It is role reversal in episode #31, I am being interviewed about my dual roles as CEO of Heart Kids New Zealand as well as founder and host of Purposely Podcast. The interviewer is the impressive Dhivya O'Connor (charity leader and podcaster herself) who is based in the UK.
The show leads with my belief charity leaders should focus on being good stewards and custodians and we should also worry less about ourselves and more about the difference we make “Less about egos and logos and let’s think more about mission and (those) whose lives we are trying to help and change... People first, mission always.”
I have 25 years of nonprofit experience both in the UK and New Zealand, leading fundraising, events, service delivery, community engagement, and commercial functions in well known charities such as The Prince's Trust, MS Society, Terrence Higgins Trust, Auckland City Mission, New Zealand Aids Foundation and the Auckland Foundation.
I am currently Chief Executive of Heart Kids New Zealand, a charity I feel very priveleged to lead providing lifelong care and support to children, young people and families impacted by childhood heart defects or CHDs. Previous to that, I was Head of the St. James's Place Charitable Foundation for over a decade. The Foundation is the seventh largest corporate foundation in the UK and is the charitable arm of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.
I am also the Founder of the Purposely Podcast, interviewing inspirational people. Purposely was set up to amplify the stories of founders and leaders of nonprofits, charities, for-purpose businesses, as well as social entrepreneurs. My hope is that Purposely will inspire other people to make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of people living in our communities and those who need the help the most.
Listen via via Purposely Podcast, Apple Podcasts and Spotify (plus other platforms)
Dhivya O'Connor launched The Charity CEO Podcast in August 2020, whilst on Maternity break with her second child. www.thecharityceo.com