This week, John Higginson speaks with Rosamund Kissi-Debrah CBE, whose daughter Ella became the first person in the world to have air pollution listed as a cause of death.

Since then, Rosamund has led a relentless campaign for cleaner air — not just in London, but across the UK and beyond. She talks about what it takes to turn personal tragedy into lasting change, the links between pollution and health, and why she believes clean air should be treated as a basic human right.

It’s a moving, clear-eyed conversation about accountability, children’s health, and the cost of doing nothing.

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson, CEO

Higginson Strategy

It's my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Dan Harris, Founder and CEO of Neurodiversity in Business.

Neurodiversity in Business is a remarkable charity and business forum dedicated to advancing best practices in neurodiversity recruitment, retention, and empowerment. Their mission is to help organizations create more neuro-inclusive workplaces while championing the one in five neurodivergent individuals in today’s workforce.

Although NiB is run entirely by unpaid volunteers, it partners with some of the world’s largest corporations—reflecting the growing commitment across industries to embrace neurodiversity and inclusion.

In this episode, we discussed:

🤝 Destigmatising neurodiversity in the workplace and fostering genuine inclusion

🏢 Why businesses thrive when neuro-inclusion is embedded at their core

💬 My own personal journey with ADHD and how it has shaped my career

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy

It's my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Charlotte Morgan, Senior Head of Communications at BBC News.

At the heart of the world’s largest broadcast news organisation, Charlotte helps shape how the BBC engages global audiences, navigates controversy, and builds trust in its journalism around the world. From organising the launch of a new bureau in a foreign country to leading communications through national moments, Charlotte offers a unique perspective on telling the story of a public institution trusted by millions worldwide.

Charlotte brings a wealth of experience from both government and media. She began her career as a Press Officer in the Civil Service—working at the Department for Transport, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Department for Communities and Local Government—before moving into senior communications roles at the BBC. Today, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the BBC’s messages cut through on both the national and international stage.

In this episode, we discussed:

🚦 Working in the Department for Transport during the “good day to bury bad news” scandal

🗳️ Broadcasting live from the BBC briefing room during last year’s general election coverage

📣 Why repetition is a powerful tool for delivering a clear and consistent message

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy

It's my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Rachel Epstein, Head of Marketing and External Affairs at Skyral.

At the forefront of this British advanced modelling software company, Rachel leads Skyral's global marketing, brand strategy and external affairs - shaping how this innovative data company communicates its mission, drives innovation to predict tomorrow's issues and positions itself in a rapidly changing defence and technology landscape. 

Rachel brings a wealth of experience from the private and public sector. Before joining Skyral, Rachel worked at tech giant Palantir, was a senior press officer for COP26 and before that, a Senior Communications Officer at the Ministry of Defence and Cabinet Office. She is also the first guest I have had on who also worked at Higginson Strategy as an intern at the start of her career.

In this episode, we discussed:

🌾How Skyral communicated its groundbreaking achievement in reducing childhood malnutrition in Indonesia

📝 Lessons learned from interning at Higginson Strategy—and the skills that shaped a career in communications

📣 Why clear, human-centred messaging is essential in a data-driven industry

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy

It's my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Liam Parker, Chief Communications and Corporate Relations Officer at Formula 1.

At the heart of this global brand, Liam leads Formula 1’s communications, digital strategy, and political engagement—shaping how the sport speaks to the world, drives sustainability, and navigates its place on the international stage.

Liam brings a wealth of frontline experience from the public sector, having served as Special Advisor to the Foreign Secretary, Head of Press to the Governor of the Bank of England, and in senior comms roles across HM Treasury, Downing Street, and the Financial Services Authority.

In this episode, we discussed:

🌍 Formula 1’s journey toward sustainability and its ambitious net zero targets

📉 How communications missteps can lay the groundwork for future success

🗞️ Why, in a digital world, print media still holds a unique power

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy

It's my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Phil Hall, Head of Public Policy and Public Relations, Society of Pension Professionals.

SPP is the UK’s leading body representing a wide range of providers across the pensions industry—from actuaries and lawyers to investment managers and administrators—collectively influencing policy for the majority of the nation’s pension schemes.

In his role, Phil leads the Society’s policy development and public voice, shaping how the industry engages with government, regulators, and the media. 

With a background in public affairs and a passion for impactful communication, Phil is focused on building stronger bridges between policymakers and pension professionals.

His work champions the vital role pensions play in financial wellbeing, and the need for policy that supports long-term value for savers and society alike.

In this episode, we discussed:

🚌 How a "failed" billboard campaign with the wrong year accidentally supercharged a local energy campaign

📱 The harsh LinkedIn truth that's killing your engagement 

🔄 The rule of 7 and why your audience hasn't heard you until you're sick of saying it 

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy

It's my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Adam Lake, Head of Communications at Climate Group North America.

Climate Group exists to accelerate climate action by bringing together the world's most influential businesses and governments. For 20 years, they've created platforms where collective commitments drive real change.

In his role as Head of Communications, Adam leads the narrative strategy for Climate Week NYC—the largest climate event of its kind globally. During his seven-year tenure, Adam has transformed the event from an exclusive business gathering into a city-wide movement of events spanning every sector.

Adam is a passionate advocate for making climate action mainstream, using innovative communications strategies to bridge the gap between boardrooms and everyday people, proving that the most powerful campaigns often come from unexpected collaborations.

In this episode, we discussed:

📺 How a Twitter DM sparked the coordination of ALL major US late-night TV shows for one historic "Climate Night" 

🎭Why backstage event drama helps fuel ambitious commitments— and CEO rivalry become the most powerful tools for accelerating climate action

🌍 The art of building unstoppable momentum—why Climate Week NYC kept growing even during COVID when everything else was cancelled

💡 Why your "failed" career experiments are actually your secret weapon in communications

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy

It’s my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Tanya Braun, Director of External Affairs and Fundraising at Living Streets—the UK charity for everyday walking.

Living Streets exists to create a walking nation, where streets are free from congestion and pollution, and walking is the natural choice for everyday journeys. The charity’s mission is rooted in tackling preventable illness, reducing social isolation, and building healthy, connected communities.

In her Directorial role, Tanya leads the charity’s policy, campaigns, public affairs, and communications activity. During her ten year tenure, Tanya has significantly raised the organisation’s profile and secured multiple industry awards for its work.

Tanya is a passionate advocate for sustainable transport and inclusive urban spaces, using her expertise to inspire public and political support for walking as a simple yet powerful solution to many of today’s social and environmental challenges.

In this episode, we discussed: 

🕳️How targeting potholes unlocked 1,100 media hits and a national award (plus the secret sauce behind viral campaigns)

💰 The shocking half-billion pound hidden cost that's keeping Britain's elderly prisoners in their own homes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why ditching the school run car could be the relationship game-changer every parent needs to hear

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy

It’s my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Arthur Thomas, Public Affairs Advisor at FOUR PAWS  UK -  a campaigning organisation dedicated to improving the conditions of animals under direct human influence.

With experience across multiple charity sectors, Arthur has built a career in public affairs and campaigning. Before joining Four Paws, he worked at the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Humane Society, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

In this episode, we covered:

🦁 Four Paws' ongoing campaign to ban fur imports in the UK, despite fur farming being banned over 20 years ago

🏆 Arthur's experience helping pass the Ivory Act and lessons learned about persistence

🏛️ The reality of lobbying for good causes and the lengthy process of legislative change

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy

It’s my pleasure to share with you the latest episode of the Communicating Purpose podcast with Rachel Bhageerutty, Global Director of Strategic Communication at Animals Asia

Animals Asia is a charity dedicated to ending bear bile farming and improving animal welfare across Asia.

At the heart of Rachel's work is a mission to shift perceptions, build trust across cultures, and centre compassion in some of the world’s most complex advocacy spaces.

With a career spanning over two decades, Rachel has led strategic communications across the charity and housing sectors. Before joining Animals Asia, she spent nearly ten years at Brooke, the global NGO championing the welfare of working horses and donkeys.

From The Stroke Association to Notting Hill Housing and Habinteg, Rachel has consistently shaped brand narratives, built trust across diverse communities, and developed communication strategies that connect people to powerful causes.

In this episode, we covered:

🐻The remarkable story behind Vietnam's near-elimination of bear bile farming, with the help of Animals Asia, that could transform animal welfare across Asia.

🌱The grassroots approach that convinced more than 90% of traditional medicine users to abandon bear bile.

📰The front page media story that transformed Rachel's approach to journalism.

🎯The painful lesson every communications professional needs to learn about managing expectations.

I hope you enjoy.

John Higginson,

Founder & CEO, Higginson Strategy