What does it really take to lead with purpose in a world of uncertainty, complexity and constant change? What happens when profit, people and values collide?
Hosted by Rebecca Hull and Lou Lai from Manifesto, Leaders with Purpose goes beyond the headlines and leadership clichés to explore the real, messy, and meaningful work of leading with courage and clarity.
Every fortnight, hear from the leaders shaping the future across non-profits, culture, technology, and mission-driven organisations to unpack how they stay connected to purpose, navigate transformation, and lead with integrity.
Through honest reflections, surprising lessons, and practical takeaways, this podcast offers a candid look at what it means to lead today. You’ll hear from industry experts, peers, and change makers across sectors, sharing lived experiences from the frontlines and the system’s edges.
Because great leadership doesn’t always come with a playbook, but it always starts with purpose.
What happens when one of the most high-profile teams in motorsport decides to use its platform for good?
In this episode, we're joined by Debbie Wall, ESG Director at the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, to talk about breaking the rules to get ahead of the game in ESG and philanthropy.
Debbie takes us behind the scenes of building an ESG function from scratch inside a Formula One team, and explains why ESG matters not just ethically but commercially. She shares how sport can be a powerful platform for positive change, and what modern, purpose-led partnerships look like in practice.
If you've ever wondered how to approach or pitch to a major organisation like Aston Martin F1, Debbie offers candid advice on what makes a partnership stand out. She also discusses the team's inclusion and diversity work and how they're opening doors for people who might never have seen themselves in motorsport.
To close, Debbie shares practical tips for anyone looking to build a career in ESG, sustainability or purpose-driven work.
Chapters00:00 Introducing Debbie Wall00:53 A zigzag career through marketing, philanthropy and Formula One04:48 Building ESG at Aston Martin F110:38 Creating opportunities through mentoring and partnerships14:28 Using Formula One’s platform to drive change17:06 Mission 44 and challenging established ways of working20:54 Building teams with different strengths23:53 Mentorship and knowing when to move on27:39 Bringing the right partners together29:32 Building stronger charity and corporate partnerships33:33 Supporting women in motorsport and leadership37:25 Finding community in Formula One39:32 Helping young people find a route into the industry43:05 Advice for the next generation of leaders48:19 What’s next for Debbie and Aston Martin F1?50:26 Closing reflections
The episode explores contemporary approaches to philanthropy, corporate partnerships and ESG strategy, and is a must-listen for anyone interested in how business, sport and social impact can drive each other forward.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
Debbie Wall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiewall70/?isSelfProfile=falseLou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/
23 Sept 2026
Why leaders need to talk about mental health
How honest should leaders be when they’re struggling?
In this extra mini episode of Leaders with Purpose, Ben Kay, Chief Experience Officer at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), joins Lou to discuss vulnerability in leadership, his experience of burnout and why speaking openly about mental health is essential.
Ben shares how difficult periods have shaped the way he leads, why health must remain a priority and how finding purpose has brought greater meaning to his work.
Topics covered include:00:00 Navigating uncertainty as a leader00:56 Being open about vulnerability and burnout02:38 Why it’s important to say when you’re not fine04:25 Putting health first within an organisation05:02 Finding personal purpose through your work06:00 Creating a shared sense of purpose at BACP
This honest conversation offers reassurance to leaders facing difficult periods and a reminder that asking for support can be an important step forward.
Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations about purposeful leadership, workplace culture and mental health.
Listen to the podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us
Ben Kay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkay76/ Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/ manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/
16 Sept 2026
What happens when AI becomes your therapist?
Could AI make mental health support more accessible without losing the human connection at the heart of therapy?
In this mini episode of Leaders with Purpose, Ben Kay, Chief Experience Officer at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) explores the role AI could play in supporting the nation’s mental health.
With public services under pressure and private therapy unaffordable for many, people are already turning to AI chatbots during vulnerable moments. Ben discusses the risks this creates, why technology should complement rather than replace therapists and the need for strong ethical frameworks.
He also explains how BACP can help technology companies develop safer, more human tools grounded in evidence and clinical understanding.
Topics covered include:00:00 - Creating an ethical framework for AI00:14 - The growing gap in access to mental health support01:28 - Using technology to support human interaction02:00 - Why vulnerable people are turning to AI chatbots02:42 - The risks of using AI for mental health support03:06 - Why AI cannot replace human connection03:38 - How technology could support therapists and clients04:15 - Bringing therapeutic ethics into technology05:19 - BACP’s responsibility to its members05:46 - Why decisions must be grounded in research06:16 - Helping the public choose safer digital tools06:54 - Using AI to support the nation’s wellbeing
Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations about leadership, mental health, technology and organisational change.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose
Connect with us:
Ben Kay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkay76/Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/
Who has been a guest on Leaders with Purpose
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Jim Bowes
Jude Comyn
Judith Comyn
Jude
Rachael Franklin
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
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