#270 'From Elite Sport to Purpose-Driven Leadership', Mark Weatherall CEO at Life Education Trust

Welcoming Mark Weatherall, CEO of Life Education Trust, to Purposely.

Mark Weatherall’s reflections on how New Zealand prepares young people for life are refreshingly down to earth. He talks openly about a familiar gap — that many young people, and even adults, haven’t built the knowledge, confidence or habits needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. “We got pocket money, we spent it, that was it,” he says, recalling his own upbringing. Today, with more pressures and distractions than ever, the challenge is helping the next generation make thoughtful choices that shape their futures for the better.

Mark leads Life Education Trust, one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable and long-standing charities. After 37 years and reaching over 86% of schools, the Trust continues to evolve its mission of helping tamariki develop the life skills they need to make positive choices. Mark is realistic about what’s required to keep that work strong — supporting volunteers, maintaining local connections and securing sustainable funding are all priorities. “We need that local input,” he says. He believes centralising some functions, like fundraising or HR, could ease the pressure on volunteers, freeing them to focus on what matters most: supporting children and communities directly.

Before joining Life Education Trust, Mark spent years leading some of New Zealand’s top sporting organisations, including canoeing and rowing. These are sports where success is measured in milliseconds, medals and the pride of representing Aotearoa on the world stage. He speaks candidly about the intensity of leading at that level, where every decision can influence an Olympic or Commonwealth campaign, and where legacy matters as much as performance.

Mark also brought his leadership closer to home, heading Surf Life Saving New Zealand, a movement that combines competition, community service and coastal safety. It’s a cause close to his heart and reflects his lifelong love of the ocean, as well as his belief in sport’s power to build resilience, teamwork and purpose.

Outside of work, Mark’s story is one of reflection and renewal. After a double hip replacement kept him from his usual pursuits — diving, fishing and time outdoors — he’s been rethinking what matters most. “How many useful summers have you got left?” a friend recently asked him. For Mark, it’s not about counting down, but about making the most of what’s ahead: staying active, enjoying family and finding balance between purpose and personal wellbeing.

Mark’s approach isn’t about slogans or grand gestures. It’s about practical support, honest conversations and small decisions made well — both in leadership and in life. In a space often clouded by buzzwords, his clarity stands out: help young people build real skills, support those doing the work and keep the mission grounded in reality.