Ideas for leadership, community and a better world
Writer. Speaker. Charity leader. Occasional mischief-maker.
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Hello…
I’m John May; a charity chief executive, campaigner, storyteller, writer, teacher, urban cyclist, occasional long-distance runner, habitual chocolate cake eater and mischief-maker. I have spent my career supporting and leading voluntary, educational and charitable organisations in the United Kingdom and around the world.
At the moment, I work with the 1,000 staff and 10,000 volunteers of Cats Protection, along with businesses, government and local communities, to create a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. We help an average of 166,000 cats and kittens every year thanks in no small part to our network of more than 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.
I speak and write on leadership and volunteering, drawing on my experience in a variety of situations, ranging from schools in suburban England to refugee camps in Uganda.
Once a teacher, always a teacher. So pull your socks up and tuck your shirt in, please.
Working with organisations
Ideas are only useful if they change something. Through Lilywood Advisory Services, I work with charities, schools, public bodies and businesses on leadership, governance, strategy and organisational culture
Speaking & events
I speak, chair, train and facilitate on leadership, volunteering, young people, civil society and more. If you’re planning an event, I’d love to hear from you
John is an inspiration, a strong leader and a world class expert in his field with a passion for non formal education and seeing the potential in young people.
Caroline Ledger
Stay in touch… The conversation continues.
Every few weeks I send a short note with my latest essays, reflections on leadership and community, books I’ve enjoyed, and the occasional recommendation for somewhere worth visiting. If you’d like to subscribe, please do so here