A Purpose found in Progress

Frankie McCausland’s path to Start360

For Frankie, joining Start360 wasn’t a coincidence. It was the result of intention, research and alignment. With over 20 years of leadership experience across various sectors, Frankie had reached a point in her career where purpose mattered more than position.

“I’d been following Start360 for a while,” she says. “The organisation stood out to me as forward-thinking, authentic and one that puts people first. When I saw the opportunity, I knew instantly that this was where I was meant to be.”

Frankie’s journey to the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) represents more than a new role – it’s the culmination of years of learning, leading and championing change. Her approach is guided by one simple belief: leadership is about connection. “It’s about being human,” she explains. “You can only support people properly if you see them for who they are, not just the job they do.”

From Leadership to Legacy

Frankie describes good leadership as a blend of communication, transparency and empathy -bringing people with you, not just managing them. “A good leader listens,” she says. “They empower their team, celebrate individuality and build strength through collaboration.”

Having worked under a range of inspiring leaders, Frankie has seen first-hand how effective leadership isn’t about hierarchy, but about humility. “The best leaders I’ve worked with had completely different styles,” she explains. “But they all had one thing in common – they communicated clearly and valued people. That’s what I try to carry forward.”

At Start360, Frankie champions a culture where every voice is heard and respected. The SLT, she says, thrives on challenge and consultation. “We can question each other in a safe, supportive space and that’s where real innovation happens.”

Shaping the Future Through Strategy

As Director of Business Development, Frankie’s focus is on growth, sustainability and innovation. Her work connects Start360’s long term strategy with the real world needs of clients, communities and partners.

“Business development isn’t just about funding or expansion,” she explains. “It’s about strengthening our foundation, diversifying income and ensuring we can keep delivering life changing services. The goal is growth with integrity: making sure that as we evolve, we stay true to our mission.”

Frankie believes that the most impactful strategies are built on co-design and collaboration. “We need to listen to our service users, involve them in the development of services, and ensure their voices shape what we do,” she says. “That’s how we stay relevant, innovative and effective.”

A Vision Beyond Borders

Looking ahead, Frankie’s ambitions for Start360 are bold and outward facing. She envisions the organisation expanding its influence beyond Northern Ireland, sharing its unique approach to person centred support across Ireland and Britain.

“There’s so much potential in what we do,” she says. “Our model of change could have a profound impact in other regions. It’s about taking what works here: our culture, our compassion, our creativity, and using it to strengthen other communities.”

Her vision is one of growth without losing authenticity. Where Start360 continues to innovate, adapt and lead from the front, while remaining grounded in its values: Accept and Respect, Challenge and Change, Engage and Empower, Deliver.

Championing Women in Leadership

Frankie’s leadership is also shaped by her identity as a feminist and advocate for women’s empowerment. She’s acutely aware of the gender gap that still exists across leadership roles in the charity and public sectors and she’s determined to help change that.

“Women make up most of the workforce in our sector, but we’re still underrepresented at the top,” she says.

“That’s why women supporting women is so important. Leadership doesn’t have to mean mirroring traditional models: we can lead with empathy, emotion and strength.”

Her message is clear: authenticity is not a weakness – it’s a superpower.

Leading with Courage and Compassion

Like many leaders in the community and voluntary sector, Frankie faces the ongoing challenge of financial uncertainty and resource pressure. But she sees these obstacles as opportunities to innovate, collaborate and build resilience.

“The funding landscape will always change,” she says.

“What matters is how we respond – with creativity, with courage and with compassion.”

Frankie also places huge value on maintaining the wellbeing and resilience of her team. “The work we do is intense,” she explains. “That’s why I try to create moments of joy and connection. We deal with heavy realities every day, but we also need to celebrate wins – big or small – and enjoy being part of this fantastic team.”

Purpose, People and Progress

For Frankie, leadership isn’t about titles or authority. It’s about contribution, purpose and people. Her motivation comes from a deep belief that real change happens when your part of making it.

“I have strong views about society, equality and justice,” she says.

“You can’t drive change from the sidelines. You have to be in it, pushing it forward, every single day.”

Her proudest moments are those that bring people together, when collaboration turns into innovation, and when the Start360 team feels united in purpose. “If people feel supported and seen,” she says, “that’s when the magic happens.”

A Legacy of Empowerment

Frankie hopes her legacy at Start360 will be one of empowerment, growth, and joy. “Our work is serious, but it doesn’t always have to feel heavy,” she says. “I want to be remembered for creating space for connection – for reminding people that we can do difficult work and still have fun doing it.”

To the supporters, partners and staff who make Start360’s work possible, her message is simple:

“Thank you for believing in what we do. Change doesn’t start in policies or boardrooms – it starts with people. And at Start360, that’s what makes all the difference.”