Leading with heart brings regional recognition for Nottingham charity CEO

Joe Williamson (Credit: Poppy PR)

The CEO of Nottingham children’s charity, When You Wish Upon A Star, has been recognised as one of the region’s leading figures.

Joe Williamson has been named in the Midlands’ Most Influential CEO Awards 2026, despite only taking the reins in June last year.

The Most Influential CEO Awards celebrate exceptional leadership, spotlighting chief executives who are driving change, fostering innovation and making a lasting impact on their organisations and sectors. Winners are chosen based on their influence, strategic direction and positive outcomes for their organisations and wider communities.

The award recognises Joe’s leadership of the charity, which grants wishes to children living with life threatening illnesses across the UK.

Founded in 1990, When You Wish Upon A Star has granted more than 19,000 wishes, creating life changing experiences for children and their families during incredibly difficult times.

Joe and his team have flown many of these children and their families to Disneyworld, Florida and to Lapland to meet Father Christmas in the last few months alone.

Since joining the charity, Joe has led his team with trust, empathy and empowerment. Central to his leadership approach is the belief that no two people are the same.

By structuring his approach through coaching, mentoring and open conversations, he aims to help each individual grow in a way that works best for them.
Joe said the charity’s mission is rooted in hope and compassion.

He said: “At a time when life can feel overwhelming and uncertain, we exist to make dreams come true and to remind families that happiness, magic and hope are still possible.”

His journey to chief executive has been shaped by both personal and professional experience.

Becoming a father at the age of 20, he says, fundamentally changed his outlook on life and responsibility and inspired him to pursue a career focused on making a positive difference.

Before moving into charity leadership, Joe qualified as a teacher, developing a strong understanding of empathy, care and the importance of believing in young people’s potential.

He believes organisational culture is key to success, he added: “My advice to budding CEOs is simple but often underestimated: prioritise culture and people above everything else.

“Qualifications, training and technical expertise matter, but they will never outperform a healthy, engaged and motivated organisation. People are the true engine of success. Ultimately, a healthy organisation will always outperform a smart one. If you get the culture right, the results will follow.”

Maintaining this culture will be a critical component of Joe’s future plans following his recent recognition as the Midlands’ Most Influential Charity and Non Profit CEO 2026.

Looking ahead, Joe said the charity is preparing to launch a new three year strategy aimed at deepening its impact and reaching even more children and families.

He added: “For our team, it’s about fostering a happy, empowered and engaged workforce where people can grow, thrive and do their best work. For the children and families we support, it’s about ensuring every wish we grant is as magical and life changing as possible.”

To find out more about the charity or how to support its work, visit whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk