Advice for aspiring charity CEOs: Here’s what every future CEO should be thinking about

This blog shares practical advice for aspiring charity CEOs, drawn from my experience working alongside leaders preparing for the role. Last week, I spoke to a cohort of future CEOs at Bayes Business School, and I wanted to share some of the reflections I offered to those ready to step into leadership in the UK charity sector.

There’s no denying it, leadership in this space is challenging. It’s complex, it’s emotionally demanding and it requires the ability to adapt rapidly in an increasingly uncertain world. But it can also be one of the most rewarding and purposeful careers out there.

Leading in the charity sector means playing a role in solving some of society’s most intractable problems. It means working alongside some of the most talented, values-driven and committed people you’ll ever meet. And it will stretch you intellectually, emotionally and ethically in ways few other roles will.

If you’re up for the challenge, here are the things I believe every future CEO should be thinking about.

1. Know your ‘why’

This is your anchor. Be crystal clear on what motivates you emotionally, ethically, and intellectually. Your ‘why’ will keep you grounded when things get turbulent (and they will). It’s what will carry you through tough decisions, long nights and the moments when your energy dips.

Let your purpose be your North Star.

2. Build a strong relationship with your Chair and Board

This relationship can make or break your leadership journey. Treat it as a partnership. Set clear boundaries, shared purpose, and, above all, no surprises. Be transparent, take your solutions to the table and be open to challenge, advice and support. The best boards are allies, but that alliance needs to be nurtured.

3. Lead the culture

Your leadership sets the tone for the entire organisation. Culture isn’t a line in the strategy, it’s how people feel at work every day. Be present, be human and be consistent. Listen well, follow through and create space for people to thrive.

And remember: people join charities to make a difference. Your job is to make sure they can.

4. Know the numbers (and know them deeply)

It may seem obvious, but truly understanding your organisation’s finances is non-negotiable. You need to go beyond surface-level familiarity and grasp what the numbers are telling you so you can make informed, strategic decisions. Financial literacy = leadership credibility.

5. Hold the strategic view

Everyone else will be focused on the day-to-day. Your job is to maintain a long-term perspective. Stay focused on what your organisation exists to do, what makes it distinctive and how it needs to evolve as the world around it shifts.

6. Build relationships that matter

You’re not just a leader, you’re a storyteller, an advocate, and an ambassador. The ability to connect with stakeholders, inspire funders, influence policymakers and build trust with the communities you serve is critical.

Never underestimate the power of relationships in this role.

7. Support yourself

This job can be isolating. You’ll be holding a lot for your team, board and mission. But you’re not invincible. Prioritise your own support structures: peers who get it, a coach or mentor who can help you process and reflect and boundaries that protect your energy.

Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s what sustains leadership.