Donna Squared and the Power of Partnership
There is a growing recognition that the challenges organisations face today are simply too complex to be solved by one perspective alone.
Whether in business, healthcare, education or social impact, progress increasingly depends on collaboration and on people with different strengths working together with a shared sense of purpose.
They say, “if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together’’.
At Carpenters Group, that belief is realised at the highest level in the leadership dynamic between Donna Scully, Owner/Director and Donna Richards, CEO. Known sometimes as ‘Donna Squared’, or affectionately - The Double Donnas, their working relationship is a powerful example of how complementary traits can strengthen an organisation and ultimately, deliver better outcomes.
Two Leaders, One Ambition
As Chief Executive Officer, Donna Richards brings clarity, financial acumen and strategic focus to Carpenters Group. Her leadership is rooted in accountability and long‑term thinking and setting the course for the business in a highly regulated, fast‑moving legal and insurance landscape. Donna R is focused on sustainability, resilience and ensuring that the organisation continues to evolve while staying true to its values. Donna’s financial background means a steady hand on the budget and a keen eye on the detail.
Alongside her, Owner/Director, Donna Scully leads with people and ambition at the centre. Her focus is on clients, engagement and connection by making sure strategy does not just sit on paper but is felt in everyday experiences across the business and out in the market. As a lawyer by trade Donna Scully is a visible advocate for legal reform and social impact and for using Carpenters Group’s voice and resources to influence and support clients and communities.
The Donnas each lead from different places, they both bring different backgrounds and skill sets but after a quarter of a century working together, they know they share the same goal: a successful, values‑led business that people are proud to be part of and that clients can rely on for the long-term.
Challenge and Trust
What makes Donna Squared effective is trust and support. Trust to challenge one another. Trust to listen. Trust to lead without ego. Trust to lean into one another’s strengths and lean out when it sits outside their wheelhouse. Support to encourage and advise one another but also to give the hug that is needed when life presents challenges to endure that sits outside of the boardroom.
Their partnership requires open conversation and mutual respect, with a shared understanding that better decisions are made when different perspectives are brought into the room. That balance of strategic discipline and human insight allows Carpenters Group to operate with confidence.
This kind of leadership partnership sends a powerful signal across the organisation too. It declares that collaboration is valued, difference is a strength, and leadership is about stewardship - not status.
Donna Squared is more than the sum of its parts
The phrase Donna Squared captures something important. It is not about duplication it is more about amplification. This multiplier effect is felt throughout Carpenters Group. Leadership is not concentrated at the top instead it is modelled across the business embracing the concept that you can lead from anywhere on the pitch - even the bench. It is unsurprising perhaps that one thing that does unite the Donna’s is a shared love for Liverpool FC.
The leadership culture set at the top directly influences how support is delivered and felt by stakeholders. Carpenters Group exists to support clients when they need reliable service provision. To deliver for people at moments when they need clarity and representation. And to empower and enable colleagues as they grow.
For clients and partners, their partnership approach builds trust.
A model for modern leadership
The partnership between Donna Richards and Donna Scully offers a compelling model of modern leadership. It is perhaps no surprise then that this way of working is being modelled by women. Over recent years the evolution of more flexible and agile careers and professional partnerships sees women at its fore. It challenges the idea that leadership must look or sound a certain way. It shows that strength can come from difference, and that progress is accelerated when leaders are willing to share responsibility and credit.
Donna Squared is two leaders, bringing their whole selves to their roles, united by a commitment to doing the right thing for Carpenters Group and for those who rely on it.
It is an agreement and way of working. And it is one of the reasons Carpenters Group continues to succeed - not just as a business, but as a place where people can build lasting and rewarding careers.
