Cause and Effect

About Cause and Effect

Charities should be brilliant places to work; that add to people's lives, not drain them. That starts with you. Cause & Effect is for senior leaders who want to have an impact and make a difference but don't want to lose themselves in the process. If you're tired of firefighting, want to build your resilience, develop your leadership skills, make your charity a great place to work, or just figure out what you actually want from work and life, you're in the right place. Psychologist Alex Nunn brings practical, evidence-based tools and honest conversations to help you live and lead well.

Publisher

Alex Nunn

Category

business · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 May 2026

Latest episode

25 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Episode 12: We need to get honest about what resilience is and isn’t.

   The episode discusses the misconception of resilience in the charity sector and the importance of understanding resilience from a psychological perspective. It emphasizes the need for organizations to build a culture that supports well-being and resilience, rather than placing the responsibility solely on the staff. Takeaways Resilience is not about working beyond one's limits, but about responding flexibly to challenges and recovering from acute stress. Building resilience is essential for the charity sector, and organizations need to prioritize well-being and resilience in their culture. Chapters 00:00 Misconception of Resilience in the Charity Sector 02:23 Understanding Resilience from a Psychological Perspective 06:24 Building a Culture of Well-being and Resilience in Organizations Resources and links Register for the free masterclass: https://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/masterclass (https://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/masterclass) •      Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/)

2. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Episode 11: The Dark Side of Purpose-Driven Work. Part 2; What It Means for Your Culture

   The podcast episode explores the impact of work on mental health and well-being in the charity sector, highlighting the risk of burnout and workaholism. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing a workplace culture that promotes well-being and supports staff in having a sustainable impact. Takeaways Work in the charity sector can lead to burnout and workaholism due to the strong sense of purpose and identity associated with the work. Nurturing a workplace culture that promotes well-being is essential for supporting staff and ensuring the long-term impact of the charity. Chapters 00:00 The Dark Side of Calling 01:25 The Impact on Mental Health 03:19 Creating a Culture of Well-being 04:43 Psychological Safety and Trust 05:40 Honest Communication and Respectful Debate 07:07 Connection and Collaboration 07:36 Emotional Literacy 08:26 Building a Culture of Learning 10:15 Cultivating a Positive Environment 11:46 Supporting Staff Well-being Resources and links •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/)

3. 

   1 Sept 2026

   The Dark Side of Purpose-Driven Work. Part 1: What It Means for You

   The podcast episode explores the dark side of purpose-driven work in the charity sector, highlighting the occupational hazards of meaningful work and the importance of psychological flexibility in addressing burnout and well-being. It emphasizes the need for a culture change at both individual and organizational levels to support sustainable, impactful work in the sector. Takeaways The dark side of purpose-driven work Occupational hazards of meaningful work Chapters 00:00 The Dark Side of Purpose-Driven Work 03:19 Occupational Hazards of Meaningful Work 07:36 Psychological Flexibility Resources and links •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/)

4. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Episode 9: You're more than your job

   The podcast episode discusses the impact of work becoming one's whole identity and the importance of setting boundaries. It explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, the challenges it presents, and practical steps for change. The episode emphasizes the need to build a life alongside work and start living the 'one day' now. Takeaways Work becoming your whole identity The importance of setting boundaries Chapters 00:00 Work as Identity 02:26 The Blurry Boundaries 04:15 Reinforcement from the Sector 06:35 Practical Steps for Change 10:47 Building a Life Alongside Work Resources and links •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/)

5. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Episode 8: What would happen if you stopped rescuing everyone?

   The conversation explores the burden of feeling responsible for protecting everyone and the impact of reactive leadership on the team and organization. It also delves into the steps needed to build a healthy culture within the organization. Takeaways Leaders feeling the need to protect everyone Impact of reactive leadership on team and organization Chapters 00:00 The Burden of Protection 03:13 The Impact of Reactive Leadership 08:31 Building a Healthy Culture Resources and links •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/)

6. 

   12 Aug 2026

   Episode 7: 10 questions to help you start reflecting when you feel stuck

   The episode explores the feeling of stuckness that individuals often experience in their work and how reflection can help break the cycle of reactive work. It emphasizes the importance of taking time for reflection and provides practical techniques for incorporating reflection into daily and weekly routines. Takeaways Reflection is important for breaking the cycle of reactive work Starting small with reflection can lead to a natural rhythm of practice Chapters 00:00 Understanding Stuckness 01:54 The Power of Reflection 04:14 Practical Reflection Techniques Resources and links •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/)

7. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Episode 6: Why does the work that used to feel so easy feel so hard?

   The episode discusses the reasons why work can suddenly start feeling difficult and explores the concept of confidence in the workplace. It provides insights into the causes of self-doubt and offers practical strategies for building confidence and managing work-related challenges. Takeaways Work-related challenges can lead to self-doubt and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Confidence is not fixed and can be developed through intentional practices and self-awareness. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Shift in Work Challenges 07:04 Defining Confidence and Its Development 09:26 Practical Strategies for Building Confidence 16:25 Overcoming Work-Related Challenges Resources and links Finding your strengths https://www.viacharacter.org/ (https://www.viacharacter.org/) •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/) About Alex Nunn Alex is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in and with the charity sector. www.clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk)

8. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Episode 5: Does your organisation ask too much of it's staff?

   Most charities don't set out to create a culture of self-sacrifice. But many have, gradually and unintentionally. In this episode, Alex explores how charity cultures ask too much of their people, why it happens, and what leaders can do to start changing it. What we cover •       How a culture of purpose tips into a culture of self-sacrifice •       Why the sector's greatest strength is also its greatest risk •       How well-intentioned values create unintended expectations •       How presenteeism is set from the top without leaders realising •       Four steps to start building a healthier culture Key takeaway Your charity's culture is either asking your people to live to work, or work to live. Changing it requires someone to name it, review the culture honestly, and decide to do things differently. That someone is you. Research referenced •       70% of charity leaders have become more concerned about employee burnout in the past year •       66% say their concerns about recruitment and retention have got worse over the same period The four steps •       1. Audit your culture: what do your values, language, and behaviour actually communicate to your team? •       2. Actively challenge presenteeism: name overwork, model the change, ask if objectives are realistic •       3. Invest in wellbeing that goes deeper than training: culture and skills must work together •       4. Get every leader on board: culture change requires every manager to understand and model the shift Resources and links • Resources and links •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/) About Alex Nunn Alex is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in and with the charity sector. www.clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk)

9. 

   26 May 2026

   Episode 4: It's a lonely, hard job

   The loneliness of leadership in the charity sector is one of the most consistent things Alex hears from the leaders she works with. Not the obvious kind of loneliness, but the quiet kind that exists in the middle of a full diary and a team that depends on you. In this episode, Alex explores why it happens and what you can actually do about it. What we cover •       Why charity leadership feels lonely even when you're surrounded by people •       Why the board often don't quite get it, and what good support actually looks like •       The fear of being seen not to know, and why leaders keep going rather than asking for help •       Why peer support gets deprioritised, and the cost of that •       Four practical steps to feel less alone Key takeaway The loneliness of charity leadership is not inevitable. It is the product of a sector that has normalised a model of leadership that is unsustainable. That needs to change if we want a sector which has the kind of long-term impact we know it can. The four steps •       1. Build connection inside the organisation, beyond the work •       2. Invest in peer support outside the organisation, starting small and realistic •       3. Get clear on what you need from your chair, and ask for it •       4. Consider specialist support: coaching, supervision, or a combination Resources and links •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/) •       Weekly newsletter Live well, lead well: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk) About Alex Nunn Alex is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in and with the charity sector. www.clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk)

10. 

    19 May 2026

    Episode 3: When did you stop loving the work?

    Have you ever wished you could love your job like you used to? That you could find the motivation, the energy, the passion that brought you into this sector in the first place? And, have you found yourself wondering how to motivate your team when you’re struggling to motivate yourself? If any of that resonates, this episode is for you. Today we explore what going through the motions actually looks like, why it happens, and how to fall back in love with your work. Timestamps 0:00 — Introduction 0:30 — What going through the motions looks and feels like 3:00 — Why this happens 5:30 — What to do about it 9:30 — Key takeaway and close Key takeaway Going through the motions isn’t a character flaw — and it isn’t permanent. It’s a signal. Something has shifted in the balance between what the work demands and what it gives back. And that balance can change — but only if you create the space to notice what’s happening and make some deliberate choices about what comes next. The five-point motivation scale A tool referenced in this episode that you can use as a self-diagnostic: 1 — Won’t do: pure disengagement 2 — Have to: compliance, fear, survival mode 3 — Should do: self-regulated but driven by guilt and anxiety 4 — Want to: intrinsic motivation, feels personal and connected 5 — Love to: flow, full absorption, you’d almost do it for nothing Resources and links Book a free discovery call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) Join the weekly newsletter ‘Live well, lead well’: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk) Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/) About Alex Nunn Alex is a coaching psychologist specialising in helping senior charity leaders create sustainable, fulfilling careers. With 20 years of experience in the charity sector, Alex offers executive coaching, team coaching, and organisational consultancy.

11. 

    19 May 2026

    Episode 2: What's busy costing you?

    Can I ask you a question? Does your organisation have a culture of overwork? Not intentionally. Nobody decides they want one. But on a Wednesday evening when half your team are logging back on to catch up, or on a Saturday when you’re checking your phone for messages that could have waited until Monday, the answer is often yes. In this episode, Alex explores what an overwork culture actually looks like from the inside, what it is really costing your charity, and six practical steps to start changing it. Timestamps •       0:00: Introduction •       0:30: What an overwork culture looks like from the inside •       3:00: What this is really costing the charity •       5:30: Why this happens •       7:00: Six steps to change your culture •       9:30: Key takeaway and close The six steps covered in this episode •       1. Start with what is working: ask your team where you are at your best before looking at what needs to change •       2. Get honest about your strategy: is what you have committed to actually achievable with the resource you have? •       3. Check your roles and resources: do you have the right people, in the right roles, with enough capacity to do the work well? •       4. Look at your systems: are there predictable pinch points that create recurring pressure? •       5. Make it safe to say no, ask for help, and make mistakes •       6. Put wellbeing at the centre: not as an add-on, but as part of strategic decision making Resources and links •       Book a free call: www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Download free resources: clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk) •       Join the weekly newsletter Live well, lead well: clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk) •       Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/) About Alex Nunn Alex is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in and with the charity sector. Alex works with senior leaders to help them find a sustainable, fulfilling way to lead so they and their charities can make the lasting difference they came here to make. www.clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://www.clearseacoaching.co.uk)

12. 

    13 May 2026

    Episode 1: Why You Can’t Stop Firefighting (And What to Do About It)

    You had a plan for this week. A proper one. Time to think, space to be strategic, maybe even a conversation you’ve been putting off. But before you got there, the emails, the crises, the people at your door, and here you are again, reacting instead of leading. If that’s familiar, this episode is for you. Firefighting is one of the most common things senior charity leaders bring to coaching. In this first episode, I explore why it happens, why knowing what to do differently isn’t enough to actually change it, and what to try instead. What we cover in this episode Why the charity sector is structurally set up to keep you in reactive mode The values clash that makes it almost impossible to slow down The belief underneath the pattern that no one talks about — and why it matters more than any productivity hack Why your busyness is disconnecting you from yourself Five practical steps that work at the psychological level, not just the surface one Timestamps 0:00 — Introduction 0:30 — Does this sound familiar? Validating the experience 3:00 — Why this keeps happening 5:30 — What to actually do about it 9:30 — Key takeaway and close Key takeaway Firefighting isn’t a time management problem — and it isn’t a personal failing. It’s what happens when passionate, committed people work in a system that demands more than it gives, and haven’t yet had permission to do things differently. That permission? Consider this it. Resources and links Book a free discovery call: clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) Download free resources: clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk) Join the weekly newsletter ‘Live well, lead well’: clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk) Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/)

13. 

    13 May 2026

    Episode 00: Why Charity Leaders Burn Out & Why This Podcast Exists

    Before the episodes proper, this is the one that explains why this podcast exists — and why it’s different from every other leadership podcast out there. If you’ve ever wondered why the advice you’ve been given hasn’t worked, why you know what you should be doing differently but can’t seem to do it, or why the charity sector feels so uniquely relentless, this episode is the place to start. What we cover in this episode Why the charity sector creates a perfect storm for burnout, and why it’s not that you’re not resilient enough The three forces that interact to place senior leaders at risk: sector pressures, resource environment, and the values that brought you here Why waiting until crisis is too late, and why prevention has to be the strategy Why run-of-the-mill leadership tips don’t create lasting change, and what needs to happen instead What this podcast will explore, and who it’s for Timestamps 0:00 — Welcome and introduction 1:00 — The perfect storm: why the sector sets leaders up for burnout 4:00 — Why waiting until crisis is too late 6:00 — What this podcast is — and what it isn’t 8:30 — Who this podcast is for 9:30 — What’s coming next Key takeaway The patterns that keep senior leaders stuck, overworking, the struggle to let go and delegate, the feeling of never doing enough are rooted in beliefs, values, and how we understand what it means to be a good leader. Until those beliefs are examined, practical tips alone won’t create lasting change. That’s what this podcast is here to do. Resources and links Book a free discovery call: clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) Download free resources: clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk) Join the weekly newsletter ‘Live well, lead well’: clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk) Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nunn-059537a6/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/clear_sea_coaching/) Research referenced in this episode CharityJob Expectations and Values at Work Survey — 78% of charity workers reported feeling emotionally exhausted or burnt out at least sometimes. Coming up next Episode 1: Why You Can’t Stop Firefighting (And What to Do About It). We start with one of the most universal experiences senior charity leaders bring to coaching, and explore why the usual advice fails to stick. About Alex Nunn Alex is a psychologist specialising in helping charity leaders create sustainable, fulfilling careers. With 20 years of experience in the charity sector, Alex offers executive coaching, team coaching, and organisational consultancy.

14. 

    1 May 2026

    Welcome to Cause & Effect

    Welcome to Cause and Effect, the podcast for senior charity leaders who want to live and lead well. If you are a charity leader who feels like you are constantly firefighting, never quite getting to the strategic work you wish you were doing, or wondering how to lead your team sustainably when the pressure never seems to let up, this podcast is for you. I believe charities should be brilliant places to work. Places that add to people's lives, not drain them. And I believe that starts with leadership. It starts with you. What you will find here •       Practical, evidence-based tools to help you lead more sustainably •       Honest conversations about the real challenges of charity leadership •       Support for both you as a leader and your organisation as a whole •       A new episode every week Who this podcast is for Senior charity leaders, CEOs, directors, and anyone carrying the weight of leadership in the sector, who want to stop firefighting, lead with confidence, and build a way of working that does not cost them everything. About your host I am Alex Nunn, a psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in and with the charity sector. I work with senior leaders to help them find a sustainable, fulfilling way to lead so they and their charities can make the lasting difference they came here to make. Connect and find out more •       Website: clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk) •       Book a free discovery call: clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk/lets-talk) •       Connect on LinkedIn: Alex Nunn •       Follow on Instagram: @clear_sea_coaching •       Weekly newsletter Live well, lead well: clearseacoaching.co.uk (http://clearseacoaching.co.uk) Because making a difference shouldn’t mean losing yourself in the process.

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