People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

A really warm welcome to Purposely SHORT , short as in not long, a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission. Enjoy.In this SHORT episode, we revisit insights from Mark Weatherall, CEO of Life Education Trust. Mark reflects on discovering his why , creating environments where people can be the best they can be, and how that purpose has shaped his leadership across sport, community organisations, and now the for-purpose sector.He shares the story of one of the toughest periods of his career: shifting a high-performance sporting culture from individualism to a team-centred, community-rooted model. It led to resistance, legal challenges, and moments of deep self-doubt - but ultimately transformed the sport and reinforced his belief in backing yourself when you know you're doing the right thing.Mark also speaks to the heart of his motivation: empowering young people, championing participation over medals, and ensuring sport, like charity, delivers broader life outcomes.This bite-sized episode is designed to give you a practical takeaway about purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and staying true to your values even under pressure.This episode of Purposely was brought to you by Benevity and Trust Investments .

Welcoming Kirsten Kilian-Taylor, Head of Philanthropy at Perpetual Guardian, to Purposely Podcast. Kirsten oversees more than $40 million in grants each year, working with hundreds of donors and charities to help drive meaningful change across Aotearoa. Her role is all about careful stewardship, not just managing funds, but making sure legacies, some over a century old, are still supporting real needs today.Philanthropy can be daunting when so many people and organisations need support. Kirsten says the key is to stay true to what donors care about while making sure their giving works in today's world. “Our mission is wrapped around stewardship,” she explains. Perpetual Guardian started with wills and estates, but now it works with people who want to give while they’re still here to see the difference it makes.Kirsten encourages people to start giving while they're still able to experience the impact firsthand. “Nine times out of ten, people already have a passion they want to support,” she says. Her role is to help that spark grow, whether it’s through scholarships, community projects, or less visible support like covering transport or uniforms to remove practical barriers.Perpetual Guardian’s sustainability is built on careful investment of capital funds, with grants powered by income. The organisation has shifted from solely managing funds to providing broader philanthropic advice, using sector insights, networks, and technology to make giving more effective. “We handle the compliance and administration so our donors can focus on what matters to them,” Kirsten says.In 2020, Perpetual Guardian brought Givealittle under its wing, a move Kirsten describes as a natural fit. The platform has so far generated more than $300 million in crowdfunding for causes across New Zealand. “Givealittle provides an entry point to generosity,” she says. “Anyone can give directly to a cause that speaks to them, and that’s powerful.”But it’s not all smooth sailing. Kirsten highlights the increasing pressure facing charities: rising demand for services, more competition for funding, and a government funding model that hasn’t kept pace. “We’ve seen application numbers double in some areas while funding stays the same,” she notes. Her advice for organisations seeking funding: stay true to your mission, build strong governance, and be adaptable.Kirsten also points to a shift in philanthropy—toward supporting capacity-building and operational needs, not just projects. Funders are moving cautiously, but there’s growing recognition that organisations need support to thrive long-term.Her personal journey into philanthropy started in Gisborne, shaped by community values and a formative student exchange in the Canadian Arctic. Now based in Wellington, she sees her role as creating space for people to connect with causes that matter. “My job is to make people feel comfortable pursuing their philanthropic goals,” she says. “I’m a connector at heart.”As philanthropy continues to evolve—driven by changing values, emerging generations of donors, and increasing interest from corporates, Kirsten stresses the need for authenticity. “If corporates want to offer philanthropic services, they need to back it up with real engagement—not just a PR strategy.”Kirsten sees huge potential in New Zealand’s philanthropic landscape: a mix of deep generosity and a small, agile system. “We’re small enough to test new ideas and see results quickly,” she says. She also calls for stronger collaboration between government and philanthropy to address big issues like health, housing, and education.A big thank you to episode sponsors Benevity and Trust Investments

This special live episode of Purposely Podcast was recorded in Auckland at a Place-Based Impact Investing event co-hosted by Brightlight and Trust Investments.Samuel Richards, Managing Director at Brightlight, joins me to discuss how purpose and investment can come together to deliver better outcomes for people and places. He talks about Brightlight’s journey, how it began, the challenges along the way, and what it takes to build an organisation that’s both commercially strong and values-driven.A central theme of the conversation is the Te Puna Hapori Community Infrastructure Strategy - Te Puna Hapori meaning “spring of wellbeing.” The strategy aims to help create safe, warm and healthy communities where people can live, learn and thrive. It focuses on the types of essential community assets — social, educational and health infrastructure — that are often underinvested in across regional Aotearoa New Zealand.Developed through a partnership between Trust Waikato and Brightlight, Te Puna Hapori seeks to unlock opportunities for wellbeing and resilience through targeted investment. The approach allows capital to flow into projects that deliver tangible, long-term benefits for communities, with investment options available through both fund and bond structures.Samuel is joined by:Dennis Turton, CEO of Trust WaikatoSimba Marekera, Head of Global Private Assets, BrightlightTim Symons, Brightlight NZTogether, they explore how global impact investing ideas can take root in Aotearoa, New Zealand and how capital, partnerships and community can work together to achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes.

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, Simon Fulford, Executive Director at Parrott Creek in Oregon, talks about leadership, community, and making change that lasts.Parrott Creek supports young people facing tough circumstances, combining therapeutic care with community-based programmes. Simon’s approach is shaped by years of working with youth and families in the UK, New York, and now the Pacific Northwest.He believes leadership is about staying steady when things get hard and making sure purpose shows up in everyday work. The new $29 million residential campus is a major milestone, but Simon says the real test lies in delivering programmes that match the promise of the space.He also talks about the realities nonprofits face - funding cuts, mergers, and the challenge of holding on to identity through it all. His focus is on keeping Parrott Creek nimble, learning from other sectors, and protecting the relationships and trust that make the work possible.Simon’s story crosses continents, but his focus remains constant: do the work, stay connected, and keep improving.

A really warm welcome to Purposely Short , short as in not, long - a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission. Enjoy.In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from Jake Bailey, author, speaker, and cancer survivor, who shares his evidence-based approach to building resilience.Jake introduces the 4S Model - four key practices proven to help people get through tough and challenging times:Slowing down, Salvaging, Streamlining, and Standing alongside. He explains how resilience isn’t fixed - it’s something we can learn, train, and strengthen - and why the ability to get back up after adversity is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success and wellbeing.This bite-sized episode is designed to give you a practical takeaway you can apply to your life or leadership, especially in the challenging world of charitable and for-purpose work.This episode of Purposely was brought to you by Benevity and Trust Investments .

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, we are joined by Seumas Fantham (Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea), Chief Executive of the Todd Foundation.We talk about how philanthropy can move beyond forms, reports and checkboxes — towards something built on trust, honesty, and shared learning.Seumas is clear that effective giving isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about building real relationships, being open to challenge, and making it safe for partners to be upfront when things don’t go as planned.At the Todd Foundation, that thinking has shaped their approach to funding. Since 2009, they’ve supported community-led initiatives through long-term, high-trust partnerships — untagged funding that gives organisations the space and confidence to lead their own work. Seumas explained that this approach recognises the natural ups and downs that come with running a community organisation — leadership changes, internal challenges, or times when things simply feel tough. Rather than stepping away, the Foundation looks to stand alongside their partners and, when needed, work with other funders to help them through.We also talked about the culture change required for funders — to move from being grant-makers to genuine partners. It takes humility and a willingness to listen. For Seumas, that’s the real heart of effective philanthropy.Away from the office, Seumas stays grounded through whānau and the small moments that bring perspective — like sharing a chocolate fish with his daughter. It’s a reminder, he says, of what truly matters and the kind of presence he brings to his work.Seumas’s reflections are a timely reminder that good funding is built on trust, not control — and that lasting impact starts with genuine partnership.

A really warm welcome to Purposely SHORT - short, as in not long. This is a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission. Enjoy.In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from Nicola Coom, CEO of Cancer Society NZ. Nicola opens up about her personal connection to the cause and how that lived experience shapes her leadership. She reflects on the balance between empathy and objectivity, the importance of listening to every unique cancer journey, and why creating space for patient and family voices leads to better decisions.Nicola also shares a heartfelt message about trust — ensuring that every donation, whether $20 or $20,000, is used wisely and with respect for the people and communities who make it possible.This bite-sized episode is designed to give you a practical takeaway you can apply to your own charitable mission.This episode of Purposely is brought to you by Benevity, the all-in-one software solution that benefits employees, customers, nonprofits and society — and by Trust Investments, trusted stewards of capital helping charities grow their impact.

Welcoming Geneva Loftus, Executive Director of Move92, to Purposely Podcast.Geneva leads Move92 — a global philanthropic organisation on a mission to help local changemakers lead their own development. Their approach challenges traditional models of international aid by putting resources and decision-making power directly in the hands of those closest to the challenges.The organisation takes its name from a striking statistic: of the $10 billion in global gender equality funding, only 8% goes to organisations based in the countries where the work happens. Move92 exists to help shift that remaining 92% to the local leaders who know their communities best.In our conversation, Geneva shares her refreshing perspective on international development — what real impact looks like when it starts from the ground up, and how philanthropy can achieve more by doing things differently. We talk about shifting power, trust-based giving, and the importance of listening and learning from local partners.Now based in Christchurch, New Zealand, Geneva reflects on her multi-country life and career, from living with refugees on the Thailand–Burma border to advising funders and corporates across the US, Australia, Singapore, and beyond. With over 20 years’ experience spanning both large NGOs and grassroots organisations, she understands the subtle dynamics of both worlds — and what it takes to connect them effectively.At Move92, Geneva and her team connect philanthropists, family foundations, and corporates with grassroots organisations that align with their core values. Together they build purpose-driven portfolios that spark real-time impact and drive lasting change.Move92 also takes a wide view of gender equity, recognising that supporting girls and women includes working with boys and men too. Guided by their local partners, they focus on what communities need most — because when women thrive, communities thrive, and so does our planet.It’s an open, thoughtful conversation about rethinking philanthropy, following non-linear paths, and finding balance and purpose closer to home.

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.

A really warm welcome to Purposely SHORT — short, as in not long. This is a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission. Enjoy.In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from Rod Baxter, CEO of King’s Trust. Rod shares why collaboration between charities is essential for creating greater social impact, and how putting ego aside can unlock new forms of partnership. He also reflects on the power of identity, purpose, and mana in helping young people make positive choices about their lives.This bite-sized episode is designed to give you a practical takeaway you can apply to your own charitable mission.This episode of Purposely is brought to you by Benevity, the all-in-one software solution that benefits employees, customers, nonprofits and society — and by Trust Investments, trusted stewards of capital helping charities grow their impact.