Paul Faulkner and Sam Fletcher-Goodwin | Turning the Kids’ Village dream into reality

CEO Stories

Since overcoming cancer as a child, Sam Fletcher-Goodwin and her family have dreamed of creating the UK’s inaugural holiday village for critically ill children.

Now, with support from a top team spearheaded by former Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner, plans are gathering pace to build the Kids’ Village in the picturesque Staffordshire countryside.

Interim CEO Paul and founder Sam talk to Henrietta about the transformational project – including the inspiration behind Sam’s idea and ambitious plans to bring her vision to life through a £5 million fundraising drive.

We also hear from our guests about their respective professional backgrounds. Sam has forged a successful career as a radio presenter and producer, while Paul's CV includes banking, football (as CEO of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest), working within a family office in the United States and leading the Chamber from 2015 to 2021. Key topics: · What inspired Sam and her family to want to build Kids’ Village? · Why did Paul feel compelled to join the charity as interim chief executive? · How does the charity intend to raise the £5 million needed to build the Kids’ Village? · At what stage are plans to recruit a permanent CEO and what type of individual are they seeking? · How does Kids’ Village hope to engage with the West Midlands business community? · Why did Paul swap affluent American seaside community The Hamptons for Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham? · Why did Sam decide to pursue a career in broadcasting and radio production? · What has surprised Sam most since embarking on the ambitious Kids’ Village project? · What is Paul’s biggest piece of advice for aspiring or up-and-coming business leaders? More about Kids’ Village: Website: https://www.kidsvillage.org.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsvillagecharity/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidsvillagecharity/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheKidsVillage Connect with us:

Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: [e-mail] Connect with Henrietta:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:

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