Raising the Bar marks the first Raise episode of 2026 and we’re kicking off the year a little differently.

In this special guest-free episode, Christine and Sian take the mic for a candid, reflective (and occasionally hilarious) conversation about what 2025 taught us, how we’ve grown along the way, and the lessons we’re carrying forward into the year ahead. From professional wins and challenges to personal moments that shaped us, this is an honest look behind the scenes of Raise and of us.

Expect vulnerability, laughter, and plenty of real talk as we share what it truly means to “raise the bar” in fundraising, leadership, and life.

Here’s to learning, evolving, and stepping into 2026 with confidence, clarity, and a sense of humour. 🎙️✨

Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flowLicense code: RWLGN1B8OVQLWBGL

In this honest and heartfelt episode of Raise, hosts Christine Neubeiser and Sian Wilkinson-Iles sit down with fundraiser Amber Scales to explore what it really means to learn to be yourself at work.

Amber shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, after years of navigating the charity and fundraising world without that understanding. Together, we unpack how self-awareness, neurodiversity, and workplace culture intersect, and what it takes to create truly inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

From advocating for yourself and finding your rhythm, to leading with empathy and building spaces where people can show up as they are and this episode is a powerful reminder that there’s no one “right” way to work.

Topics we cover:

Navigating the workplace before and after an ADHD diagnosis

Understanding your strengths and limits

Coping strategies for when things feel overwhelming

How leaders can build empowering, inclusive cultures

This is just the start of a much bigger conversation about neurodiversity and authenticity at work and we’re so glad to be opening it with Amber.

In this episode of Raise, Sian and Christine are joined by Ashby Jenkins, founder of Ashby Jenkins Recruitment, to explore how to build strong, strategic relationships with recruiters that can supercharge your career and help you build brilliant teams.

Together, we unpack how to get the most out of working with a recruiter, whether you’re job hunting, hiring, or planning your next career move. From understanding how recruiters work, to knowing what makes a partnership effective, this conversation is packed with practical tips, honest insights, and reflections on what makes the charity sector unique when it comes to talent.

Whether you're a leader looking to grow your team or a fundraiser thinking about your next step, this episode is full of valuable guidance on how to work smarter with recruiters.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment: https://www.ashbyjenkinsrecruitment.co.uk

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

Ever wondered what truly fuels meaningful work? In this energizing and deeply affirming conversation, Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser sit down with the incredible Esther Kwaku to dive into the heart of it all: purpose and power.

Esther shares her powerful reflections on why purpose isn't just some lofty idea; it's your anchor. It's the very reason you show up, the wellspring of your joy, and the fuel that helps you step into your full potential, even when things get tough.

Join us as we explore how truly connecting with your purpose can transform the way you lead and work, no matter where you are in your career journey. Plus, Esther offers some fantastic practical strategies for how to find your purpose, rekindle that connection, and truly live it out every single day.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to lead with intention, work with joy, and stay deeply rooted in what truly matters. Cheers to raising money, voices, and glasses!

Facilitator. Joyful Work Coach. Speaker. Energiser | estherkwaku.com

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

In this episode, Christine Neubeiser and Sian Wilkinson-Iles speak with Jemma Shaw about why strong internal relationships are essential for successful fundraising. Drawing on her experience leading major UK-wide programmes, Jemma shares insights into how collaborative partnerships between programme and fundraising teams can unlock better storytelling, clearer impact reporting, and more effective funding strategies. With a deep understanding of both sides of the coin, Jemma offers practical reflections on how teams can work together to build trust, align goals, and ultimately strengthen the case for support.

So pull up a chair and pour a glass of your favourite drink as we cheers to raising money, voices, and glasses!

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

This month on Raise, Sian and Christine are joined by the brilliant and deeply insightful Emily Petty for a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss.

Together, they unpack what it truly means to lead with kindness, how to build and sustain resilience, and the many ways leadership shows up throughout our careers. From setting boundaries to prioritising self-care, this episode is packed with honest reflections and practical takeaways for anyone navigating the complex world of fundraising.

As challenges continue to mount—especially for those working in internationally focused organisations—this conversation about resilience and wellbeing feels more urgent than ever.

So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join us as we toast to compassionate leadership in this uplifting episode of Raise! 🥂

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On this episode of Raise, we do something a little different.

In the past few episodes we’ve touched on concepts like confidence, learning, growing, and insecurities, so we decided to dive into that and explore what it means to own your insecurities.

This episode is an honest and raw conversation between Sian and Christine about our own insecurities, how to own them, and ultimately use them to empower and fuel your work.

So pour yourself a drink and come and raise a glass with us.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flowLicense code: PIZM1AKDFEBTWIDD

In this episode of Raise—the podcast for fundraisers by fundraisers—Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser sit down with Sarina Jesudason to unpack the journey from managing to leading.

They explore what it takes to step up—whether climbing the ladder in the same organisation or making a bold move to a new one. Sarina shares her wisdom on failing fast, continuous learning, and owning your leadership mindset. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and practical advice!

So pull up a chair, pour a glass, and let’s raise our voices—and our glasses—on Raise!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

In this episode of Raise, Sian and Christine are thrilled to welcome Damian Chapman, Director of Income Generation at the Money Advice Trust. Together, we dive into the fascinating intersection of people strategy and fundraising strategy—how developing one can supercharge the other.

This virtual episode of Raise began as an exploration of what it means to have a coach as a fundraiser—but it turned into so much more. We were thrilled to share a drink with the incredible Dee Brecker and dive into conversations about coaching, mentoring, leadership failures, the true meaning of imposter syndrome, and the power of your network.