In this candid podcast episode, Mike Hickman, Leadership and Development Training Manager at Community First Yorkshire, sits down with Richard Cooper, Chief Executive of the Harrogate Homeless Project and long-time leadership steering group member. Richard unpacks a leadership philosophy that embraces accountability, encourages failure as fuel for growth, and challenges hierarchical decision-making.

Together, they explore how to create a culture of courageous responsibility, and why sometimes the kindest act is nudging someone out of a comfortable “fur-lined rut.” Listeners will walk away with practical strategies – from transforming one-to-ones into empowering development conversations, to fostering collective ownership of organisational contracts and change.