Leading Through Crisis: Polly Neate on Resilience, Empathy & Speaking Truth to Power

We chat with Polly Neate, CEO at Shelter

As the UK faces a defining general election amidst a deepening housing emergency, bold and resilient leadership has never been more crucial. In this raw and revealing episode, Polly Neate CBE, CEO of Shelter, shares hard-won lessons from her decades on the frontlines fighting for social justice.

Polly offers an unflinching look at the challenges of leading a charity through nonstop change and fighting for social justice in a world increasingly fractured by fear and polarisation.

Drawing on her experiences at Shelter, Women's Aid, and beyond, Polly makes a compelling case for the power of empathy and lived experience to cut through the noise and forge genuine connection. She challenges leaders to rethink authenticity, embracing consistency and boundaries as the foundations of trust and impact.

As charities face mounting pressure to stay silent, Polly issues an urgent rallying cry to speak truth to power. She shares how Shelter is harnessing creativity and the power of storytelling to put the housing emergency firmly on the election agenda - and inspires listeners to find their own voice and conviction.

Tune in for a master class in leading with integrity, grit, and heart. Learn how to support your teams through the toughest of times, stay grounded in purpose, and mobilise the public to drive systemic change.

In a political landscape reshaped by COVID and Brexit, this episode is a must-listen for any leader seeking to navigate uncertainty and lead the charge for a more just and compassionate society. Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired to act.

Please note our interview with Polly was recorded before the UK election was announced.

NotesFind out more about Shelter

https://www.shelter.org.uk/

Tech news

BBC story- Bot or not: Are fake accounts swaying voters towards Reform UK?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1335nj316lo

Guardian article on the UK’s first AI MP:

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/10/brighton-general-election-candidate-uk-first-ai-mp-artificial-intelligence

Guardian article on smart doorbells and election campaigning:

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/17/canvassing-to-empty-houses-knocking-on-doors-in-the-smart-doorbell-era

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Editing and production - Syren Studios with Paul Thomas

Music by Joseph McDade https://josephmcdade.com/music

Full transcript of this episode (srt file)

Full transcript of this episode (.txt file)

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