How To Make A Difference - Paul Cleal OBE

Paul Cleal OBE is a non-executive director, advisor and board member for a range of various organisations across the UK - while they’re often in different sectors, the shared theme is that Paul helps them implement positive change.

That involves advising the Premier League on implementing anti-racism initiatives following Black Lives Matter; sitting as a board member for the National Citizen Service, advising Sainsburys on sustainable supply chain ideas, and working with the Met Police and the NHS. As a teenager, the only career Paul had in mind was becoming a footballer, however he used his challenges and his passions to build a very different career path instead.

In this interview he shares:

  • What his role as an advisor and non-exec board member involves
  • What his passions are and how that’s driven his career
  • Challenges he faced growing up in a single-parent family 
  • Advice for young people when life doesn’t go to plan
  • The importance of investing in relationships and asking for help

The Circl Interview Series asks leaders of the UK’s most exciting businesses to share their career paths and advice with the next generation of talent. Check out our other interviews with professionals from organisations such as Uber, Facebook and Arcadis UK.