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.

Welcoming Marc Leckie, who leads one of the UK’s most prominent football club foundations - part of the wider Premier League network of community charities. In this conversation, he explains how the Foundation uses the power of the club’s brand to deliver programmes that improve wellbeing, build skills, and create real pathways into work.From safe spaces and mental health support to apprenticeships and stadium-based jobs fairs, the focus is on long-term impact - not one-off projects.Marc also speaks candidly about his own lived experience, the pressures of leadership, and how to sustain yourself in purpose-driven roles.A veteran in sport-for-good, Marc brings around 25 years of experience across community foundations and youth development. Before joining Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, he was CEO of the Harlequins Foundation and spent 17 years at Charlton Athletic Community Trust, leading programmes focused on inclusion, education, and young people.At the heart of his work is a simple idea: sport can create opportunity, belonging, and lasting social change.Marc explains that a major football club’s identity provides a trusted gateway for people who might hesitate to engage with formal institutions. The badge opens doors - not just to participation, but to career possibilities across areas such as STEM, media, heritage, operations, and community work.

What if philanthropy wasn’t an add-on to business, but built into its DNA?In this episode of Purposely, we welcome Rebecca Roberts, Head of the Simplicity Foundation, to explore how one corporate foundation has embedded giving into its core model in a way that grows alongside the business.Established alongside Simplicity NZ Ltd in 2016, the Foundation receives 15% of KiwiSaver and Investment Fund management fees. As Simplicity has grown to manage more than $10 billion, the Foundation’s giving has expanded too, now distributing around $3 million in grants each year to charities across Aotearoa New Zealand.Rebecca shares how this structure works in practice, what it means to embed impact into a commercial model, and why long-term thinking matters in philanthropy.Why Simplicity chose to hardwire giving into its business model from day oneThe Foundation’s three pillars: Thriving Te Taiao (Environment), Thriving Rangatahi (Young People), and Thriving Hapori (Communities)The value of medium and long-term partnerships over one-off grantsWhy co-funding and collaboration with other foundations can strengthen outcomesWhat sustainable, impact-focused philanthropy looks like in actionFrom planting more than 200,000 native trees to supporting youth pathways into employment and addressing housing and food insecurity, this conversation highlights philanthropy designed for measurable, community-level impact.Rebecca also reflects on the responsibility that comes with scale, the discipline required in funding decisions, and how foundations can balance responsiveness with strategic focus.A valuable listen for anyone involved in corporate foundations, philanthropy, impact investing, or charity leadership.

Welcome Rosie Challies to the Purposely Podcast.Rosie is the Founder of the Terra Nova Foundation, which is focused on environmental action and being a catalyst for positive change for people and planet here in Aotearoa New Zealand.Rose brings more than 20 years of international experience working across Europe on complex social and environmental challenges. Rosie has partnered with governments, major funders, NGOs, not for profits and businesses to design and deliver change at scale. Her work has included shaping national policy and legislation, building cross sector strategies and leading large collaborative initiatives.Since returning home to New Zealand in 2019 as a NEXT Foundation Fellow, Rosie has focused on accelerating environmental progress through Terra Nova Foundation. Her experience spans systems change, strategic philanthropy and impact measurement, along with advising boards, political leaders, nonprofit leaders and philanthropists on how to achieve meaningful and measurable impact.In this conversation, we explore what it really takes to create lasting change, the role philanthropy can play in environmental progress, and why long term thinking matters more than ever.This episode is for anyone working in environmental action, philanthropy or systems change, and for those who want their work to make a genuine and lasting difference.

In this episode of Purposely, I’m joined by Craig Pollard, Founder and CEO of Fundraising Radicals, to talk about what it really takes to build high value funding partnerships that actually last.Craig brings three decades of experience working alongside civil society organisations and funders in more than 100 countries. He’s seen what works, what fails, and where organisations quietly undermine themselves in the pursuit of money.We talk about why high value fundraising is not about slick pitches or chasing the next grant round. It’s deliberate. It’s strategic. And it starts with being clear about your purpose and the role you want to play in the wider ecosystem.Craig shares his thinking on trust, alignment, and why the best partnerships are built on shared values rather than financial need. We explore what it means to design for long term value instead of short term wins, and why uncomfortable conversations are often part of building something stronger.There’s also a challenge here for leaders and trustees. Are you clear on what “enough” looks like? Are you building partnerships, or just securing income?If you care about moving beyond transactional fundraising and building relationships that genuinely resource impact, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

People connect with people, not causes. In this episode of Purposely, filmmaker and social entrepreneur Kiran Patel shares what charities and community organisations can learn from good storytelling and why authenticity matters more than polished campaigns.Kiran explains how strong stories give people agency, build trust, and help audiences see themselves in the work, rather than being talked at or asked to care from a distance. Drawing on his experience as a documentary filmmaker, he reflects on why human stories cut through, especially in a world saturated with content.The conversation traces Kiran’s journey from growing up between countries to building creative projects that bring people together. His family’s long connection to Auckland’s Dominion Road shaped that path, from running one of the area’s early Indian restaurants to creating Move Space, a community hub for art, ideas, and social impact.We talk about Kiran’s decision to step away from a traditional film school path to focus on real-world storytelling, and how that led to projects like Humans Are Awesome, a series that shines a light on everyday people quietly making a difference.Kiran also shares the thinking behind Deeper Questions, the card game designed to move conversations beyond small talk. Inspired by years of interviewing people, it’s a simple tool for building trust, connection, and more meaningful dialogue, whether in homes, teams, or community spaces.A big thank you to our sponsors Benevity and Trust Investments.

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, we’re joined by Eleanor Cater, CEO of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand, to explore how local giving can become one of the most powerful forces for long-term community change.Eleanor is deeply passionate about philanthropy, not as a lofty idea, but as something practical and grounded in place. From growing up in Porirua to now leading the national body for community foundations, she has been a witness to what empowered communities can achieve.Community foundations sit quietly behind the scenes of some remarkable outcomes across the country. They connect donors with local priorities, steward funds across generations, and help turn generosity into action. In New Zealand, the movement has grown steadily from 12 community foundations to 18 today, collectively managing more than $315 million in community assets. But as Eleanor explains, the real value isn’t just the capital, it’s the trust.Trust is the engine of community philanthropy. Donors need confidence that their giving will be respected, well governed, and still relevant long after they’re gone. Community foundations offer an alternative to setting up standalone trusts, providing professional governance, local insight, and the flexibility to respond as communities change. It’s a model built for permanence, without the administrative burden.We talk about what this looks like in practice. From regionally funded theatres and adventure playgrounds, to the quieter work of backing grassroots organisations and bringing people together around shared priorities. In places like Taranaki, Eleanor describes a genuine sense of local ownership, where communities don’t just benefit from philanthropy, they actively shape it.Eleanor also makes a compelling case for better philanthropy advice. Giving well takes intention, clarity, and context. Drawing on her academic work, including a Winston Churchill Fellowship and a Master’s in Philanthropy, she explains why donors are most fulfilled when their giving aligns both with their values and with clearly articulated community need.We also unpack the word philanthropy itself. Often misunderstood, sometimes off-putting, and wrongly associated only with extreme wealth. Eleanor reframes it simply as private giving for public good, something all New Zealanders already participate in, whether through donations, volunteering, or sharing skills.Looking ahead, Eleanor’s ambition is clear. Community foundations should be seen not as places where money sits, but as active builders of community. With significant intergenerational wealth transfer on the horizon, she believes New Zealand has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to embed generosity into the fabric of every region.

In this episode of Purposely, Mark Longbottom sits down with Tilda Bostwick, founder of Fundraising Talent, to unpack what fundraising really looks like as a profession. How getting the right people into the right roles matters more than ever for charities. Tilda lifts the lid on how fundraising has evolved in New Zealand. While many people still picture fundraising as street appeals or bucket collections, she explains how modern charities rely on highly specialised teams. From data and donor care to major gifts and strategy, fundraising today is complex, skilled work and it needs to be treated that way. Tilda shares her own path into the sector, starting with volunteering and grant writing, before moving into senior fundraising roles and eventually spotting a major gap. Charities were struggling to recruit well, often because fundraising roles were misunderstood or poorly defined. That challenge is what led her to launch Fundraising Talent.Starting a recruitment business just before COVID was not ideal timing. Tilda talks openly about the pressure that put on charities and on recruitment itself, and why many organisations later realised that not hiring, or hiring the wrong person, often costs more in the long run.A big part of the conversation focuses on expectations. Tilda regularly sees fundraisers hired with unrealistic KPIs, limited support, and the hope they will somehow “fix” income overnight. She explains why this leads to burnout and high turnover, and what charities can do differently. Clear roles, realistic targets, strong leadership, and a culture that values fundraising all make a difference.Tilda also shares what she looks for in top fundraisers. It is not just about personality or passion. Track record matters, as does strategic thinking, the ability to work with others, and staying power in roles. She also calls out common hiring mistakes like underpaying, vague job descriptions, and failing to invest in professional development.The episode touches on the changing shape of the sector, including more men entering fundraising roles, growing professionalism, and the use of AI tools in areas like grant writing. Tilda is clear that while technology can help, relationships and good storytelling are still at the heart of successful fundraising.For people considering a move from the corporate world into fundraising, Tilda offers practical advice on transferable skills, but also a reality check. Fundraising is rewarding work, but it demands resilience, commitment to purpose, and an understanding of the pressures charities operate under.The conversation closes with Tilda reflecting on why she stays in the sector. For her, it is about the people, the causes, and seeing what becomes possible when charities are properly resourced with the right talent.

This episode of Purposely is a little different.Instead of hosting the conversation, Purposely host Mark Longbottom is the one being interviewed — joining Azoora Ali on her podcast Care Beyond Profits. It’s a generous, wide-ranging conversation that gives listeners a chance to hear more about the story behind Purposely, the experiences that shaped Mark’s work, and the values that continue to guide him.Azoora takes Mark back to his early years growing up on Auckland’s North Shore, his long stint in the UK charity sector, and the journey that eventually led to the creation of Purposely Podcast. They talk about why Mark believes motivation is often overrated, and why consistency - especially when it’s scheduled - matters far more than waiting to feel inspired.The conversation also touches on health, wellbeing, leadership, and the balance between empathy and accountability. Mark reflects on what more than 260 interviews with purpose-led leaders have taught him about service, happiness, and the importance of clarity, even when leaders don’t have all the answers.Mark also shares insights from his role as Head of Community Engagement at Trust Investments, and his work connecting charities and for-purpose organisations with investment solutions that align financial performance with social and environmental impact.This episode offers an honest look at the thinking behind Purposely, the disciplines that sustain purpose-led work over time, and why serving others often brings deeper meaning to both leadership and life.A big thank you to Purposely sponsors Benevity and Trust Investments for supporting the podcast, and to Azoora Ali.

This episode is a little different.I recorded it while away at the beach with my family, fitting it in between swims, time with the kids, and the usual holiday chaos. Instead of the usual interview, this is just me taking a moment to reflect on the past year of Purposely Podcast and some of the themes that kept coming up.2025 was a big year for the podcast. We recorded 49 episodes and are closing in on 300 in total since Purposely began in 2020. This episode is a pause rather than a performance. A chance to share what stood out, what I have learned, and what feels worth carrying forward.One of the questions I ask in every interview is about mission and purpose. It has become increasingly clear to me that organisations with real clarity on why they exist tend to do better. They raise funds more effectively, motivate their teams more strongly, and stay focused on the impact they are trying to have. That clarity acts as a north star, especially when things get tough.I also share some thoughts on what it has meant to hear from listeners and see the podcast grow. The feedback, messages, and ongoing engagement really matter to me and help shape where the podcast goes next.A strong theme this year was the value of lived experience in leadership. Two conversations that stayed with me were with Nicola Coombe, CEO of the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and Shaun Robinson, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation. Both spoke openly about how their own experiences shape the way they lead and the empathy they bring to their roles.Another recurring topic was shared leadership and the rise of co-CEO models. Conversations with Alison Goodman from Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and Dean Hegarty from the Responsible Investment Association Australasia showed how well these arrangements can work when there is trust, complementary skill sets, and very little ego.I also reflect on the growing interest in venture philanthropy. In a difficult funding environment, conversations with Mary Rose Gunn from The Four and Izzy Horrocks from the Aotearoa Life Course Fund highlighted new ways of supporting early-stage organisations and social entrepreneurs, and why understanding how funders think is becoming increasingly important.This year I also hosted a number of in-person events, bringing together people from the investment world and the for-purpose sector. One thing I have become more convinced of is that as technology and AI make information easier to access, human connection becomes more valuable, not less. Meeting in person, learning together, and building relationships still matter.Towards the end of the episode I share a personal story about discipline and consistency. It is a reminder that change does not usually come from big gestures, but from small actions repeated over time.Thank you for listening and for supporting Purposely Podcast through 2025. I am really looking forward to what is coming in 2026, with more conversations, live events, and some new formats as the podcast continues to evolve.Some reflections from the yearThemes that stood out in 2025Connection still mattersA personal reflectionLooking ahead

This episode of Purposely was recorded live at a CEO roundtable in Auckland, bringing together leaders from across Aotearoa’s charity and for-purpose sector to explore one of the biggest questions facing organisations right now: how to use AI well, without losing the human heart of the work.Hosts Dr Kirsty Agar-Jacomb and Mark Longbottom is joined by Dr Megan Blakely from the University of Canterbury, whose research focuses on human-centred AI. Rather than talking about technology for its own sake, Megan challenges leaders to think about AI as a tool for augmentation, not automation, and to stay focused on people, trust, and wellbeing as adoption accelerates.The conversation moves beyond theory into the practical realities charity CEOs are facing. Megan discusses how AI is already showing up in areas like fundraising and health data, and why leadership matters more than ever when it comes to transparency, ethical decision-making, and psychological safety. She also unpacks the tension many organisations feel between legal compliance and ethical responsibility, and why meeting the rules is only the starting point.This live discussion is part of a series of impact lunches hosted by Mark Longbottom, designed to create space for honest, off-the-record conversations among charity leaders about emerging issues shaping the sector.A big thank you to Foundation North for hosting the roundtable and bringing together CEOs from across New Zealand’s charity community.Thanks also to Trust Investments and Benevity, the ongoing sponsors of the Purposely Podcast, for supporting conversations that sit at the intersection of purpose, leadership, and impact.

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, Mark Longbottom talks with Georgina Camp, co-founder of Huber Social, and Michelle McCaskill, the organisation’s CEO in Aotearoa. Both are leading voices in the move toward social impact measurement that actually helps communities instead of adding more admin.Georgina starts by explaining Huber Social’s purpose: to help people live well, and to support organisations to understand what truly makes a difference. Instead of counting outputs or filling in forms for the sake of it, their work focuses on listening to people’s experiences and keeping wellbeing at the centre. Good measurement should guide decisions, shape funding, and change as communities change.Mark raises a familiar tension for charities: proving impact versus understanding it. Georgina and Michelle talk about how a well-designed measurement approach can reduce workload rather than increase it. They work with the people affected, the funders, and the teams delivering services to create frameworks that reflect what matters most, not just what is easy to collect.Huber Social’s framework blends how people feel about their lives with practical indicators like health, resilience, relationships, and access to resources. It is flexible, grounded, and often uncovers issues that sit outside an organisation’s direct control but still influence whether someone can thrive.Michelle shares what it is like to lead Huber Social in New Zealand. She talks about building a remote team and forming partnerships around the country. She also highlights the Hauraki Opportunity, a recent project involving several communities coming together to define wellbeing on their own terms. It is a good example of measurement turning into real action instead of just another report.Both guests describe a shift happening in the sector. There is less emphasis on admin ratios and more interest in whether organisations genuinely improve people’s lives. Funders are also becoming more open to supporting wider issues that appear in the data, even when they fall outside an original project scope.The episode finishes with Michelle’s personal journey into social impact. She moved from innovation-focused business roles into work driven by purpose and community. She encourages anyone who wants to learn more to reach out through Huber Social’s platforms and be part of the wider conversation about measuring what matters.

We’re revisiting one of the early Purposely episodes, a conversation with Steve Wickham, founder of The Giving Department (which is till going strong) and a long-time leader in philanthropy, corporate responsibility, and social impact.Steve has spent more than two decades helping companies and philanthropists connect their resources with the people and organisations that need them most. Before launching The Giving Department in 2010, he held senior roles at Macmillan Cancer Support and The King's Trust (then the Prince’s Trust), shaping programmes that enabled businesses and donors to support young people and communities across the UK.How he made the jump from major national charities to starting his own social-purpose business.Why he built The Giving Department as a for-profit impact company, and what that model makes possible.The early projects that put the business on the map, including corporate partnerships that changed how companies think about doing good.His belief that generosity starts with people, not campaigns and why personal connection still drives most giving.Lessons from his time at The King’s Trust and Macmillan, including what strong partnerships look like behind the scenes.The influence of his family, particularly his late father, on his approach to work, kindness, and community.The pressures charities face today and why some organisations will adapt while others won’t survive.Steve’s blend of experience, honesty, and practical insight still lands today. The conversation strips philanthropy back to what really matters: relationships, trust, and people showing up for each other.

In this episode of Purposely, we sit down with Carey Church, Managing Director of Moneyworks, for a conversation about what ethical financial advice looks like in practice. Carey has been quietly shaping this space in New Zealand for nearly three decades, focusing on understanding people’s lives and values before talking about their money. Her approach is practical, people-centred, and built on years of working closely with clients as their needs and expectations have changed.We talk about:How Carey built Moneyworks around holistic, values-aligned financial planningWhy ethical investing isn’t about purity, but about informed decisionsThe role of trust and mutual respect between adviser and clientThe practical process Moneyworks uses to personalise ethical investment portfoliosThe increasing importance of financial literacy and intergenerational planningWhy Moneyworks became a B Corp, and what it actually means in practiceHow Carey is approaching life and leadership in her 60s, including a four-day work week and tighter focus on what really mattersWhether you're curious about ethical investing or simply want to understand what good financial advice looks like, Carey offers a candid, grounded perspective shaped by real-world experience.

Welcoming Kirsten Kilian-Taylor, Head of Philanthropy at Perpetual Guardian, to Purposely Podcast. Kirsten oversees more than $40 million in grants each year, working with hundreds of donors and charities to help drive meaningful change across Aotearoa. Her role is all about careful stewardship, not just managing funds, but making sure legacies, some over a century old, are still supporting real needs today.Philanthropy can be daunting when so many people and organisations need support. Kirsten says the key is to stay true to what donors care about while making sure their giving works in today's world. “Our mission is wrapped around stewardship,” she explains. Perpetual Guardian started with wills and estates, but now it works with people who want to give while they’re still here to see the difference it makes.Kirsten encourages people to start giving while they're still able to experience the impact firsthand. “Nine times out of ten, people already have a passion they want to support,” she says. Her role is to help that spark grow, whether it’s through scholarships, community projects, or less visible support like covering transport or uniforms to remove practical barriers.Perpetual Guardian’s sustainability is built on careful investment of capital funds, with grants powered by income. The organisation has shifted from solely managing funds to providing broader philanthropic advice, using sector insights, networks, and technology to make giving more effective. “We handle the compliance and administration so our donors can focus on what matters to them,” Kirsten says.In 2020, Perpetual Guardian brought Givealittle under its wing, a move Kirsten describes as a natural fit. The platform has so far generated more than $300 million in crowdfunding for causes across New Zealand. “Givealittle provides an entry point to generosity,” she says. “Anyone can give directly to a cause that speaks to them, and that’s powerful.”But it’s not all smooth sailing. Kirsten highlights the increasing pressure facing charities: rising demand for services, more competition for funding, and a government funding model that hasn’t kept pace. “We’ve seen application numbers double in some areas while funding stays the same,” she notes. Her advice for organisations seeking funding: stay true to your mission, build strong governance, and be adaptable.Kirsten also points to a shift in philanthropy—toward supporting capacity-building and operational needs, not just projects. Funders are moving cautiously, but there’s growing recognition that organisations need support to thrive long-term.Her personal journey into philanthropy started in Gisborne, shaped by community values and a formative student exchange in the Canadian Arctic. Now based in Wellington, she sees her role as creating space for people to connect with causes that matter. “My job is to make people feel comfortable pursuing their philanthropic goals,” she says. “I’m a connector at heart.”As philanthropy continues to evolve—driven by changing values, emerging generations of donors, and increasing interest from corporates, Kirsten stresses the need for authenticity. “If corporates want to offer philanthropic services, they need to back it up with real engagement—not just a PR strategy.”Kirsten sees huge potential in New Zealand’s philanthropic landscape: a mix of deep generosity and a small, agile system. “We’re small enough to test new ideas and see results quickly,” she says. She also calls for stronger collaboration between government and philanthropy to address big issues like health, housing, and education.A big thank you to episode sponsors Benevity and Trust Investments

This special live episode of Purposely Podcast was recorded in Auckland at a Place-Based Impact Investing event co-hosted by Brightlight and Trust Investments.Samuel Richards, Managing Director at Brightlight, joins me to discuss how purpose and investment can come together to deliver better outcomes for people and places. He talks about Brightlight’s journey, how it began, the challenges along the way, and what it takes to build an organisation that’s both commercially strong and values-driven.A central theme of the conversation is the Te Puna Hapori Community Infrastructure Strategy - Te Puna Hapori meaning “spring of wellbeing.” The strategy aims to help create safe, warm and healthy communities where people can live, learn and thrive. It focuses on the types of essential community assets — social, educational and health infrastructure — that are often underinvested in across regional Aotearoa New Zealand.Developed through a partnership between Trust Waikato and Brightlight, Te Puna Hapori seeks to unlock opportunities for wellbeing and resilience through targeted investment. The approach allows capital to flow into projects that deliver tangible, long-term benefits for communities, with investment options available through both fund and bond structures.Samuel is joined by:Dennis Turton, CEO of Trust WaikatoSimba Marekera, Head of Global Private Assets, BrightlightTim Symons, Brightlight NZTogether, they explore how global impact investing ideas can take root in Aotearoa, New Zealand and how capital, partnerships and community can work together to achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes.

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, Simon Fulford, Executive Director at Parrott Creek in Oregon, talks about leadership, community, and making change that lasts.Parrott Creek supports young people facing tough circumstances, combining therapeutic care with community-based programmes. Simon’s approach is shaped by years of working with youth and families in the UK, New York, and now the Pacific Northwest.He believes leadership is about staying steady when things get hard and making sure purpose shows up in everyday work. The new $29 million residential campus is a major milestone, but Simon says the real test lies in delivering programmes that match the promise of the space.He also talks about the realities nonprofits face - funding cuts, mergers, and the challenge of holding on to identity through it all. His focus is on keeping Parrott Creek nimble, learning from other sectors, and protecting the relationships and trust that make the work possible.Simon’s story crosses continents, but his focus remains constant: do the work, stay connected, and keep improving.

In this episode of Purposely Podcast, we are joined by Seumas Fantham (Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea), Chief Executive of the Todd Foundation.We talk about how philanthropy can move beyond forms, reports and checkboxes — towards something built on trust, honesty, and shared learning.Seumas is clear that effective giving isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about building real relationships, being open to challenge, and making it safe for partners to be upfront when things don’t go as planned.At the Todd Foundation, that thinking has shaped their approach to funding. Since 2009, they’ve supported community-led initiatives through long-term, high-trust partnerships — untagged funding that gives organisations the space and confidence to lead their own work. Seumas explained that this approach recognises the natural ups and downs that come with running a community organisation — leadership changes, internal challenges, or times when things simply feel tough. Rather than stepping away, the Foundation looks to stand alongside their partners and, when needed, work with other funders to help them through.We also talked about the culture change required for funders — to move from being grant-makers to genuine partners. It takes humility and a willingness to listen. For Seumas, that’s the real heart of effective philanthropy.Away from the office, Seumas stays grounded through whānau and the small moments that bring perspective — like sharing a chocolate fish with his daughter. It’s a reminder, he says, of what truly matters and the kind of presence he brings to his work.Seumas’s reflections are a timely reminder that good funding is built on trust, not control — and that lasting impact starts with genuine partnership.