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 Monica Briggs CEO of Child Cancer Foundation, where she shares; Why she joined Child Cancer Foundation as CEO Her approach to leading a nonprofit and having clarity around mission and purpose  Importance of gaining a deep understanding of the organisation you are leading The importance of people and money

Welcoming Lori Abert Luke, CEO of the Acorn Foundation, to Purposely, she shares their charitable mission to grow generosity across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty of New Zealand. An American who now calls New Zealand home, Lori's passion for philanthropy and giving is deeply rooted in her heritage and strengthened by witnessing firsthand the transformative impact it has on people and communities. A Vision for Community-Driven Philanthropy Established in 2003, the Acorn Foundation is one of 18 community foundations across Aotearoa New Zealand pioneering a unique approach to charitable giving. Lori explains their innovative model: "We pool and collectively invest our donors' funds, ensuring the capital remains intact while distributing a portion of the income annually to the local community." This strategic approach has enabled the foundation to support hundreds of vital charitable organizations across various sectors, including healthcare, education, social services, and environmental conservation. The impact is far-reaching and continues to grow year after year. "Our model allows donors' gifts to keep giving back to causes close to their hearts, forever," Lori emphasizes. With over 400 donors, the foundation offers flexible contribution options, from posthumous endowments to opportunities for donors to witness their generosity in action during their lifetime. The Genesis of Acorn Foundation The Acorn Foundation's story begins with Bill Holland, who, inspired by the community foundation model he encountered abroad, joined forces with committed local trustees to establish the organization in 2003. Their vision was clear: to create a platform connecting generous individuals with meaningful causes in the Western Bay of Plenty region. Lori, who also serves on the Board of Community Foundations Aotearoa New Zealand, underscores the power of legacy giving. "It's an opportunity to make a lasting impact, extending one's generosity well beyond their lifetime," she notes. Looking Ahead: The Future of Community Philanthropy As she looks to the future, Lori sees boundless potential in the community foundation model. "We're not just managing funds; we're fostering a culture of generosity that can transform communities for generations," she explains with enthusiasm. The Acorn Foundation's success serves as a compelling blueprint for effective, sustainable philanthropy. By providing a versatile platform for individuals to contribute to causes they care about, both during their lifetime and beyond, the foundation is cultivating a legacy of giving that continues to flourish and evolve. Reflecting on the Acorn Foundation's effectiveness, Lori concludes, "Through our work, we're not only changing lives today; we're laying the groundwork for a more compassionate and supportive society for years to come." It's this forward-thinking approach that positions the Acorn Foundation at the forefront of community-driven philanthropy in New Zealand.

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 Richard Bennett founder & CEO of Bhubesi Pride Foundation

Welcoming Thomas Hinz, founder and CEO of Circability Trust, to Purposely Podcast where he shares their mission and his founder journey. Thomas Hinz's journey to founding Circability Trust is fascinating, born in Rostock, East Germany, Thomas grew up in a town where the circus was a constant presence. A large touring circus and a smaller community circus tent were fixtures in the central park, sparking young Thomas's imagination and leaving a lasting impression. Despite this early fascination, Thomas's journey to the world of social circus was far from direct. After school, he pursued an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner, working in factories. However, he always felt a pull towards more creative pursuits and a desire to help others. This led him to work with people with disabilities, where he found a profound connection and a calling to make a difference. In the late 1980s, Thomas studied Rehabilitative Pedagogy in Berlin. Following the reunification of Germany, he saw an opportunity to address the severe lack of resources and support for people with disabilities in his hometown. Together with friends and colleagues, he founded a trust that offered a wide range of activities, from sports to music, art, and theatre. It was through this work that Thomas rediscovered circus as a powerful tool for social change. In 1995, Thomas set up 'Circus Fantasia'™ in Rostock, complete with its own circus tent. This project combined his passion for circus arts with his commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. The circus became a place where people of all abilities could come together, learn new skills, and showcase their talents to the community. Thomas's journey eventually led him to New Zealand, where he founded Circus Kumarani in Dargaville in 2003. Building on his experiences in Germany, he has spent the last two decades developing and promoting community circus throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. His efforts culminated in the establishment of Circability Trust, an organisation dedicated to using social circus as a tool for personal growth, social inclusion, and community building. Circability Trust's mission is encapsulated in its vision: "All ages, all abilities, all cultures - better together." The organisation delivers classes, workshops, and community events that use circus arts to develop personal confidence, physical and emotional literacy, and overall wellbeing. Circability's programmes are designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. One of the trust's key focus areas is developing inclusion programmes for people with disabilities, creating pathways for creative career employment options. Their work has been recognised through Arts Access Aotearoa's Creative Spaces Excellence and Partnership Awards, highlighting the impact and quality of their initiatives. At the heart of Circability's approach is the emphasis on collaborative processes. They strive to create safe spaces where inclusive social circus arts practices can flourish in diverse communities. This methodology not only benefits the participants but also contributes to broader social change by challenging perceptions and breaking down barriers. Thomas Hinz's journey from a curious child in East Germany to the founder of a transformative social circus organisation in New Zealand is a testament to the power of following one's passion and commitment to social good. Through Circability Trust, he continues to spread the magic of circus, proving that when people of all abilities come together, extraordinary things can happen.

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 Stephanie Wheen founder & CEO of Gympanzees

Welcoming Kiran Kaur, co-founder of GirlDreamer, to Purposely Podcast where she shares her founder journey. Kiran is a visionary leader who is dedicated to supporting and uplifting millennial women of colour. She co-founded GirlDreamer, a platform that provides training, mentoring, and opportunities for this underrepresented group to achieve their personal and professional goals. In this episode, recorded at the first Anthropy conference at the Eden Project in 2022, Kiran talks about the challenges and successes of her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of creating inclusive and diverse spaces, and the impact of her work on the lives of thousands of women. GirlDreamer has been recognized as one of the “top 50 most creative, innovative and disruptive companies in England” by Creative England, and Kiran also serves as the chair of the board at Home Girls Unite, an organization that supports eldest daughters from immigrant families. Kiran is a passionate advocate for social change and a role model for the next generation of leaders. Listen to her inspiring story and learn how you can join her movement. Anthropy is a conference that brings together changemakers from different sectors and backgrounds to explore how we can create a more sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative world. Anthropy aims to inspire, connect, and empower people who are passionate about making a positive difference. The founder of Anthropy, John O’Brien, is a past guest of Purposely. The next conference will take place in March 2025 at the Eden Project, described by the founders as a living laboratory for environmental and social innovation. If you are interested in attending or learning more, please visit www.anthropy.org for details. About Anthropy

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 Ben Horwitz Vice President at Charity Navigator & founder of Causeway.

Welcoming Dhivya O'Connor's, CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and host and founder of The Charity CEO Podcast Dhivya grew up in India but at the age of 18, Dhivya moved to the UK for her studies. Initially planning to return to India after completing her education, she found herself drawn to the opportunities that the UK offered. For a decade, Dhivya built a successful career in the private sector, holding various strategy, business development, and leadership roles at companies such as GE Capital, Lloyds Bank, and OctopusTravel (now part of Expedia Group). However, the call to make a more direct impact on society led Dhivya to transition into the charity sector. Over the past 24 years, she has held several senior leadership positions, including CEO roles at United World Schools, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and Children with Cancer UK. Her diverse experience, coupled with her innate drive to create equitable opportunities for women and girls, made her the perfect fit for her current role as CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Founded by Cherie Blair in 2008, the Foundation aims to empower women entrepreneurs in low-income countries through training, research, and ecosystem collaboration. Under Dhivya's leadership, the organisation continues to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance and education. The Foundation's work emphasises the importance of amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Dhivya's commitment to the charity sector extends beyond her day job. She serves as a Board Member of Book Aid International and is on the Steering Committee of Groundbreakers, a network promoting women leaders in the voluntary sector. She has also volunteered with NGOs in India, South Africa, and Cambodia, bringing her expertise and passion to various causes around the world. In August 2020, while on maternity leave with her second child, Dhivya launched "The Charity CEO Podcast." This chart-topping show, which now boasts over 20,000 listeners across 55 countries, aims to inspire, inform, and deliver practical insights on the challenges facing charity leaders today. Through candid and meaningful conversations, Dhivya delves deep into issues relevant to leaders across the sector and those who care about the important work of charities and non-profit organisations. Dhivya shares her diverse experiences in both the private and charity sectors, combined with her personal understanding of the challenges faced by women in developing countries. Dhivya’s is uniquely positions her to lead the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women now and in the future.

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 Rahul Watson Govindan CEO of Philanthropy New Zealand.

Welcoming Richard Bennett, founder and CEO of Bhubesi Pride Foundation to Purposely where he shares his organisation's mission and his personal journey as a social entrepreneur.   Bhubesi Pride Foundation is a UK-registered charity and Malawi-based NGO that uses sport, particularly rugby, as a tool for development in rural African communities. Their goal is to equip young people with skills, knowledge, and experiences to overcome social, economic, and health challenges.   Richard recounts the foundation's remarkable journey since its inception in 2010. What began as an adventurous idea has blossomed into a focused charity, making a tangible impact on young people's lives in Malawi. Working closely with local partners, the foundation delivers sporting and personal development opportunities to disadvantaged young people. Central to their approach is a strong emphasis on respectful collaboration and sustainable development practices, ensuring their mission is carried out effectively and ethically.   Richard's connection to Africa runs deep - he was born and raised in Johannesburg until age 13. This background, along with some profound personal experiences, shaped his passion for the continent and his drive to make a positive difference there. Throughout the conversation, Richard delves into several key aspects of his work. He discusses the challenges of establishing and expanding an international charity and splitting his time between the UK and Malawi. The importance of the skilled and motivated team he has developed in both countries. The constant challenge of raising the funds required to deliver their programmes to the importance of working with the local community in the right way to deliver positive impact.   For those interested in sport for development, social entrepreneurship, or African-focused charities, this episode of Purposely offers valuable insights from a dedicated changemaker. Richard Bennett's story is one of resilience, purpose, and the profound impact that can come from following one's passion.