#218 'From Gardener to Charity CEO', Lachlan Keating CEO Deaf Aotearoa

Welcoming Lachlan Keating, the CEO of Deaf Aotearoa, to Purposely where he shares his organisation's mission to represent and serve deaf people.

Lachlan joined the organisation nearly two decades ago and has been instrumental in driving the mission forward. Born in Tasmania, Australia, Lachlan's career journey is as inspiring as it is diverse.

Deaf Aotearoa’s mission is centred on ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for deaf people and the organisation strives to eliminate communication barriers and create equal opportunities for deaf individuals across the country.

One of the major challenges faced by the deaf community is accessibility in education and employment. Deaf Aotearoa has taken significant steps to address these issues. Their First Signs service is a critical initiative, providing deaf babies and their families with early access to New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). This early intervention lays a solid foundation for better educational outcomes and fosters stronger communication within families.

Deaf Aotearoa also emphasises the importance of building a pipeline of deaf leaders. By nurturing leadership within the community, the organisation ensures that deaf individuals are well-represented at all levels of society. Various programmes and workshops are conducted to empower members of the deaf community, enabling them to take on leadership roles and advocate for their rights.

While the organisation has up until now relied on government contracts and sign language interpreting services, it is also expanding its philanthropic and fundraising efforts. These efforts support initiatives that are not covered by government funding, ensuring the sustainability and growth of their programmes.

Lachlan’s work with deaf communities in Brisbane provided him with invaluable experience and insights. To further his expertise, Lachlan studied nonprofit management and leadership at Harvard Business School, equipping him with the skills needed to lead Deaf Aotearoa effectively.

In Brisbane, Lachlan began his remarkable journey in the nonprofit sector by working as a lead gardener at Wesley Mission. He led a team of adults with learning disabilities, Down syndrome, and autism, taking them out to do gardening for churches and properties under the Uniting Church in Queensland. This experience not only honed his leadership skills but also deepened his commitment to social service. He later moved into roles in supported employment, helping people with disabilities, mental illness, and refugees from Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Somalia find work.

After moving to New Zealand, Lachlan joined what was then known as the Deaf Association, continuing his work of getting deaf people into jobs. His dedication and leadership saw him rise through the ranks, becoming the South Island regional manager, then General Manager of Community Development, and eventually the CEO in June 2012.

Under Lachlan’s leadership, Deaf Aotearoa continues to advocate for better education and employment opportunities for deaf individuals. His leadership philosophy revolves around self-awareness, vulnerability, and the courage to focus on what the organisation does best. He places a strong emphasis on good character and hard work, both in recruitment and in daily operations.

Lachlan remains optimistic about the future of Deaf Aotearoa remains dedicated to its core purpose of breaking down barriers for the deaf community.

For full transcript of this episode visit www.purposelypodcast.com