In this bite-sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, I speak with Cemal Ezel OBE, CEO and founder of Change Please.

Cemal shares the defining moment that reshaped his life and career. On a long bus journey in Vietnam, a stranger asked him a question that forced deep reflection. Sitting in a rocking chair at ninety, what legacy would he leave behind. That question led Cemal to build Change Please, a social enterprise using coffee to tackle homelessness.

Today, Change Please trains homeless people as baristas, pays a living wage, provides housing support, and reinvests all profits into reducing homelessness. The business is stocked nationwide in Sainsbury’s and is expanding internationally while maintaining strong environmental standards across its supply chain.

This episode explores purpose-led entrepreneurship, building the right team, choosing mentors carefully, and why founders must take time to recognise progress.

Key Takeaways

• Why reflecting on legacy clarifies decision making
• How small actions can scale meaningful impact
• The importance of surrounding yourself with experienced mentors
• Why founders must pause to acknowledge progress

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👉 www.festivalofentrepreneurs.co.uk