People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. This weeks episode features Julie Chapman founder & CEO KidsCan and Pet Refuge.

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

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. This weeks episode features Susan Glasgow CEO at Variety New Zealand.

Welcoming Dale Corlett, Executive Director at Script to Screen, to Purposely. Dale shares his organisation's mission as well as his career journey from budding actor, film writer, and director to charity leader. Dale began his journey in the arts as an actor, eventually transitioning to writing and directing his own film. During his 17-year tenure in Scotland, he championed the intersection between philanthropy, charity, creative arts, and their profound impact on young lives. Founded in 2007, Script to Screen initially concentrated on the craft of writing for the screen, established by the Writers Guild and industry professionals. Over time, the organisation's mission expanded to support writers, directors, and producers, aiding creative individuals in bringing their visions to life. Script to Screen offers a variety of development programs, labs, workshops, and skills training, ranging from community-based initiatives to industry-focused programs. They provide these free, accessible programs across the country, supported by long-standing partners like Foundation North and the New Zealand Film Commission. Dale underscores the importance of eliminating barriers to participation. The charity's goal is to empower people to share their stories authentically, reflecting diverse perspectives and lived experiences. The organisation also hosts the annual Big Screen Symposium, a gathering of 400-500 industry professionals sharing knowledge through panels, master classes, and roundtables. The event continually evolves to encompass new forms of storytelling, including gaming and branching narratives. Dale highlights the transformative power of storytelling, asserting that it is essential to humanity. By supporting storytellers, Script to Screen helps individuals share their unique perspectives, contributing to a richer, more inclusive narrative landscape.   Dale Corlett's journey from actor to Executive Director of Script to Screen highlights his dedication to using the arts to make a positive impact. His leadership focuses on empowering diverse voices and cultivating a vibrant community of storytellers. For more information about Script to Screen and their programs, visit here

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. This weeks episode features Lori Abert Luke CEO at Acorn Foundation.

Welcoming Julie Chapman, founder of KidsCan and Pet Refuge, to Purposely where she shares her founder story and her vision for the charities she leads. Founded in 2005, KidsCan was born from Chapman's belief that "education equals opportunity." The charity's primary goal is to provide essential items that children living in hardship need to access educational opportunities. This includes food, shoes, jackets, and other necessities that many take for granted. Chapman's journey with KidsCan began with a simple yet powerful realization: thousands of children in New Zealand were going to school without adequate food, clothing, or shoes. This inequality struck a chord with her sense of fairness and justice, prompting her to act. Starting from her garage and with initial seed funding from her parents and Guardian Trust, Chapman rapidly scaled KidsCan. Within the first year, the charity raised about $600,000 and was supporting 40 schools. Today, KidsCan helps over 60,000 children across New Zealand, operating with an annual budget exceeding $20 million. In 2017, Chapman founded her second charity, Pet Refuge, after learning about a significant barrier preventing many people from leaving abusive relationships: concern for their pets' safety. Research showed that 53% of women delay leaving family violence situations out of fear for their pets, with 24% reporting that a pet had been killed as part of the abuse. Pet Refuge provides a haven for the pets of families fleeing domestic violence, covering all costs associated with their care until families can be safely reunited with their beloved animals. This unique approach addresses a critical gap in existing support services for domestic violence survivors. Throughout her journey, Chapman has demonstrated remarkable tenacity and adaptability. She attributes her success to her ability to clearly communicate the issues at hand and the tangible impact of potential solutions. Her approach to leadership involves surrounding herself with capable team members and maintaining a strong focus on the mission at hand. Chapman's experience in founding and growing KidsCan proved invaluable when establishing Pet Refuge. She applied lessons learned, such as setting up proper financial reporting and data collection systems from the start, which helped Pet Refuge gain traction quickly. Despite the growth and success of both charities, Chapman remains driven by purpose rather than personal recognition. She continues to advocate for long-term change, working with business communities and government to address the root causes of child poverty and domestic violence in New Zealand. As she looks to the future, Chapman is exploring ways to expand the impact of both organisations. For KidsCan, this includes focusing on providing children with opportunities to broaden their horizons beyond their immediate communities. For Pet Refuge, plans are underway to potentially build a second shelter to meet the significant demand for their services. Julie Chapman's story is one of compassion, determination, and practical problem-solving. Through KidsCan and Pet Refuge, she has created lasting change in the lives of countless New Zealanders, embodying the power of purpose-driven leadership and the impact one person can have when they decide to act.

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. This weeks episode features Thomas Hinz founder & CEO at Circability Trust.

Welcoming Susan Glasgow, CEO of Variety New Zealand, to Purposely where she shares her charity's mission to lift children out of poverty and discusses her journey from a fundraiser to the leader of a nonprofit organisation. We will also delve into the captivating origin story of the Variety movement, tracing its beginnings in early 1900s Pittsburgh, USA, to its current role in making a positive impact on young lives globally. Variety New Zealand's vision is clear: all children in Aotearoa should realise their hopes and dreams. With a purpose to raise vital funds to tackle child poverty and create opportunities for children to thrive, Variety has become a cornerstone of support for disadvantaged youth in New Zealand. Variety's roots trace back to 1927 when a group of actors in Pittsburgh took in a child left on their theatre doorstep. This act of kindness sparked the creation of the Variety Club, which soon began fundraising for children in need. Today, Variety operates as a global movement, with each country adapting to local needs while sharing a common goal of supporting disadvantaged children. Established about 35 years ago, Variety New Zealand has evolved from event-based fundraising to a more focused approach. Their flagship programme, Kiwi Kid Sponsorship, matches donors with children living in poverty, providing crucial support where it's needed most. Susan Glasgow, who joined as CEO in 2020, reveals shocking statistics about child poverty in New Zealand: 143,700 children live in poverty (as of June 2023); 1 in 6 kids in New Zealand will suffer food insecurity at some point in their childhood; and 1 in 10 children in the poorest communities doesn't have a bed of their own. Variety New Zealand works closely with initiatives like Healthy Homes, providing beds for children who would otherwise sleep on floors or sofas. They also partner with Sport New Zealand to break down financial barriers preventing children from participating in sports and recreational activities. Glasgow emphasises the resilience and resourcefulness of families living in poverty, challenging the stigma often associated with seeking help. "People who are putting their hands up to ask for help are the ones who are putting their children first," she states. The Kiwi Kid Sponsorship programme has shown significant results. Children sponsored through Variety for four years’ experience about 50% less material hardship compared to those on the waitlist. This improvement spans various aspects of life, from school essentials to food security and housing stability. Since Glasgow joined Variety in 2020, the waitlist for sponsorship has grown from 300 to 3,000 children. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges have exacerbated the need, pushing more families into hardship. Despite these challenges, Variety New Zealand raised over £10 million last year, distributing about £6 million in grants. However, the need continues to outpace available resources. As Variety New Zealand continues its vital work, Glasgow and her team remain committed to raising awareness about child poverty and the transformative power of sponsorship. They strive to bridge the gap between those who have and those who have less, ensuring every child in New Zealand can reach their full potential. Susan Glasgow's journey to becoming CEO of Variety New Zealand is a testament to the power of diverse experiences. With a background in performing arts and literature, Glasgow spent 12 years in the UK, where she transitioned into fundraising at Westminster School. Returning to New Zealand in 2007, she applied her expertise at the University of Auckland Business School before joining Variety in 2020. Her role as CEO combines her fundraising acumen with her passion for helping children access opportunities, a cause she had personally supported as a Variety Kiwi Kid sponsor since 2016. To learn more about Variety New Zealand and how you can support their mission, Here

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. This weeks episode features Dhivya O'Connor CEO of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, where she shares;

Welcoming Bruce Pilbrow to Purposely Podcast where he shares the charity's mission to empower young people as well as his career journey working for corporates and 'for purpose' organisations and charities. Their mission is to empower young New Zealanders to reach their full potential through the challenge of the sea. As CEO Bruce Pilbrow explains, "The power of the ocean is probably the core of it, and youth development is what we do." A Transformative Experience The trust operates the Spirit of New Zealand, a tall ship that serves as a floating classroom and character-building environment. Each voyage brings together 40 diverse young people, most of whom don't know each other, for an intense 10-day experience. "I've been in youth development on and off for 30 years. I've never seen anything transform like this does. It's unbelievable". The programme's success lies in its ability to create a level playing field for all participants, regardless of their background. Disconnecting to Connect In an age dominated by technology, the Spirit of New Zealand offers a unique opportunity for young people to disconnect from their devices and connect with each other and nature. Participants hand in their devices upon boarding, creating an environment free from digital distractions. "That, in itself, is a big game changer," . This digital detox allows participants to focus on building real relationships and facing challenges together. Challenges and Growth The voyages are designed to creative a safe environment for participants to step out of their comfort zones. From climbing the rigging to release sails to working together in watches, every aspect of life aboard the ship is a learning experience. Pilbrow explains, "Everything on the ship is manual. So if you look at the square rig, we cannot sail until someone climbs up and climbs out and releases the sail. Now you get a young person doing that who's been sitting in their room gaming for the last year, just that alone, and they come down and they virtually kiss the deck because they've achieved something momentous out of their comfort zone." A Diverse Community The Spirit of Adventure Trust aims to create a diverse community on each voyage. While they can't accommodate those with severe behavioural or mental health challenges, they welcome young people from all walks of life. "We can't do the bottom 2%," Pilbrow clarifies," but the vast majority of our people that we do deal with have a myriad of challenges." This mix of participants creates a rich environment for personal growth and understanding. Impact and Reach The trust's impact is significant. They conduct 26 ten-day voyages and 10-12 five-day voyages annually, sailing nearly every day of the year. This commitment to their mission allows them to reach and influence a substantial number of young New Zealanders. Looking to the Future Under Pilbrow's leadership, the trust has refocused its efforts entirely on its core mission of youth development. By doubling down on this focus, they aim to maximize their impact on New Zealand's youth. As Pilbrow outlines "We underestimate our young people in New Zealand way too much." The Spirit of Adventure Trust continues to prove that when given the right opportunities and challenges, young people can surpass expectations and discover their true potential. Through the power of the sea and the spirit of adventure, this unique charity is shaping the future leaders of New Zealand, one voyage at a time.