People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

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.

Shae Ronald ONZM, CEO of Youthline, has dedicated her career to supporting others and with a real focus the mental health and wellbeing of young people. With nearly 30 years' experience in the mental health sector, Shae has led Youthline since 2018, guiding the organisation through a transformative period of challenges, growth, and innovation. Shae’s commitment to youth wellbeing is deeply personal. Having faced profound loss at a young age, she understands the transformative power of support. After losing her father to cancer at the age of 23, she experienced immense grief and a period of deep emotional struggle. Seeking counselling for the first time at 24 proved to be life-changing, igniting a passion in her to ensure that every young person has access to the support they need. For over 50 years, Youthline has provided vital services to young people aged 12–24 across New Zealand. Its offerings include a free helpline available 24/7 through text, phone, webchat, and email, free face-to-face counselling services, youth mentoring programs, and school and community initiatives focused on leadership and personal development. Youthline serves as a critical resource for young people navigating mental health challenges, seeking personal growth, or simply looking for someone to listen. Under Shae’s leadership, the organisation has expanded its services to meet the changing needs of today’s youth, with a focus on accessibility and relevance. The challenges facing New Zealand’s young people have grown significantly over the past decade. Youthline has seen a 78% increase in mental distress among young people in recent years. Social media pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, and climate-related adversities have all contributed to this surge. Shae is particularly focused on addressing the inequities that exist within this crisis. Certain communities, including the Rainbow, neurodiverse, Māori, and Pasifika populations, have been disproportionately affected. Shae emphasizes the need for tailored, inclusive approaches to ensure these young people receive the support they need. Youthline has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves. Under Shae’s leadership, the organisation has expanded its digital capabilities, introduced 24/7 support services (thanks to funding from ASB), and strengthened its training, supervision, and clinical safety measures for staff and volunteers. These innovations ensure that Youthline remains a trusted and effective support system for young people, regardless of where they are or what challenges they face. Shae’s approach to leadership is deeply influenced by her own experiences of personal growth and resilience. She prioritises self-care, incorporating mindfulness meditation and time in nature into her routine to maintain her wellbeing. Reflecting on transformative experiences, such as a four-week silent retreat, Shae underscores the importance of resilience and reflection in sustaining her commitment to Youthline’s mission. In 2023, Shae was awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to youth. This honour reflects her contributions to mental health advocacy and her dedication to improving the lives of young people across New Zealand. Shae is committed to ensuring Youthline’s financial sustainability and adaptability as it continues to serve New Zealand’s youth. She recognises the importance of securing funding to maintain the organization’s high-quality services while remaining innovative and responsive to new challenges. Youthline continues to make a transformative impact on countless lives. For more information about Youthline and how you can support its mission, visit www.youthline.co.nz.  

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 Richard Spackman CEO at Aoraki Foundation. Richard and host Mark Longbottom discuss the Community Foundation Movement and their potential for long-term sustainable impact. Richard emphasises the importance of scaling a community foundation start-up to a certain size to ensure its self-sustaining growth, he shares that Aoraki Foundation is aiming for an endowment of $30 million by 2030. He also shares how he has used his commercial mindset in philanthropic leadership setting, advocating for investment in the organisation for growth rather than focusing solely on expenses. Richard shares how he has set up a fund with Aoraki Foundation promoting financial literacy for children and young people and the importance of integrating financial education into the school system.

Introducing Richard Spackman, the CEO of the Aoraki Foundation, who recently shared his journey and the foundation’s mission on Purposely Podcast. Richard grew up in an entrepreneurial environment, with his parents managing various businesses, from service stations to ostrich farming. This upbringing instilled in him a strong understanding of business and a passion for innovation. Richard has demonstrated his leadership and entrepreneurial skills both in his business ventures and in his philanthropic endeavours, where he now strives to deliver greater impact through the foundation. The Aoraki Foundation is one of 18 Community Foundations in New Zealand. Their main goal is to provide “a simple and lasting way for people to support charitable causes in the South Canterbury Community,” Richard explains. The foundation’s model of smarter giving ensures that every donation has a significant impact now and in the future. The foundation manages over 20 separate endowment funds, including the South Canterbury Health Endowment Fund, Miller General Impact Fund, and Fraser Ross Environmental Fund. These funds support numerous community groups and charities, addressing various needs within South Canterbury. Donors can make one-time contributions or leave gifts in their will. Richard proudly shares the foundation’s role in major fundraising efforts, such as those for the CBay Aquatic Centre and the MRI Scanner. With guidance from dedicated volunteer trustees, the Aoraki Foundation is committed to strengthening the district. Richard’s path to the Aoraki Foundation leadership began in 2012 when he moved from Christchurch to manage a business. His family fell in love with South Canterbury, and after traveling New Zealand and the Cook Islands in 2020, they decided to focus on community engagement upon their return. Richard’s natural ability to connect with people and his belief in the power of giving make him a perfect fit for the foundation. Balancing his role with coaching local businesses and spending time with his family, Richard also enjoys sports, often attending rugby and cricket matches or cycling through Timaru’s beautiful rural landscapes. Aiming to distribute $1 million annually by 2030 and manage $30 million in assets, Richard emphasises the role of community foundations in fostering local philanthropy and the importance of storytelling to engage donors. His background in business and coaching informs his leadership, focusing on growth and sustainability. He highlights the Eric and Queenie Miller fund, a significant legacy supporting local transport businesses, and his vision for the foundation to become a major community asset by 2050. Richard’s story is one of dedication, community spirit, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful impact. His interview on Purposely Podcast offers valuable insights into the power of community foundations and the incredible potential they hold for positive change.