People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, we’re joined by Eleanor Cater, CEO of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand, to explore how local giving can become one of the most powerful forces for long-term community change.Eleanor is deeply passionate about philanthropy, not as a lofty idea, but as something practical and grounded in place. From growing up in Porirua to now leading the national body for community foundations, she has been a witness to what empowered communities can achieve.Community foundations sit quietly behind the scenes of some remarkable outcomes across the country. They connect donors with local priorities, steward funds across generations, and help turn generosity into action. In New Zealand, the movement has grown steadily from 12 community foundations to 18 today, collectively managing more than $315 million in community assets. But as Eleanor explains, the real value isn’t just the capital, it’s the trust.Trust is the engine of community philanthropy. Donors need confidence that their giving will be respected, well governed, and still relevant long after they’re gone. Community foundations offer an alternative to setting up standalone trusts, providing professional governance, local insight, and the flexibility to respond as communities change. It’s a model built for permanence, without the administrative burden.We talk about what this looks like in practice. From regionally funded theatres and adventure playgrounds, to the quieter work of backing grassroots organisations and bringing people together around shared priorities. In places like Taranaki, Eleanor describes a genuine sense of local ownership, where communities don’t just benefit from philanthropy, they actively shape it.Eleanor also makes a compelling case for better philanthropy advice. Giving well takes intention, clarity, and context. Drawing on her academic work, including a Winston Churchill Fellowship and a Master’s in Philanthropy, she explains why donors are most fulfilled when their giving aligns both with their values and with clearly articulated community need.We also unpack the word philanthropy itself. Often misunderstood, sometimes off-putting, and wrongly associated only with extreme wealth. Eleanor reframes it simply as private giving for public good, something all New Zealanders already participate in, whether through donations, volunteering, or sharing skills.Looking ahead, Eleanor’s ambition is clear. Community foundations should be seen not as places where money sits, but as active builders of community. With significant intergenerational wealth transfer on the horizon, she believes New Zealand has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to embed generosity into the fabric of every region.

In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from a past guest working at the intersection of financial advice, ethics, and values-led investing.She reflects on the decision to formally position her firm as an ethical investor, not because clients demanded it, but because it reflected who they already were. What surprised her most was how many clients moved quickly once the option was clearly explained. Many assumed investing was value-neutral and didn’t realise they were allowed to ask for more alignment between their money and their beliefs.The conversation explores what ethical investing looks like in practice, from screening for human rights issues to using simple tools that help clients express what they do and don’t want in their portfolios. One clear theme emerges: people are far more aligned on values than the industry often assumes.She also shares the firm’s unexpected journey to B Corp certification, discovering they were already operating well beyond the required standard thanks to years of careful governance, systems, and culture. The episode closes with practical advice for advisors and professionals wanting to bring values into their work, including where to start, how to build confidence, and why conversations about ethics don’t need to be complicated to be effective.This episode of Purposely is brought to you by Benevity and Trust Investments.

In this episode of Purposely, Mark Longbottom sits down with Tilda Bostwick, founder of Fundraising Talent, to unpack what fundraising really looks like as a profession. How getting the right people into the right roles matters more than ever for charities. Tilda lifts the lid on how fundraising has evolved in New Zealand. While many people still picture fundraising as street appeals or bucket collections, she explains how modern charities rely on highly specialised teams. From data and donor care to major gifts and strategy, fundraising today is complex, skilled work and it needs to be treated that way. Tilda shares her own path into the sector, starting with volunteering and grant writing, before moving into senior fundraising roles and eventually spotting a major gap. Charities were struggling to recruit well, often because fundraising roles were misunderstood or poorly defined. That challenge is what led her to launch Fundraising Talent.Starting a recruitment business just before COVID was not ideal timing. Tilda talks openly about the pressure that put on charities and on recruitment itself, and why many organisations later realised that not hiring, or hiring the wrong person, often costs more in the long run.A big part of the conversation focuses on expectations. Tilda regularly sees fundraisers hired with unrealistic KPIs, limited support, and the hope they will somehow “fix” income overnight. She explains why this leads to burnout and high turnover, and what charities can do differently. Clear roles, realistic targets, strong leadership, and a culture that values fundraising all make a difference.Tilda also shares what she looks for in top fundraisers. It is not just about personality or passion. Track record matters, as does strategic thinking, the ability to work with others, and staying power in roles. She also calls out common hiring mistakes like underpaying, vague job descriptions, and failing to invest in professional development.The episode touches on the changing shape of the sector, including more men entering fundraising roles, growing professionalism, and the use of AI tools in areas like grant writing. Tilda is clear that while technology can help, relationships and good storytelling are still at the heart of successful fundraising.For people considering a move from the corporate world into fundraising, Tilda offers practical advice on transferable skills, but also a reality check. Fundraising is rewarding work, but it demands resilience, commitment to purpose, and an understanding of the pressures charities operate under.The conversation closes with Tilda reflecting on why she stays in the sector. For her, it is about the people, the causes, and seeing what becomes possible when charities are properly resourced with the right talent.

In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from Kirsten Kilian-Taylor, Head of Philanthropy at Perpetual Guardian.Kirsten reflects on how giving in New Zealand is evolving, from traditional, tightly controlled models of trusteeship to approaches that allow more experimentation, partnership, and trust. Using the growth of Give A Little as an example, she explores peer-to-peer giving, donor choice, and what it really takes to back new ideas while still protecting donor intent.The conversation also digs into what funders look for in strong applications: clarity of purpose, honesty about need, evidence of impact, and the human story behind the numbers. Kirsten shares why unrestricted funding is still challenging, how professional trustees weigh up risk, and where tools like AI can help or hinder when charities are seeking support.This episode of Purposely is brought to you by Benevity, the all-in-one software solution that benefits employees, customers, nonprofits, and society.

This episode of Purposely is a little different.Instead of hosting the conversation, Purposely host Mark Longbottom is the one being interviewed — joining Azoora Ali on her podcast Care Beyond Profits. It’s a generous, wide-ranging conversation that gives listeners a chance to hear more about the story behind Purposely, the experiences that shaped Mark’s work, and the values that continue to guide him.Azoora takes Mark back to his early years growing up on Auckland’s North Shore, his long stint in the UK charity sector, and the journey that eventually led to the creation of Purposely Podcast. They talk about why Mark believes motivation is often overrated, and why consistency - especially when it’s scheduled - matters far more than waiting to feel inspired.The conversation also touches on health, wellbeing, leadership, and the balance between empathy and accountability. Mark reflects on what more than 260 interviews with purpose-led leaders have taught him about service, happiness, and the importance of clarity, even when leaders don’t have all the answers.Mark also shares insights from his role as Head of Community Engagement at Trust Investments, and his work connecting charities and for-purpose organisations with investment solutions that align financial performance with social and environmental impact.This episode offers an honest look at the thinking behind Purposely, the disciplines that sustain purpose-led work over time, and why serving others often brings deeper meaning to both leadership and life.A big thank you to Purposely sponsors Benevity and Trust Investments for supporting the podcast, and to Azoora Ali.

In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from Samuel Richards, exploring the role capital plays in creating social and environmental outcomes.Samuel makes a clear distinction between what we do with money and why we do it. Rather than seeing investors, philanthropy, and government as separate or competing forces, he frames them as parts of the same marketplace, each with a role to play.He talks about the importance of aligning capital with purpose and values, not just chasing labels like “impact”, “ethical”, or “sustainable”, which can distract from the real work. At its best, capital becomes an enabler, quietly connecting the system, supporting those closest to the problems, and helping solutions scale.Samuel also challenges the assumption that returns are the hard part. In his experience, it’s often perception, power dynamics, and language that get in the way, not performance.This episode is a thoughtful reflection for funders, investors, and advisors who want to think more clearly about how capital shows up in the world, and how it can support change without trying to own it.This episode of Purposely was brought to you by Benevity, the all-in-one software solution that benefits employees, customers, nonprofits and society, with thanks also to Trust Investments for their ongoing support.

This episode is a little different.I recorded it while away at the beach with my family, fitting it in between swims, time with the kids, and the usual holiday chaos. Instead of the usual interview, this is just me taking a moment to reflect on the past year of Purposely Podcast and some of the themes that kept coming up.2025 was a big year for the podcast. We recorded 49 episodes and are closing in on 300 in total since Purposely began in 2020. This episode is a pause rather than a performance. A chance to share what stood out, what I have learned, and what feels worth carrying forward.One of the questions I ask in every interview is about mission and purpose. It has become increasingly clear to me that organisations with real clarity on why they exist tend to do better. They raise funds more effectively, motivate their teams more strongly, and stay focused on the impact they are trying to have. That clarity acts as a north star, especially when things get tough.I also share some thoughts on what it has meant to hear from listeners and see the podcast grow. The feedback, messages, and ongoing engagement really matter to me and help shape where the podcast goes next.A strong theme this year was the value of lived experience in leadership. Two conversations that stayed with me were with Nicola Coombe, CEO of the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and Shaun Robinson, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation. Both spoke openly about how their own experiences shape the way they lead and the empathy they bring to their roles.Another recurring topic was shared leadership and the rise of co-CEO models. Conversations with Alison Goodman from Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and Dean Hegarty from the Responsible Investment Association Australasia showed how well these arrangements can work when there is trust, complementary skill sets, and very little ego.I also reflect on the growing interest in venture philanthropy. In a difficult funding environment, conversations with Mary Rose Gunn from The Four and Izzy Horrocks from the Aotearoa Life Course Fund highlighted new ways of supporting early-stage organisations and social entrepreneurs, and why understanding how funders think is becoming increasingly important.This year I also hosted a number of in-person events, bringing together people from the investment world and the for-purpose sector. One thing I have become more convinced of is that as technology and AI make information easier to access, human connection becomes more valuable, not less. Meeting in person, learning together, and building relationships still matter.Towards the end of the episode I share a personal story about discipline and consistency. It is a reminder that change does not usually come from big gestures, but from small actions repeated over time.Thank you for listening and for supporting Purposely Podcast through 2025. I am really looking forward to what is coming in 2026, with more conversations, live events, and some new formats as the podcast continues to evolve.Some reflections from the yearThemes that stood out in 2025Connection still mattersA personal reflectionLooking ahead

Revisiting the Story of Benevity with Founder Bryan de LottinvilleIn this revisited episode of Purposely Podcast, Mark Longbottom returns to a 2021 conversation with Bryan de Lottinville, founder of Benevity.Bryan is a purpose-led founder whose work has had a significant influence on how companies think about employee engagement, giving, and corporate responsibility. In this conversation, Bryan reflects on the ideas that led to the creation of Benevity, the decisions that shaped its growth, and the belief that business can play a meaningful role in enabling social good.Benevity went on to scale globally and was ultimately sold for around a billion dollars, but this episode focuses less on the outcome and more on the thinking behind the journey — from reimagining corporate giving to building a platform designed around employee choice and participation.Bryan’s background and the origins of BenevityThe limitations of traditional corporate giving models, and why change was neededDesigning technology that enables and encourages employee participationLeading and scaling a purpose-driven businessMaintaining culture through growth, disruption, and CovidReflections on leadership, wellbeing, and long-term impactWhere purpose-led business is heading nextWhy purpose was always central to Benevity’s modelHow democratising giving changes behaviour and cultureThe realities of founder leadership at scaleLessons for leaders working at the intersection of business and impactBenevity has supported the Purposely Podcast as a sponsor for the past three years. Thank you to Bryan de Lottinville for the conversation and for his ongoing contribution to the corporate purpose movement.Follow Purposely Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform to stay connected with future episodes.

In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from Simon Fulford, Executive Director of Parrott Creek Child & Family Services, based in Portland, Oregon.Simon explains why rebuilding self-esteem and identity sits at the heart of working with young people who have experienced trauma, and why care can’t stop at programmes and therapy alone. If the physical environment, daily routines, and adult behaviours send the opposite message, the work can be undermined.He shares how Parrott Creek takes a holistic approach. From unconditional positive regard and mindfulness, to staff self-awareness, food, learning, and intentionally beautiful spaces. All of it is designed to communicate one consistent message to young people: you are worthy, you belong, and you can grow.This is a practical reflection on how environment, care, and values need to align if we’re serious about helping young people heal and thrive.This episode of Purposely was brought to you by Benevity, the all-in-one software solution that benefits employees, customers, nonprofits and society, with thanks also to Trust Investments for their ongoing support.

Revisited Episode (Recorded April 2021)A Tribute to Lea MilliganThis revisited episode of Purposely is shared as a tribute to Lea Milligan, who passed away unexpectedly in April 2024.From Purposely host Mark LongbottomBefore returning to this conversation, I wanted to pause and honour someone truly special. I first met Lea in London in 2016 when he was working at Mercy Ships UK, and I was at the St James’s Place Foundation. He reached out in a fundraising role, but it quickly became clear that Lea was far more than that - a phenomenal relationship-builder, a deeply human leader, and someone you always enjoyed talking with. He was a natural connector of people, with an unwavering focus on mission and purpose.Lea would go on to become an impressive leader in the mental health sector, serving as CEO of MQ Mental Health Research. News of his passing came as a real shock, and with great sadness. Re-sharing this conversation feels like a meaningful way to honour his impact and leadership.In this episode, Lea shares:The mission of MQ Mental Health Research and why it was establishedWhy mental health research remains chronically underfunded compared to other health areasThe parallels between the journey of cancer research and where mental health research is todayThe role of stigma in slowing progress — and why research is the first step toward real system changeWhy research may not deliver quick returns, but offers extraordinary long-term impactThis conversation captures Lea’s clarity of thought, humility, and deep commitment to improving mental health outcomes globally.