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 Emma Brown CEO of Duke of Edinburgh's International Award New Zealand. Emma talks about her leadership journey and how she values resilience over everything else when it comes to thriving as a CEO. Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to keep on working through treatment.

Welcoming Thomas Smith, CEO of the Halberg Foundation, to Purposely, where he shares his organisation's mission to empower young people with disabilities through sport. The foundation also hosts an annual awards ceremony, a premier event in New Zealand, recognizing and honouring outstanding achievements in sports. Thomas, or Tom as he is known, offers insights into his life and career journey, which includes his upbringing in the UK and his relocation to New Zealand with his Kiwi wife. The Halberg Foundation, founded by middle-distance runner and Olympian Sir Murray Halberg ONZ, MBE, has its roots in a transformative moment. Murray's attendance at a sports reporters' function in Canada in 1962 inspired him deeply. As a guest speaker, the Olympic champion runner was moved by the event's true purpose: to help disabled children realise their sporting potential. Murray Halberg's own athletic achievements, despite facing personal challenges, are remarkable. From winning the gold medal for New Zealand in the 5000 meters at the 1960 Olympics to clinching gold medals in the 3 miles events at the 1958 and 1962 Commonwealth Games, his journey embodies resilience and determination. Despite a severe injury during his youth rugby days that left his left arm withered, Murray's transition to running only seemed to fuel his motivation. Under the guidance of coach Arthur Lydiard, he broke through, winning his first national title on the senior level in 1954. Tom's upbringing in Cirencester in the Cotswolds and his education in sports management at Hallam University in Sheffield, England, laid the foundation for his career in sports. Reflecting on his early experiences as a personal trainer, Tom underscores how they shaped his approach to disability sports and the limitless possibilities for individuals in this realm. Prior to his move to New Zealand with his wife and young family, Tom held notable positions in the UK, including involvement in the 2012 Paralympics and roles such as National Partnership Manager for Special Olympics Great Britain, Senior Manager Disability at Sport England, and National Growth Manager Disability at the England & Wales Cricket Board.

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 Ian Bird CEO of & Community Foundations of Australia (current) & Canada (formerly). Ian dives into secrets of successful Network Leadership.

Welcoming Ezekiel Raui, the new Head of the One New Zealand Foundation, to the Purposely Podcast. Ezekiel shares his organisation's mission as well as his remarkable journey from Head Boy to social entrepreneur and nonprofit leader.Even before his university days, Ezekiel Raui had already stacked up a lifetime's worth of achievements. As head boy at Taipa College in the Far North of New Zealand, he pioneered a leadership academy and a peer support program, showcasing his early passion for innovation, purpose, and community impact. His initiatives even caught the attention of policymakers, leading him to share his ideas at the Beehive. Not stopping there, Ezekiel was part of a youth delegation to Washington DC, where he attended the historic Tribal Youth Gathering at the White House and had the honor of meeting President Obama. These early accomplishments set the stage for a series of accolades, including the prestigious Young Achiever of the Year at the 2016 Matariki Awards and the Ngārimu VC and 28th Māori Battalion Memorial Scholarship. Ezekiel has also been voted into the Forbes 30 under 30. At the tender age of 26, Ezekiel's dedication to purpose and helping others is palpable. His inspiration stemmed from a profound experience where he discovered that two of his friends were involved in drug activities during school hours because that is what they thought they were destined to do and had no other options in life. This revelation fuelled Ezekiel's determination to make a difference.  Driven by this conviction, he co-founded Tūkotahi, a social enterprise dedicated to providing comprehensive peer support for young individuals navigating mental health challenges. His commitment to social good was further underscored by his selection as one of four New Zealand Māori ambassadors to attend the 2015 Inaugural White House Tribal Leaders Conference, hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.Now at the helm of Te Rourou - One New Zealand Foundation, Ezekiel's vision is clear: to continue the foundation's vital work in supporting marginalized and disadvantaged young people across New Zealand. Established in Aotearoa in 2002, the foundation, the corporate arm of One NZ (formerly Vodafone), operates as a grant-making charity, guided by its own Board of Directors. Over the years, One NZ has invested more than $48 million to support the foundation's initiatives, funding over 1,000 community organisations. Proudly one of the largest corporate philanthropic funders in Aotearoa, the foundation leverages the resources and skills of the One New Zealand team to drive sustainable and measurable change through digital investment, corporate partnerships, operational and communications support, advocacy, and mentoring.Their primary focus thus far has been on empowering young people in Southland, situated at the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island. This strategic approach to philanthropy, initiated before Ezekiel's tenure, reflects the foundation's commitment to making a tangible difference in communities where it matters most and where funding partners were harder to find.Looking ahead, Ezekiel's overarching aspiration for the foundation is ambitious yet grounded in pragmatism. He envisions a future where the foundation serves as a catalyst for lasting change, empowering charities and social impact partners to be effective and sustainable. Regardless of shifts in business dynamics or funding sources, Ezekiel remains steadfast in his belief in the symbiotic relationship between business and philanthropy. By equipping communities with the necessary skills and resources to thrive independently, the foundation ensures that its impact endures long after its direct involvement ceases. In our conversation with Ezekiel Raui, we glimpse not only the remarkable achievements of a young leader but also the profound impact of purpose-driven initiatives in transforming lives and communities. 

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 Sarah Dann-Hoare CEO of Project Employ.

Welcoming Kylie Wallace, co founder and CEO of Seedling Giving to Purposely Podcast where she shares their founder journey and her personal career highlights.

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 Sarah Manley CEO of the Sir John Kirwan Foundation.

Welcome Robyn Scott to Purposely, where she shares her organization's mission and her career and life journey focused on purpose. Robyn serves as the Executive Director of J R McKenzie Trust, a grant-making foundation established by retailer John McKenzie. John, hailing from Australia, first visited New Zealand in 1909 during a motorcycling holiday. Enchanted by the country's charm and its promise of opportunity, he made the bold decision to relocate his business. His inaugural store in Dunedin marked the genesis of his vision. Driven by the belief that a business should reciprocate its success with those integral to its prosperity, John swiftly founded the J R McKenzie Trust in 1940. Initially, the Trust extended its support to disabled servicemen, the Plunket Society, and children in need. Fast forward to the present day, the Trust, functioning as a private family foundation with an annual donation of approximately $4 million, remains steadfastly dedicated to social justice. It endeavors to foster a fair and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand while bolstering charities, 'for purpose' entities, and community-based organizations in effecting positive change. The sustenance of the trust's funding stems from yearly dividends received from Rangatira Investments, a venture established by John McKenzie, renowned for its pioneering contributions to private investment in New Zealand. Robyn's illustrious career spans over two decades across various sectors, including government, charity, and philanthropy. Her inaugural foray into leadership manifested as the CEO of Fertility New Zealand, a six-year tenure motivated by her personal struggles with infertility. Throughout her stewardship, Robyn spearheaded campaigns advocating for enhanced public funding for fertility treatment and broader access to support services. Subsequently, Robyn assumed the helm of New Zealand's premier philanthropic institution for nearly a decade, playing an instrumental role in consolidating philanthropy as a formidable and impactful movement in Aotearoa. Philanthropy New Zealand, established in 1990 by the late Sir Roy McKenzie to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the J R McKenzie Trust, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy now overseen by Robyn.

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 Ah-Leen Rayner CEO of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. .

Welcome Wayne Howett to Purposely, where he shares his organisation's mission and his career and life journey. Wayne is the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities® New Zealand (RMHC NZ), an organisation dedicated to providing practical help and compassionate care to families of hospitalised children. Wayne has experience of having a sick child and this lived experience led him to the work he does today. His daughter, Claudia, was just eight weeks old when he noticed something amiss while playfully lifting her in the air. Prompted by a concerning observation in her eyes, Wayne's wife took her to the doctor, leading to a swift referral to a specialist. Within a day, they were in consultation with medical experts, indicating the severity of the situation. Two days later, Claudia underwent surgery to remove her right and to treat cancerous tumours in her left eye, diagnosed with bilateral Retinoblastoma. This marked the beginning of Wayne and his family's challenging medical journey. In their thirties, Wayne and his wife found themselves travelling overseas in pursuit of the best treatment for Claudia. Their journey took them to Miami in the United States, where Wayne, facing the challenge of lacking insurance, ingeniously found ways to cover the mounting medical expenses. This included securing local employment and juggling work responsibilities with caring for their daughter. Despite the immense challenges, the treatment proved successful, and Claudia, now 23, leads a vibrant life. Though she lost her sight due to the treatment, Claudia remains active and joyful, particularly enjoying horse riding, often accompanied by her father, who acts as her guide on the trails. When presented with the opportunity to lead the Auckland branch and then the combined RMHC nationwide, Wayne recognised himself as an ideal candidate. His firsthand experience of caring for his daughter, combined with his professional expertise honed during his tenure as an audit professional, uniquely positioned him for the role. The charity Wayne leads supports parents and families navigating the challenges of medical treatment for their children. Wayne has drawn from his own experiences of both domestic and international medical journeys to lead the mission locally in Aotearoa NZ and his lived experience really helps him to empathise with the parents going through their own journeys. "I've been in that situation personally. And so I know that the day-to-day challenges suddenly become monumental. They're not trivial matters that you can easily brush aside; they become significant hurdles in your mind because you're dealing with this trauma." Ronald McDonald House Charities worldwide are dedicated to providing practical help and compassionate care to families of sick children. The RMHC team know the importance of empathy, support, and involving families in paediatric healthcare, and this was particularly relevant amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. RMHC New Zealand operate on a $12 million annual budget, employs over 130 staff and relies on the dedication of around 400 volunteers. Its facilities, spanning across the country, include Houses in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, alongside Family Rooms in Auckland, Invercargill and Christchurch, and a Family Retreat in Rotorua. This retreat, situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, serves families whose journeys have been particularly challenging. Wayne's journey with RMHC began in June 2010 when he was appointed CEO of RMH Auckland Trust. He assumed the role of CEO of RMHC NZ in early 2015, overseeing the amalgamated trusts of RMH Auckland and RMH Wellington, and later the amalgamation of the South Island trust (RMHSI). His tenure includes four years as the first New Zealand representative advising RMHC Global on expansion and network strengthening and latterly on Global Impact Strategy.