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The Purposeful Strategist

The Purposeful Strategist

By: Menkus & Associates
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About this listen

I want to shift the discussion about organisational purpose from being about what organisations and leaders should do – to take a practical look at what they are doing – and what we can learn from that.

We’re going to hear from business leaders across a range of industries how they think about purpose in their organisation - and in business more generally. We’ll explore how they make purpose a building block of their strategy and get their insider tips on the “how” of bringing purpose alive.

Menkus & Associates
Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Transforming Accessibility in Travel
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Jay Shen, Founder and CEO of Transreport, the purpose-driven technology company reshaping accessibility in travel. What began as a single conversation about inequality has grown into the Passenger Assistance app—now used across the UK rail network, recognised as one of the most accessible apps on iOS, and forming the foundation of Transreport’s rapid international expansion.

    Jay shares how Transreport’s mission—to remove barriers and make travel work for everyone—drives both the company’s product design and its culture. He reflects on the importance of involving people with lived experience at every stage, why accessibility can’t be an afterthought, and how balancing innovation with thoughtful design creates technology that genuinely improves lives. From navigating the complexities of 24 UK rail systems to adapting the platform for Japan, Jay offers an inside look at building a scalable, global model for inclusive travel.

    In their conversation, they explore:
    • The origin story behind Transreport and the inequality that sparked its creation.
    • How a hybrid B2C/B2B model maximises customer experience and operational value.
    • Why lived-experience users play a central role in product development.
    • The trade-offs between speed of innovation and accessible design.
    • How Transreport adapted its platform for Japan’s transport systems and communities.
    • The potential for AI to transform accessibility and rethink how disabled people interact with technology.
    • Why mission-aligned investors matter for long-term stability and purpose.
    • How prioritising accessibility ultimately creates better experiences for all passengers.

    Interested in learning more?

    Transreport: https://transreport.co.uk/

    Menkus and Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

    Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/

    Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.

    Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Reimagining the Legal Function at Scale
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Daniel Hayter, Managing Director and Vice President for Europe at Axiom Law, the global pioneer of flexible, on-demand legal talent. With more than 3,500 legal departments supported worldwide—and over 1,500+ legal professionals in Europe alone—Axiom is reshaping how in-house teams resource, scale, and adopt new technologies.

    Daniel shares how he’s helping steer Axiom through a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by economic pressures, technological disruption, and changing expectations from legal talent. He discusses Axiom’s four-pillar model, their ability to pilot and deploy AI tools at pace, and why flexibility is no longer “alternative” but increasingly the norm.

    In their conversation, they explore:
    • How Axiom’s strategy sits at the intersection of economic reality, technology disruption, and talent evolution.
    • Why flexibility is becoming the default model for in-house legal teams—and what this means for the profession.
    • The biggest misconceptions law leaders have about AI, and why organisational readiness matters more than tool selection.
    • How Axiom uses rapid piloting, data, and client feedback to drive innovation and value.
    • What it will take for legal leaders to seize the current moment of turbulence as an opportunity rather than a threat.

    Axiom: https://www.axiomlaw.com/en-gb/

    Menkus and Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

    Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/

    Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.

    Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

    Show More Show Less
    Less than 1 minute
  • Pursuing an Original Purpose Through Change
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Jeremy Butler, Chief Executive Officer of King Edward VII’s Hospital—one of London’s most prestigious independent hospitals, known for its exceptional care and longstanding charitable mission supporting veterans. Since taking on the role in early 2025, Jeremy has led the hospital through a period of strategic renewal, balancing clinical excellence with sustainability and purpose as it enters a new phase under Bupa ownership.

    Jeremy shares how the hospital is modernising its model while protecting what makes it distinctive: its ethos of compassion, equity, and service. He reflects on the challenges of sustaining a legacy institution in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, and how clarity of purpose, consistent leadership, and trust form the foundation for meaningful transformation.

    In their conversation, they explore:
    • How to lead legacy organisations through change without losing their soul.
    • Why clarity of purpose drives effective strategy and execution.
    • How to align operational rigour with humanity and kindness in leadership.
    • The importance of trust, mentorship, and consistency in building strong teams.
    • How to ensure innovation solves real problems and delivers measurable value.
    • Why supporting people to grow—both within and beyond the organisation—strengthens culture and impact.

    King Edward VII’s Hospital: https://www.kingedwardvii.co.uk/

    MenKus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

    Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/

    Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.

    Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.

    Show More Show Less
    Less than 1 minute
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