The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast from Menkus & Associates in partnership with Norman Broadbent, shares conversations with CEOs on how they translate organisational purpose into bold strategy, real impact, and lasting results.
How do you tackle child morning hunger in a way that creates lasting change? In this episode, Lindsey MacDonald, CEO of Magic Breakfast, shares how the charity is helping children begin the school day nourished, settled, and ready to learn—while working alongside schools and government as breakfast provision evolves from voluntary schemes to a more universal model.
What began with bagels delivered from a car boot has grown into a national programme reaching more than 350,000 children across over 1,000 schools in England and Scotland. But, as Lindsey explains, the impact goes far beyond food. Magic Breakfast champions stigma-free, welcoming breakfast spaces that foster belonging, wellbeing, and readiness to learn—not simply full stomachs.
Operating across direct delivery, research, and advocacy, the organisation combines frontline provision with system-level change. Lindsey reflects on leading through rising demand, food price volatility, and policy shifts, while ensuring the charity scales without losing sight of its purpose. From practical innovations like the “Magic Menu” to its long-term Nourishing Futures strategy, she offers a grounded perspective on how mission, evidence, and collaboration can transform opportunity for children nationwide.
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.menkus.com/podcast/2026/02/19/lindsey-macdonald