Welcoming Dhivya O'Connor, CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and host and founder of The Charity CEO Podcast, where she shares her mission to help women as well as her passion for the charity sector (and podcasting!).
Dhivya grew up in India but at the age of 18, Dhivya moved to the UK for her studies. Initially planning to return to India after completing her education, she found herself drawn to the opportunities that the UK offered. For a decade, Dhivya built a successful career in the private sector, holding various strategy, business development, and leadership roles at companies such as GE Capital, Lloyds Bank, and OctopusTravel (now part of Expedia Group).
However, the call to make a more direct impact on society led Dhivya to transition into the charity sector. Over the past 24 years, she has held several senior leadership positions, including CEO roles at United World Schools, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and Children with Cancer UK. Her diverse experience, coupled with her innate drive to create equitable opportunities for women and girls, made her the perfect fit for her current role as CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
Founded by Cherie Blair in 2008, the Foundation aims to empower women entrepreneurs in low-income countries through training, research, and ecosystem collaboration. Under Dhivya's leadership, the organisation continues to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance and education. The Foundation's work emphasises the importance of amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
Dhivya's commitment to the charity sector extends beyond her day job. She serves as a Board Member of Book Aid International and is on the Steering Committee of Groundbreakers, a network promoting women leaders in the voluntary sector. She has also volunteered with NGOs in India, South Africa, and Cambodia, bringing her expertise and passion to various causes around the world.
In August 2020, while on maternity leave with her second child, Dhivya launched "The Charity CEO Podcast." This chart-topping show, which now boasts over 20,000 listeners across 55 countries, aims to inspire, inform, and deliver practical insights on the challenges facing charity leaders today. Through candid and meaningful conversations, Dhivya delves deep into issues relevant to leaders across the sector and those who care about the important work of charities and non-profit organisations.
Dhivya speaking with Mark Longbottom, host of Purposely
Dhivya shares her diverse experiences in both the private and charity sectors, combined with her personal understanding of the challenges faced by women in developing countries. Dhivya’s is uniquely positions her to lead the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women now and in the future.
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