Purveyors of Hope | Debra Allcock Tyler | Leading Lights Podcast

In this episode of Leading Lights, Abi is joined by Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO of the Directory of Social Change, author, and one of the most experienced voices in the UK charity sector, with over four decades of insight behind her.Debra’s story begins in a military family, growing up across countries and cultures — an upbringing that shaped her perspective on people, resilience, and the world around her. From there, she built a career defined not by a straight line, but by curiosity, conviction, and a willingness to step forward when it mattered most.Debra speaks candidly about the challenges charities are facing today: shrinking resources, rising demand, and a growing sense of being misunderstood or undervalued. But she also challenges the narrative, reflecting on how easily the sector can fall into a “doom loop” of negativity, and why it matters to hold onto hope.Because at its core, she reminds us, the work of charities is about exactly that. Hope. Along the way, the conversation explores:What 40+ years in the sector teaches you about leadership and staying grounded.Why mindset matters as much as strategy in difficult times.The responsibility leaders have to create energy, not just manage pressure.How to build a career by stepping forward, even before you feel ready.Debra also shares a simple but powerful piece of advice for anyone finding their way:Go for it.Put yourself forward.Be someone people want to work with.There’s warmth in this conversation, but also honesty, including a moment that clearly moves Abi, a reminder that leadership, at its best, is deeply human.This is an episode about perspective, about resilience without cynicism and about choosing hope.LinksFind out more about Directory of Social Changehttps://www.dsc.org.uk/Follow DSC on social mediaLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/directory-of-social-change/X: x.com/DSC_CharityEnjoyed this conversation?Subscribe to Leading Lights to catch future episodes, and please consider rating and reviewing to help others find the podcast.Are you a Head of Brand, Marketing, Fundraising or Comms at a charity?Come along to the MOREVER Meetup, a welcoming space to connect with other women working creatively in the charity sector.Leading Lights is brought to you by MOREVER, an independent creative agency for charities and changemakers.⁠⁠www.morever.co.uk