Welcome to Raise! The charity podcast by fundraisers for fundraisers.
This podcast is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Whether you’re struggling with donor fatigue or even your own fatigue, feeling imposter syndrome creep in, or wondering how to make your voice heard at the leadership table, this is a space where we can talk about it all.
From fundraiser to freelancer with Bethany Helliwell-Smith
Christine Neubeiser and Sian Wilkinson-Iles interview Bethany Helliwell-Smith, founder of Awen Coaching, about her transition from fundraiser to freelancer, sharing insights on avoiding burnout and building a sustainable business.
22 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
Help! I need fundraising investment with Luke Genevrier-Mallett
Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser interview fundraising consultant Luke Genevrier-Mallett on building a compelling case for fundraising investment to drive sustainable growth.
27 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
Rethinking fundraising talent with Harpreet Kondel
Host [Host Name] interviews Harpreet Kondel, Chair of the CIOF, exploring critical talent and diversity issues within the fundraising sector.
21 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
Finding your own career path with Rebecca Allin
What if the thing you’ve been worrying about in your career… is actually your biggest strength?
In this episode of Raise, we’re joined by Rebecca (Bec) Allin to talk about non-linear career paths and why they might be your secret weapon.
Bec shares her journey into the sector, bringing experience from outside fundraising and carving her own path along the way. We talk honestly about how tough it can be to break into the sector (and why it can sometimes feel like there’s a “right” way in), as well as what happens once you’re in.
Because here’s the thing: progression doesn’t have to mean chasing the next job title.
We explore what it looks like to grow differently, whether that’s building new skills, moving sideways, or shaping a role that actually works for you. Bec also reflects on the pressure to compare yourself to others (we’ve all been there 👀) and why letting go of that timeline can be a game-changer.
If you’ve ever felt like your career path doesn’t quite “fit the mould”, this one’s for you.
Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow
25 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
Navigating Change with Ashley Hickman
Change is never easy, especially when it comes in the form of a restructure that brings uncertainty, pressure, and difficult decisions.
In this open and candid conversation, we’re joined by Ashley Hickman to explore what it really means to navigate change when the stakes feel high and the path ahead isn’t clear. Together, we unpack the emotional and practical realities of leading through restructuring, particularly when your own role may also be at risk.
Ashley shares thoughtful, honest reflections on how to show up for your team during ambiguous times—balancing transparency with empathy, and leadership with humanity. We also talk about the importance of taking care of yourself, finding trusted spaces for support, and staying grounded when everything feels daunting.
Whether you’re currently experiencing change or preparing for it, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and practical ways to lead and live through uncertainty.
Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow
25 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Your fundraising support squad: How to get the right fit with Andy King
Christine Neubeiser and Sian Wilkinson-Iles interview Andy King of Fireside Fundraising about when and how to effectively engage external fundraising support.
21 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Raising the Bar - Looking back on 2025
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
29 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Learning to be yourself with Amber Scales
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.
6 Aug 2025TRANSCRIPT
The secret to working with recruiters with Ashby Jenkins
Sian and Christine interview Ashby Jenkins, founder of Ashby Jenkins Recruitment, about building strategic relationships with recruiters to advance careers and build teams.
25 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Passion, purpose and power with Esther Kwaku
Esther Kwaku discusses how purpose fuels meaningful work, provides strategies to find and live your purpose, and helps you lead with intention in this interview with Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser.
28 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Beyond Silos: Connecting for charity impact with Jemma Shaw
Jemma Shaw explains to Christine Neubeiser and Sian Wilkinson-Iles how internal relationships improve fundraising through better storytelling and effective funding strategies in this interview.
24 Apr 2025
The kindness advantage: Why it makes you a strong leader with Emily Petty
Emily Petty explores the advantages of kindness in leadership, discussing resilience and self-care with Sian and Christine in this interview episode.
26 Mar 2025
Owning our insecurities with Christine and Sian
Hosts Sian and Christine engage in an honest conversation about owning insecurities and using them to empower work, offering listeners insights into personal growth in this interview episode.
26 Feb 2025TRANSCRIPT
From managing to leading with Sarina Jesudason
Sarina Jesudason discusses the transition from management to leadership with Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser, offering insights on career advancement and cultivating a leadership mindset in this interview.
29 Jan 2025TRANSCRIPT
People + Strategy with Damian Chapman
Damian Chapman, Director of Income Generation, explores the intersection of people and fundraising strategies with Sian and Christine, revealing how developing one supercharges the other in this interview.
18 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Raise Podcast Ep2 - Coaching with Dee Brecker
Dee Brecker explores the profound impact of coaching and mentoring in fundraising, addressing leadership challenges and overcoming imposter syndrome in an interview with Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser.
24 Nov 2024
Welcome to Raise!
Hosts Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser introduce Raise Charity Podcast, a new podcast created by fundraisers for fundraisers, offering insights for charity professionals in an introductory episode.
Inside a recent episode
From fundraiser to freelancer with Bethany Helliwell-Smith
Published 2 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] But six years later, I'd graduated and I ended up heading up all of the telephone fundraising campaigns for British Red Cross across the UK. That was a really interesting time because we took everything in-house. We handled GDPR coming in, which I will never forget. And we really redesigned. As a leader in the in the space of telephone fundraising, how to do this super ethically and putting donors at the forefront of those calls. So that was such a pleasure and something that I'm super proud of in my career that we were doing. kind of front runners in changing up telephone fundraising for the better. […]
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