The Hart Square Podcast: Recent Episodes
Hart Square
At Hart Square we provide consultancy services to non-profits in the UK and Europe, primarily around strategy and technology.
Hear from our team ‘the people on the ground’ and a few special guests, for some insights into the sector, the projects we run, the challenges we resolve.
Zoe Amar is the Founder and Director of Zoe Amar Digital as well as a co-author of the 2023 Charity Digital Skills Report.
The Charity Digital Skills Report is the annual barometer of charities' digital skills, attitudes and behaviours and Zoe joined us on this episode to discuss some of the key findings.
On this episode we discussed:
- Motivations and aims of the report
- How the Charity Digital Skills Report is created
- The key findings in relation to data
- Reponses to the topic of AI and emerging technology trends
- Approach to diversity, equality and inclusion
Download the 2023 Charity Digital Skills Report: www.charitydigitalskills.co.uk
Zoe Amar Digital: www.zoeamar.com
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Azuma and Jason from the Hart Square team join us on this episode to share their insights and experience on common risks in digital projects. They explore examples of project risks as well as their tips for monitoring and managing risks.
On this episode we discuss:
- What are project risks?
- Examples of common risks in digital projects
- Where to start with identifying project risks
- Why it is important to identify risks early
- Tips for monitoring and managing risks
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Billy and Jonathan from the Hart Square team join us on this episode to share their insights and experience on the data migration stage of a digital project. They delve into the best practices and share how you can get the most benefit from the process.
On this episode we discuss:
- Why data and data migration is so important for non-profits and their digital projects
- When should you be thinking about data and migration
- The challenge of the “hidden spreadsheets”
- Importance of communication and change management during the data migration process
- Key steps involved in data migration
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Helen and Andrew, both Senior Business Change Consultants at Hart Square, join us on this episode to share their experience and insights on the key roles within a digital project that will help you to achieve success.
On this episode we discuss:
- An overview of the most significant roles for success
- Importance of Subject Matter Experts and the qualities needed for this role
- How to empower your project team and get the best from them
- The role of a project lead, their responsibilities and who usually fills this role
- The role of independent consultants such as Hart Square, within projects
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
In this episode, we were joined by Tory Cassie, who is the NFP Business Development Consultant at m-hance. Tory has a wealth of experience in digital projects specifically in the non-profit sector so joined us on this episode to discuss the people side of change.
On this episode we cover:
- Why are people the most important aspect of digital projects
- Ensuring you have the right project resourcing
- The importance of engaging your team and the wider community
- Why you need a communication plan
- The make up of a project team
- The importance of data
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
m-hance: www.m-hance.com
Scott Ewings is the Chief Experience Officer at TPXimpact, an organisation which aims to deliver impactful, sustainable digital outcomes that make a positive difference to how individuals and society experience the world.
In this episode we discuss with Scott how non-profits can create good digital experiences for their members, donors and stakeholders.
Topics we cover:
- Why it’s so valuable to create good digital experiences
- Why the distinction between physical and digital is redundant now
- Importance of data to understand digital experiences
- The explosion of AI and what it means for non-profits
- Importance for digital sustainability
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
TPXimpact: www.tpximpact.com
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, we put together this special episode of the Hart Square Podcast where we chat to Lisa, Leah and Joyce from the Hart Square team about their journey and experience of working in the technology sector.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. One of the key missions for this year is ‘To elevate and advance gender parity in technology and celebrate the women in forging innovation’.
On this episode we discuss:
- Their journey to working in the technology sector and how they came to be in their role
- The common misconception that you have to be ‘techy’ to work within this sector
- The role we all have to play to educate and promote women roles in the technology sector
- What more can we be doing?
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
In this episode, we were joined by Rob May, Founder and Managing Director of ramsac. Rob is also the UK Ambassador for Cybersecurity at the IoD and sits on advisory board on the Cyber Resilience Centre. He joined us for this episode as we discussed all things cybersecurity.
On this episode we discuss:
- What we mean cyber attacks
- How cyber attacks have evolved over recent years
- 5 vectors of cyber attacks and the impact of social engineering
- How to support your non-profit organisation in becoming cyber resilient
- Why it is vital to maintain your systems
- The importance of educating your staff
- Key areas non-profit organisations should focus on in 2023
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
ramsac: www.ramsac.com
In this episode of the Hart Square Podcast, we were joined by Adam Monks, Co-Founder & Director at Smartdesc and James Field who is their Customer Strategy Director. We chatted all things hybrid working and explored how technology can enable an effective hybrid working environment.
Discussed on this episode:
- Examples of technology that can enable effective hybrid working
- Barriers to hybrid working
- What is the role of an IT team now?
- How to calculate the ROI
- Upcoming trends for non-profits to consider
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Smartdesc: www.smartdesc.co.uk
Chris and Rhys, Head of Technology & Services at Hart Square, join us on this episode to all things business process reviews!
On this episode we discuss:
- What is a business process review?
- Why and when would a non-profit embark on a business process review?
- Benefits of carrying one out
- The key outputs of a business process review
- Top business process review myths debunked
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
In this episode we take a listen back to a webinar we ran earlier this year. The webinar explored the topic of IT Strategy with two members of the Hart Square team, Joyce Harmon, Senior Client Relationship Manager and Rhys Evans, Head of Technology and Services.
Discussed on this episode:
- How to get started with your IT strategy and the first things to consider
- What to include in a strategic assessment of your organisation’s IT and digital provision
- How to carry out a strategic evaluation, gap analysis and technology review
- And more!
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
In this episode of the Hart Square Podcast, Ed Wilkinson, Digital Services Director at IE Brand & Digital chats to Hart Square's Managing Director Rob Dobell about all things brand and digital.
Discussed on this episode:
- Solving brand and communication challenges in the non-profit sector
- Importance of user centric design and user experience
- Working with IE Brand & Digital
- Tension between data protection and personalisation
- Upcoming trends
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
IE Brand & Digital: www.iedigital.co.uk
Andrew and Matt, Senior Business Change Consultants at Hart Square, join us on this episode to discuss realising the benefits of your digital project.
On this episode we discuss:
- What is benefits realisation?
- Difference between tangible and intangible benefits
- How to derive and track the benefits during and after your project
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Helen and Billy, Senior Business Change Consultants at Hart Square, join us on this episode to discuss digital project teams and how to lead your team to success.
On this episode we discuss:
- Key roles within a project team
- How to get the best out of your team
- The importance of trust
- Addressing project team challenges
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Helen and Matt, Senior Business Change Consultants at Hart Square, join us on this episode to discuss the topic of change management and how to deliver true digital change.
On this episode we discuss:
- What does change management mean?
- How change management differs to project management
- What are some of the benefits of using a change management approach?
- Challenges with running change management programmes
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Laura and Sarah-Jane, from the Hart Square team, join us on this episode to discuss understanding and embracing organisational culture for project success.
On this episode we discuss:
- What is organisational culture?
- What are the benefits of implementing an organisational culture that supports projects?
- How you align your organisational culture with your project
- Importance of a good decision-making culture
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
In this episode of the Hart Square Podcast, David Cairns, Founder & Managing Partner at Emprisia discusses the key considerations for delivering successful technology implementation projects.
On this episode we discuss:
- Key considerations for success
- What do we mean by strong governance?
- Importance of change management
- Realising the benefits of the project
- Data migration as a theme throughout your project
- Upcoming trends
David Cairns, Emprisia: www.emprisia.com
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Andrew and Billy, from the Hart Square team, join us on this episode to discuss what it takes to be a successful project manager in a digital project.
On this episode we discuss:
- Characteristics of a successful project manager
- Importance of setting and understanding expectations
- Tailoring communications
- Going beyond the textbook project manager
- Whether you need technical knowledge of technology to be a successful project manager in a digital project
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
In this episode of the Hart Square Podcast, Robin Fisk, Co- Founder and CEO of Donofy and discusses the elements to achieving a successful fundraising CRM project.
On this episode we discuss:
- Understanding the role of CRM
- Aligning expectations and organisational culture
- Foundations of a successful partnership between clients and technology partners
- Challenge of data
- AI in CRM and fundraising
Robin Fisk, Donorfy: www.donorfy.com
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
In this episode of the Hart Square Podcast, Marios Chrysanthou, Managing Director at Bluelight CRM discusses How to deliver successful projects.
On this episode we discuss:
- What should a non-profit organisation be focusing on to secure project success?
- Importance of senior client-side roles
- Change management and organisational culture
- Empowering and supporting your project team
- Going live and tranisitioning into Business As Usual
- Upcoming trends in the non-profit sector
Marios Chrysanthou, Bluelight CRM: www.bluelightcrm.com
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Ian is a Business Change Consultant at Hart Square. On this episode he joins Rob, Managing Director at Hart Square, to discuss unlocking the power of data in your non-profit.
On this episode we dicuss:
- Why is data so important?
- What is the power of good data vs the consequences of bad data?
- How can you ensure a smooth data migration process?
- What does data governance mean, and how does it differ from data management?
- Advice for a non-profit organisation who is looking to or is about to embark on a digital project
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Chris and Rhys are the Head of Technology and Services at Hart Square. They join us on this podcast episode to discuss the topic of project resourcing and what it really takes to deliver a project.
On this episode we discuss:
- What are the critical roles an organisation needs to put in place when they are embarking on a digital project?
- Are you seeing that change lead roles are challenging to resource for?
- Do you see that a change role is or should be a project board role?
- Considerations for getting the right people in the right roles
- Importance of capacity
Follow Hart Square:
Linkedin: @Hart Square
Twitter: @Hart_Square
YouTube: Hart Square
www.hartsquare.co.uk
Chris and Rhys, Head of Technology and Services at Hart Square, take us through each stage of the ideal partner selection process. From their experience of running and being a part of numerous partner selections, they share the key elements you should consider at each stage, to ensure you select the right technology partner for you.
In this episode, we are joined by Allen Reid, Director of Client Projects at Hart Square. We discuss the importance of digital strategy and why it is really all about the people. We also discuss the importance of empowering your team as well as the digital innovations we are seeing emerge in the non-profit sector.
Laura and Sarah-Jane, Business Change Consultants at Hart Square discuss how to prepare for that all-important milestone, the technology go-live. Reflecting on their own experiences of go-lives, Laura and Sarah-Jane share advice on just how you can best prepare your organisations for a successful go-live.
In this episode, our Senior Business Change consultants Helen, Matt and Andrew explore what should and should not be included in an organisational strategy as well as how you get buy-in and how you can keep your strategy relevant.
Lauren and Billy, Business Change Consultants at Hart Square discuss how clients contribute towards creating a successful project. They highlight the importance of clarity, communication, prioritisation and getting the right project team in place.
Joyce and Oksana, Business Consultant and Practice Manager at Hart Square discuss why people are the key to delivering successful projects and explore how to build a successful project team. They also discuss the importance of considering the different organisational cultures which come together in a project team, to ensure you can achieve success.
Helen, Matt and Andrew, Senior Business Change Consultants at Hart Square explore the term ‘digital transformation’, what it encompasses and whether it is just the latest trend or something we all need to be thinking about to adapt and keep pace with the digital world.
In this episode Ian and Billy, Business Change Consultants at Hart Square, dive into what technology can really enable for charities and membership organisations. They explore the benefits that new technology can provide both internally to the organisation but also externally to their members, supporters and donors.
Chris and Rhys, Head of Technology and Services at Hart Square explore some of the critical factors to research when you are selecting a new CRM technology. They discuss how it is not as simple as checking against a list of functionalities and that the culture of organisations plays a significant role.
At Hart Square, our consultants each spend over 200 days a year embedded into non-profits, supporting, and guiding them through their digital projects.
Lauren, Matt and Sarah-Jane, members of the Hart Square team, reflect on why they are motivated to spend their time working with non-profits and why they have been drawn to Hart Square and the work we do.
Billy, Laura and Sarah-Jane, Business Change Consultants at Hart Square, reflect on the last year exploring some of the lessons they have learnt through the move to remote working. They discuss some of the challenges as well as how they have been able to continue to deliver projects remotely.
Welcome to the Hart Square Podcast!
Join us on our podcast series as we reveal some of the insights and perspectives, we have gathered from spending almost 12 years dedicated to the non-profit sector. We have helped over 200 organisations maximise the opportunities of the digital age to benefit their supporters, beneficiaries, members, and donors.
You can expect to hear us talking about managing change, improving technology, the importance of leadership and employee engagement and much more!
Find out more about us and what we will be discussing throughout the series!