Explore every episode of the podcast Brace For Impact: Philanthropy in a Changing World

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Philanthropy is deeply personal - but making a meaningful impact can be as fulfilling as it is daunting. With so many incredible causes and ways to support them, how do we move beyond writing a cheque to rolling up our sleeves and getting involved? And how can a £10 gift turn into a £2M donation?

In the first episode of Brace for Impact, founder and CEO of The Fore Mary-Rose Gunn hears from philanthropist and leader Sir Ken Olisa OBE about the Buzz of Doing Good. And when Sir Ken speaks, we advise you to listen.

He reflected on:

- How the hug he didn’t want lit a philanthropic fire in his belly

- Why losing all his worldly belongings, bar one shoe, turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to his alma mater

- Blancmange… you’ll get it when you listen

Tune in now and learn how we can create a society that solves its own problems.

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We’re excited to welcome our next guest: one of the UK’s best known tech entrepreneurs turned public servant, Martha Lane Fox.

From co-founding Lastminute.com to championing digital accessibility and innovation in the House of Lords, Martha has been at the forefront of tech-driven change for over 25 years.

In this episode we ask: in a world where Musk, Bezos et al. are so often in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, what does a good billionaire look like? And how can we move away from digi washing to ensure our rising reliance on tech is a force for good?

Mary Rose and Martha lift the lid on how AI could be the answer to digital exclusion, why Mackenzie Scott’s radical approach to philanthropy could be the silver bullet that the sector has been waiting for and what philanthropists could learn from the world of private investors.

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This month, we are delighted to welcome Jonathan Simmons to the Brace For Impact Podcast. Jonathan is a serial entrepreneur, social impact leader, and the new CEO of New Philanthropy Capital.

His 25-year career has spanned business, innovation, investment and social impact, giving him a uniquely perfect storm of entrepreneurial energy for social good.

In this episode Mary Rose and Jonathan discuss how systems need to be redesigned in light of the seismic shifts in giving, funding and investing, uncover what charities and social enterprises need to do to start shouting about their impact and discuss if social enterprises are the future of social change.

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In every neighbourhood in the UK, you will find a group of young people kicking a ball around wearing shirts with Rashford, Salah or Rodri on the back. These players are role models for kids who may not have many in their lives.

The question is: can we harness football’s influence to help these children reach their potential?

Our latest guests already have the answer – especially since two out of those three footballers are patrons for their charity… (Rashford and Rodri take a bow)

We’re thrilled to welcome Jack Reynolds, co-founder of Football Beyond Borders, and Paul Barber, CEO of Brighton Football Club and new chair of FBB. 

This episode is all about power - but not in the way you think. It’s about the power of relationships, the power of branding, and the power of football to connect every child at risk of exclusion with a trusted adult. 

Ultimately, it is about the power of football to keep kids in education.

Listen now to find out how FBB is changing the game for young people in the UK and how football clubs like BHAFC are providing trusted adults in their own way.

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The Brace For Impact podcast is thrilled to welcomed Edwin Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Spear’s Magazine - the UK’s top media brand for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals. With bylines in The Guardian, The Telegraph, and Esquire, Edwin offers a rare insider’s view on wealth, philanthropy, and the forces shaping modern giving.

In this episode, Edwin and Mary Rose dive into:

• The rise of an ‘inheritocracy’
• Media influence and the Sunday Times Giving List
• Smart giving in a crowded space
• Emerging trends in philanthropy

Join us for sharp insights from one of the UK’s leading voices in wealth and giving.

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Our children are in the bottom 5% of happiness in the world - meet the man who decided to do something about it. 

David Gregson is the co-founder of the UK’s leading youth wellbeing initiative, #BeeWell. He was also chair of Phoenix Equity Partners, former chair of the Lawn Tennis Association, and is currently on the board of The Barclays Women’s Super League, The Institute for Fiscal Studies and Pro Bono Economics.  

David and Mary Rose discuss: 

• How a conversation with Gus O’Donnell at the LTA led him to founding #BeeWell
• Lessons learnt from the private sector that he’s taken into his charitable work... and what's best to leave at the door
• Advice for business leaders on the key ingredients for having the greatest impact with giving

This is the final episode in the first series of Brace For Impact. If you’ve enjoyed listening, please consider subscribing, rating, and sharing with your connections who’d like to learn more about philanthropy, business, and how we can create a society that solves its own problems. 

Series two will be hitting your feed this Autumn. 

A huge thanks to David Gregson and all our guests for sharing their unique perspectives and to the Fresh Air team for your help with production. 

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