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Personal development and 'soft skills' take centre stage in this fourth episode of Let’s Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, the charity that champions a lifetime of impact, a career in fundraising.
Host Tim Beynon is joined by guest co-host Charlotte Sherman, Policy Manager at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, along with Claire Routley, Consultancy Director at Legacy Futures, and Dr Mark Hughes, founder of MCH Positive Impact, for a rich conversation about what it really takes to grow as a fundraising professional.
The episode covers the barriers fundraisers face in accessing development, from unsupportive managers to squeezed budgets and the creeping demands of virtual working, alongside practical advice on making the case for training investment and understanding how you learn best.
At the heart of the discussion is emotional intelligence, and a robust challenge to the term ‘soft skills’. Drawing on Daniel Goleman’s five-element model (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills), Mark argues that these are in fact the hardest skills to develop, the ones that take a lifetime to master, and the ones AI will never be able to replicate. The group explores where fundraisers typically start from - strongest on empathy and social skills, most in need of development on self-regulation - and what it takes to genuinely improve.
The conversation also touches on the particular emotional demands of legacy fundraising, the value of coaching and peer networks, and how to approach the question of career progression, including a gentle challenge to the assumption that moving up always means moving into management.
Meet the Guests
Claire Routley, Consultancy Director, Legacy Futures
Claire has worked across fundraising practice, research and education, and teaches on the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s own qualification courses. At Legacy Futures she leads consultancy work with a wide range of charities, united by a focus on legacy and in-memory giving.
Dr Mark Hughes, Founder, MCH Positive Impact
With a background spanning McKinsey, academia and charity leadership, Mark has spent over 20 years helping individuals and organisations develop the emotional intelligence, coaching and leadership capabilities that drive lasting impact. He regularly delivers the Chartered Institute’s Future Leaders programme.
Connect with our guests and contributors
Charlotte Sherman — https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-sherman-8a3246332/
Claire Routley — https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-routley-9a8b737/
Dr Mark Hughes — https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hughes-21495918/
Be a part of the show
We really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...
- Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-us
- Send us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraising
Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk
Creators and Guests
Host
What is Let's Talk Fundraising?
Let’s Talk Fundraising is the official podcast of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, the charity that champions a lifetime of impact, a career in fundraising. Exploring the issues, ideas and debates shaping fundraising today - it's hosted each month by Tim Beynon, together with a rotating co-host. From sector news and current affairs to ethics, wellbeing, leadership and best practice, each episode brings practical insight and thoughtful discussion with fundraisers and experts from across the UK. Whether you work in fundraising, lead a charity, sit on a board, or simply want to understand how fundraising supports charities to change lives, Let’s Talk Fundraising is your place to listen, learn and be part of the conversation.