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 the key elements of contemporary and successful philanthropy. Guest Stacey Thomas stresses the importance of; - Not doing harm - Putting the people you are wanting to serve at the heart of your decision making, intervention planning and service design’ - To the importance of lived experience or lived expertise, how having people with these is crucial for any charity. Stacey Thomas, a highly regarded philanthropy leader who is making a significant impact in the field of philanthropy. Stacey is the CEO of one of Australia’s oldest private foundations which is embracing its past and its history at the same time ensuring it puts it resources to work for a more equitable future for the people it helps. Stacey serves as a trustee for two philanthropy peak bodies who have recently pledge their commitment to the Voice, a campaign to change the constitution of Australia to ensure a better future for First Nation people. She is also part-time CEO of a start-up community foundation that she is growing and scaling in addition to her other responsibilities. Stacey's primary role is as CEO of The Wyatt Trust, a private charitable foundation established in1886 by Dr. William Wyatt. The Trust has a $100 million endowment and donates approximately $4 million each year to good causes across South Australia, with a focus on supporting South Australians in need in areas such as employment, education, housing, and financial literacy.

Liz Greive is the visionary behind Share My Super, a charitable organisation that facilitates donations to support marginalised young people and their families throughout New Zealand. Originally from the Lake District in the United Kingdom, Liz began her career as a social worker, developing a strong sense of justice and a deep passion for helping young people and their families. Life took Liz on a journey, as she fell in love with her Kiwi husband and moved back and forth between the UK and New Zealand, eventually starting a family and facing the challenges of living off a single income. However, Liz always recognised that the people she helped as a social worker faced even greater hardships. But Liz's life didn't stand still. Together with her husband, they transformed her family's fortunes and she transitioned from a social worker to a philanthropist, following success in the travel and clothing industries. As Liz reached retirement age, she received her superannuation (pension money) from the New Zealand government. While this payment is given to almost all New Zealanders, regardless of their means, Liz realized that she didn't need the money. It was at this moment that she had the brilliant idea to start a charity that would enable others in her situation to donate their surplus superannuation payments. This concept would not only benefit the next generation but also supercharge the much-discussed transfer of wealth from the baby boomer generation. In 2019, Share My Super was officially launched, redirecting surplus superannuation payments from older New Zealanders to charities dedicated to supporting children in need. The charity carefully curates a selection of eleven organizations, allowing donors to choose which charity they want to support. This donor-advised fund ensures that every dollar donated makes a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. Liz's commitment to the cause is unwavering. She recently pledged $10 million of her own money to cover all administrative costs, guaranteeing the perpetual operation of the charity. Beyond financial contributions, Liz is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the charity, working closely with her CEO to raise funds and ensure that people's generous donations are put to good use. She also maintains a deep connection with the charities supported by Share My Super, whether it's visiting the offices of Te Pā, an organisation aiding ex-prisoners and their families, or advocating for early intervention programs. Liz's hands-on approach underscores her genuine investment in the well-being of New Zealand's youth. For her, philanthropy is not just about money; it's about building meaningful relationships and creating sustainable change. Liz Greive has redefined the concept of giving back to society. As Share My Super continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains certain: Liz's legacy will endure as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

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 Vibert CEO of National Council of Volunteer Organisations (NCVO), a charity that has been supporting thousands of voluntary and community sector charities and non-profits in England for over 100 years. Episode Highlights Challenges and secrets to running a successful network or representative organisation: - You are not going to achieve full consensus across your network so therefore getting agreement on all issues and topics should not be the focus - Working hard to 'serve a broad church' of members as effectively as you can - Don't be bland and make sure your organisation stands for something and for important issues - 'Not a regulator, not a think tank but embedded in our members world' - We are looking to the future at the same time helping charities to step up the existential challenges we / they face - Importance of taking your members on a journey rather than being instructive Sarah joined NCVO in January 2020 as director of membership and engagement and was later appointed as Chief Executive in early 2022.

Rich Easton, CEO of the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand, joins Purposely to share his organisation's mission and his remarkable career journey, which took him from corporate project management to leadership roles within the New Zealand charity sector. Additionally, he reveals his passion for the open road and his affinity for owning motorbikes. Rich's professional journey began in the early 80s in the telecommunications industry, where he worked for British Telecom. This experience profoundly influenced his trajectory, leading to a successful corporate career in telecommunications both in the UK and, more recently, in New Zealand. Rich's decision to relocate to New Zealand was driven by matters of the heart. While residing in London, he fell in love with his kiwi flatmate's sister, who would later become his wife. This unexpected turn of events prompted Rich to move to Hamilton, a small City south of Auckland, while commuting to Auckland for work in the early 90s. During this period, Rich began contemplating his career and the possibility of transitioning from the corporate world to the charity sector. Seeking guidance from someone well-versed in the charity sector, he was advised to explore volunteer governance roles. This approach allowed him to gain valuable exposure to the challenges faced by non-profit organisations, with the hope of gaining a competitive advantage for future executive positions. In 2015, Rich joined the Board of Volunteering Auckland, a charity he eventually chaired. This experience also paved the way for board roles with mentoring charity First Foundation and the Make A Wish Foundation, all of which served as excellent preparation for his current role as CEO of the Neurological Foundation. Established in 1972, the Neurological Foundation of NZ raises funds to support local neuroscientists in conducting research on neurological disorders, along with raising public awareness of neurological conditions. While there are over 700 neurological conditions, Rich emphasises that researchers often focus on areas of research that can attract funding and have the greatest impact. He also highlights that research into specific conditions or disorders can be initiated by individuals affected by those conditions or their loved ones, who work together to raise awareness and funding. Some of the conditions encompass Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Motor Neurone Disease, as well as mental and behavioural diseases such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Although the foundation receives more funding requests than it can accommodate, its fifty-two-year history has endowed it with organisational knowledge to select suitable causes. Rich describes their funding ethos as being focused on making a tangible impact. To achieve this, they rely on the expertise of advisory panels composed of experienced neuroscientists with diverse skills and relevant expertise. It is worth noting that, on average, 1 in every 3 people will experience some form of neurological condition. Rich explains that the organisation he leads is striving to forge a "pathway to hope," which is particularly pertinent when considering the aging populations both locally and globally. His foundation is dedicated to funding research aimed at preventing or curing these conditions whenever possible, as well as enhancing the quality of life for those affected by them. Rich further explains that recent advancements have led to successful treatment options for certain conditions where previously no treatment existed.

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 Debra Allcock Tyler CEO Directory of Social Change on leadership. Episode Highlights - Normalising 'Imposter Syndrome' and how you should embrace self doubt and nerves to constantly improve and develop. - The power of constant learning -People are human beings and not job titles and needed to be treated as humans, 'deal with the human being and not the job title' - Leadership, doing what works and being authentic to the role (rather than yourself) - 'Role as leader is to ensure your people are connected to the mission and bringing out the best in people to successfully deliver that mission' Background Debra has been CEO of DSC since August 2021. Established in 1988, DSC has been a trusted resource in the non-profit sector, providing vital research, high-quality training, and ongoing support to charity leaders and volunteers. In addition, DSC advocates on behalf of organisations facing tough challenges, from economic crises to the recent global pandemic. With over two decades of leadership experience at DSC, Debra has played a crucial role in empowering charities to fulfil their missions despite limited resources and frequent obstacles.

Liam Willis joined the Gut Cancer Foundation in July 2019, taking on the role of Executive Officer after years of successful fundraising for non-profits in both the UK and New Zealand. His appointment as Executive Officer was a perfect fit for the Foundation, as their Board recognised the need to secure new sources of income to fulfil their mission. This mission involves funding vital research and raising awareness about gut cancers within the local community, with the ultimate goal of increasing survival rates and preventing cancers of the digestive system among New Zealanders.   Gut cancers are a significant issue in New Zealand, with 17 people being diagnosed every day. In fact, collectively they are the most common type of cancer in the country, affecting over 6,000 individuals each year.   One of the initial challenges Liam faced in his new role was establishing a clear identity for the charity. A crucial aspect of this process was defining their mission, despite the complexity of cancers of the digestive system. This form of cancer encompasses at least seven main types, including pancreatic, bowel, anal, stomach, liver, oesophageal, and gallbladder cancer. Some of these cancers already have dedicated charities providing support and raising funds for research. Liam was determined to collaborate closely with these organisations, aiming to build a brand that would engage donors and effectively support individuals with cancer and their families.   Liam and his wife relocated to New Zealand from the UK in 2011, and they quickly fell in love with the country. They purchased their first house and started a family, having three children. Liam has been working in the charity sector for two decades, gaining extensive knowledge and expertise in fundraising. He possesses a deep understanding of how to develop and implement successful donor engagement campaigns. Liam emphasises the importance of knowing both current and potential donors, recognizing that data plays a vital role in effectively engaging supporters. In his first role in New Zealand, Liam worked as a fundraiser for the Auckland City Mission.   In 2023, Liam, his wife, and their young children took a sabbatical to travel across Southern Africa in a 4x4 with two rooftop tents! This break was encouraged by the Gut Cancer Foundation's Board of Directors and provided Liam with an opportunity to reflect on his achievements at the organisation and build up the energy to go again. Under his leadership, the team has grown from a single person to a team of five, and he has more than tripled the Foundation's income while raising the charity's profile. Now that he has returned to his role as Executive Officer, Liam is determined to accomplish even more and continue the fight against gut cancer through education, research, and support.

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 Jo Taylor Executive Chair of 'Pay What It Takes' (PWIT), a coalition between for purpose organisations and funders aiming to redefine philanthropy and reshape the funding landscape for the charitable sector. Their objective is to challenge the cycle of underfunding and organisational challenges by advocating for unrestricted funding or a 30% addition to project-based funding to adequately cover indirect costs. Episode Highlights - The importance of looking elsewhere for inspiration, to other parts of the world where people and organisations may have tackled the same or similar issues. That is what Jo and her team did when they looked at American foundations who had the same issue and were solving the same problem (the starvation cycle). -Practical steps on running a successful campaign: Focus on those organisations and people closest to your mission and who are the most aligned at the start of your campaign Peer leadership and adoption / buy in crucial to the success of any campaign particularly in philanthropy Context: A pivotal catalyst for this movement was the inquiry titled 'A Sector in Peril,' laying the foundation for collaboration among like-minded foundations. The Coalition led by Jo, and comprising Philanthropy Australia, the Centre for Social Impact, Social Ventures Australia, The Origin Foundation, and the Paul Ramsay Foundation, conducted comprehensive research, interviews, literature reviews, case studies, and workshops to address chronic underfunding of core operational expenses within Australian organizations. The vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the critical need for adequate funding. Listen to Episode #176 of Purposely for more, where Jo emphasises the necessity to challenge misconceptions surrounding indirect costs and advocates for a redefined evaluation of efficiency and effectiveness by funders. This paradigm shift demands courage and peer leadership within the sector, recognising the entrenched mental models ingrained in both funders and nonprofit organizations that need to be reshaped. Jo is also the CEO of The Siddle Family Foundation.

Sarah, a regular walker along her local beach, combines exercise with podcast episodes to help her learn, develop and find inspiration. On this particular occasion, she listened to an interview with Bianca Tavella, the founder of Fair Shot Café in the UK (on Purposely Ep #48). Fair Shot is a social enterprise café that supports young adults with learning disabilities in finding jobs in the hospitality industry. As Sarah immersed herself in Bianca's founder story, she experienced a profound and personal reaction. Although she had never met Bianca or heard of Fair Shot before, Sarah felt a mix of inspiration and frustration that someone else had brought her dream to life before she could. At this point Sarah has been trying to open a training café, the first in NZ, for over eight years. That walk and podcast episode were a turning point for Sarah. She felt compelled to take action and bring her dream to life in New Zealand. In September 2021, Sarah and her founding trustees launched Project Employ, opening their first training café in Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore. It was a few kilometres away from the beach where Sarah had made the decision to turn her dream into reality. Since then, they have opened a second café in partnership with Air New Zealand, located in the airline's Auckland Headquarters. Sarah successfully shared her dream with others, including volunteers and funders, and the progress made by the charity has been remarkable. Sarah defies the stereotype of a charity founder or CEO. Despite her extensive experience in special needs education for schools and charities, she lacks leadership experience. She openly admits to experiencing imposter syndrome and having to overcome a crisis of confidence to bring Project Employ to life. Sarah's belief in her mission stems from her firsthand experience as a teacher, witnessing the transformative power of belief and support in someone's life. The reality is that people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be unemployed compared to non-disabled individuals, both in New Zealand and globally. Project Employ's vision is to create a community where young people with intellectual or learning disabilities have meaningful, paid employment, just like any other member of society. Unlike Fair Shot Café, Project Employ doesn't solely focus on hospitality. While work experience in serving and food preparation builds confidence, it also empowers individuals to pursue their dreams and contribute to society. Starting a charity is incredibly challenging. It requires a clear mission, vision, and, most importantly, funding to get off the ground. Convincing funders to support your vision is one of the toughest tasks. Funders seek confidence, a track record, and assurance that their funds will be used effectively to make a significant impact. Sarah has achieved the near-impossible. With little to no previous experience or personal wealth, she leveraged her dream, lived experience, and passion for people with disabilities to launch and scale Project Employ. She successfully convinced funders to believe in her vision. Sarah was also willing to sacrifice her own earning power, initially working for free to get the project started. She acknowledges that none of this would have been possible without the early founding team and volunteers who brought the experience she lacked. Together, they are making it happen. Most importantly, graduates of Project Employ are finding employment, and those who haven't yet secured a job have gained significant confidence and self-belief.

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 Rupert Abbott Executive Director of GiveOut a community foundation supporting LGBTQI communities. How? They pool donations from donors to provide grants to LGBTQI organisations around the world, ensuring that they have more of the resources they need to defend communities, tackle inequalities and campaign for lasting change. Rupert shares their approach and the practical steps they take to deliver their mission. Episode Highlights Funding the right causes and organisations - their approach to due diligence and how they choose the causes they fund. Building the fund - how they have had success attracting support + donors to build and maintain the fund. A qualified lawyer Rupert has over 15 years’ international human rights and social impact experience. Rupert is also a trustee of the Association of Charitable Foundations UK.

Ah-Leen Rayner, the CEO of Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand, proudly hails from the western suburbs of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city - a proud 'Westie!' She stands as the sole member of her family to pursue higher education, successfully completing a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Anthropology and an M.B.A. Ah-Leen's illustrious corporate career spans three decades across diverse sectors. In early 2021, Ah-Leen made a transition to the charity sector, assuming the role of CEO at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Her appointment perfectly aligned with the trustees' vision of having a leader with robust business and commercial experience. Ah-Leen joins Purposely to share her organization's vision, mission, and her personal career journey, from her remarkable tenure at 3M to the unique challenges of leading a charity reliant on fundraising and donations. She emphasises the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis, the significance of data in the fight against cancer, and the pressing need to reach underserved communities. The foundation's vision is clear and concise: "zero deaths from breast cancer." However, achieving this vision remains a formidable challenge, despite the remarkable advancements in breast cancer research, treatments, and medicine. Encouragingly, there has been a 43% decrease in the breast cancer mortality rate over the past two decades, signifying tangible progress towards the foundation's vision. The charity's approach revolves around continuously pushing the boundaries of early detection, treatment, and support.   Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in New Zealand and the third most common overall. Approximately one in nine New Zealand women will face breast cancer in their lifetime, with two men diagnosed each week. Most women diagnosed (70%-75%) and those affected by mortality (80%) are aged 50 years or older. While some women face a higher risk due to family history, most cases occur in women without relatives affected by the disease. Even among those with a family history, the majority will never develop breast cancer.   As Breast Cancer Foundation NZ strives for zero deaths from breast cancer, they play an active and vital role in providing education, support, and resources to all New Zealanders, including those in remote areas and ethnic groups with poorer outcomes. Their comprehensive offerings encompass breast awareness, screening, risk assessment, and overall health. The foundation also extends crucial support services to individuals and families affected by breast cancer. Collaborating with healthcare professionals, they provide resources, education, and training to ensure optimal patient care. Additionally, the foundation actively engages in research, funding impactful studies, and advocating for breast cancer treatment issues.