Utopia isn't the end... it's the beginning

 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.