#219 'Pro cyclist to charity CEO, helping young people thrive', Malindi MacLean CEO Outward Bound NZ

Welcoming Malindi Maclean, CEO of Outward Bound New Zealand, where she shares her charity's mission to use the challenge of the outdoors to help young people thrive and her journey from pro cyclist to non-profit leader.

The core mission of Outward Bound New Zealand is to empower young people by challenging them to step out of their comfort zones and develop essential life skills. The organization serves around 2,000 students each year, with half of them receiving scholarships. These programs are device-free, promoting mental health and fostering a deeper connection with nature. The organization is dedicated to inclusivity, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, can benefit from their transformative experiences. Through rigorous outdoor activities such as sailing, tramping, and kayaking, participants learn the value of teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. These experiences build resilience, bolster confidence, and instill a sense of compassion and community.

Established in 1962 in Anakiwa, Outward Bound New Zealand operates with the blessing of the local iwi, Te Ati Awa, upholding a tradition of respect and collaboration with indigenous communities. Founded by Kurt Hahn, Outward Bound emphasizes resilience, confidence, and compassion through self-discovery journeys in nature. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination mandates, Outward Bound remains committed to expanding its reach and impact. Future plans include exploring the possibility of a second Outward Bound school in New Zealand, investing in digital systems and infrastructure to improve productivity and efficiency, and engaging with the global Outward Bound network to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. All these efforts are undertaken with a keen awareness of the environmental impact of travel and a continual weighing of its benefits against the necessity of collaboration.

Malindi Maclean's path to becoming the CEO of Outward Bound New Zealand is as inspiring as the work she champions. Malindi began her career as a pro cyclist, where she honed her skills in discipline, perseverance, and leadership. These qualities helped her transition into her role in the non-profit sector, where she has become an advocate for youth development. Under her leadership, Outward Bound has not only maintained its high standards but has also adapted to new challenges and opportunities. Malindi's commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for young people is evident in every aspect of her work. Her vision is to see one in every room of school leavers having experienced the transformative power of Outward Bound, equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges.