Transforming systems for young people with Ben Haber

I trained as an accountant. Not because I loved spreadsheets, but because I was the first person in my family to finish school, let alone university. I wanted a career that offered stability and a clear path forward.

After qualifying, I worked for oil companies. The profit-driven environment didn’t sit comfortably with me, even before considering its impact on communities and the environment. Around the same time, I met my now-wife, who was running a community organisation. Through her and the people around her, I began to see how my skills could be used in ways that better reflected my values. I just wasn’t sure how.

Then On Purpose seemed to find me. People kept talking about it, so I applied.

During the programme, one placement involved leading a complex operational project. It was messy, ambiguous and often stressful. Looking back, it became one of the most important experiences of my career. It gave me insight into how organisations really work: how decisions are made, how culture is shaped, and how relationships sit at the heart of effective change. I realised that I was most interested in creating the conditions for people and organisations to succeed.

Today, I’m Managing Director of Big Change. We find and back changemakers with early-stage ideas that have the potential to spark lasting change for all young people. We provide opportunities for them to connect, learn, and act together as part of a purpose-driven community that is rethinking and reshaping the systems around young people.

In this role, I draw on my training and experience to support the team in funding those working with young people who, like me, may not have started life with the same opportunities, but have the potential to thrive.