The Alnwick Garden has always been a magical spot for a CEO Sleepout. This year, it will be even more so. Curious and compassionate participants of CEO Sleepout Alnwick will be some of the first humans ever to set foot – and sleep out – in Lilidorei: the world’s largest (and most enchanted) play village.
The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei operate under the stewardship of CEO, Mark Brassell, who’s careful guidance ensures the Garden brings awe and wonder for generations of nature-lovers to come.
Ahead of CEO Sleepout at Lilidorei in The Alnwick Garden on 1 June, CEO Sleepout’s CEO, Bianca Robinson sat down with Mark to learn more about his passion for nature, his guiding values and what makes him a “Leader With Purpose”.
How long have you been in business for?
An astonishing 30 Years! 21 in Africa doing all things Nature Conservation and more recently as Director of The Alnwick Garden.
What are some of your driving values?
I’m a humanist so working as part of a Community Project that the Alnwick Garden is, is extremely rewarding. That sense of doing something for the greater good and helping those who need makes me get out of bed in the morning.
You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?
I just think we are at our best when we give and setting that example for my kids is really important to me. The other factor is the collective spirit that can be achieved if a bunch of people come together and work for something they believe in. That spirit can create an enormous amount of positive energy and great things follow! There is nothing better and I’m lucky to work with a large group of similar minded Staff, Volunteers and Trustees at The Garden
Which causes are closest to your heart?
As you can imagine from my background Nature Conservation is close to my heart. It’s awful to think that future generations will not be able to see some of the plants, animals and habitats that are on the verge of extinction because of our actions.
What’s one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?
The one thing that I would change about our society is the ability of people to abuse others via social media. You shouldn’t be able to say whatever you like without your identity being known. Free speech is very important, but you should be prepared to own what you say particularly in a free society like ours. The damage these cowardly trolls does is immense and is the cause of major mental health issues.
How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?
Six years ago I joined the first CEO Sleepout Northumberland here at The Alnwick Garden and have been involved ever since. That said, I did miss 2018 due to a trip overseas and 2022 due to another commitment – but I’ll be back in 2023 for the CEO Sleepout Alnwick at Lilidorei!
Name one thing you’d like people to know about your life and work
That I’ve been extremely lucky to work with the people I’ve worked with and to have ended up with the family I have. Throughout my life I’ve regularly been in the right place at the right time, met the right people and this has resulted in amazing experiences. Stay super positive – it has worked for me.
How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?
I think The Duchess of Northumberland’s model for The Alnwick Garden should be modelled elsewhere. She has created an award winning Charity funded by a commercially successful visitor attraction. The Garden is unique in that its community programmes adapt and respond to the needs of the Community. The benefits of striking a balance between commercial success and social good can be immense.
Why is it important that business leaders demonstrate purposeful action?
Now more than ever we need leadership at all levels to make a better society. I feel that recently our political leaders have lost their moral compass and this is reflective in many other countries in the world, as in South Africa. Never the less, business leaders at a local level can still make a positive contribution to society, leading by example and with the right values.
Mark Brassell hosts CEO Sleepout at The Alnwick Garden every year.
We’d like to thank Mark for staying true to his values, establishing The Alnwick Garden as the beating heart of Northumberland’s communities – as well as a treasure for the nation. And for bringing the CEO Sleepout back to the Alnwick Garden each year!
Mark is truly a Leader With Purpose!
To sign up for CEO Sleepout Alnwick at Lilidorei, click here.
