Dr Amo Raju OBE DL has an extensive amount of experience in creating and managing disability services and EDI issues. His personal battles with depression whilst rising to the top of his profession have given him a unique perception of leadership. Amo is the author of the best-selling book 'Walk Like A Man', which is available on Amazon.
In today’s corporate world, where profit margins sometimes overshadow purpose, businesses are finally waking up to the idea that diversity in leadership might just be a good thing. Shocking, I know. While the traditional route to the CEO’s position usually involves a stint in finance, a fancy MBA, or a knack for PowerPoint presentations, there is a growing argument for looking beyond the boardroom. Enter leaders from the voluntary sector.
Yes, those people who have spent their careers trying to save the world on a shoestring budget. What could they possibly offer to the cutthroat world of corporate business? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
1. Social impact? We wrote the book
Leaders from the voluntary sector do not just talk about social impact. They live and breathe it. While corporate CSR initiatives often feel like an afterthought or a PR stunt, these individuals have spent years aligning organisational goals with actual societal needs. Imagine that, a leader who genuinely cares about making a difference.
For corporate companies, this means CSR strategies that are not just lip service. A voluntary sector leader can help a business navigate complex social issues, build meaningful partnerships, and ensure that profit does not come at the expense of people or the planet. And let’s face it, in a world where consumers can sniff out insincerity faster than a dog finds a biscuit, that is a competitive advantage.
2. Masters of doing more with less
If you want to learn how to stretch a budget, ask someone from the voluntary sector. These leaders are the MacGyvers of resource management, turning £1 into £10 while somehow keeping the lights on. They are experts at prioritising, innovating, and finding creative solutions to seemingly impossible problems.
In the corporate world, where waste is often disguised as operational overhead, this skill is pure gold. A voluntary sector leader can streamline processes, cut unnecessary costs, and find opportunities where others see obstacles. Who knew that running a charity could be such excellent training for running a business?
3. Emotional intelligence? They have got it in bucketloads
Let’s be honest, the corporate world is not exactly known for its warm and friendly leadership style. But in the voluntary sector, emotional intelligence is not just a buzzword, it is a survival skill. These leaders work with everyone, from vulnerable beneficiaries to demanding donors, and they do it with empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to help.
In a corporate setting, this translates into a leader who actually listens to their team, values diversity, and fosters a culture of collaboration. Imagine a workplace where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Revolutionary, right?
4. Purpose-driven leadership, not just profit-driven
Here’s a radical idea: what if businesses existed to do more than just make money? Leaders from the voluntary sector are driven by purpose, not just profit. They understand that a company’s mission should resonate with its employees, customers, and the wider community.
In a world where millennials and Gen Z are increasingly choosing employers based on values rather than salary, this is a game changer. A voluntary sector leader can help a company articulate its purpose and live it every day. And who knows, they might even make work feel meaningful.
5. Resilience, they have seen it all
If you think corporate life is tough, try running a charity during a funding crisis, where there is a possibility that your customers may even die without your service. Voluntary sector leaders are experts at navigating uncertainty, adapting to change, and keeping calm under pressure. They have faced challenges that would make even the most hardened CEO break out in a cold sweat.
In the corporate world, where disruption is the new normal, this resilience is invaluable. A voluntary sector leader can steer a company through tough times with grace, grit, and maybe even a sense of humour.
6. Stakeholder engagement, they are pros
Voluntary sector leaders are used to dealing with a wide range of stakeholders, from government officials to community groups. They know how to build trust, encourage collaboration, and navigate complex relationships.
In the corporate world, this skill can improve customer loyalty, strengthen partnerships, and enhance reputation. And let’s be honest, in an age of social media outrage, that is not something to sneeze at.
7. A fresh perspective, because yes, we need that
Finally, leaders from the voluntary sector bring a fresh perspective to the table. They challenge the status quo, spark innovation, and introduce new ways of thinking. In a corporate world that often feels stuck in its ways, this is like a breath of fresh air.
So, what can corporate companies gain from hiring senior leaders with voluntary sector backgrounds? A lot, as it turns out. These individuals bring a unique blend of skills, values, and perspectives that can drive innovation, enhance reputation, and create a more inclusive and sustainable business.
As someone who has spent over 30 years in the voluntary sector, I have seen firsthand the power of purpose driven leadership. The question is not whether corporate companies can afford to hire these leaders, it is whether they can afford not to. After all, in a world that is crying out for change, maybe it is time to let the do-gooders show us how it is done.
Read more from Dr. Amo Raju
Dr. Amo Raju OBE DL, Disability Influencer & Ambassador
Dr. Amo Raju OBE DL is a disabled person with an incredible back story captured in his best-selling book 'Walk Like A Man.' Having defied societal expectations, Amo became a bhangra singer with two recording contracts, CEO of a multi-million pound UK charity, a politician, and recipient of countless awards. Today he enjoys mentoring the next generation of disabled people in leadership positions as well as keynote speeches on international stages.
