In this inspiring episode, Sue Vasey, CEO of Chain Lane Community Hub, chats to Mike Hickman, Leadership Development and Training Manager at Community First Yorkshire, about how starting with a bold, barrier-free “utopia” vision can transform strategic planning for charities.
Drawing from her decades in the voluntary sector - and the journey to save and revitalise Chain Lane Community Centre - Sue explains why leaders should define their ideal destination first, then work back to navigate the practical realities.
She and Mike explore resilience, self-leadership, and the discipline to stay true to core values, even when funding pressures tempt organisations off course. Sue recounts tough decisions, including walking away from a £1m contract that conflicted with partners’ missions, and emphasises integrity, generous leadership, and wisdom as essential leadership qualities.
A candid and hopeful conversation for anyone steering a community organisation through uncertainty, this episode reminds us: utopia isn’t a naïve dream - it’s the compass that keeps us moving in the right direction.
