In this episode of the Charity Changemakers podcast, we are joined by Donna-Louise Cobban, the Chief Executive of Emmaus Village Carlton. Donna-Louise shares her inspiring career journey, starting from her foundations in retail and transitioning into the charity sector, eventually working her way up to Chief Executive positions.

The episode begins with Donna-Louise discussing her early career in retail, where she excelled in leadership roles and gained valuable experience.

She shares how she made the transition into the charity sector, highlighting the importance of peer support, training, and self-belief in her journey.

Donna-Louise also talks about her personal interests, including her love for travel, reading, and training in the gym. She shares her experiences with various challenges and competitions, showcasing her dedication to personal growth and resilience.

The conversation delves into Donna-Louise's time at the Alzheimer's Society, where she made significant contributions and won awards for her work in dementia support services.

She also discusses her role at a homeless charity, where she further honed her leadership skills and passion for making a difference.

As Donna-Louise reflects on her recent role as CEO of Beyond Detention, she shares the challenges and successes of leading a small organisation.

She emphasises the importance of support networks, including her chair of trustees, coach, and peer group of charity CEOs, in navigating the complexities of the role.

The episode concludes with Donna-Louise's transition to Emmaus Village Carlton, where she discusses her first six months as CEO. She highlights the whirlwind of decision-making and projects she has been involved in, showcasing her resilience and dedication to empowering her team and making a positive impact in the charity sector.

Overall, Donna-Louise's journey exemplifies the power of passion, resilience, and support in driving meaningful change within the charity sector. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring changemakers and highlights the importance of collaboration and empowerment in creating lasting impact.

Tune in and get inspired!
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation

02:15 Getting to Know the Guest: Quickfire Questions

08:13 Hobbies and Personal Challenges: Training in the Gym

11:47 Transition from Retail to the Charity Sector

21:10 Volunteering and First Opportunity in the Charity Sector

25:20 Transferable Skills and Recognition in the Charity Sector

31:28 Passion for the Cause and Mission-Driven Organisations

32:46 The Value of Volunteering

36:37 The Journey to Becoming a Charity CEO

40:46 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Charity CEO

49:05 Empowering and Collaborating with Other Charity CEOs

54:42 Believe in Yourself: The Key to Success in the Charity Sector

57:54 Charity Changemakers - Outro
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