Fearless Advocacy with Eleanor Harrison, CEO of Fairtrade Foundation

<p>In this powerful episode, Abi Mellor sits down with Eleanor Harrison, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation, who shares her remarkable journey from a childhood shaped by justice and community activism to leading one of the UK's most trusted ethical brands. </p><p>Eleanor reveals how early experiences of her mother's fearless advocacy instilled values that would guide her through diverse roles across the sector from international development, to social impact - ultimately landing her "dream job" at 45.</p><p>Eleanor shares how early volunteering shaped her worldview and skillset and that taking a variety of roles allowed her to build a leadership ‘toolbox’ over time. She reflects on why finding a role where you can truly thrive is as much about the organisation being right for you, as you being right for it.</p><p>Abi and her guest explore a formative experience that may have sparked Eleanor’s deep belief in the importance of fairness and standing up for what’s right. She offers practical reflections on creating a culture where everyone can flourish.</p><p>Eleanor makes a compelling case for why business-as-usual for the international food system simply isn’t good enough, and challenges all of us to think differently about fairness, sustainability, and the true cost of what we consume.</p><p>She speaks about what keeps her glass not just half full, but brimming - even in the face of global inequality - and how leading with purpose isn’t just a choice but something that’s in her DNA.</p><p>Brain food from this episode:</p><ul><li><p>The enduring power of cultural anthropologist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mead" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Margaret Mead</strong></a>’s words. For example: <em>“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”</em></p></li><li><p><strong>The book recommended in this episode:</strong><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Raise-Feminist-Son-Manifesto/dp/1632174103#:~:text=%22In%20How%20to%20Raise%20a,the%20way%20we%20make%20men.%22&amp;text=%22Part%20memoir%2C%20part%20parenting%20guide,essential%20reading%20for%20today's%20parents.%22" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> <em>How to Build a Feminist Son</em> by Sonora Jha</a> -<strong> </strong>on raising boys with empathy, equity, and emotional intelligence.</p></li><li><p><strong>Something to chew on: </strong>Less than 5% of the 2 or 3 pence y