In this special transition episode, Denis Nolan sits down with his successor and new Executive Director, David Westlake, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, faith, and the future of Initiatives of Change UK.

David brings over 35 years of experience across international development, anti-slavery work, and values-based leadership, including senior roles at Tearfund and as CEO of International Justice Mission UK. In this conversation, he reflects on the moments that shaped his career, the challenges of working in some of the world’s most difficult contexts, and what drew him to Initiatives of Change at this pivotal moment.

Together, Denis and David explore the enduring relevance of IofC’s mission, and what it might look like in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode of IofC UK Insight, Denis Nowlan is joined by David Stokes, Trustee of Initiatives of Change UK, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, faith, technology, education and service.

David brings over 25 years experience of global leadership in the technology sector, including as Chair of IBM UK and senior roles across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. David reflects on how working across cultures has shaped not only his professional approach but his understanding of people, community and purpose.

Denis and David explore what it means to lead with values in complex times, from the rise of AI to the importance of listening in a polarised world.

This Insight episode is an honest, hopeful reflection on leadership as service and on the lifelong journey of learning and faith.

Host Denis Nowlan speaks with Joi McAtee, a trustee of Initiatives of Change UK, joining from Louisville, Kentucky. Joi brings a transatlantic perspective and a remarkable blend of leadership, conviction, and compassion.

A former Executive Director at Louisville Metro Government, she is now a PhD researcher and graduate instructor at the University of Louisville, as well as a candidate for State Representative for Kentucky’s 43rd District.

In this inspiring conversation, Joi reflects on her journey from public service to politics, her commitment to equity and youth empowerment, and her grounding in Christian faith. She discusses:

• The urgent fight against authoritarianism and threats to democracy in the United States

• How faith informs her activism and leadership

• Lessons from sport, orienteering, and public life about resilience and purpose

• Her call to “be who you needed when you were a kid” in mentoring young people

• The deep connection between love of God and love of neighbour and how that shapes her response to racism, injustice, and division

• The story of how a chaotic first trip to Caux, Switzerland led to her enduring involvement with Initiatives of Change.

Through humility, humour, and hope, Joi reminds us that personal transformation and social justice are inseparable, and that courage, faith, and love can move even the heaviest arcs of history toward justice.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and find more episodes at iofc.org.uk.