#252 'Stepping Up To Lead A Large Social Services Charity', Shaun Greaves CEO Presbytarian Support Northern

Shaun Greaves, CEO of Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN),spoke on the Purposely Podcast about the challenges of leading a large charity, his leadership style, and how ambition drives the future of social services in New Zealand.

Shaun shared reflections on his career path and therealities of balancing leadership with well-being. While he once considered a career in politics, it was the advice of a close MP friend that redirected his focus. Rather than working within the political system, Shaun saw greaterpotential for impact by leading from the community sector—advocating for human rights and social justice through service delivery and organisational change.

At PSN, Shaun leads an organisation facing the everydaypressures of the social services sector: ensuring staff well-being, responding to community needs, and meeting board and stakeholder expectations. He spoke openly about the emotional weight of leadership, and the importance of staying grounded and adaptable. His workday starts later than most CEOs but extends into the evening—a schedule that aligns with his natural energy and allows himto stay focused over the long term.

Well-being is a personal priority. Shaun works outregularly, not just for fitness but also to maintain routine and connection. He and his partner enjoy live comedy, often attending Friday night improv shows.

In the professional space, Shaun is most energised bystrategic planning. He spoke about PSN’s recent strategy work, where the team asked bold questions like, “What would it look like if we didn’t need to exist?” For Shaun, imagining a future without the need for social services canbe a productive way to challenge assumptions, reset goals, and drive innovation.

He also highlighted the role charities play in New Zealand’seconomy—contributing £27 billion annually and accounting for 2.4% of GDP. Yet, he believes the sector’s value is often under-recognised. Shaun called for more public and political awareness of the impact community organisations have,particularly during crises such as the ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting families across the country.

Shaun’s own career trajectory is one of focused ambition.Early on, he set a goal to become a CEO by age 40—a milestone he achieved through deliberate planning, visual goal-setting, and persistent action. His approach shows that clear intentions, combined with purpose, can lead totangible results.

Shaun shared his vision for Presbyterian Support Northern—afuture defined by meaningful impact, fairness, and sustainable growth. He underscored the importance of addressing community challenges with thoughtfulplanning and a commitment to social equity.

Under Shaun's leadership, Presbyterian Support Northernprioritises long-term solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives.

His approach reflects a dedication not only to responding to immediate needs but also to driving significant change within New Zealand's social services landscape.