The Purposeful Strategist

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks again with Dr Mohammad Al-Ubaydli, CEO of Patients Know Best (PKB). Mohammad returns to the podcast to discuss the incredible progress PKB has made since his first appearance in 2024. With over 5 million registered patients and international growth, PKB continues to transform healthcare by giving patients control of their own health data. Mohammad shares the importance of trust, collaboration, and transparency in scaling a purpose-driven company, and why doing good for patients must always come first.

The discussion explores:

·      How PKB scaled from 3.8 million to 5 million registered patients and secured £6 million in funding

·      The importance of patient-controlled health records and how PKB is driving this change in healthcare systems

·      The role of collaboration in accelerating patient outcomes and health data accessibility

·      The importance of continuous conversations around purpose to ensure it remains front and centre

·      His newest book, Personal Health Records for Governments, offering insights into how governments can overcome the challenges of delivering essential services and technology like PKB [more information here]

·      Visit [PKB website] to find out more

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Robert White, CEO of Brabners and founder of True North. Robert discusses how True North is connecting purpose-led businesses across the North of England and catalysing positive change through collaboration and community-building.

·      How True North is uniting over 400 purpose-led businesses to bridge the gap between productivity and prosperity in the North

·      The role of the business community in driving economic transformation and how True North supports them through collaboration and providing a platform for growth

·      How initiatives like Northern Stars are challenging stereotypes and spotlighting hidden talent within the region

·      The importance of businesses taking action and building connected communities to drive sustainable change, rather than waiting for top-down solutions

·      The potential of devolution and regeneration projects to stimulate innovation, unlock opportunities, and help the North thrive

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks again with Mike Scott, Senior Partner at Cripps, last on the podcast in 2022. This time, he is joined by James Beatton, Managing Partner at Cripps, to discuss how the firm has leveraged its purpose to drive both business growth and cultural transformation. Together, they reflect on the progress of their five-year strategy and share insights into Cripps’ continued success, including being named Independent Law Firm of the Year 2024. Mike and James discuss:

• How Cripps has aligned its purpose with its business strategy to fuel growth and cultural transformation

• The cycle of growth and purpose: how success is reinvested to drive further impact

• The importance of purpose alignment in successful mergers and maintaining cultural synergy

• How AI and automation have the potential to change the legal industry by reducing administrative tasks and enhancing client relationships

• The impact of Cripps’ B Corp certification, ensuring accountability to their purpose-driven goals and values

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Sara Bailey, Senior Partner at Trowers & Hamlins. Sara brings over 30 years of experience in the legal profession and reflects on the progress of the firm’s ambitious transformation since her first appearance on the podcast in 2023. She shares insights on balancing long-term, purpose-driven strategies with the short-term demands of running a business. Sara reflects on how real growth isn't about cutting costs but giving people the headroom to think, innovate, and create. She discusses how embedding purpose into a firm’s vision and fostering a people-driven culture are essential for navigating today’s fast-paced business environment.

The discussion explores:

Reflecting on the progress of the firm’s ambitious transformation plans since her last appearance on the podcast

The challenge of balancing long-term strategic vision with short-term business pressures

How real growth is facilitated through giving staff headroom to innovate, not just cutting costs

Sara’s approach to empathetic leadership and fostering inclusion at the firm

Achieving strategy execution through transparency and keeping people at the forefront

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus interviews Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, a purpose-led independent law firm in the UK. They discuss the firm's commitment to community engagement, the importance of defining culture and values, and strategies for sustainable growth. Nik shares insights on managing partnership dynamics, maintaining culture while growing, and the significance of B Corp certification. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in purpose and strategy, and the power of linking career progression and rewards to the firm’s values. Nik also stresses the value of deriving satisfaction from work beyond financial gain.

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Matt Westmore, Chief Executive of the UK's Health Research Authority, about the significant advances in health research during the COVID-19 pandemic, the complexities of research approvals, and the importance of trust and inclusion in research. They discuss HRA’s success in significantly shortening the research timeline, the role of volunteers, the strategic focus of the HRA, and the future of health research in the UK, emphasising the need for a streamlined process that benefits both researchers and patients.

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, host Belden Menkus speaks with Olly Purnell, co-founder of Q5, a management consulting firm focused on organisational health. They discuss the evolution of Q5 from its inception in a basement to its current status as a global player in consulting. The conversation delves into the founding principles of Q5, emphasising the importance of purpose and values in driving organisational success. Purnell shares insights on the firm's growth strategy, innovative tools for enhancing organisational health, and the significance of purpose in modern business. The episode concludes with advice for new entrants in the workforce and an invitation to listeners to send your predictions for the future of your industry to [email protected] or to [email protected].

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus interviews Graham North, CEO of Anstey Horn & Co, the UK's leading specialist surveying practice. Founded in 1795 in London, the privately held company now employs about 120 people and operates across the UK. The firm is particularly well known for its expertise in Rights of Light, Party Wall and Fire Consultancy. The discussion covers the firm's evolution, purpose, and strategic objectives. Graham shares insights on the importance of team engagement, client focus, and navigating competition in the consultancy space. He emphasizes the value of understanding the business from the perspective of both employees and clients, and the need for leaders to be visible and engaged with their teams.

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Simon Thompson, Group CEO of Windracers, discusses the transformative potential of autonomous aviation in logistics and humanitarian aid. He highlights the innovative ULTRA drone, which is designed for cost-effective delivery over long distances, and the importance of navigating regulatory challenges. Simon emphasizes the balance between commercial viability and humanitarian goals, sharing insights on operational strategies and the future of drone technology in connecting communities.

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, host Belden Menkus interviews Mark Cuddigan, CEO of the UK plant-based food company THIS. They discuss the transition of leadership from founders to new CEOs, the importance of defining a company's purpose, and the role of team involvement in strategy development. Mark shares insights on empowering employees, the challenges of achieving profitability, and the significance of B Corp certification. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration within the industry and the impact of purpose-driven leadership on attracting talent.