Leading with James Ashton

S3 Episode 1 - Macmillan Cancer Support and Rhodes Trust

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Episode notes

Lynda Thomas and Elizabeth Kiss join James Ashton to discuss supporting the NHS, funding future leaders, career pivots and imposter syndrome. This episode was recorded before the coronavirus lockdown.

Lynda Thomas is the chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, one of the most trusted charities in the UK. Macmillan is famous for its 6000 nurses who care for thousands of people coping with cancer. It also campaigns for better NHS cancer provision. In 2018 the charity raised £231m and supported 1.9m people.

Thomas joined Macmillan as joint head of media in 2001, becoming director of external affairs, director of fundraising and finally chief executive in 2015. She began her career in consumer PR but after starting a family changed direction and volunteered with NCH Action for Children.

Elizabeth Kiss is chief executive of the Rhodes Trust, the organisation which runs one of the best-known scholarship programmes in the world. Set up 1903 through the will of businessman Cecil Rhodes, every year it enables 100 outstanding international students to study second or post graduate degrees at Oxford University. Well-known Rhodes Scholars include former US president Bill Clinton and Malcolm Turnbull, the ex-Australian prime minister.

Kiss, who joined the Trust in 2018, aims to expand and internationalise the scheme, which costs £16m a year to operate. The philosopher was previously president of the liberal arts-led Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia for 12 years, and a Rhodes Scholar in 1983.

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