Why I Left Corporate Sales for Charity: Esther Wakeman's Journey

In this episode, Ash sits down with Esther Wakeman, the Chief Executive of Leeds Hospitals Charity, to discuss the massive impact of local fundraising on one of Europe’s largest hospital trusts. Esther shares the remarkable story of how the charity raised £6.8 million to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, a feat fueled by the heroic challenges of Kevin Sinfield and the bravery of the Burrow family. We also dive into the reality of running an £8 million-a-year charity that supports everything from life-saving medical innovation and cancer research to home comforts like Christmas presents for lonely patients. In this video, you’ll learn: The Innovation Gap: Why the charity funds "kick-start" grants for researchers that the government often won't. The Rob Burrow Story: How a community came together to transform MND care in Leeds. Corporate vs. Charity: Esther’s personal transition from a career in sales and marketing to a purpose-driven life in the third sector. Collaboration Over Competition: Why hospital charities work together rather than competing for your donations. The Truth About Overheads: A candid look at why charities must "spend money to make money" to maximize their impact. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Esther Wakeman & Leeds Hospitals Charity 01:50 - Joining the charity three weeks before lockdown 05:15 - What does the NHS not fund? 07:25 - Funding innovation: A £10k grant becomes a £250k national project 09:30 - The power of "Small" gifts: Fridges, ice lollies, and Christmas presents 12:30 - Transitioning from Sales/Marketing to Charity 15:40 - The Rob Burrow Centre for MND: Friendship and 18,000 donors 21:40 - Local vs. National Charities: Where should you give? 25:20 - Why we need the "brightest minds" in the charity sector 31:50 - Competition vs. Collaboration in fundraising 37:45 - Addressing the "double standard" of charity spending 41:30 - Esther’s advice for making a meaningful donation