Performance Intelligence Podcast 138 How CBA's Can4Cancer Raised $20M in 10yrs: Inspiring a World-Class Wellbeing Program Connected to Curing Cancer
Listen to an inspiring story that begins not in a boardroom, but in the most unexpected of places: a fruit and vegetable aisle. We delve into the incredible journey of Can4Cancer, a Commbank employee-driven initiative that has raised a staggering $20 million for vital cancer research! Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) is one of the largest banks in Australia with over 48,000 employees.
We hear from a range of people making this dream come to life from the CEO of Commbank Matt Comyn, to the researchers benefiting from the cause and where the money is being used. We'll journey back to that very first Can4Cancer event, a remarkable feat involving over 140 riders, showcasing the dedication and hard work that laid the foundation for this extraordinary success.
"...As scientists doing what we're doing, seeing there's a whole community there supporting us really helps us to get out of bed in the morning and go "this is why!"...we have a responsibility to all these people who have put their lives on hold a little bit to do the training, to get the money, and and that's what we're then the way then using for our research..."- Jeff Holst, Cancer Researcher and recipient of Can4Cancer funding.
This isn't just a story about fundraising; it's a testament to the power of human connection and collective action. You'll hear about:
In this Episode Andrew and his guests talk about:
2:35 How a chance meeting between Andrew and Bruno Maurel led to the creation of Can4Cancer.
4:40 There’s now so much more to Can4Cancer than just a bike ride.
5:35 Matt Comyn’s reflections on Can4Cancer and how it has grown over the years.
12:35 Clive Van Horen’s thoughts on the amazing growth of Can4Cancer and the inclusion of multiple events.
16:30 The part played by researcher Professor Jeff Holst in finding a cure for cancer.
19:30 That vital part that the money Can4Cancer raises plays in securing more funding.
24:05 Rose Spiteri’s inspiring story of participating in Can4Cancer walks.
28:00 How Rose manages to walk 21km despite being in intense pain.
31:30 How John McClelland helps CBA and Tour De Cure run one of the world's largest charity events and why John is so passionate about the cause.
34:20 How John sees Can4Cancer evolving with the community and some of the events he is hoping to add in the future.
38:35 Why Sallie Rodd says she has the best job at Commbank, looking after Can4Cancer.
41:00 why Can4Cancer has the highest engagement of any internal program and the goal to get 1 in 5 CBA employees participating.
43:05 What the relationship between CBA and Tour De Cure means to Bruno Maurel and why Tour De Cure’s work isn’t done just yet.
48:10 Brunos mission to cure all cancers by 2050.
You can find out more about Can4Cancer here: https://www.can4cancer.com.au/
Learn more about Tour De Cure: https://tourdecure.com.au/
Connect with Bruno Maurel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunomaurel/?originalSubdomain=au
Connect with Matt Comyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcomyn/?originalSubdomain=au
Connect with Clive Van Horen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-van-horen-bb480418/?originalSubdomain=au
Connect with Jeff Holst on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffholst/?originalSubdomain=au
Connect with Rose Spiteri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-spiteri-847bb88/?originalSubdomain=au
Connect with John McClelland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjamesmcclelland/?originalSubdomain=au
Connect with Sallie Rodd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallie-rodd-72933a82/?originalSubdomain=au
View the project Jeff is working on here: https://performanceintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/trainer-2.jpg
https://performanceintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/trainer-3.jpg
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