In this episode of The Purpose Brief, James Johnston chats to Professor Beth Breeze OBE, and they explore how philanthropy really works and how it’s changing.

Drawing on decades of research, Beth reflects on generosity among the wealthy, and why giving is rarely just about money.

Instead, philanthropy often sits at the intersection of identity, influence, responsibility, and a desire to make a difference, sometimes in ways that can spark controversy and debate. The conversation explores what happens when wealth and goodwill meet in the real world, and how ideas of responsible business and responsible wealth are shaping modern philanthropy.

They also touch upon the identity of donors, the critical role fundraisers play in building relationships and trust, and why public perception and collaboration matter for sustaining a healthy culture of giving. It’s a grounded, thoughtful conversation about philanthropy as a force for good and the responsibilities that come with it.

LINKS

Order 'Rich Expectations' Now from the Directory for Social Change

More about Harris Manchester College: https://www.hmc.ox.ac.uk/

More about James: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/

In the first episode of The Purpose Brief, James Johnston talks to world leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert Nathan Chappell about purpose, generosity, and the growing role of AI in helping not-for- profits scale fundraising.

They discuss how AI can strengthen small teams, why ethics and transparency matter in the use of technology, and how we all need to adapt to rapid technological change.

This chat also highlights the continued importance of human connection and curiosity in building trust, community, and impact and some tips for how to minimise your screen time.

A thoughtful starting point for exploring how social good can evolve, and scale, in a changing world.

LINKS:

More about Nathan: https://nathanchappell.com/

More about James: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/

Any thoughts on the show, please email us at hello@resolutepurpose.co.uk

The Purpose Brief is a monthly podcast hosted by James Johnston, exploring social good and how we can make the systems and people surrounding it work better.

This isn’t surface-level debate, the podcast creates space for deeper, thoughtful conversations with practitioners, funders, trustees, and public leaders who are tackling complex social challenges in the real world. Each episode focuses on practicalities, proven approaches, and the connections that help scale impact.

If you’re a civic-minded person who wants to understand how social good really happens and how you can make a difference, then The Purpose Brief is for you.