#228 'Leading A Hospital Foundation, Social Entrepreneur' Margi Mellsop CEO at Middlemore Foundation

Margi Mellsop, CEO of the Middlemore Foundation, recently joined Mark Longbottom on the Purposely Podcast to talk about her career and the charity she now directs. From her early days founding the International Comedy Festival in New Zealand to leading marketing efforts for the Auckland Museum and World Vision, Margi's journey shows her ability to adapt and contribute in different fields.

In the podcast, Margi explained the mission of the Middlemore Foundation, which works to improve healthcare and wellbeing for the people of South Auckland both inside the hospital and outside in the community. The foundation provides essential resources and runs initiatives to help the community. Under Margi’s leadership, the foundation has grown its reach and made a real difference in people’s lives.

Margi talked about the importance of working with local leaders, celebrities and organisations to meet the foundation’s goals. By partnering with others, the foundation can address the specific challenges faced by South Auckland communities. “Partnerships are key to sustainable success and meaningful engagement,” she said.

Margi’s career has been varied. She started out by founding the International Comedy Festival in New Zealand, an event that brought entertainment to many and gave her valuable experience in event management and fundraising. These skills have been useful in her later roles.

After her time with the Comedy Festival, Margi moved on to the Auckland Museum. There, she led marketing campaigns to increase visitor numbers and membership and support the museum’s work in preserving and sharing New Zealand’s history and culture. Her efforts brought people together and secured funding for important initiatives. She then joined International Development charity World Vision playing a key role marketing their New Zealand fundraising and campaigning efforts.

For the future, Margi aims to further raise the profile of the Middlemore Foundation and expand its impact. She discussed the need for sustainable fundraising approaches to ensure the foundation’s continued success. Balancing work with her personal life is also important to her.

Outside of her professional role, Margi values spending time with her family, enjoys sailing, and supports her son’s equestrian interests. She believes that having a balance between work and personal life is essential.

Margi'S career shows how skills and experiences from different areas can come together to help others. Her leadership at the Middlemore Foundation continues to benefit the South Auckland community and shows the importance of working together to create change.