Your impact matters—but not at the cost of your wellbeing. The Scorecard shows you how to optimise stress so you can achieve more without burning out 👉 https://bit.ly/42hK3Ls
Everyone celebrates changemakers. Few talk about the cost of becoming one.
In this episode, Sarah Brook—CEO and founder of The Sparkle Foundation, ESG consultant, and TEDx speaker—shares the raw reality of turning survival into service. From illness, trauma, and overwhelming stress to building a global nonprofit, Sarah reveals what it truly takes to step into changemaker leadership.
If you’ve ever dreamed of making a difference but wondered what it demands, this conversation will give you honesty, hope, and practical insights.
About Sarah Brook: Sarah is a psychologist, award-winning charity leader, and one of the UK’s top nonprofit CEOs. She founded The Sparkle Foundation, bringing health, education, and empowerment to vulnerable communities in Malawi and beyond. Her story is proof that resilience can fuel change—and that anyone can step into the role of changemaker.
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The real cost of becoming a changemaker
Why stress and survival can spark leadership
The lessons from building a movement under pressure
How to balance suffering, service, and wellbeing
Why you don’t need all the answers to make a difference
How to turn challenge into contribution
This episode reminds us: the cost of becoming a changemaker is real—but so are the rewards.
​​Get involved with Sparkle Foundation Here: https://www.thesparklefoundation.org/
Timestamps
00:00-02:45 Meet Sarah Brooks
02:46-04:36 The Life Changing Moment
04:37-07:50 The Choice to LeadÂ
07:51-12:33 The Cost of Building a Movement
12:34-13:43 You Don’t Need All The Answers
13:44-20:24 Everyone Can Make a Difference
20:25-26:52 Reality of Navigating Challenges
26:53-29:26 The Power of Faith, Trust, Knowing
29:27-32:32 Belonging and IdentityÂ
32:33-35:03 Pausing Time, Prioritising Health, Parenting
35:04-37:33 Become a ChangemakerÂ
37:34-39:20 Impact Beyond What We See
39:20-44:42 Fulfilment and Success
44:43-46:20 Balancing Suffering, Service and Wellbeing
46:21-48:26 Dreams Come Back Around
48:27-52:18 Courage, Bravery and Resilience
52:19- 52:48 Final Thoughts
52:49-53:49 Meals on Me Sponsor
Be sure to follow Sarah here:
