People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

Eric Ressler is the co-founder of Cosmic, a creative agency working with ‘for purpose’ and mission driven organisations across the USA. Eric and Cosmics journey, marked by a significant pivot from commercial and silicon valley startup clients to a commitment to empowering mission-driven organisations only. Despite struggling at school, Eric Ressler has gone on to have a successful career driven by a passion for creativity in various forms, from music and stop-motion animation to videography and traditional art. Eric has also been willing to change with the times, innovate and stay relevant developing his expertise in digital media as demand for this increased. Eric's early design work began through freelancing and consulting work, primarily focusing on digital experiences, websites, and brand development. Eric's freelancing endeavours gradually expanded, leading him to form his own design firm. The journey culminated in the birth of Cosmic in 2009, which initially thrived in the vibrant co-working space of NextSpace in Santa Cruz. The demand for their services grew, and the team expanded to meet the growing needs of clients, ranging from startups to established B2B and B2C brands. During their initial years, Cosmic worked with a diverse clientele, including Silicon Valley startups, enterprise brands, and non-profits. While they were motivated by the projects they undertook, many of these engagements were profit-oriented and followed traditional business models. The shift to purpose Eric and his team at Cosmic began to reassess their mission and values. They realised that making a positive impact on the world did not solely depend on being a non-profit. Market-based and innovation-based approaches could be equally effective. This revelation prompted Cosmic to pivot towards a social impact-focused niche. They decided to deepen their expertise and experience in this sector and concentrate all their efforts on organisations with a mission to make a difference. Today, Cosmic has firmly established itself as a Social Impact Creative Agency. Cosmic is committed to helping social impact organisations catalyse real-world change by perfecting their impact story, building brand awareness, and inspiring action. Cosmics work centres on their self-published mission driven digital manifesto. Central to this is the following beliefs   build brand awareness organize a coalition of deeply impassioned supporters lead the conversation around the issues you care about most A digital-first model also allows you to: build organisational capacity break the starvation cycle create a sustainable revenue stream

Meet Maria English, the CEO of Impact Lab, a New Zealand-based organisation on a mission to make a positive impact in the lives of New Zealanders through their work with charities doing good work as well as funders.  Ostensibly their work is focused on making investments work for communities and enabling people to lead the lives they choose. We explore Maria's remarkable career journey, to her first CEO role as boss of Impact Lab, and their unique approach to social value measurement.   Maria’s early career focused on academic achievement, earning a politics and philosophy degree at the renowned University of Cambridge and later an MBA at Stanford University. Utilising her studies Maria then joined Boston Consulting and experienced the pressures of being a business consultant and delivering value in the corporate world.   Maria’s move to the purpose led work she does now was activated by an experience she had helping ‘first nation’ communities in Australia. A life changing experienced which eventually led her back to New Zealand, her home, and the birthplace of Impact Lab.   Impact Lab is a family business of sorts, co-founded by Maria's father, Bill English, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and respected policy maker Emily Mason.   In 2019, Maria and her co-founders identified the need to understand, grow, and demonstrate the impact of frontline impact organisations and strategic funders. This realisation led to the development of Impact Lab's unique methodology and tools that connect social value measurement with decision-making. Their goal is to equip decision-makers with actionable information to enhance social impact.   Impact Lab employs the Social Return on Investment (SROI) model to measure impact. SROI compares the estimated social value of a program to its cost, quantifying the social impact in dollar terms that a program achieves for its participants over their lifetime.   As the CEO of Impact Lab, Maria faces daily challenges and continues to learn and adapt. Leading a small but impactful team and guiding the organisation toward growth has been a transformative experience for her especially considering her age and relative lack of experience.   Maria reflects on her passion for the work and points to the power of collaborating with remarkable charities and organisations and finding meaning and purpose in the work they do.   We talk about the challenges and benefits of working with her father within the same organisation its unique dynamics and she acknowledges the challenge of separating work from personal life and the importance of finding a balance.   Maria looks to the future of Impact Lab, with an aim of deepening its impact and building more connections within the sector to make data-driven decision-making a standard practice. Their goal is to see all investments in the community sector in New Zealand guided by data, leading to greater social impact and positive change.

Ren Fernando joins Purposely to share her journey as a co-founder, starting ReLove. ReLove might be considered an accidental charity, as Ren and her co-founder Ben Stammer didn't set out with the explicit intention to start a nonprofit organisation. However, as you'll hear, their mission was always to make a positive and long-lasting impact. The Australian-based charity are focused on creating homes for those in need while addressing the pressing issue of environmental waste. Since 2019, ReLove has been providing essential household items to vulnerable individuals, including survivors of domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness, and those seeking asylum. The charity's goal revolves around empowerment and sustainability, and their innovative approach has proven to be effective. The inception of ReLove was rather unexpected. Ren and Ben initially started a free running group called the "Run for Good Project," with the aim of blending fitness with social good. This project had no direct connection to what ReLove stands for today. In 2019, they organized an initiative to raise awareness about homelessness, shedding light on the challenges people face when searching for food and shelter. This early project laid the foundation for ReLove's core mission. In 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ren and Ben took a significant step. They had already established a close relationship with the Women and Girls Emergency Centre, an organization assisting women experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. Witnessing the dire circumstances and recognizing the need for support, the duo took action, giving birth to the idea of ReLove. This unique approach empowers individuals as they transition into safe housing. The heart of ReLove's mission is the "ReLove Free Store," a 2000-square-meter warehouse designed to resemble a traditional shopping experience, with one crucial difference: everything is free. Ren and Ben work directly with clients who are on the verge of accessing safe housing, providing them with essential household items. This assistance helps them navigate the challenging transition into their new, independent lives. The belief behind this approach is that offering tangible support and a helping hand at this critical moment can make a significant difference. Ren and Ben's unintentional charity not only provides practical support to people in crisis but also exemplifies that a small idea, fueled by determination and compassion, can create profound positive change.

David Burland joins Purposely to share his valuable insights into the Hospice Movement and the broader charitable sector. We also delve into the roots of his purpose-driven career and his current role as an advisor. David's journey in the charity sector began in the late '80s. His first role after university was organising business exhibitions and it was during this period that he saw a job opportunity at the Royal Star and Garter Home, an organisation his grandmother had once been a volunteer. This role marked his entry into the world of fundraising, and he was immediately captivated by the privilege of meeting veterans from the First and Second World Wars. David's experience at the home instilled in him a strong sense of purpose and he first experienced the joy one can get from making a positive difference. David's career path eventually led him to Princess Alice Hospice in Esher, as Director of Marketing, fuelling his passion for hospices and the work they do to support people at the end of life along with their families. Subsequently, David joined Help the Hospices, now known as Hospice UK, where he spent 13 successful years. He held roles as Director of Income Generation and later as Deputy CEO, allowing him to play a crucial role in engaging with member hospices across the nation. In 2012, David took on the role of CEO at Shooting Star Chase, a children's hospice service formed through a merger. His tenure was marked by the following achievements, including the accreditation of both hospices as 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Under his leadership, the hospice expanded its services, significantly enhancing support for children and families in need. Today, David serves as a respected freelance consultant, collaborating with a diverse range of voluntary sector clients on multifaceted projects. His expertise encompasses various areas, including income generation, governance, and stakeholder management. David's insights extend to the governance of charities, where he has observed the challenges faced by trustees, especially those who have excelled in other sectors and find themselves navigating leadership and HR issues. He emphasises that the traditional governance model, rooted in a 19th-century Victorian framework, faces immense pressure, especially in the context of large multinational organisations. The reliance on volunteer trustees, who often have additional responsibilities, is increasingly under scrutiny. The need for a more contemporary and adaptable approach to governance is evident, given the complexity and diversity of today's charitable landscape. David's journey and perspective provide invaluable insights into the world of hospices and the charitable sector, shedding light on the challenges and transformations within the industry.

Lisa Gagliani MBE, the CEO of Independent Arts, has embarked on a remarkable career journey driven by a sense of purpose. Her professional path has evolved from an initial interest in the food industry to roles within the enterprise landscape, where she supported businesses, and eventually, she transitioned into leadership roles within non-profit organisations. Throughout her career, Lisa has worn various hats, from leading prominent national charities to her current role as the leader of a small arts charity on the Isle of Wight. Renowned as a 'straight shooter,' she is deeply passionate about her work and takes pride in her versatile, hands-on approach to charity leadership. Lisa's journey started with a dual-subject degree in home economics and philosophy of education, igniting her fervour for nutrition and education. She initially delved into the food industry, working for a health food company that placed a strong emphasis on nutritious products. Her zeal for promoting healthy eating and improving dietary choices played a pivotal role in shaping her professional journey. During a period of her career, Lisa's role involved supporting Tupperware distributors, offering her invaluable insights into empowering small local businesses and the dynamics of franchising. However, as her family's priorities shifted, she revaluated her career. No longer willing to spend extended periods away from home, she dedicated a fulfilling decade to working at the Kingston Chamber of Commerce. Throughout this period, Lisa's entrepreneurial spirit and ardent commitment to supporting businesses and enterprise became unmistakably evident. A pivotal moment in her career unfolded when she joined Bright Ideas Trust, an organisation with a core focus on nurturing young entrepreneurs. Her impactful contributions significantly empowered disadvantaged youth, enabling them to venture into entrepreneurship and establish their businesses. Lisa's commitment to the charity sector earned her an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). The recognition highlighted her contributions, particularly her role in leading a charity that empowered disadvantaged young individuals to launch their enterprises. Although the charity, Bright Ideas Trust, is no longer in operation, its legacy remains indelible. Reflecting on the unforgettable MBE award ceremony, Lisa recalls, "Receiving the MBE was a truly unexpected honour. In a brief one-on-one exchange, Her Majesty (the Queen) likened my work to what Prince Charles does, referencing the Prince's Trust and its support for small businesses. It was a delightful moment." Subsequently, Lisa took on the role of CEO at the Childhood Trust, dedicating just over two years to London's child poverty charity. Her role was dedicated to alleviating the impact of poverty on children and young people in the capital. Today, as the CEO of Independent Arts, Lisa continues her mission to empower vulnerable individuals and foster connections through the arts on a very local level on the Isle of Wight where she lives. Her primary focus, along with her team, revolves around enhancing well-being, reducing social isolation, and improving the overall quality of life. Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa enjoys a fulfilling personal life, marked by marriage to a professional landscape painter and the pride of being a mother to two grown sons and two cherished small dogs.

Every year, an alarming 12 million young girls are forced into marriage before they even reach the age of 18. Doing something about this is, VOW for Girls CEO Clay Dunn who joins Purposely to share his charities vision and mission, which is a world where no child is ever forced into matrimony, and that they will play a crucial role in eradicating child marriage, to give each and every girl the right to shape her own destiny. So how do they do this? VOW for Girls collaborates with brands, individuals, and the wedding industry to raise vital funds that will help to extinguish the international child marriage crisis. The roots of this impactful charity trace back to its two visionary founders, including Darren Walker, the President of the Ford Foundation, and Mabel van Oranje, a passionate human rights activist. Their remarkable journey began with an "aha moment" at a wedding, where a couple selflessly requested donations in lieu of gifts. This moment ignited the question: What if they could unite the wedding industry with their fervently championed cause and effectively put an end to the harrowing international child marriage crisis? Darren Walker, the President of the Ford Foundation, immediately pledged his support. And thus, VOW for Girls was born—an ever-growing global movement that collaborates with both brands and individuals, all bound together by a common vow to safeguard the future, pledging to put an end to child marriage worldwide. VOW for Girls is a solemn vow made for the betterment of generations to come. Clay Dunn, the Chief Executive Officer of VOW for Girls, shares the organisation's mission and impact and takes us on a journey through his own leadership journey. Clay's path led him from a marketing executive in the entertainment industry to his pivotal role as the head of this impactful non-profit. Clay Dunn, appointed CEO in 2019, marking the organisation's very first chief executive. Under his stewardship, VOW has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding its team, developing a community of loyal supporters, forging crucial partnerships. VOW for Girls has raised and distributed millions to help hundreds of girls across the Globe, funding 170+ transformative projects spanning across 6 countries, profoundly touching the lives of an astounding 260,000 young girls. Before joining VOW, Clay devoted nearly a decade to the No Kid Hungry campaign, a movement aimed at ending childhood hunger in America, where he was an integral member of the founding team. During his tenure, the campaign's annual revenues surged to an impressive $80 million. Prior to his journey into purpose-driven work, Clay had a successful career as a marketing and entertainment executive, culminating with a role at National Geographic Channels. A native of Kentucky, Clay now calls Brooklyn home, where he resides with his husband, cherishing the opportunity to explore the vibrant tapestry of experiences that New York City offers.

Sir Stephen Bubbs remarkable journey from a union representative to a leading advocate for charity CEOs and their organisation's is a testament to his unwavering commitment to positive change and the sector. We explore his decades-long advocacy for the 'Third Sector,' his influential role in shaping government policies, and his latest mission to establish the world's first-ever Research Institute dedicated to charity at New College Oxford. Championing the 'Third Sector': For decades, Sir Stephen fearlessly challenged authority and championed the cause of the charity sector. He shares anecdotes of standing up to the UK Prime Minister via a Minister when he believed that the government's actions were a smokescreen for funding cuts. With unwavering support from his board and the sector, Sir Stephen refused to back down from his criticisms, firmly believing in defending the sector's interests. Sir Stephen's tenure as the Chief Executive of ACEVO (Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations) spanned fifteen influential years until 2016. In this role, he wielded significant influence in shaping government policies related to the third sector's involvement in delivering public services. During his time at ACEVO, one significant challenge Sir Stephen faced was battling misconceptions about overhead costs in the charity sector. He emphasised the importance of core costs and reserves, underlining those successful charities, like any other organisations, require resources for effective governance and leadership. Sir Stephen's mission extends beyond financial matters; he aims to change perceptions about charities. The stereotype of charities as small-scale, volunteer-driven entities is being challenged. Charities play a vital role in society, deserving serious academic attention. Leaving ACEVO, Sir Stephen embarked on a new mission to launch a research institute for charity, what has become the Gradel Institute of Charity at New College Oxford, named after the investment leader Chris Gradel, co-founder of the successful Pacific Investment Group. The Gradel Institute of Charity is set to be a pioneering institution on a global scale. Unlike many research centres focused primarily on philanthropy and giving, this institute places a unique emphasis on charities as organisations. It prioritises leadership, governance, and impact assessment—often overlooked but crucial elements for an organization's success. Beyond Research: They aim to bridge the education gap by offering graduate and postgraduate programs, filling a void in academia. Sir Stephen believes that despite people's enthusiasm for charity work, there has been a lack of structured education to support their aspirations. Sir Stephen's commitment to philanthropy and compassionate leadership shines through his diverse portfolio of roles. He chaired the Social Investment Business, the UK's largest social investor, and served as a trustee at the Helen and Douglas House Hospice, recognized as the world's first children's hospice. National Influence: Sir Stephen's influence extends beyond the charitable sector. He played a pivotal role in shaping national policies, including reporting on choice and competition in the NHS for the Prime Minister in 2011. In 2014, his major report titled 'Winterbourne View – Time for Action' advocated for radical reforms in the care of individuals with learning disabilities. His national roles at TGWU, NUT, AMA, and his founding role at the National Lottery Charities Board further underscore his dedication to public service and advocacy.

Kate Brown, a prominent figure in corporate philanthropy, recently joined the Purposely Podcast to shed light on her career journey with Grosvenor. Her story is one of evolution, from commercial and sustainability-focused roles to her current position leading their community and charitable initiatives. Kate's unwavering commitment is dedicated to supporting young lives and addressing systemic challenges. Although most of her work for Grosvenor has been in the UK, she spent ten transformative years in Sydney, Australia.   Kate's role as the Westminster Foundation & Philanthropy Director places her at the helm of an independent organisation representing the charitable activities of The Duke of Westminster and Grosvenor businesses. Kate is well-positioned to fulfil their mission of supporting and empowering young people. The Foundation's central mission revolves around providing enduring, sustainable support and guidance to vulnerable individuals aged 0-25 and their families, equipping them with the skills needed for healthy lives.   While their primary focus is on Westminster, Chester, and rural communities in the UK, the Westminster Foundation extends its support to national organizations addressing long-term systemic challenges affecting children and young people. This dual approach ensures that the Foundation's impact is both localized and geared toward driving systemic change.  The Westminster Foundation donates approximately £7 million per year (with increased contributions during the pandemic) to organisations focused on the needs of disadvantaged young people. Their approach is rooted in collaboration with the charities they support. Notable examples of organisations they have partnered with include Jamie’s Farm and Depaul UK. Jamie’s Farm, situated in Box, Wiltshire, is a therapeutic farm that hosts groups of young people from inner cities. The immersive experience provided by Jamie’s Farm is focused on instigating positive changes in the perceptions, attitudes, and self-esteem of children and young people. On the other hand, Depaul UK, based in Westminster, empowers young people at risk of homelessness through emergency accommodation and prevention work in schools.   Beyond financial support, the Foundation seeks to boost partner organisations by providing access to valuable resources. Grosvenor's 'Fivefields' project is a prime example of this commitment, designed to create a flexible workspace tailored to the needs of charities and social impact organizations. Located in London's Victoria area, Fivefields aligns seamlessly with the Westminster Foundation's mission to uplift vulnerable young people.   Initiated by the Duke of Westminster, the Fivefields project combines Grosvenor's property expertise and resources with the Westminster Foundation's philanthropic leadership. The building will be managed by flexible workspace specialists x+why, a B Corp certified company.   Anticipated to open in Autumn 2023, Fivefields will provide a conducive environment for like-minded charities to collaborate, network, and grow.   Kate Brown looks ahead with enthusiasm and hope, committed to her role and leadership of the Westminster Foundation. She recognises the pressing issues that young people face and takes inspiration from impactful projects she can visit. Kate emphasises the inspiration she derives from the charities they partner with and support, reinforcing her dedication to nurturing young lives through corporate philanthropy.   ‘Seeing the world through the eyes of children is so powerful be that my own children or the children we support through the (work) of the foundation’  

Leading the English Family Foundation and serving as the Chairperson of Action Aid Australia, Belinda Morrissey emerges as a dynamic force for positive transformation in a world characterized by persistent economic disparities and looming environmental challenges. Her unwavering belief in the capacity of social enterprise to forge a fair, inclusive, and sustainable economy underscores her inspiring journey through investment, corporate purpose, and her current philanthropic focus on social enterprise. The English Family Foundation, established in 2010 thanks to the generosity of Allan and Tessa English, stands at the crossroads of business success and social responsibility. The foundation's inception stemmed from the benevolent act of donating half of the family's shareholding in Silver Chef Limited, a company founded by Allan in 1986. Silver Chef, an ASX-listed B Corp accredited firm, held a central mission of providing equipment funding for the hospitality industry in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. This unique fusion of commercial success and unwavering commitment to social welfare laid the cornerstone for Belinda's subsequent endeavours. Belinda assumed her role at the English Family Foundation in 2013, bringing with her a wealth of experience from diverse philanthropic roles and a steadfast dedication to furthering education, particularly in philanthropy and social enterprise. Over the past decade, her journey in the philanthropic and purpose-driven sectors has been defined by an unwavering commitment to driving positive social change. Prior to embarking on her philanthropic path, Belinda cultivated a distinguished career in investment management spanning three continents. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and postgraduate qualifications in philanthropy, applied investment, and financial accounting, she was well-equipped to embark on her new mission. One of Belinda's most noteworthy achievements lies in her leadership of systems-wide initiatives, with the Social Enterprise National Strategy (SENS) being a standout example. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cultivate an environment conducive to the flourishing of social enterprises, enabling them to address societal issues with greater efficacy. Belinda envisions an ecosystem in which social enterprises receive the "right capital at the right time," thus ensuring their growth and impact. Belinda ardently champions ‘engaged philanthropy’ in Australia, advocating for collaboration between philanthropic organizations and the social enterprise sector. It’s clear that communities are confronting significant challenges. Traditional philanthropy of ‘cheque-writing’ is insufficient to solve the problems we face. Instead, she encourages us to consider what might be possible if we contributed our intellectual and social capital alongside our financial resources; if we pooled charitable contributions from multiple sources to provide more substantial grants to organisations leading social change. Her commitment to this concept is manifest in her diverse board positions. She serves as Chair of ActionAid Australia and holds a position on the Board of Scaling Impact. Through these roles, she actively contributes to the development of strategiesthat drive social change on a larger scale. Belinda demonstrates that by harnessing the potential of social enterprises and fostering collaboration between philanthropy and purpose-driven organisations, we can indeed create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable economy thatleaves no one behind. Through her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, Belinda Morrissey illuminates the path toward a brighter future for all of us.

Paul Streets OBE, CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation, leads a corporate foundation that represents a modern approach to purpose-driven initiatives. In the UK, there are over 100 corporate foundations, each unique in size, income generation methods, and impact strategies. In England and Wales, corporate foundations function as independent charities with their own boards and staff, registered with the Charity Commission, following a similar model worldwide. Traditionally, corporate foundations were primarily seen as vehicles for corporate giving and employee volunteering. However, today's corporate foundations operate independently and prioritise addressing critical societal issues, even if they don't align entirely with the corporate entity's goals. Corporate foundations are guided by need, supported by research, and staffed by professionals who deeply understand the causes they support, resulting in ambitious, innovative, and cutting-edge approaches to making a difference. One of the largest corporate foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation, has a history nearing four decades, annually donating more than £20 million to charitable causes in England and Wales. Despite its affiliation with the founding FTSE 100 company, it operates with its own distinct purpose, organisational structure, independent board, and executive team. These elements drive its grant-making activities, fulfilling its mission to assist small, local charities, individuals, and communities. Paul Streets OBE, CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation, joins Purposely Podcast to share his journey across various sectors, from the voluntary and public sectors to international development, human rights, professional and service regulation, and health and social care. His diverse experiences include leadership roles at organisations like Diabetes UK, the Health Development Agency, and the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board. He also holds an Honorary Visiting Professorship at Cass Business School, City University of London, and serves as a Member of the BBC Appeals Advisory Committee. With four degrees and an OBE for his services to people with diabetes, Paul's commitment to social impact is evident. Under Paul's leadership, Lloyds Bank Foundation is dedicated to partnering with small grassroots charities and collaborating with local organisations and communities. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals facing complex challenges receive the necessary support and opportunities to overcome them. At the core of their work is a focus on the needs and aspirations of the people they aim to assist. Their strategy revolves around strengthening small and local charities, advocating for a better future, and supporting community growth. They achieve this through unrestricted funding, organisational development support, and policy advocacy, empowering small charities, fostering resilient communities, and helping individuals transform their lives.