People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

Welcoming Annette Presley to Purposely Podcast, we hear how a career defined by entrepreneurship has evolved into a focus on philanthropy, with a commitment to creating opportunities for young women and communities.In this conversation, Annette shares:Her early experiences in business, when female role models were rare and breaking through as a woman was a significant challenge.The influence of her grandmother, whose belief in her became a driving force, and why support and encouragement are essential for young women to thrive.Her views on education reform, including the need to equip young people with practical skills such as financial literacy, resilience, and public speaking.Why she launched the Dream Foundation and how she applies her entrepreneurial mindset to set measurable goals, build strong partnerships, and ensure accountability.Annette’s story is one of hustle, determination, disruption, and a belief that lasting change requires more than good intentions. Through her foundation, she is working to open doors for others and create practical, measurable impact in communities across New Zealand.

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 Angus Crowther co-founder of Tanck. Angus shares how they help nonprofits and 'for purpose businesses' to communicate effectively with government officials. How ability to do this can positively effect your ability to make a positive impact and increase their reach. Episode highlights: - 'Providing technical details as well as a compelling narrative and a narrative arc is important' - Data important and can grab the attention of politicians Quote: 'Remember politicians are competing with the Kardashians for eyeballs on twitter' Based in Australia... although still relevant in other parts of the world Tanck's mission is to empower purpose-led organisations by providing the know-how and the strategy for impactful government engagement. Tanck is B Corp certified consultancy firm is on a mission to level the playing field by countering the influence of lobbyists and private interests that often shape policy decisions. United by their shared dedication to positive change, Angus Crowther and (co founder) Neil Pharaoh are reshaping the dynamics of government engagement for nonprofits.

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 Philippa Charles on what a charity needs to succeed as well the value she puts on fundraisers. Since its inception in 1958, the Garfield Weston Foundation has donated close to a billion pounds to good causes in the UK, granting between seventy and hundred million pounds annually. Despite the size and importance of the foundation's financial resources, Philippa Charles, its leader, is known for her accessibility, humility, and empathy. She is renowned for being a straight talker and has a desire to keep things simple. The foundation was set up by the Weston Family to benefit from the proceeds of their successful businesses, which include well-known brands in the food industry. These brands range from high-end retail, such as Fortnum and Mason, to household staples like Tip Top Ice Cream in New Zealand.

In this episode we speak with Pablo Berrutti, Analyst at Stewart Investors and Co-founder of Altiorem, a nonprofit library created to strengthen the finance sector’s response to sustainability.Pablo shares how Altiorem grew from a simple idea into a living, evolving knowledge hub that pairs students with finance professionals to produce fresh insights. We talk about the challenges of building a sustainable funding model, the importance of keeping resources free and accessible, and why independence and integrity matter in financial education.We also touch on his interest in bringing Indigenous perspectives into financial thinking, recognising the value of wisdom from cultures that have cared for their environments for generations.For anyone working in finance, philanthropy, or the nonprofit world, this episode is both practical and inspiring. It’s about how knowledge, when shared openly and built with community, can drive real change.

Welcoming Nicola Coom to Purposely.Nicola Coom has just stepped into the role of CEO at the Cancer Society New Zealand. For her, cancer is not just a cause but a lived reality, her own BRCA1 gene diagnosis, her family’s history with the disease, and the choices she’s made to protect her health all shape the urgency she brings to leadership.Every day in New Zealand, 77 people are diagnosed with cancer and around 10,000 die each year. Access to medicines lags behind most OECD countries, and Nicola is determined to change that. She wants donor dollars to deliver real impact, patient voices to drive health policy, and investment in research and clinical trials to accelerate progress.In this episode, Nicola shares how personal experience has shaped her vision for the Cancer Society, why innovation and technology must be part of the solution, and how she plans to keep cancer at the top of the national agenda.Tune in to hear Nicola’s story, her bold plans for the future, and why urgency and lived experience are essential to reshaping cancer care in Aotearoa.

Welcoming Aisha Daji Punga, CEO of Toitū, to Purposely.Aisha is an experienced leader whose career has taken her across industries and sectors, from FMCG and telecommunications to health and wellbeing. She’s led major organisations, including her time as CEO of the Starship Foundation, and now heads Toitū, one of New Zealand’s most recognised names in sustainability and environmental certification. In our conversation, she shares how clarity, connection, and purpose shape her leadership—and why she’s energised by the toughest parts of the job.Her path to Toitū has been anything but linear. Alongside her executive leadership roles, she also ran her own consultancy. But what ultimately pulled her back into a CEO role was people. “I love being around people. I love being connected. I love teams,” she says. Consulting provided stimulation, but lacked the shared purpose and momentum that come from leading a group with a common mission. Returning to that environment was about aligning “head, heart, and soul”—the combination she says fuels her best work.That philosophy is clear in how she leads. Progress happens when teams move together. Alignment matters more than hierarchy, and clarity is the means to get there. “You have to be clear to be kind,” she notes—a mantra that underpins how she handles everything from strategy to day-to-day conversations. Feedback from her board reinforces that clarity and decisiveness are already shaping Toitū’s direction.From her first day, Aisha set out to listen. She spent months in conversation with clients, staff, and industry partners—not just to surface what was working, but to hear the harder truths. Those insights became the basis for resets and pivots, with a willingness to say, “this is where we need to go now.” For her, listening and alignment aren’t delays to action; they are what make action possible.Sustainability wasn’t her specialist field, but that has never been a barrier. She’s surrounded herself with scientists and subject experts who, she says, “astound and inspire me every day.” Her role isn’t to know everything, but to connect people, scale impact, and make Toitū’s purpose resonate widely. “I don’t need to be an expert,” she says. “I need a certain level of understanding, but I don’t need to be all things to all people.”What comes through in conversation is a style of leadership that avoids jargon and pretence. She doesn’t claim mastery of every detail; what she offers is authenticity, focus, and a commitment to the purpose at the centre of Toitū’s work. Success, for her, isn’t defined by accolades. It’s found in the energy of her team, the trust of stakeholders, and the impact Toitū can deliver in a rapidly changing world.Looking ahead, Aisha remains grounded: listen deeply, adapt quickly, and never lose sight of purpose. It’s a simple formula, but one that offers a powerful model of leadership for complex times—clear, connected, and unapologetically purposeful.Thank you to our sponsors Trust Investments

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, we sit down with Rod Baxter, CEO of Kings Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, to explore how the Trust is helping 17- to 30-year-olds build confidence, enterprise, and opportunity.Rod shares:Why listening to young people is the starting point for meaningful changeThe challenges young people face as traditional entry-level jobs disappearHow the Trust’s enterprise programme and Hikano seed funding scheme are sparking new ventures with a 94% survival rateThe importance of “radical collaboration” in New Zealand’s crowded non-profit sectorInspiring stories of young entrepreneurs building businesses and giving back to their communitiesKings Trust Aotearoa is part of a global network with roots in The Prince’s Trust, but its approach is uniquely local—grounded in the voices, aspirations, and realities of young people across Aotearoa.Tune in to hear Rod’s journey, his vision for youth development, and why purpose sits at the heart of lasting impact.

Tina McCafferty, CEO of Tōtara Hospice, talks with Purposely Podcast about the meaning of hospice care and the work her organisation does to support people across South and East Auckland.Tina shares her personal journey from Glasgow to leading one of New Zealand’s most inclusive hospices. She explains why hospice care is about more than medical treatment—it’s about respecting people’s wishes and helping them live well in their final days.She also discusses Tōtara Hospice’s role in navigating assisted dying laws, emphasising the importance of supporting people’s choices with respect and care.Most hospice care happens in people’s homes, with thousands of visits each year. Tina highlights how connection, compassion, and respect are at the heart of their work.The episode also covers the recent documentary Hospice Heroes, which brought honest stories from patients and families to a wider audience. Tina reflects on the impact of the show and the ongoing need for secure funding and fair pay for hospice staff.This conversation offers insight into the challenges and rewards of leading a hospice and shows why Tina believes hospice care deserves greater recognition and support in New Zealand.Listen to the episode: purposelypodcast.comLearn more about Tōtara Hospice: totarahospice.co.nz

James Stewart, CEO of Home Capital Partners, joins Purposely Podcast to talk about housing, purpose-driven leadership, and creating pathways to home ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand.James shares how his team at Home Capital is working to address one of the country’s most urgent social issues: access to safe, secure, and affordable homes. The conversation explores the full housing continuum—from social housing to affordable rentals and ownership—and the real-world impact of helping families find stability and hope.James reflects on his personal journey, including formative experiences in Christchurch and international development, and how his faith and values now shape his leadership. He also speaks to the importance of balancing financial sustainability with mission, building strong partnerships, and designing housing models that serve communities long-term.Themes discussed:The link between housing, health, and opportunityPurpose and profit: why both matterFaith and values in leadershipThe power of patient capital and long-term thinkingBuilding homes, building hopeLearn more about Home Capital Partners:https://homecapital.co.nz

In this episode of Purposely Podcast – People Inspired By Purpose, host Mark Longbottom is joined by Sydney Straver, founder and CEO of &BLOOM Sustainability, a values-led business supporting organisations on their sustainability journey.Sydney launched &BLOOM just two years ago in Aotearoa New Zealand with a clear belief: that business can and should create positive outcomes beyond profit. Since then, she’s been building a purpose-driven consultancy shaped by community, reflection, and a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.Sydney shares how early support from friends and family helped her take the leap into entrepreneurship, and how she later sought professional mentoring and leadership training to grow the business in a more structured, intentional way.She talks about:The realities of starting a values-led business from the ground upHer evolving leadership style and learning journey&BLOOM’s ambitions to work across New Zealand, Australia, and the PacificThe importance of capability building and fair, inclusive approaches to sustainabilityWhy she believes values must guide both her business decisions and personal lifestyleSydney also reflects on how her thinking has shifted over time—from questioning her own habits to embracing change through experience and conversation.&BLOOM is still early in its journey, but Sydney’s approach is thoughtful and grounded. She’s building a business that grows at a sustainable pace, with purpose at the centre of every decision.Listen now to hear how Sydney is helping others ‘ride the green wave’—and why she believes sustainability should be both inclusive and actionable.👉 Visit &BLOOM Sustainability: https://www.bloomsustainability.coThanks to our sponsors Trust Investments https://trustinvestments.co.nz/

The Changing Face of Philanthropy – Impact Lunch HighlightsIn this special live-recorded episode of Purposely, we take you inside our recent Impact Lunch at The Grid in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, where 50 PLUS leaders from across Aotearoa’s charity, philanthropy, and investment sectors came together to explore the future of giving.Host Mark Longbottom is joined by three returning guests—Lani Evans MNZM, Ezekiel (Zeek) Raui, and Izzy Horrocks—for a thought-provoking and wide-ranging conversation on the evolving landscape of philanthropy in Aotearoa. From community-led approaches to corporate and venture philanthropy, this kōrero unpacks the challenges, opportunities, and bold ideas shaping how we give.We also hear a powerful mihi and welcome from Dale Corlett, CEO of Script to Screen, who grounds the conversation in te ao Māori values and reminds us that true impact starts with people and relationships.In this episode:Corporate foundations as true community partners What it takes to grow and fund social innovation The power of participatory philanthropy and shifting decision-making to communitiesHonest reflections on competition, collaboration, and redefining success in the sectorVenture philanthropyFeatured Guests:Lani Evans MNZM – Co-Founder of FundsorterEzekiel Raui – Head of the One New Zealand FoundationIzzy Horrocks – CEO and Co-Founder, Aotearoa Lifecourse FundDale Corlett – CEO, Script to ScreenSupported by:This episode and event were proudly supported by Trust Management NZ and Trust Investments NZ.🔗 Follow PurposelyNever miss an episode—subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite app. Visit purposelypodcast.com for more inspiring conversations with people leading with purpose.

In partnership with Science AllianceWe’re pleased to welcome Dr Jacqueline Orian, Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University, to a conversation exploring her work on a new approach to autoimmune disease—along with the habits and values that help sustain a career in scientific research.While medical research is often associated with labs and data, Dr Orian sees value in slowing down and stepping outside. A long walk across campus or a quiet moment among La Trobe’s gardens is part of her routine. “Walks are very important,” she says. “Smelling the flowers, taking the long way between buildings—it’s important to make time for that.”Even with a daily forty-minute commute, she finds time for reading, crafts, and music. While she sometimes works from home—especially for virtual interviews—she prefers the pace and energy of the lab, where she works alongside students and colleagues on new ideas and experiments.Her current research focuses on platelets, the small blood cells known for their role in clotting. But her team has uncovered evidence that platelets are also involved in the progression of autoimmune diseases—conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.In MS, current treatments can slow disease progression, but they often suppress the immune system more broadly. This makes patients more susceptible to infections and can come with other side effects.Dr Orian is working on a more targeted alternative. Rather than suppressing the whole immune system, her aim is to modulate the role of platelets, reducing their contribution to damaging immune responses without compromising overall immune function. “Blocking a process is a bit of a sledgehammer approach,” she explains. “We’re aiming for something more precise.”Her goal is to develop a platelet-targeting drug that limits tissue damage and slows or prevents disease progression. Within the next two years, she hopes to identify a promising molecule and generate early proof-of-concept data. If successful, this could offer a safer and more effective treatment option for MS and potentially other autoimmune conditions.This research also has implications beyond MS. Because platelets are involved in various immune pathways, there may be opportunities to apply this approach to a broader range of immune and neurological disorders.Dr Orian shares her findings through international conferences and collaborative networks, helping her team’s work reach researchers in other disciplines. “There’s a lot of opportunity for conferences,” she says. “It’s where knowledge is tested and shared.”Mentorship is another key part of her role. She works closely with students in the lab, encouraging them to contribute ideas and take ownership of their research. “Their curiosity fuels mine,” she says—highlighting the value of working in an environment that supports learning and shared progress.Dr Jacqueline Orian’s work is part of a growing effort to move beyond one-size-fits-all treatments and toward more tailored, precise solutions for complex diseases. With a combination of scientific focus and a commitment to thoughtful, balanced work, she is helping shape the next generation of research in autoimmune health.

Welcoming Martin Rohner, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), to Purposely Podcast to share how finance—when aligned with purpose—can drive lasting, positive change for people and the planet.Martin and his team lead a global network of independent banks committed to using money to support social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. His role takes him to communities around the world, from Europe to Africa, where he sees first-hand how values-based banking is creating real-world impact.During a recent trip, he reflected on his time in Uganda—where, despite global pressures like inflation and food insecurity, he encountered a nation full of energy and possibility. “It was energising to see what’s possible when access to finance supports resilience and growth,” he said.Martin explained that values-based banks don’t see finance as neutral. Every dollar—whether saved, spent, or invested—has an impact. These banks choose to channel capital into organisations and projects that contribute to a healthier environment and stronger communities.He encouraged individuals to consider the role their money plays. “Where your money sits matters,” he said. “It’s not just earning interest—it’s shaping the future.”Today, values-based banks operate in more than 44 countries. For anyone looking to make a shift, Martin suggests starting by learning more—whether it’s switching to a local mutual or using resources like gabbv.org to find mission-aligned options.He also addressed common concerns around financial returns. “If a system delivers strong returns but leaves people hungry or the climate in crisis, that’s not success,” he said. “Good finance creates long-term value—for people, communities, and ecosystems.”Martin shared a compelling example: building design. Constructing a building with sustainability in mind can deliver decades of positive impact—reducing emissions, lowering costs, and improving wellbeing. “But if we build only for short-term gain, the harm can last for generations.”His message is clear: finance has the power to either reinforce harmful systems or support transformation. The values-based banking movement shows that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand—and that money, used wisely, can shape a better future.

Dean Hegarty became Co-CEO of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) to help grow the role investment plays in tackling social and environmental challenges. As the first New Zealand-based CEO of the organisation, he brings a different viewpoint-shaped by his background outside traditional finance and by a strong belief in collaboration. Alongside Co-CEO Estelle Parker, Hegarty is helping to lead RIAA’s mission across both sides of the Tasman through a model of shared leadership that values trust, transparency, and purpose.RIAA represents a broad membership base of asset owners, fund managers, advisers, and others committed to using capital as a force for positive change. The association sets standards, influences policy, and supports investment practices that account for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.For Hegarty, responsible investment is about more than avoiding harm—it’s about enabling capital to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future. He sees the sector at a pivotal moment, with ESG no longer on the margins but increasingly part of mainstream investment decisions. As renewable energy becomes more affordable and social pressures mount, investors are paying closer attention to long-term value and societal impact.“Responsible investment has shifted from being the right thing to do, to also being the smart thing to do,” Hegarty notes. But he’s quick to point out that momentum alone isn’t enough. “There are still barriers preventing capital from reaching the projects and communities that need it most.”As someone who came into the investment world relatively recently, Hegarty speaks openly about his learning curve—supported by mentors and colleagues willing to share their knowledge. Based in Queenstown, he leads RIAA’s New Zealand efforts and contributes to its trans-Tasman presence. His location has required adaptability and clear communication, particularly when it comes to staying connected with the Melbourne-based team.The decision to adopt a Co-CEO model was a deliberate move by RIAA. Hegarty and Parker bring complementary strengths: Parker with her background in diplomacy and public policy, and Hegarty with a values-led, mission-oriented approach shaped by his experience in New Zealand’s sustainability and business communities. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to the organisation’s purpose.While co-leadership can present challenges—especially across time zones and geographies—Hegarty sees its benefits clearly. “Two perspectives allow us to make better decisions. We each bring different questions to the table, which helps test our thinking and improve outcomes.”The arrangement also enables deeper engagement across both Australia and New Zealand, two markets with distinct regulatory settings and investment landscapes. RIAA’s growing influence in both jurisdictions benefits from having visible leadership on the ground in each.Looking ahead, Hegarty wants to see responsible investment become more inclusive. He believes that improving financial literacy and access- especially through mechanisms like KiwiSaver—will help grow the pool of capital directed toward positive outcomes. He describes responsible investment as a spectrum, with approaches ranging from avoiding harm to actively investing in solutions, such as renewable energy, affordable housing, and infrastructure.Ultimately, Hegarty’s focus is on creating the conditions where more capital can flow to where it’s needed most. “If we want investment to serve the future-not just the present- we need to make it easier for good money to find good outcomes.”Through his leadership at RIAA, Dean Hegarty is helping shift how the investment sector sees its role in society—not as separate from social and environmental challenges, but as a vital part of the solution.

Jenny Horst, Chief Executive at Upside Mentoring Aotearoa, joined Purposely Podcast to talk about the pressures facing young people in Aotearoa—and how mentoring can help build stability and confidence in uncertain times.She spoke about the challenges of leading a charity as economic uncertainty puts more pressure on funding and growth plans. Despite this, the focus remains clear: supporting consistent, safe mentoring relationships that help young people build emotional strength and a sense of belonging.Jenny emphasised that youth mentoring—when done well—is a practical, cost-effective approach that leads to better outcomes in education, mental and physical health, and resilience.The statistics she shared paint a stark picture. New Zealand has the highest youth suicide rate in the OECD. One in five young people are experiencing serious mental health challenges. Fewer than half are regularly attending school. Meanwhile, Upside Mentoring’s work is showing meaningful results. Independent analysis suggests that every dollar invested delivers $4.70 in social value.Jenny also spoke about the influence of online content on young people—especially boys aged 9 to 13—who are increasingly exposed to harmful messages online. Upside’s mentoring programme supports young people to think critically about the messages they see and helps them develop their own values and sense of identity.Looking ahead, Upside is continuing to extend the reach of its mentoring programme—including through partnerships with organisations embedding Upside’s mentoring model into their own mahi. Building long-term partnerships—with funders and community groups alike—will be essential to this next stage.A key thread in Jenny’s message is the power of connection: strong, trusting relationships between mentors and young people can shift lives in lasting ways. Supporting youth isn’t the job of one person or organisation—it requires shared commitment. Whether through funding, volunteering, or partnership, we all have a role to play in helping the next generation grow, thrive, and feel they belong.

We’re joined on Purposely Podcast by Gwen Green, General Manager of Engagement and Marketing at Blind Low Vision New Zealand. Gwen talks openly about her leadership approach, her career shift from the UK to New Zealand, and the ongoing work to strengthen the organisation’s connection with the people it serves.Gwen first joined Blind Low Vision NZ on a short-term contract to lead fundraising during a period of transition. What began as a temporary role quickly turned into a long-term commitment. Seeing the potential to create more impact, Gwen took on the role permanently and brought together fundraising, communications, and marketing into a single engagement function. The goal: better alignment, shared direction, and a stronger team culture.A big part of that change involved supporting Blind Low Vision NZ’s recent rebrand. Gwen talks about the internal and external challenges that came with the shift—especially helping staff and supporters adjust to a broader focus on people with different levels of sight loss. For Gwen, the rebrand wasn’t just about updating logos and language; it was about making sure the organisation reflects the communities it works with and speaks to people in an honest, inclusive way.Originally from the UK, Gwen reflects on how working in Aotearoa is different—especially when it comes to work-life balance and the scale of the charity sector. She sees value in adapting international experience to suit local contexts, and credits her team’s openness and collaboration for making that transition work.Digital fundraising, understanding donor behaviour, and managing change are all part of Gwen’s day-to-day focus. But just as important is building a workplace culture where people feel supported, clear on their roles, and part of something meaningful.Looking ahead, Gwen is focused on strengthening services, pushing for better accessibility legislation, and making sure the organisation continues to meet the needs of the community. That means listening carefully, staying flexible, and working across teams to get things done.

Shaun Greaves, CEO of Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN),spoke on the Purposely Podcast about the challenges of leading a large charity, his leadership style, and how ambition drives the future of social services in New Zealand.Shaun shared reflections on his career path and therealities of balancing leadership with well-being. While he once considered a career in politics, it was the advice of a close MP friend that redirected his focus. Rather than working within the political system, Shaun saw greaterpotential for impact by leading from the community sector—advocating for human rights and social justice through service delivery and organisational change.At PSN, Shaun leads an organisation facing the everydaypressures of the social services sector: ensuring staff well-being, responding to community needs, and meeting board and stakeholder expectations. He spoke openly about the emotional weight of leadership, and the importance of staying grounded and adaptable. His workday starts later than most CEOs but extends into the evening—a schedule that aligns with his natural energy and allows himto stay focused over the long term.Well-being is a personal priority. Shaun works outregularly, not just for fitness but also to maintain routine and connection. He and his partner enjoy live comedy, often attending Friday night improv shows.In the professional space, Shaun is most energised bystrategic planning. He spoke about PSN’s recent strategy work, where the team asked bold questions like, “What would it look like if we didn’t need to exist?” For Shaun, imagining a future without the need for social services canbe a productive way to challenge assumptions, reset goals, and drive innovation.He also highlighted the role charities play in New Zealand’seconomy—contributing £27 billion annually and accounting for 2.4% of GDP. Yet, he believes the sector’s value is often under-recognised. Shaun called for more public and political awareness of the impact community organisations have,particularly during crises such as the ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting families across the country.Shaun’s own career trajectory is one of focused ambition.Early on, he set a goal to become a CEO by age 40—a milestone he achieved through deliberate planning, visual goal-setting, and persistent action. His approach shows that clear intentions, combined with purpose, can lead totangible results.Shaun shared his vision for Presbyterian Support Northern—afuture defined by meaningful impact, fairness, and sustainable growth. He underscored the importance of addressing community challenges with thoughtfulplanning and a commitment to social equity.Under Shaun's leadership, Presbyterian Support Northernprioritises long-term solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives.His approach reflects a dedication not only to responding to immediate needs but also to driving significant change within New Zealand's social services landscape. 

In this episode, Will shares the work of WALSH Trust—an organisation that has been providing mental health, wellbeing, and residential support services to communities in West Auckland, New Zealand, for more than 30 years. Deeply embedded in the local area, WALSH Trust is known for its consistency and commitment—supporting people through complex challenges, no matter what’s happening in the wider system.Originally from Ireland, Will is a proud Irishman who now calls Aotearoa home. His journey has been shaped by a broad mix of experiences—spanning frontline services, leadership roles, governance, and coaching. In addition to his role at WALSH Trust, Will is a leadership coach with a genuine passion for helping others become the best version of themselves. He’s particularly focused on helping people recognise and move beyond self-limiting beliefs—those quiet, often unnoticed narratives that can hold us back.Will brings this perspective to his work every day. While open about the challenges facing the mental health and community sector—such as policy shifts, funding limitations, and workforce pressures—he remains clear that the focus must always stay on people. “The people we support need us to show up with them every day,” he says. It’s a principle that drives both the organisation and his approach to leadership.Sport has also played a role in shaping Will’s thinking. Growing up in Ireland, football was a big part of life. After moving to New Zealand, rugby league took that place. He appreciates the structure and clarity sport can bring—lessons that carry through to how he leads teams: understand your role, stay grounded, and keep moving forward together.Will also brings strong governance experience to the conversation, with a background in both charity and community boards. He understands the importance of good decision-making, especially when resources are tight and expectations are high. That strategic view, combined with practical leadership and coaching, gives him a well-rounded perspective on how to steer an organisation through change while staying true to its mission.A core part of his philosophy is the idea that we are shaped by the people around us. Will encourages reflection on whether our networks are helping us grow—or simply keeping us comfortable. “Are the people around you helping you move forward—or just maintaining the status quo?” It’s a question that applies both personally and within teams, and one that has helped shape the culture at WALSH Trust.With a strong local focus, WALSH Trust works closely with the communities of West Auckland. It’s not about chasing scale—it’s about being useful, adaptable, and responsive to real needs. Will is clear-eyed about the limitations but remains confident in the Trust’s future. “We’ve been around for nearly 40 years, and we’ll be around for a lot longer,” he says—more as a commitment than a prediction.It is evident that Will's combination of frontline experience, governance insight, and coaching perspective brings clarity to the complex world of community service. No jargon, no ego—just a strong belief in people, purpose, and showing up when it counts.

Welcoming James McCulloch, CEO of Victim Support / Manaaki Tāngata, to PurposelyIn this episode, James shares the work of Victim Support /Manaaki Tāngata—a national organisation dedicated to ensuring no one in Aotearoa must face the impact of crime or traumatic events alone. The organisation provides practical help, information, emotional support, funding,and referrals to other services, helping people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.James took on the role of CEO during a turbulent period. Theorganisation was under public scrutiny, including negative media coverage highlighting internal challenges such as staff dissatisfaction and strained relationships with key stakeholders. Since then, he has worked to rebuildtrust—both inside and outside the organisation—by improving working conditions, addressing long-standing issues, strengthening frontline services and growingfunding.  A focus on listening to staff and restoring confidence has helped Victim Support become more stable and effective.Born in Melbourne Australia but raised in North Wales, UK,James began his career in horticulture and landscape architecture. He later held senior management roles in local government, including with the City of London Corporation, where he was responsible for managing major public spacesand historic assets. This experience helped develop his skills in operational leadership, community engagement, and public service delivery.After moving to New Zealand with his family, James worked in the non-profit and education sectors, including with English Language Partners and Inspire Group. He joined Victim Support with a clear focus: prioritise theneeds of victims and build an organisation where staff are supported and equipped to deliver.He has introduced changes to reduce caseloads, improve staff wellbeing, and to begin building stronger connections with Māori, rainbow communities, and other under-served groups. He’s also focused on using technology to improve services and growing partnerships to extend VictimSupport’s reach.Looking ahead, Victim Support / Manaaki Tāngata aims toensure that every victim of crime in Aotearoa receives an offer of support.Scaling operations sustainably—while keeping staff wellbeing at the forefront—is a key challenge, alongside reducing reliance on government fundingto strengthen long-term resilience.James’s approach to leadership is shaped by a career spentin growth-focused leadership roles across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. From managing parks and heritage sites in central London to leading a frontline support service, he brings a steady, pragmatic focus to helping communities through complex and often difficult circumstances.

Welcoming Sally O’Brien founder of Blue CSR, a company that helps New Zealand businesses approach corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a practical and accessible way. Her focus is on employee volunteering as a starting point—something achievable that can create value for both the business and the wider community.CSR can often feel overwhelming. Concepts like sustainability goals or ethical business practices may seem abstract, particularly for smaller organisations or those just starting out. For many, the challenge lies not in motivation, but in finding a manageable way to begin. Sally sees employee volunteering as a practical entry point that connects company values with real-world engagement.She believes that when businesses enable staff to contribute their time and skills to causes they care about, it supports both community outcomes and internal culture. It can help employees feel more connected to their work and to each other, offering opportunities outside their usual roles.At the same time, Sally recognises the difficulties companies face when trying to establish volunteering programmes—from identifying appropriate charity partners to managing logistics and avoiding disruption to day-to-day operations. Blue CSR works with companies to help navigate these issues, offering guidance and resources to support their efforts.Rather than promoting large-scale or all-encompassing CSR plans from the outset, Sally encourages businesses to start small. Offering volunteering opportunities can be a first step, with scope to grow into broader initiatives over time. This might include aligning operational practices with sustainability goals or engaging with environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting tools.Her advice is to keep things focused and practical. A single volunteering initiative might lead to wider conversations within the team or build relationships that open up further opportunities for community engagement.In the New Zealand context, Sally notes that CSR is often shaped by personal connections and local networks. Businesses are often keen to contribute but may lack clarity on how to begin. Blue CSR aims to support this early-stage thinking, without prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions.At its core, Sally sees CSR as a reflection of company values. Whether that means supporting local fundraising events, environmental projects, or other community-focused activities, she encourages businesses to take actions that align with what they stand for.Blue CSR offers a way for businesses to begin incorporating CSR into their day-to-day operations, starting with initiatives that are realistic and employee-centred. While there is no single pathway to responsible business, Sally’s work highlights that even small steps can lead to meaningful engagement—both inside and outside the workplace.