“What are we selling? We’re selling hope. One day we will find a cure, and we will have better diagnostics and treatments.” – Hilary Evans-Newton CBE, Chief Executive Alzheimer’s Research UK
Season Three of Topline Talks continues with another deep dive into one of the core markets that Mackie Myers specialises in – the Charity Sector. We were honoured to be joined by Hilary Evans-Newton CBE, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK. In this episode, Hilary shares her experience of leading the charity, taking it from an organisation with £10m income to £60m over the last ten years. In this fascinating discussion, she covers:
Alzheimer’s Research UK – a story of growth and ambition. The charity’s goal is to ultimately find a cure for the diseases that cause dementia, and its growth trajectory, focus and strategic partnerships have all been focussed around that.
The challenge: Only 2% of the patient population living with dementia get a ‘gold standard’ diagnosis, which involves a clinical pathway, treatment plan, offer of clinical trials and support to improve their quality of life.
Partnerships, People and Purpose – The three Ps that have underpinned how the organisation has approached delivering its ambition of curing dementia.
Changing public understanding of the disease. A lot of work over the past ten years has been to educate people about the condition, shifting mindsets away from dementia being viewed as ‘just a part of aging’.
How to navigate fundraising during difficult economic conditions. The importance of having a diverse fundraising portfolio and the ability to tell the story of the impact the organisation is making.
The UK as a leading centre for neuroscience. With brilliant access to patient data, the ability to work within a healthcare system and an incredible medical research charity community, it’s one of the best places for neuroscience development.
AI adoption in the sector. Technological advances are vital in terms of early detection, monitoring and supporting people living with the condition. From the use of digital biomarkers through to every day technology that can identify changes in people’s cognition before they or their families notice a difference.
Looking ahead. The charity’s ambitions for the next five years, its plans to double in size again in terms of income, and how data, technology, people and culture are all central to that.
The importance of discipline. Knowing what to focus on and when, and how to communicate that clearly with teams so that everyone is on the same page.
Lessons in leadership:
- Think about the bigger picture
- Relationships are key
- Be open to asking for help
- Get involved
- Learn from others.
Season Three of Topline Talks sees us take a deep dive into our core sector specialisms, including Cleantech, Consumer, Private Equity, Social Housing, Charity, Life Sciences and Higher Education. The podcast still focuses on engaging conversations with senior leaders, offering insights and learnings from their careers, and providing tips and advice on how to succeed as a leader.
Tags: Charity, Third Sector, Alzheimer’s Research, Medical Research, Leadership, AI, Technology, Neuroscience, Chief Executive, Life Sciences
