Over the past 20 episodes of Leading Lights, we’ve heard from women leading some of the UK’s most impactful organisations.
Different journeys. Different challenges. Different styles of leadership.

But when asked one simple question “What’s your top tip for someone who wants to become a charity CEO?” some clear themes begin to emerge.

This special compilation brings those moments together.
Practical advice, hard-earned perspective, and honest reflections from leaders who’ve been there.
You’ll hear about:

• Backing yourself, even before you feel ready
• Stepping forward and saying yes to opportunity
• Building resilience in the face of rejection and uncertainty
• Leading with empathy, clarity and purpose

Some answers are direct. Some are surprising. All of them are grounded in real experience.

Taken together, they form something bigger, a collective insight into what it really takes to lead.

It's a reminder that there’s no single path to leadership, but there are shared qualities that shape the journey.