How AI is transforming the charity sector with Breast Cancer Now
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In this powerful episode of Leaders with Purpose, we sit down with Rachael Franklin, Chief Engagement Officer at Breast Cancer Now, to explore what it really takes to lead through transformation, growth and uncertainty.
From her early days in telemarketing fundraising to navigating complex charity mergers and shaping a bold new five-year strategy, Rachael shares honest, practical insights on leadership, innovation and impact.
This conversation comes at an exciting moment for Breast Cancer Now, who have just launched a bold new brand identity with a powerful ambition that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well.
As their digital partner, we’ve been proud to support this journey building the digital foundations over the last few years to help scale their impact, connect more people to support, and bring this vision to life.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and Rachael Franklin
00:38 - Career journey: from telemarketing to leadership
05:00 - Building strong partnerships and agency relationships
06:17 - Personal connection to purpose and mission
10:00 - Lessons from early fundraising and audience insight
12:42 - Leadership journey and role at Breast Cancer Now
13:43 - Navigating mergers and organisational change
17:08 - The reality of integration and long-term transformation
20:22 - Strategy, prioritisation, and finding your North Star
25:00 - Digital transformation and scaling impact
28:51 - AI in the charity sector: opportunities and challenges
32:17 - Using AI to amplify human-led services
34:55 - New five-year strategy: “Change Happens Now”
37:26 - Key focus areas and future ambitions
41:12 - Innovation, experimentation, and embracing uncertainty
44:03 - Leadership advice: being okay without all the answers
Whether you’re a leader in the charity sector, healthcare, digital transformation or purpose-driven business, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.
Connect with us:
Rachael Franklin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-franklin-65aa4220/
Rebecca Hull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-hull-75a78b39/
Louise Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/
manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/