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 Dale Corlett CEO of Screen to Script.

Welcoming Ian MacQuillin, founder of Rogare - The Fundraising Think Tank, who on a recent trip from the UK joined Purposely host Mark Longbottom for a discussion on the evolving role of fundraising in charitable missions and the profession's future. Ian MacQuillin's journey into fundraising began with a desire to probe deeper into the profession. His foundational belief, "Fundraising at its heart is about asking people to donate money to charity. If you don't ask, you don't get," is embedded in Rogare's mission to challenge and improve the fundraising sector. Rogare, Latin for 'to ask', is an independent fundraising think tank established by Ian in 2014. Initially housed at the Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy at Plymouth University under the guidance of Adrian Sargeant and Jen Shang, Rogare serves as a bridge linking the academic and practitioner branches of the fundraising profession. It functions as an engine that transforms academic theory and research into actionable ideas for fundraisers. Unlike traditional think tanks, Rogare operates through a volunteer network, emphasising the importance of fundraisers having a stake in creating their own knowledge. Ian explains, "It's about looking at the issues we face, asking questions about them, and trying to synthesize new approaches and solutions." Before founding Rogare, Ian's diverse career spanned various sectors, including journalism covering topics from waste management to the music industry and police affairs. This eclectic background provided him with a unique perspective and skillset to approach the fundraising sector innovatively. Ian reflects, "I never stayed in one sector, which allowed me to bring a broad range of insights into each new role." The fundraising sector faces numerous challenges, particularly its status as an emerging profession. Ian notes, "The jury is out about whether fundraising is a profession or not. There's no defined pathway into fundraising, no body of knowledge required to learn, and self-regulation is quite weak." Rogare aims to address these gaps by fostering a culture of critical thinking and professional development. A significant focus of Ian's work at Rogare involves exploring fundraising ethics. He emphasises the importance of balancing the duty to ask for donations with the rights of donors. Ian elaborates, "If you're doing fundraising ethics, you must incorporate the amount of money you could have raised or chosen not to raise. Otherwise, you might be doing data privacy ethics, but not fundraising ethics." Ian envisions a future where the fundraising profession is recognized for its critical role and operates with the highest ethical standards. He continues to advocate for systematic changes and innovations to propel the industry forward, stating, "We need to be setting and leading the agenda, not just following it." Through Rogare, Ian MacQuillin's contributions are shaping the future of the fundraising sector. His commitment to asking tough questions, fostering professional development, and championing ethical practices is paving the way for a new era in fundraising. As the sector evolves, Ian's vision and leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the profession.

Welcoming Malindi Maclean, CEO of Outward Bound New Zealand, where she shares her charity's mission to use the challenge of the outdoors to help young people thrive and her journey from pro cyclist to non-profit leader. The core mission of Outward Bound New Zealand is to empower young people by challenging them to step out of their comfort zones and develop essential life skills. The organization serves around 2,000 students each year, with half of them receiving scholarships. These programs are device-free, promoting mental health and fostering a deeper connection with nature. The organization is dedicated to inclusivity, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, can benefit from their transformative experiences. Through rigorous outdoor activities such as sailing, tramping, and kayaking, participants learn the value of teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. These experiences build resilience, bolster confidence, and instill a sense of compassion and community. Established in 1962 in Anakiwa, Outward Bound New Zealand operates with the blessing of the local iwi, Te Ati Awa, upholding a tradition of respect and collaboration with indigenous communities. Founded by Kurt Hahn, Outward Bound emphasizes resilience, confidence, and compassion through self-discovery journeys in nature. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination mandates, Outward Bound remains committed to expanding its reach and impact. Future plans include exploring the possibility of a second Outward Bound school in New Zealand, investing in digital systems and infrastructure to improve productivity and efficiency, and engaging with the global Outward Bound network to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. All these efforts are undertaken with a keen awareness of the environmental impact of travel and a continual weighing of its benefits against the necessity of collaboration. Malindi Maclean's path to becoming the CEO of Outward Bound New Zealand is as inspiring as the work she champions. Malindi began her career as a pro cyclist, where she honed her skills in discipline, perseverance, and leadership. These qualities helped her transition into her role in the non-profit sector, where she has become an advocate for youth development. Under her leadership, Outward Bound has not only maintained its high standards but has also adapted to new challenges and opportunities. Malindi's commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for young people is evident in every aspect of her work. Her vision is to see one in every room of school leavers having experienced the transformative power of Outward Bound, equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges.

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.