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 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.
Welcoming Geneva Loftus, Executive Director of Move92, to Purposely Podcast.Geneva leads Move92 — a global philanthropic organisation on a mission to help local changemakers lead their own development. Their approach challenges traditional models of international aid by putting resources and decision-making power directly in the hands of those closest to the challenges.The organisation takes its name from a striking statistic: of the $10 billion in global gender equality funding, only 8% goes to organisations based in the countries where the work happens. Move92 exists to help shift that remaining 92% to the local leaders who know their communities best.In our conversation, Geneva shares her refreshing perspective on international development — what real impact looks like when it starts from the ground up, and how philanthropy can achieve more by doing things differently. We talk about shifting power, trust-based giving, and the importance of listening and learning from local partners.Now based in Christchurch, New Zealand, Geneva reflects on her multi-country life and career, from living with refugees on the Thailand–Burma border to advising funders and corporates across the US, Australia, Singapore, and beyond. With over 20 years’ experience spanning both large NGOs and grassroots organisations, she understands the subtle dynamics of both worlds — and what it takes to connect them effectively.At Move92, Geneva and her team connect philanthropists, family foundations, and corporates with grassroots organisations that align with their core values. Together they build purpose-driven portfolios that spark real-time impact and drive lasting change.Move92 also takes a wide view of gender equity, recognising that supporting girls and women includes working with boys and men too. Guided by their local partners, they focus on what communities need most — because when women thrive, communities thrive, and so does our planet.It’s an open, thoughtful conversation about rethinking philanthropy, following non-linear paths, and finding balance and purpose closer to home.
Welcoming Mark Weatherall, CEO of Life Education Trust, to Purposely.Mark Weatherall’s reflections on how New Zealand prepares young people for life are refreshingly down to earth. He talks openly about a familiar gap — that many young people, and even adults, haven’t built the knowledge, confidence or habits needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. “We got pocket money, we spent it, that was it,” he says, recalling his own upbringing. Today, with more pressures and distractions than ever, the challenge is helping the next generation make thoughtful choices that shape their futures for the better.Mark leads Life Education Trust, one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable and long-standing charities. After 37 years and reaching over 86% of schools, the Trust continues to evolve its mission of helping tamariki develop the life skills they need to make positive choices. Mark is realistic about what’s required to keep that work strong — supporting volunteers, maintaining local connections and securing sustainable funding are all priorities. “We need that local input,” he says. He believes centralising some functions, like fundraising or HR, could ease the pressure on volunteers, freeing them to focus on what matters most: supporting children and communities directly.Before joining Life Education Trust, Mark spent years leading some of New Zealand’s top sporting organisations, including canoeing and rowing. These are sports where success is measured in milliseconds, medals and the pride of representing Aotearoa on the world stage. He speaks candidly about the intensity of leading at that level, where every decision can influence an Olympic or Commonwealth campaign, and where legacy matters as much as performance.Mark also brought his leadership closer to home, heading Surf Life Saving New Zealand, a movement that combines competition, community service and coastal safety. It’s a cause close to his heart and reflects his lifelong love of the ocean, as well as his belief in sport’s power to build resilience, teamwork and purpose.Outside of work, Mark’s story is one of reflection and renewal. After a double hip replacement kept him from his usual pursuits — diving, fishing and time outdoors — he’s been rethinking what matters most. “How many useful summers have you got left?” a friend recently asked him. For Mark, it’s not about counting down, but about making the most of what’s ahead: staying active, enjoying family and finding balance between purpose and personal wellbeing.Mark’s approach isn’t about slogans or grand gestures. It’s about practical support, honest conversations and small decisions made well — both in leadership and in life. In a space often clouded by buzzwords, his clarity stands out: help young people build real skills, support those doing the work and keep the mission grounded in reality.
In this episode of Purposely, I’m joined by Joy Morozov, founder and director of Philanthropower, a consultancy that helps philanthropists and NGOs build trust-based partnerships that turn good intentions into real impact.Joy’s story is anything but ordinary. Born in Lebanon and raised across the Middle East, she grew up switching effortlessly between languages — now speaking more than five — and moving between cultures that didn’t always make space for women to lead. From a young age, she knew she wanted more than the life expected of her — so she pushed back, questioned limits, and carved her own path. That determination and curiosity have become her trademarks ever since.Her early career with the Financial Times and Thomson Reuters taught her the value of trust, brand integrity, and genuine connection. But after years in the corporate world, Joy felt an undeniable pull toward purpose. That calling led her to Light for the World, where she launched its UK chapter and learned first-hand that good intentions aren’t enough — real change comes from understanding what communities truly need and how to support them sustainably.Through Philanthropower, Joy now helps philanthropists and charities do exactly that. Her “MUST” framework — Mindset, Understanding, Strategy/Soft Skills, and Trust — captures her philosophy that effective giving starts with clarity, empathy, and relationships built to last.She speaks openly about what it takes to break into new markets, build credibility, and lead with conviction. Her success in the UK wasn’t luck; it was persistence, strategy, and an unshakeable belief that people give to people.Outside of work, Joy recharges through live music, travel, and the occasional off-grid retreat. Her journey — crossing cultures, sectors, and expectations — is a reminder that meaningful change takes both heart and rigour.
In this episode of Purposely, I’m joined by Jake Bailey, speaker, author, and now General Manager of Inspire Foundation, a charity backing the next generation of exceptional young New Zealanders.Jake first captured national attention as a teenager, delivering a heartfelt speech at his school prize-giving just days after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. That moment, and his remarkable resilience, inspired people around the world. But Jake is determined to be known for more than that chapter.Today, through his leadership at Inspire Foundation, Jake is focused on helping 15–23 year old's with outstanding talent across sport, arts, culture, and academia. The charity has supported more than 600 young people over the past 14 years, providing financial support, mentoring, wellbeing resources, and a community to help them thrive.We talk about:The lessons Jake learned from his own journey and why he’s focused on moving forward.The importance of authenticity and clarity in leadership and communication.How Inspire Foundation is making a difference for young New Zealanders and the vision for its future growth.This is a conversation about resilience, leadership, and purpose, an inspiring listen for anyone interested in how charities can unlock potential and create lasting impact.
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.