The Purpose Pioneers, a new five-part series by Positive News, delves into the journey of leaders actively incorporating purpose into their business, community, and cultural practices.
The series provides insight into what success looks like when the main driving factor is purpose over profit. It explores the real-life experience of converting ideals into actions and the genuine meaning of living your values, especially in an era where the concept of purpose seems to be losing its novelty.
The Purpose Pioneers podcast, hosted by Sarah LaBrecque, introduces us to individuals who are spearheading some of the UK’s most inspirational organizations. The guests range from a charity leader bringing the joy of play to thousands of excluded disabled children, to a founder successfully revamping the perception of coach travel.
This podcast goes beyond providing a manual or management tips. Instead, it focuses on the human experience of transforming bold ideas into real-world changes. Each episode delves into the challenges and gratifications of implementing purpose in practice and what it truly means to act on the things we care about in our personal and professional lives.
Leaders who are revolutionizing business, community, and culture by adhering to their values narrate their stories throughout the series. These leaders represent various sectors like nature restoration, disability inclusion, transport, ethical finance, and consumer goods. Guests include individuals like Steve Micklewright, CEO of rewilding charity Trees for Life, Stephanie Wheen, founder and CEO of disability-inclusive charity Gympanzees, and other esteemed guests from different sectors.
Each episode revolves around three defining moments in the guest’s journey- the tipping point where their purpose became indispensable, the spark of joy when they witnessed their work making a tangible difference, and finally, a look ahead into the future of their organization and its wider impact.
Although the interviewees operate in diverse fields, LaBrecque notes apparent connections emerging between their stories. Each pioneer, whether they’re involved in rewilding landscapes, creating inclusive communities, or reshaping transport, is driven by the belief that work should be a force for good. They focus on impactful questions about influence, responsibility, and the legacy they want to leave behind rather than mindlessly chasing growth.
The release of The Purpose Pioneers marks the revival of The Positive News Podcast. This series expands upon the publication’s long-standing solutions-focused journalism by incorporating regular audio and video formats. The previous series, Developing Mental Wealth, bagged the Best Health and Wellbeing Podcast award at the Publisher Podcast Awards in 2025.
Tom Pattinson, the editor of Positive News, emphasized the importance of hearing from positive role models who prioritize purpose over greed. He noted that the discussions challenge conventional ideas about work and achievement, adding that it’s refreshing to hear from leaders focused on solving genuine local, national, and global issues. They’ve achieved a version of success that is not solely measured by a strong balance sheet.
The Purpose Pioneers series is sponsored by Triodos Bank, known for funding organizations that offer social, environmental, and cultural benefits while refusing to support harmful practices. This supports the broader mission of Triodos to promote more responsible forms of business.
Zoe Ruthven, director of marketing and communications at Triodos Bank, spoke about the shared sense of urgency that shaped their partnership. She said that spotlighting inspiring individuals leading with purpose not only informs but also empowers at a time when unsettling news can be overwhelming. The Purpose Pioneers shows that impact is not limited to niche organizations, and any organization, regardless of its size, can contribute to building the fairer, more regenerative future we all want to see.
The episodes of The Purpose Pioneers will be released weekly starting 20th January 2026, with the Positive News Podcast available across all major podcast platforms.
