Sustainability has spent years building the business case, but the low-hanging fruit has largely been picked. The challenge now is finding the more difficult, higher-value opportunities that can drive growth and resilience. In this special live episode of Purposing, Becky is on the ground in New York for Climate Week, exploring how organisations can move from sustainability ambition to action, and
29 Sep 2026 · 48 minTalent and customers choose companies with purpose over those who only prioritise profit. Businesses must step up or get left behind. But where to start? Purposing speaks with leaders from some of the world’s most recognised brands to discover how they built purpose into their businesses. Join CEO of Given Agency, Becky Willan and a host of guests as they demystify this misunderstood topic into clear, actionable advice you can use in your own business. Why did John Lewis Partnership modernise their purpose in the midst of a global pandemic? How did The Body Shop make their purpose matter to everyone in their business? What are Lloyds Banking Group doing to make decisions differently, to help Britain prosper? All this and more on this season of Purposing.
Latest episodes
In this episode, Becky is joined by James Reed, Chairman and CEO of Reed, one of the UK’s most recognisable and successful family-owned businesses. James is also the author of Karma Capitalism , a bold vision for a more ethical and purpose-driven approach to business. Becky and James explore what Karma Capitalism looks like in practice and whether responsible, values-led business models can truly
3 Feb 2026 · 31 minThis week Becky is joined by Emilio Tenuta, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab. With more than three decades working at the intersection of business and sustainability, Emilio has helped shape how one of the world’s largest B2B companies approaches growth, impact and responsibility, and how those priorities can be designed to work together. We talk about Ecolab’s Exponential Return on Investme
20 Jan 2026 · 37 minWhat lies ahead in shaping the sustainability agenda in 2026? And what do leaders need to be preparing for to drive real-world change whilst driving profit? Today, Becky is joined by Matt Bell, the new CEO at Anthesis, for a more forward-looking, strategic conversation on what lies ahead. In this conversation, you’ll hear where leaders should focus their attention in shaping this year's sustainabi
6 Jan 2026 · 39 minWhen a company built on purpose realises its purpose no longer lands, everything has to be re-examined. Even the language that once united it. So how do leaders reshape something so emotional, so foundational, without breaking what made it powerful in the first place? In this episode, Becky is joined by Emma Hardaker-Jones, Group Chief People and Transformation Officer at Legal & General. Emma has
9 Dec 2025 · 33 minWe all love a cuppa, but did you know the contents of the mug in your hands could hold the key to transforming global value chains? in this episode, Becky is joined by Gareth Mead, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer at Lipton Teas and Infusions, the world’s largest tea company. Gareth is responsible for shaping how the business defines and delivers its sustainability ambitions. With two
25 Nov 2025 · 34 minWhat if decisions were not just owned by stakeholders, but shaped by the customers themselves? In this Episode, Becky is joined by Susan Allen. Susan is leading the organisation at a time when financial services must do more than deliver profits. They must build trust, resilience, and create lasting value for their members and communities. In this conversation, you’ll hear how a mutual organisatio
11 Nov 2025 · 33 minSome estimates put the cost of replacing an employee in the UK at 25,000 pounds. And with one in five people considering leaving their roles, that really adds up. It's not just about risk, it's about missed opportunity. In this episode, Becky is joined by Sarah Gillard, CEO of A Blueprint for Better Business, a not-for-profit that helps organisations define and live their purpose. Sarah’s work aim
28 Oct 2025 · 35 minIn this episode Becky is joined by Stanley Anyetei, Financing Green Lead at WWF Netherlands. Stanley is helping to redefine how conservation is funded, shifting from traditional philanthropy to innovative financial models that bring in private capital and long-term resilience. In this conversation, you’ll hear why WWF is evolving its funding strategy in response to shrinking public and philanthrop
14 Oct 2025 · 36 minIn this episode, Becky is joined by Vijay Bains, Group Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of ESG at Emirates NBD. With a career spanning climate science research, consulting, and corporate leadership, Vijay is leading the charge to embed sustainability at the heart of one of the Middle East’s largest banks, pushing the boundaries of what it means for financial institutions to take responsibilit
30 Sep 2025 · 35 minThe role of the sustainability leader is rapidly shifting. It’s no longer just about technical expertise – it’s about navigating complexity, unlocking influence, and leading transformation. So how do you actually do it? In today's episode, I’m joined by Arabella Ellis, cofounder of Gyre, and a seasoned leadership consultant and coach. With deep expertise in organisational psychology, she helps sus
15 Jul 2025 · 34 minSustainability is a growing priority for organisations, but driving it forward can feel challenging and uninspiring. So how can we make it more engaging for teams while still delivering real impact? This week, Becky is joined by Darshna Myronidis, Group Director of Sustainability at Virgin. With over 20 years of experience, Darsh is now leading Virgin’s efforts to embed sustainability into the hea
1 Jul 2025 · 34 minCutting emissions is crucial for the planet. But how can we effectively shift the mindsets and behaviors of suppliers whose practices have a significant environmental impact? In this episode, Becky is joined by Caryn-Ann Allen, Group Associate Director for Sustainability at Geopost. Caryn is currently leading the charge on decarbonising Europe’s largest parcel delivery network, championing the pow
17 Jun 2025 · 32 minWhat role can sustainability play in improving both the health of people and of the planet? In this episode, Becky is joined by Nigel Sullivan, Chief Sustainability & People Officer at Bupa. Currently leading their global push to integrate purpose at the heart of healthcare, Nigel is championing the intersection of human and planetary health to drive lasting impact across communities worldwide. In
3 Jun 2025 · 27 minSporting events can be truly transformative. But how do you create positive impact, long after the tournament ends? Today, Becky is joined by Gemma Wiggs and Jamie McKeown from World Rugby — the global governing body for rugby union and organisers of the Rugby World Cup. Gemma is Head of Tournament, Team & Rugby Services and is currently leading preparations for the Women’s Rugby World Cup England
20 May 2025 · 32 minWhen an organisation has had purpose in the heart of the business for decades, how do you ensure you keep that purpose fresh? Today, Becky is joined by Natalie Deacon, Executive Director of Purpose and Sustainability at Avon. Natalie has been an integral part of defining and articulating Avon’s purpose, with particular focus on gender equality, breast cancer awareness and violence against women an
6 May 2025 · 35 minOur cities have been built around the automobile. So how do we reclaim our streets to promote modes of transport that benefit both people and the environment? This week, Becky speaks to Will Butler Adams, CEO at Brompton. The company has inspired a whole new category within the bike industry and has become a force for positive change in urban mobility. In this conversation, you’ll hear how to buil
22 Apr 2025 · 31 minAt this time of year, around one in ten of your workforce is looking for new jobs. And nearly half of employees are considering leaving their job due to employers failing to live up to their stated values and purpose. So what does it take to have a good business culture, and what role does purpose have in creating the culture that attracts - and retains - talent? In this best bits special episode,
4 Feb 2025 · 18 minLess than 10% of all motorsports participation is female. And low statistics like this transcend across the sporting world compared to male athletes. With so many myths, stigmas and systemic barriers, how do you break the glass ceiling and allow these champions to take the wheel? Today, Becky is joined with Ali Donnelly , CEO of More Than Equal, the global not for profit organisation with a missio
31 Oct 2024 · 30 minHaving the right global purpose strategy to create change is essential. But how do you make sure it also has local impact? Today, Becky is joined by Alma Alejandro , Marketing Director for Global Intimate Health and Wellness Brands at Kimberley Clark. In this conversation, we'll be exploring how to drive global impact with the right global purpose strategy and how to demonstrate results. Do you wa
17 Oct 2024 · 34 min