Founder’s syndrome is a recognised problem in our sector, but there is more to the story. Why is it so prevalent? What can be done? And what should founders do if they recognise some of these behaviours in themselves? This episode examines how control, identity and power can shift founders from driving impact to creating risk…or worse, and how those dynamics are often enabled rather than challenged.

The discussion brings together Susanna Kislenko, an academic specialising in founder leadership and founder’s syndrome, Carla Gill, a former founder now working with others through transition, and Mona Vadher and Nick Moore, two Interims for Impact associates who, as interim CEOs, who have seen first-hand the impact these situations can have on organisations, culture and governance. Together, they explore what sits beneath the label of founder’s syndrome and what needs to happen before the consequences become systemic.

Trusteeship is treated as the moral foundation of the charity sector, with voluntary service upheld at its core.

But that assumption quietly shapes who can take part in governing charities and who cannot.

This episode asks what really sits behind the resistance to paying trustees. Is payment about professionalism, access and lived experience, or does it undermine the idea of public service and public trust?

Corporates to the rescue? Or perhaps not. Why corporate fundraising may not be the saviour the sector is banking on

In the current funding perfect storm, are corporates the superhero that will save the sector with their deep pockets and desire to appear good? In this episode we dive into whether corporate fundraising is really the saviour many charities hope for. We hear insights from companies: from the frustrations and horror stories to what actually makes partnerships work, explore mismatched expectations, the power dynamics between sectors, and why respect and professionalism matter as much as brand or size. And we uncover what you need to do if you are going to make corporate fundraising work for your charity.