🎧 Episode Summary:We sit down with joint CEOs of YMCA Exeter, Si and Gareth, to find out what it’s really like leading together. From bacon sarnie job clubs and social work, to God-given vision and building homes during a pandemic, this one’s packed with laughs, leadership wisdom, and a whole lot of heart. This one covers a lot. Whether you’re curious about how two people can share the top job, or just want to know if YMCA had internet back in the day—this one’s for you.

🗂️ Topics Covered:• Why there are two CEOs—and how that even works• The power of relationships in leadership (with or without candles)• From social work and hotel management to faith-fueled charity life• What it means to lead with vision and caution• Creating affordable homes during COVID: the Sidwell Studios story• Advice they’d give their younger selves• How faith shapes their leadership—and their day-to-day

⏱️ Episode Timestamps:• 0:00 – Welcome to our “special guest” CEOs (banter included)• 1:55 – How joint leadership actually works (and why it makes sense)• 3:57 – Disagreements and decision-making (hint: it’s not a duel)• 5:45 – What do CEOs actually do? Hint: more than spreadsheets• 7:50 – How they each ended up at the YMCA• 12:15 – Mental health and recovery: real talk from Si• 14:17 – What’s changed since the early days (one computer, many hats)• 16:30 – What makes the YMCA special to them• 20:01 – Advice for their younger selves• 21:55 – What they’re most proud of• 24:37 – What is Sidwell Studios and why it matters• 27:08 – How they’re keeping the YMCA stable in a shaky economy

💬 Notable Quotes:“Relationship is the key—if you haven’t got that, you can’t make good decisions.” – Gareth“Support work is an incredible job. You can accomplish so much with it.” – Si“Vision is great, but without caution, it’s just risk. We do both.” – Gareth

🙌 Shoutouts:• Jeremy.• The entire YMCA staff for their questions (even the tricky ones!)

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