In this episode of The Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam Stacey chats with Rhonda Nicklin, Chief Executive of Swings and Smiles.

Swings and Smiles is a charity supporting disabled children and their families through inclusive play and respite care.

Rhonda shares how her background in nursing and her lived experience as a parent led her into the charity sector. From service user to CEO, she unpacks the power of play therapy, the challenges of running a small charity in a post-COVID world, and how confidence, collaboration and community sit at the heart of her leadership.

Visit the charity: www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk

Key takeaways:
Rhonda’s leadership journey was shaped by her personal connection to the cause.
Swings and Smiles uses play therapy to support the emotional and social needs of disabled children.
Demand for services has grown significantly since the pandemic.
Trust, empathy, and consistency are key to building relationships with families.
Rhonda draws on her nursing background to inform her leadership style.
She believes in learning from mistakes and leading with authenticity.
Collaboration with other charities and professionals strengthens their impact.
Rhonda encourages professionals to consider portfolio careers and embrace change.

Episode chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and intro to Rhonda Nicklin
06:18 – From nursing to the charity sector
14:17 – How lived experience shapes leadership
20:25 – Growth, demand and the reality of charity work
26:18 – Rhonda’s leadership style and reflections
32:43 – The importance of community partnerships
35:42 – How to support or get involved
38:11 – Final thoughts and inspiration

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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