Ed Mayo, the CEO of Pilotlight, recently joined the Purposely Podcast to share insights into his organisation’s pioneering work in empowering charities and nonprofits. Pilotlight, a UK-based charity, bridges the corporate and nonprofit worlds by leveraging skilled volunteering to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofit organisations.

At its core, Pilotlight’s mission is to equip charities and nonprofits with the tools, strategies, and confidence to achieve their goals. Unlike traditional volunteering, which often involves manual or unskilled tasks, Pilotlight focuses on mobilising professional expertise. Skilled volunteers, drawn from the corporate sector, collaborate with charity leaders and boards, providing strategic coaching that strengthens organisational capacity and leadership.

Mayo highlights the transformative nature of this approach. By channeling professional skills into nonprofits, Pilotlight not only delivers tangible benefits to the charities but also fosters personal and professional growth among the volunteers. Skills like empathy, active listening, and collaboration are honed through these engagements, making the experience mutually enriching.

One of the persistent challenges in the nonprofit sector is a scarcity of funding, a barrier that can overshadow strategic planning. Mayo emphasises that while resources are critical, focusing on how charities can act effectively to fulfil their missions is equally vital. Through structured programmes and tailored support, Pilotlight enables charities to tackle complex challenges, refine their strategies, and maximize their impact.

Founded in the mid-1990s by social innovator Jane Tewson, Pilotlight was created to infuse the charity sector with fresh perspectives and expertise. Over time, the organisation has evolved into a dynamic platform that fosters partnerships between businesses and charities, generating mutual benefits. Corporate participants gain valuable insights into societal challenges and develop leadership skills, while charities benefit from enhanced strategic capabilities.

Under Mayo’s leadership since 2020, Pilotlight has continued to innovate. In response to the global pandemic, the organisation successfully transitioned to virtual volunteering, ensuring continued support for charities during a critical period. This adaptation reinforced the vital role that nonprofits play in addressing societal needs, particularly during crises.

Ed Mayo’s appointment as CEO brought with it a wealth of experience in civil society and nonprofit leadership. Before joining Pilotlight, he served as CEO of Co-operatives UK, the New Economics Foundation, and the National Consumer Council. Mayo also chaired the Jubilee 2000 coalition and involve, the democratic participation charity. Recognised internationally for his leadership, he has been honoured by the World Economic Forum and received an honorary degree from London Metropolitan University for his contributions to ethical markets. An accomplished writer,

Mayo has published extensively on values, the economy, and society, including the book Values: How to Bring Values to Life in Your Business.

Looking to the future, Mayo envisions skilled volunteering as a mainstream practice, harnessing the immense potential within the corporate sector to drive social change. By creating synergies between businesses and nonprofits, Pilotlight exemplifies the power of collaboration in building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.

For more insights from purpose-driven leaders, visit www.purposelypodcast.com.