As the landscape of the social impact sector continues to evolve, so too do the needs of its leaders. We sat down with Carmel Molloy, founder of the For Purpose Alliance (FPA), to discuss the exciting changes that are shaping the future of leadership development within the social sector.
Q: Carmel, tell us about the recent shift from the NonProfit Alliance to the For Purpose Alliance. What prompted this change?
When the NonProfit Alliance (NPA) launched in 2015, our focus was on supporting non-profit leaders. At that time, it became clear that these leaders were often working in isolation, without the professional growth opportunities and peer connections that were available to their counterparts in the business world. There was a significant gap in leadership development tailored to the unique challenges of social sector leaders.
The social sector has expanded and evolved and there are many organisations, not just traditional non-profits, that could benefit from the same leadership development support. Social enterprises, foundations, and other purpose-driven organisations faced similar challenges. We needed to evolve and create a space that was inclusive of all leaders in the social purpose sector, which is why we made the decision to rebrand and become the For Purpose Alliance (FPA). The new name reflects our broader mission, to meet the needs of an evolving sector, while still staying true to our roots in leadership development.
Achieving the level of social impact needed and expected of us – can only be achieved if we challenge our thinking and connect to the broader world beyond the boundaries and limitations of our own experience.
Q: What do you think sets FPA apart from other leadership programs in the social sector?
What sets FPA apart is our holistic approach to leadership development, focusing on peer support that cultivates the whole leader – emotionally, mentally, and professionally. FPA acts as a catalyst for the collective wisdom, knowledge, and experience of our sector leaders. In times of disruption and uncertainty, it’s crucial for leaders to be adaptive and innovative strategists and visionaries, to help their teams navigate uncharted territory – but equally important is the power of connection with like-minded colleagues, facing similar challenges in a changing world.
As we face a future where the challenges of the social sector are growing in complexity. Leaders need to be resilient, self-aware, and connected to a community of peers who share their passion for social impact. We give leaders the tools to not only navigate these challenges but to thrive through them.
Q: How does FPA’s holistic approach benefit CEOs and sector leaders specifically?
CEOs and senior leaders are the backbone of the social sector. They are the visionaries who guide their organisations, and they hold the responsibility of inspiring and leading teams, securing funding, and delivering on their social purpose. The weight of these responsibilities can be heavy, and without the right support, it can be isolating.
FPA’s holistic offering is about creating a space where these leaders can recharge, reflect, and grow. We provide a blend of strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and personal development to ensure they not only lead effectively but also sustain their passion and energy. Strong leadership is vital for the success of an organisation, but it’s equally important for the leader to be well-equipped to handle the emotional and mental demands of the role. Our programs foster a deeper self-awareness, build resilience, and strengthen leadership capabilities so that leaders are empowered to face challenges head-on and create positive change within their organisations and communities.
Q: With FPA’s expansion to support a wider range of social purpose leaders, what do you hope to achieve in the coming years?
We are at a pivotal moment in time, where the world is rapidly changing. As we look to the future, we want to help reimagine how we do things within the social sector. The challenges we face today require new ways of thinking and leading. It’s time to create spaces where every leader can connect with peers and be exposed to different ways of thinking and working. It’s about building leadership networks and a culture of leadership that is collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
Q: How can social purpose leaders get involved with FPA and start benefiting from its programmes?
It’s simple! We invite leaders from all areas of the social purpose sector – whether they are in non-profits, social enterprises, or foundations – to join the For Purpose Alliance. By becoming part of our community, they can access leadership development programs that are designed to support them in every aspect of their role, from personal growth to organisational strategy.
Our programs are flexible and designed to meet the diverse needs of leaders in the sector, whether you’re an experienced CEO or a rising star in the social impact world. We encourage any leader who is committed to social change and personal growth to explore the opportunities that FPA offers. Together, we can build stronger leaders, more resilient organisations, and a social sector that is capable of meeting the challenges ahead.
Q: Finally, what message do you have for leaders in the social purpose sector who might be uncertain about joining a leadership program?
Leadership in the social purpose sector is both challenging and deeply rewarding. The impact you have can transform lives and communities. But to do that effectively, you need to be equipped with the right tools and support. Leadership development isn’t just about building skills – it’s about creating the space for you to grow, recharge, and connect with others who understand the challenges you face.
You deserve emotional and professional support in your role and you cannot put a price on the confidence and reassurance that brings.
Find time to invest in yourself, in your organisation, and in the future world we want to live in. Let’s reimagine what’s possible together and build a stronger, more sustainable, and more impactful social purpose sector.
To learn more about the For Purpose Alliance programs or join our next Discovery Day click here
