People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

First published in 2024, Mark Longbottom interviews Ian Bird, the new CEO of ⁠Community Foundations Australia ⁠(CFA), to the Purposely Podcast. In this episode, Ian shares his vision for the future of Australian community foundations, drawing from his extensive experience as the former CEO of Community Foundations of Canada and his remarkable career as an Olympic hockey player. Interestingly, Ian represented Canada in field hockey at the Australian-hosted Olympics in 2000 in Sydney, as well as in South Korea. Having played hockey from a young age, Ian speaks passionately about his love for the sport and the camaraderie it fosters. A natural leader, Ian began his career in Vancouver and later founded the first youth Field Hockey club in Quebec, called Chelsea Phoenix Field Hockey, where he also served as the head coach. Under his guidance, the Quebec team achieved multiple national championships. During his tenure as the CEO of Community Foundations of Canada from 2011 to 2020, Ian Bird proved to be a transformational leader. He oversaw the organisation's evolution into a "network of purpose" by fostering collaboration with various sectors and addressing diverse priorities, including reconciliation with Indigenous communities, gender equity, social finance, and evolving patterns in giving. Ian's primary goal as the CEO of CFA is to expand the reach of community foundations across Australia. Currently, only slightly over half of the Australian population has access to a local community foundation. With more than 40 community foundations already established, Ian aims to build upon the existing strength and vision within the network. He firmly believes that Australian community foundations have the potential to leapfrog ahead in development by incorporating Indigenous peoples' experiences from the start and drawing on the Australian ethos of directness and openness. Ian Bird is a champion for inclusivity in Australian community foundations. His vision revolves around creating opportunities for those who may not typically participate. He aims to develop a network that ensures all Australians have access to a community foundation, fostering self-determination and empowering communities to generate funding and solutions on the ground. By building a strong network of purpose, community foundations can address local issues and collaborate on challenges that transcend any one community, such as climate change and housing challenges. Ian draws inspiration from the success of the community foundation movement in Canada, which has a rich history spanning 100 years. He highlights the importance of highly trusted local institutions that allow neighbours to witness and participate in giving. The Canadian experience has shown that having a tangible place to make a gift accelerates the pace of giving and creates a social messaging that encourages more philanthropy. Ian aims to replicate this success in Australia by leveraging existing infrastructure and fostering partnerships with private funders, universities, health authorities, and other civil organisations. Ian believes that the current moment presents an opportunity for Australians to create a different future by sharing resources and building a true community support infrastructure. By fostering grassroots-driven change and community-based self-determination, Australia can become more resilient and effectively address pressing issues with a fresh perspective. Ian's vision aligns with the shared agenda of political leaders across parliamentary parties, emphasising the power of collaboration and collective action.

Ed Mayo, the CEO of Pilotlight, recently joined the Purposely Podcast to share insights into his organisation’s pioneering work in empowering charities and nonprofits. Pilotlight, a UK-based charity, bridges the corporate and nonprofit worlds by leveraging skilled volunteering to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofit organisations. At its core, Pilotlight’s mission is to equip charities and nonprofits with the tools, strategies, and confidence to achieve their goals. Unlike traditional volunteering, which often involves manual or unskilled tasks, Pilotlight focuses on mobilising professional expertise. Skilled volunteers, drawn from the corporate sector, collaborate with charity leaders and boards, providing strategic coaching that strengthens organisational capacity and leadership. Mayo highlights the transformative nature of this approach. By channeling professional skills into nonprofits, Pilotlight not only delivers tangible benefits to the charities but also fosters personal and professional growth among the volunteers. Skills like empathy, active listening, and collaboration are honed through these engagements, making the experience mutually enriching. One of the persistent challenges in the nonprofit sector is a scarcity of funding, a barrier that can overshadow strategic planning. Mayo emphasises that while resources are critical, focusing on how charities can act effectively to fulfil their missions is equally vital. Through structured programmes and tailored support, Pilotlight enables charities to tackle complex challenges, refine their strategies, and maximize their impact. Founded in the mid-1990s by social innovator Jane Tewson, Pilotlight was created to infuse the charity sector with fresh perspectives and expertise. Over time, the organisation has evolved into a dynamic platform that fosters partnerships between businesses and charities, generating mutual benefits. Corporate participants gain valuable insights into societal challenges and develop leadership skills, while charities benefit from enhanced strategic capabilities. Under Mayo’s leadership since 2020, Pilotlight has continued to innovate. In response to the global pandemic, the organisation successfully transitioned to virtual volunteering, ensuring continued support for charities during a critical period. This adaptation reinforced the vital role that nonprofits play in addressing societal needs, particularly during crises. Ed Mayo’s appointment as CEO brought with it a wealth of experience in civil society and nonprofit leadership. Before joining Pilotlight, he served as CEO of Co-operatives UK, the New Economics Foundation, and the National Consumer Council. Mayo also chaired the Jubilee 2000 coalition and involve, the democratic participation charity. Recognised internationally for his leadership, he has been honoured by the World Economic Forum and received an honorary degree from London Metropolitan University for his contributions to ethical markets. An accomplished writer, Mayo has published extensively on values, the economy, and society, including the book Values: How to Bring Values to Life in Your Business. Looking to the future, Mayo envisions skilled volunteering as a mainstream practice, harnessing the immense potential within the corporate sector to drive social change. By creating synergies between businesses and nonprofits, Pilotlight exemplifies the power of collaboration in building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. For more insights from purpose-driven leaders, 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 a heartfelt and impactful conversation with Shae Ronald, a dedicated advocate for youth support and mental health. In this episode, Shae shares personal stories and insights, highlighting the importance of empathy, resilience, and the transformative power of counselling. ·       Personal Journey: Shae discusses the life-changing experience of losing her father at a young age and the subsequent struggles with grief.   Shae's dedication to supporting young people facing similar challenges and the drive to make a positive impact.        Leadership and Balance: The challenges of leading a charity, making tough decisions, and balancing compassion with practicalities.        24-Hour Support Line: The success and impact of extending support services to a 24-hour helpline for young people, made possible with the help of ASB.

Vic Elizabeth Turnbull, the founder and CEO of MIC Media, recently shared her story on the Purposely Podcast with host Mark Longbottom. The conversation delved into her journey, showcasing how she has leveraged podcasting to create meaningful social impact. Vic’s connection with audio began in childhood. Growing up in the UK, she was captivated by radio broadcasts, a fascination sparked by listening to her father’s car radio. This passion grew when she received a cassette recorder, which she used to produce makeshift shows featuring her brother and even her pets. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her career. After studying media and production, Vic faced challenges breaking into the radio industry. She persevered through internships and part-time jobs, including working in bars to sustain her ambitions. A turning point came when she joined a youth radio project, which significantly boosted her confidence and skill set. Despite her efforts, securing a stable media position proved difficult. This led her to the charity sector, where she worked with organisations like Noise and Uprising. These roles ranged from organising festivals to presenting to government officials, and they deepened her understanding of media's potential to drive change. In 2019, Vic established MIC Media, a podcast production company with a social impact focus. Her vision was to combine her love for audio with her drive to make a difference. MIC Media helps organisations create podcasts that amplify their stories, offering both production services and accessible training. One of the company’s standout projects was the “Strong Manchester Women” podcast for Manchester City Council. This series highlighted eight women making significant contributions to their communities and earned a nomination for a British Podcast Award. This project exemplified MIC Media’s ability to craft content that connects with audiences and spotlights important issues. MIC Media also emphasises training, having taught podcasting skills to over 2,700 individuals. Vic’s workshops are designed to be straightforward and free of industry jargon, empowering participants to confidently share their stories. With clients like Amnesty International and Oxfam, MIC Media continues to expand its reach. Vic’s goal is to position the company as a leader in podcast production and training for the social impact sector. Her journey underscores the power of persistence and the potential of podcasting as a tool for change. Through MIC Media, Vic Turnbull not only produces engaging content but also equips others to harness the medium for meaningful impact.  

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. This week's episode features Debra Allcock Tyler CEO of the Directory of Social Change UK. Debra shares insights into leading with authenticity and the continuous journey of personal and professional growth. Imposter Syndrome: Debra discusses how many people experience imposter syndrome, noting that it's a common feeling, unlike the overconfidence seen in a few individuals. Leadership Evolution: She talks about how her approach to leadership has changed over time, focusing on continuous learning and adapting to new workplace environments. Human Relationships: Debra emphasizes the importance of paying attention to human relationships rather than just job titles, recognizing that personal experiences and emotions impact workplace interactions. Authentic Leadership: She explores the idea of authenticity in leadership, comparing it to parenting. Authenticity should align with the responsibilities of the role, instead of personal issues. Role Clarity: Debra encourages leaders to stay true to their roles by inspiring and guiding their teams towards a common goal.

Reflections on 2024: Highlights from Purposely Podcast Host Mark Longbottom and Producer Jon Duval Reflect on a Year of Meaningful Conversations   As 2024 comes to an end, we’re taking a moment to reflect on few standout themes as well as a fulfilling year for Purposely Podcast. Hosts Mark Longbottom and Jon Duval look back on some of the year’s interviews / episodes, highlighting just some of the inspiring guests who shared their stories.   “We set out at the start of the year with a goal to release one episode each week, speaking with purpose-driven and charity leaders. We’ve now completed 51 interviews, with one more episode scheduled before the year ends. In total, since we started in 2020, we’ve recorded 229 episodes, which is a satisfying milestone,” shared Mark Longbottom.   Just a few of the 2024 Guests   Ezekiel Raui: Leading with Purpose at One NZ Foundation Ezekiel Rawi, the new leader of One New Zealand Foundation, stood out for his dedication to supporting young people. His personal connection to youth and commitment to mental health advocacy reflect the foundation’s mission to create meaningful change within communities.   Melindi Maclean: Empowering Youth at Outward Bound Melinda McLean, CEO of Outward Bound, offered a unique perspective on youth development through outdoor challenges and teamwork. Her approach highlighted how physical activities and connection with nature foster personal growth and resilience, both key themes in her episode.   Stephanie Wheen: Creating Inclusive Spaces with Gympanzees Stephanie Wheen, founder of Gympanzees, shared her passion for making physical activities accessible for children with disabilities. Her efforts to create safe, inclusive spaces stand as a testament to the impact of advocacy and determination, especially in overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic.   Ian Bird: Building Community Foundations of Australia Ian Bird, leader of Community Foundations Australia, emphasised the importance of collaboration within community networks. His vision for strengthening philanthropy and inclusivity has contributed to the growing impact of these organisations globally   Emma Brown: Resilience and Leadership at Duke of Edinburgh Emma Brown’s journey with the Duke of Edinburgh Award was deeply inspiring. Balancing her role as a leader while battling cancer, Emma spoke about the importance of prioritisation and delegation. Her resilience and commitment resonated strongly with listeners.   Sarah Dan Hoare: Empowering Neurodiverse Youth with Project Employ Sarah Dan Hoare, founder and CEO of Project Employ, shared her journey of creating a training café for neurodiverse youth. Her story, inspired by another Purposely episode, showcased how personal passion can drive impactful initiatives. The success of her work with Air New Zealand highlighted the power of collaboration.   Liz Grieve: Philanthropy with Share My Super Liz Grieve, MNZM, founder of Share My Super, brought a fresh perspective to giving back. By encouraging retirees to donate surplus superannuation to meaningful causes, Liz has made philanthropy accessible and impactful. Her transition from social work to innovative philanthropy was a highlight of her episode.   Looking Ahead to 2025 As we close the year, we want to thank our listeners and the incredible guests who have shared their time and stories with us. We look forward to 2025 and the opportunity to continue bringing you conversations that inspire and uplift. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you in 2025! Mark Longbottom and Jon Duval

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. This week's episode features Christie Stuart Co CEO at Big Buddy NZ.

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. This week's episode features Ian MacQuillin MCIoF(Dip), the director of Rogare, which he founded in 2014. He’s recognized as a leading thinker on fundraising ethics. Ian discusses Face-to-Face Fundraising, its effectiveness, and the powerful ongoing support it generates. Initially opposed to this type of fundraising, he has since developed a fondness for it. Ian was previously featured on Episode #220 of Purposely.

Margi Mellsop, CEO of the Middlemore Foundation, recently joined Mark Longbottom on the Purposely Podcast to talk about her career and the charity she now directs. From her early days founding the International Comedy Festival in New Zealand to leading marketing efforts for the Auckland Museum and World Vision, Margi's journey shows her ability to adapt and contribute in different fields. In the podcast, Margi explained the mission of the Middlemore Foundation, which works to improve healthcare and wellbeing for the people of South Auckland both inside the hospital and outside in the community. The foundation provides essential resources and runs initiatives to help the community. Under Margi’s leadership, the foundation has grown its reach and made a real difference in people’s lives. Margi talked about the importance of working with local leaders, celebrities and organisations to meet the foundation’s goals. By partnering with others, the foundation can address the specific challenges faced by South Auckland communities. “Partnerships are key to sustainable success and meaningful engagement,” she said. Margi’s career has been varied. She started out by founding the International Comedy Festival in New Zealand, an event that brought entertainment to many and gave her valuable experience in event management and fundraising. These skills have been useful in her later roles. After her time with the Comedy Festival, Margi moved on to the Auckland Museum. There, she led marketing campaigns to increase visitor numbers and membership and support the museum’s work in preserving and sharing New Zealand’s history and culture. Her efforts brought people together and secured funding for important initiatives. She then joined International Development charity World Vision playing a key role marketing their New Zealand fundraising and campaigning efforts. For the future, Margi aims to further raise the profile of the Middlemore Foundation and expand its impact. She discussed the need for sustainable fundraising approaches to ensure the foundation’s continued success. Balancing work with her personal life is also important to her. Outside of her professional role, Margi values spending time with her family, enjoys sailing, and supports her son’s equestrian interests. She believes that having a balance between work and personal life is essential. Margi'S career shows how skills and experiences from different areas can come together to help others. Her leadership at the Middlemore Foundation continues to benefit the South Auckland community and shows the importance of working together to create change.

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 Jenni Giblin founder & CEO FundingHQ on fundraising. Jenni Giblin, a fundraising consultant, identified disparities in New Zealand's nonprofit sector, where larger organisations flourish while smaller and medium-sized ones struggle. This observation led her to develop FundingHQ, a software-as-a-service platform initiated just before COVID-19 and launched after three years of development during the lockdown. The platform offers content and coaching to help organisations navigate fundraising. Jenni emphasised the need for nonprofits to think strategically about their impact and effectively communicate their evidence to funders. She noted that funders' expectations have risen, requiring nonprofits to present clear, sophisticated plans and outcomes.