Get to know me: With Charlotte Whittaker

We’re excited to introduce Charlotte, our new London Co-Lead and Head of Programme & Organisational Development! Two months into the role, Charlotte shares what drew her to On Purpose, her journey so far, and what inspires her.

Why did you decide to join On Purpose as London Co-Lead and Head of Programme & Organisational Development?

This role caught my attention while I was staying with a host family in France on a sabbatical trip. Trying to describe what On Purpose did was beyond my broken French, but the more I explored the organisation and the role sitting on their sofa, the more interested I became. I already knew On Purpose by reputation from the world of social enterprise, and shared the vision of transforming the economy from focusing on profit to purpose. As I learnt more, I was really attracted by On Purpose’s commitment to embrace complexity and deep (and difficult!) systems change, and willingness to transform themselves as an organisation in the process.

The role with the Associate Programme brings together two of my favourite topics, impact and learning. Being part of a community of people who are investing in personal development and hungry for radical economic transformation brings its own magic and I am very excited to steward groups through that experience.

What were you up to before joining On Purpose?

I’m joining On Purpose from 7 years of co-founding and co-leading InCommon, a charity bringing generations together. InCommon itself emerged from a programme a bit like On Purpose called Year Here, so I’d experienced the power of a cohort-based, creative learning experience and how impactful that can be. In partnership with my brilliant co-founder Laura, we developed a passion for creating meaningful intergenerational connections, primarily bringing together children and young people with over 65s to benefit both age groups and ultimately build more connected, inclusive and age-friendly communities. Earlier this year I had a bittersweet goodbye to InCommon. It felt like the right time for Laura and I to hand our baby on for the next phase, and I’m incredibly excited by how the team and Trustees there are taking things forward.

What are you passionate about?

It’s a hard question to answer without sounding clichéd, especially when I feel like I’m passionate about so many things! I get joy and life from connecting with people, spending quality time with loved ones, and professionally helping others to learn, develop and grow. I’m an enthusiastic member of the communities I’m part of, from my kayaking club to my East End church and community, where I’ve been involved as a volunteer at a family centre getting the chance to get crafty and creative with brilliant young people. I’m lucky to be close to my family, and escape to visit them in Devon and swim in the sea whenever I can. I’m always up for organised (and disorganised!) fun and games, theatre, a good book or a windy walk in the hills.

If you went for a day out in London, where would you go (and what would you do)?

I love the river and canals, so either a walk alongside the water or some kind of boat would feature. I also love meeting up with friends to explore a museum or gallery. I’m slowly making my way around different museums, in the East End the Docklands Museum is excellent and always worth a visit. I’d have some street food and maybe a sweet treat (Cronut in Spitalfields?) and then finish my day seeing something at the theatre. We’re so lucky in London to have such a beautiful city to explore!