In this Voices of Leadership episode, Dave speaks with Karen Nolan, founder of Bid Essentials, about the power of embedding social value into business strategy. Drawing on her background in construction, housing, and public sector tenders, Karen shares how leaders can move beyond the bottom line to create ripples of lasting impact in their communities.

Dave & Karen explore why social value matters for business leaders, employees, customers, and investors alike. She offers practical insights into frameworks like the TOMS measurement system, the growing influence of younger generations’ values-driven expectations, and how even small actions, like volunteer days or local partnerships, can build trust, strengthen culture, and enhance profitability.

This conversation is a timely reminder that leadership legacy is not measured solely in terms of financial success, but in the positive change we leave behind.

Key Talking Points:

• Why social value matters to leaders beyond financial reporting
• How to create positive ripples that impact employees, suppliers, customers, and communities
• Practical ways to benchmark and measure social value (including the TOMS system)
• The role of trust, innovation, and purpose in building resilient organisations
• How younger generations are shaping expectations for business sustainability and ethics
• Examples from Karen’s work, including community partnerships, food bank support, and housing initiatives
• Overcoming barriers: moving from mindset and money myths to embedding social value in everyday culture
• Leadership legacy: what stories and impact will you leave behind?