The Purpose Brief

The Purpose Brief explores what it takes to create more social good and how it is in all our powers to make the systems and people surrounding it work better. This isn’t surface-level debate, the podcast creates space for thoughtful conversations with practitioners, funders, and civic minded public leaders who are tackling complex social challenges in the real world. Every month James Johnston focuses on practicalities, proven approaches, and the connections that help scale impact. If you’re a good citizen who wants to understand how social good and impact can nurtured and how you can make a difference, then this the authentic voice to help shape your thinking.

The Purpose Brief is a business podcast hosted by James Johnston, with 9 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

James Johnston hosts The Purpose Brief, a business show with 9 episodes published.

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  Episode #8

  "Find Out Who You Are and Do It on Purpose": Celebrating Give Like Dolly Day

  Sep 24, 202636 minS1

  <p>Most people know Dolly Parton for iconic hits like 9 to 5 or Islands in the Stream. Fewer realize that her proudest achievement, and the love letter to her father, was founding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.</p><p>In this episode of The Purpose Brief, James talks to Meg Fletcher, Regional Director for the North of England and Northern Ireland at the Dollywood Foundation.</p><p>Meg tells the story of how a localised book-gifting project started in Sevier County, Tennessee, by an internationally recognised singer has grown globally to post over 330 million free books to children under five.</p><p>...

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  Episode #8

  "Find Out Who You Are and Do It on Purpose": Celebrating Give Like Dolly Day

  Sep 24, 202636 minS1

  Most people know Dolly Parton for iconic hits like 9 to 5 or Islands in the Stream. Fewer realize that her proudest achievement, and the love letter to her father, was founding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. In this episode of The Purpose Brief, James talks to Meg Fletcher, Regional Director for the North of England and Northern Ireland at the Dollywood Foundation. Meg tells the story of how a localised book-gifting project started in Sevier County, Tennessee, by an internationally recognised singer has grown globally to post over 330 million free books to children under five. We discuss the power of place-based giving, how local community partnerships make global impact possible, and why receiving a free book in the post every month transforms family dynamics during the cost of living crisis. Plus, Meg reflects on meeting Dolly Parton, her favourite bluegrass “deep cuts”, and the enduring ethos behind one of her famous quotes: "Find out who you are and do it on purpose." What you’ll learn · The Father-Daughter Inspiration: How Dolly Parton's father, who never had the chance to learn to read or write, became the driving force behind the Imagination Library's creation in 1995. · 330 Million Books & Counting: The global reach of the program across five countries, sending free, age-appropriate books every month to 3.5 million children. · Relieving Cost-of-Living Pressures: Why free home-delivered books provide essential support to working families who face trade-offs between household bills and early learning resources. · The Power of Place-Based Partnerships: Why the foundation relies on local authorities, volunteers, and community funding; from Nashville to Newcastle and North Yorkshire. · Representation & Diversity in Children's Literature: How modern book curation fosters confidence and self-acceptance in young children (and why a 3-year-old chose to dress up as "herself" for World Book Day). Come celebrate 'Give Like Dolly' Day with us! LINKS: The 25th September (9.25) marks the first annual Give Like Dolly Day, honouring Dolly Parton and her vision that all children grow up with access to books. To celebrate #GiveLikeDollyDay - people can donate directly to their local Imagination Library Partner to help more children in their community receive books. To support locally visit https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com and select your local programme. You can reach out to The Dollywood Foundation to explore if you would like to begin discussions about starting a local network info@imaginationlibrary.co.uk Info on the Giving Day: https://www.dollyparton.com/news/the-dollywood-foundation-announces-give-like-dolly-day-on-september-25-encouraging-the-world-to-make-a-difference-in-a-childs-life About the Imagination Library: https://imaginationlibrary.com/the-dollywood-foundation/ About the Purpose Brief by Resolute Purpose: https://www.thepurposebrief.org.uk/ E-mail James directly: hello@thepurposebrief.org.uk

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  Episode #7

  What is ESG…. really?

  Aug 31, 202651 minS1

  <p>ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has become one of those business buzzwords that everyone uses, plenty of people argue about, and far too few people can explain without reaching for another acronym.</p><p>So what does it actually mean when it leaves the strategy document and lands in the real world?</p><p>James is joined by Justine MacArthur, an independent consultant working across people, culture and HR, and Dane Wadsworth from JZ Flowers, to look at what responsible business looks like in practice.</p><p>There are no neat answers here. Instead, there are real examples: choosing...

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  Episode #6

  The Purpose behind a Yorkshire Vineyard: Sustainability, Family and the Future of English Wine

  Jul 27, 202656 minS1

  England's wine industry is booming, and Yorkshire is proving it has a place on the map. In this episode of The Purpose Brief , James speaks to two brothers, Jack and Kit Fletcher, who are behind Ryedale Vineyards to discover how one family turned an ambitious idea into one of Yorkshire's pioneering vineyards. From climate change and technology to sustainability and succession planning, this conversation explores what it really takes to grow a business that's rooted in purpose and place. It's a story about caring for the land, building a regional identity, and creating a legacy that will outlast the people who planted the first vines. In this episode How a family project became one of Yorkshire's pioneering vineyards Why English wine is gaining global recognition The surprising advantages of growing grapes in the North of England The realities of running a modern vineyard, from weather and tariffs to labour shortages How technology, automation and innovation are changing winemaking Why sustainability means more than being environmentally friendly Building a visitor destination that supports the local economy Preparing the next generation through apprenticeships and knowledge sharing Creating a business that balances commercial success with long-term stewardship Whether you're interested in sustainable business, rural entrepreneurship, family enterprises or simply curious about the rise of English wine, this episode offers practical lessons on building a business with purpose, resilience and a long-term vision. LINKS Pay a Visit: https://www.ryedalevineyards.co.uk/ Purchase Products: https://www.ryedalevineyards.co.uk/shop About Resolute Purpose: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/

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• 

  Episode #6

  The Purpose behind a Yorkshire Vineyard: Sustainability, Family and the Future of English Wine

  Jul 27, 202656 minS1

  <p>England's wine industry is booming, and Yorkshire is proving it has a place on the map.</p><p>In this episode of The Purpose Brief, James speaks to two brothers, Jack and Kit Fletcher, who are behind Ryedale Vineyards to discover how one family turned an ambitious idea into one of Yorkshire's pioneering vineyards.</p><p>From climate change and technology to sustainability and succession planning, this conversation explores what it really takes to grow a business that's rooted in purpose and place.</p><p>It's a story about caring for the land, building a regional identity, and creating...

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