In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Clare Montagu, CEO of Poppy’s, a funeral director serving Greater London from three premises. Clare joined Poppy’s as Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and became CEO in 2022. Under her leadership the business has grown to three premises and achieved B Corp status.

In their conversation, they discuss:

Why Poppy Mardall founded Poppy’s in response to television exposés on poor care of the dead and exploitative pricing, and how Poppy’s approaches funerals and the care of the dead differently.

Why Clare urges everyone to talk about death and dying, and the basics worth discussing with the people who will arrange your funeral.

How Poppy’s recruits for emotional intelligence and supports its team through boundaries, reflective sessions and rituals like their culture breakfast.

Why Poppy’s is growing at a sustainable pace, funding expansion itself for now and opening premises selectively, and how its culture can outlast its current leaders.

Poppy’s: https://www.poppysfunerals.co.uk/

Menkus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/

Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, the strategy firm for businesses with a broader purpose. His McKinsey training combined with more than 30 years working at Board and ExCo level gives him both the analytical rigour and the insight that complex, high-stakes leadership situations demand.

Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a weekly podcast. It explores how senior leaders bring purpose to life through strategy.