose and profit in your organization.
- Learn from the real-life experiences of CEOs and thought leaders.
- Gain practical advice on building a sustainable business model.
- Stay ahead of the curve by adopting innovative business strategies that are purpose-driven.
Conclusion: A Must-Listen for Purpose-Driven Leaders
The Purposing Podcast continues to be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a positive impact through their work. With each episode, listeners gain insights from some of the world’s most influential leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what it means to do business with purpose.
This new season promises to deliver even more thought-provoking conversations and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of purpose-led businesses.
