My purpose is simple—to help good people do good things better

My Story

Caring for others has never felt like a choice. It has always been part of my life. As a child, I helped care for my younger brother and watched my mum support elderly relatives. That early exposure to empathy and service shaped who I am.

Even when my career path took unexpected turns, from a smoke-filled betting shop to hospital wards and charity boardrooms, the thread running through it all has stayed the same: I have been, and always will be, a carer at heart.

I trained as a nurse, driven by a deep desire to improve lives with compassion and dignity. Over the next 25 years, I moved from front-line care into leadership roles across health and the voluntary sector. I have led teams in the NHS and served as CEO of regional charities, always working to champion people and communities who are too often overlooked. Like many in the caring professions, my journey has been one of resilience, reflection and purpose, anchored in the values of care, justice and community.

Along the way

I pursued further learning, including a Master’s in Dementia Studies, and discovered the power of collaborative leadership. I learned how to create space for every voice and how to lead with both head and heart. From co-producing a carers’ strategy with over a thousand families to mentoring emerging leaders one to one, I have seen that lasting change happens when people come together with courage and clarity.

Today, as an independent consultant, my purpose is simple: to help good people do good things better. I bring the warmth of a carer, the insight of a seasoned CEO, and a strong belief in the potential of values-led leadership to make a meaningful difference

  • "Working with Sonia was a real turning point for us. She helped us examine how we were engaging with other key partners in the sector - and how we could lay the foundations for really strong relationships. I really valued her balance of listening, coaching and the occasional well-timed straight-talking. Even when the feedback was tough, I enjoyed the process. Sonia brings CEO-level empathy, a sense of humour, and a get-shit-done energy that’s rare and incredibly valuable."

    James Townsend
    Co-Founder and CEO
    Mobilise

  • "Being mentored by Sonia has been transformational. She brings insight, clarity, and encouragement in equal measure. Her ability to ask the right questions and see beyond what is said has helped unlock vision, strengthen leadership, and future-proof our charity. Her depth of knowledge and calm confidence when representing the voluntary sector is inspiring, she is a powerful advocate who makes space for others to grow."

    Emily Kenward
    Founder & CEO
    Time to Talk Befriending

  • “Sonia has the ability to combine professionalism with empathy, always listening carefully and ensuring that every voice is heard. Through her leadership she creates a space within which organisations and leaders can reflect on how to work not just more effectively, but also more sustainably and with greater confidence. Her commitment to inclusion and fairness shines through in all she does.”

    — Dr Anusree Biswas, Director,
    Bridging Change

  • Let's focus on the art of the possible

    Sonia Mangan