For more than 30 years, Debbie Robinson has helped shape UK retail, leading major high-street names while championing people, communities and sustainability. In this episode, she shares how purpose and values guide her leadership as CEO of Central Co-op, which is one of the country’s largest independent co-operative societies.

Debbie talks about:

• How a Saturday job led to a lifelong career in retail
• The purpose behind Central Co-op’s mission to create “a sustainable society for all”
• Why fair reward, training and respect for colleagues are vital to a healthy sector
• Tackling retail crime and building stronger community ties
• The meaning of membership, from democratic decision-making to local impact
• Central Co-op’s renewable energy push and ethical sourcing projects in Malawi
• Chelmsford Star Co-op joining Central Co-op and how it strengthens both societies
• Why young people should “ask for forgiveness, not permission” as they grow their careers

A conversation about purpose-driven leadership, community resilience and why people remain at the heart of every great retail story.

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