In this our 200th episode Krish Patel sits down with Maura Jackson, a highly experienced leader in the charity sector with over 30 years in social care, including more than a decade working in homelessness. This honest and insightful conversation explores the growing challenges facing charities today. From shrinking funding pots to increasing demand, Maura shares what it really takes to sustain services that support vulnerable communities. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the pressures of leadership in the sector, describing the constant "plate spinning" required to keep organisations running. With funding becoming more competitive and less predictable, charities are often forced to do more with less, while navigating complex commissioning processes and evolving funding criteria. Maura also reflects on the impact of sector growth, questioning whether increased competition is driving innovation or creating duplication and inefficiency. Through powerful analogies and real-world experience, this episode highlights the resilience required to lead in uncertain times. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in social impact, leadership, and the realities behind running a charity today. Resources: https://backup-charity.org.uk/