Advice for aspiring charity CEOs: Here’s what every future CEO should be thinking about

Advice for aspiring charity CEOs: Here’s what every future CEO should be thinking about

By Philippa Fabry|23 July 2025

Discover expert advice for aspiring charity CEOs from leading culture and strategy to managing boards, relationships and your own wellbeing.

This blog shares practical advice for aspiring charity CEOs, drawn from my experience working alongside leaders preparing for the role. Last week, I spoke to a cohort of future CEOs at Bayes Business School, and I wanted to share some of the reflections I offered to those ready to step into leadership in the UK charity sector.

There’s no denying it, leadership in this space is challenging. It’s complex, it’s emotionally demanding and it requires the ability to adapt rapidly in an increasingly uncertain world. But it can also be one of the most rewarding and purposeful careers out there.

Leading in the charity sector means playing a role in solving some of society’s most intractable problems. It means working alongside some of the most talented, values-driven and committed people you’ll ever meet. And it will stretch you intellectually, emotionally and ethically in ways few other roles will.

If you’re up for the challenge, here are the things I believe every future CEO should be thinking about.

Category:Candidate advice

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Philippa Fabry

Written by

Philippa Fabry

Partner

Philippa Fabry is a partner and shareholder at Peridot Partners, leading the Not for Profit Practice with expertise, creativity and empathy. With over 20 years of executive search experience across private, public, and not for profit sectors, she excels in recruiting leadership roles for charities. Her leadership expertise extends beyond Peridot as a mentor for a youth charity and leadership coach.

Philippa began her career as a curator in visual arts after graduating from Manchester University. She worked for a prestigious London art gallery before becoming Principal Curator of Contemporary Art at Harewood House Trust. She transitioned to recruitment in 2001 at an international headhunting firm, then served as Assistant Director at Veredus before joining Peridot Partners in 2011, becoming Director in 2015.

Her experience includes supporting organisations through Founder/CEO transitions, establishing new or renewed boards, and helping commercial candidates transition to the not for profit sector. She has partnered with UK charities to appoint skilled executives and diverse trustees.

Outside work, Philippa is an avid runner who has completed several half marathons and is training for her first Sprint Triathlon. She balances career with family and social life, passionate about the arts and helping young people reach their potential.