For Purpose – The Optimistic Cynic

A reflection

A period of reflection this afternoon reminded me of the time I had my first midlife career tangent. When you receive support, even though you had no prior knowledge that you needed it, it can have a profound impact. Suddenly giving back becomes really important to you. It’s more than just being thankful. It mightContinue reading “A reflection”

Survival is a plan

It’s tough out there at the moment – we all know that. If you’re purpose driven, you see it from both sides. The need has increased while funding and/or sales are difficult. We want to do more, but it feels like we have less. It’s OK, saving the world takes time. It might sound counterintuitiveContinue reading “Survival is a plan”

Look back to see the way ahead

I was idly looking through my notebook from the CELF* course I undertook a few years ago. On the first few pages, two quotes stood out for me: If you have great understanding of your values, you can be totally committed to an organisation – even if that organisation itself may not be clear aboutContinue reading “Look back to see the way ahead”

Integrity

Integrity can sometimes mean doing the right thing, even if it’s not safe to do so. Not every environment is supportive or welcoming of honesty. Sometimes it’s met with anger, resentment, or worse, total silence. When faced with these situations, trust your own values and instincts. You are the sole protector of your integrity, don’tContinue reading “Integrity”

We do make a difference….

Thanks to the great folks at Impact Hub Waikato for sharing this quote in their newsletter. We do need to remind ourselves that the little things do matter… “You make an impact in the world around you every single day. Whether it’s how you treat the tired grocery worker or how you react to the rushed personContinue reading “We do make a difference….”

Reconsidering scalability in the not-for-profit-sector

I wrote this over six years ago and it still rings true today. Growing the new wave It was interesting to reconsider the point I made about scalability and infrastructure: “There is a place for mergers and joint ventures. We need to look past our own brands and ‘local solutions’ if we wish to makeContinue reading “Reconsidering scalability in the not-for-profit-sector”

Vulnerability is not limited by ethnicity

*** Trigger alert warning. If this post seems like I’m challenging you, rest assured that I am definitely doing that. With all of the current ‘noise’ about prioritising Maori and Pacifika health interventions, I thought I’d add my two cents worth – and as usual, it’s slightly off the main thread. Firstly let me justContinue reading “Vulnerability is not limited by ethnicity”

Passion

My passion – a world where business and purpose collide.

Why do you want to be redundant?

Before leadership was such a buzz word, I attended a first level supervisory course that left a piece of advice forever embedded in my brain. Your key job as a manager is to make yourself redundant. This pearl may date back to the ‘80s but it’s still a key fundamental for leadership. It’s about buildingContinue reading “Why do you want to be redundant?”

Those magic words

Having been head down for 12 months, I’ve missed networking (drinking coffee) with a range of people. I’m slowly getting back into it and realise how much I’ve missed hearing people say “thanks, I’ve never thought about that” or “wow that’s a different way to look at it, thanks”. I really do love sharing randomContinue reading “Those magic words”