GLOSS OCTOBER 2015 by GLOSS MAGAZINE

GLOSS BUSINESS | MONEY | LIFE | REVIEWS | YOU

OCTOBER 2015

told me we could all be bricks in the wall of change - if we wanted to be. I knew I wanted to build that wall, and I desperately wanted to be one of those bricks, stacking up to make a strong house of change for those in need. But where did I start? I didn’t like the way the not for profit sector was structured; I didn’t see the value in where my ‘charity’ dollar was going.

HIS MONTH’S ISSUE sees the introduction of some more amazing members of the LBDGroup community to readers of GLOSS. I am also incredibly excited to introduce the Board of LBD’s philanthropic arm, the First Seeds Fund, and that is something very special; because just like the October topic of philanthropy itself, the whole concept of making a difference is one I have been passionate about for many years. I was fortunate enough a few years ago to have a private meeting with Abigail Disney, great-niece of Walt Disney. I have never forgotten what she said to me when it came to philanthropy. She GLOSS OCTOBER 2015

As Michael J Fox mentions in this issue, I wanted disruptive philanthropy. Then I discovered the idea of women’s gift-giving circles in the United States, and the idea which germinated into the First Seeds Fund was planted. Just like myself, every single person featured in this issue talks to, and about, practical philanthropy. In their own way, they are all disruptors, not willing to settle for the way things have always been done within the sector. They want to build a new house, or wall of change; one that truly benefits people, or causes, and provides a strong shelter from poverty, violence, ignorance and disease. They are all working towards change, not just a cause. This is what thrills me most about GLOSS, and what we are able to

show you about the true meaning of philanthropy.

to see the cycle of violence and abuse, and ignorance, eradicated, for all who have to suffer through it. I It may be a focus on a member, and know that this is pie in the sky at this where they have come from - because stage, so what I can do, I will, and in our featured member, Melanie that is help to provide education and Gray’s journey, her business arose from community programs, and employment wanting to see her mother return to opportunities for women and children health. It may be the journey Peter right here, right now, as part of the Baines, the author of our exclusive book First Seeds Fund initiative. extract, our gift to you, has taken, from policeman to benefactor. I encourage all of you to become a brick in your own personal wall of change. Each and every person in this issue is wanting to give back, and give back After all, it’s far better to build sturdy, with practicality and purpose. embracing walls capable of including everyone, than bothering with This is one of my favourite issues for the knocking down those that are flimsy year, and it is not so much about the and irrelevant - because that’s the easy amazing stories of hope, and courage way out, when it come to philanthropy. - although these are wonderful in themselves. Don’t get trapped into giving without thought. Be a brick - and start building. It is more about the determination to You will have the whole of GLOSS do giving the right way, and see change right beside you. happen, rather than sitting back and assuming people will give for giving’s Remember to sake. Inspire. Connect. Succeed. I want to thank every single one of our contributors, from our regular columnists to our guests, for sharing their thoughts, their path, and most of all, their why for embracing philanthropy. My why is simple. I want to see poverty at the grassroots level in Australia eradicated. I want

JANINE GARNER PUBLISHER BUY FROM ME TO WE NOW! GLOSS OCTOBER 2015

GLO S S GLOSS MAGAZINE Issue 24 PUBLISHER Janine Garner

MANAGING EDITOR Kate Matheson

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Margot Andersen Dr Jenny Brockis Melissa Browne Nikki Fogden-Moore Adrian Morgan

Renata Cooper

FEATURED THIS MONTH

Michael J Fox Melinda Cruz Peter Baines Justin Pagotto Melanie Gray Lisa McAdams Liz Courtney Emma Bannister Duncan Ward Tracey Sofra Ruth Lewis-Jones Zahrina Robertson

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES support@littleblackdressgroup.com.au

MEMBERSHIP & FEEDBACK ENQUIRIES support@littleblackdressgroup.com.au

PUBLISHED BY LBDGROUP littleblackdressgroup.com.au

© LBDG 2015 All content in this newsletter is protected under Australian and International copyright laws. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of LBDGroup is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this online magazine at time of going to press, and we accept no responsibility for omissions or errors. All rights reserved.

hilanthropy is a strange word. Fill-aaannthrow-pee. It sounds more like something to do with surgery to remove internal organs than setting out to do good in the world.

‘ ‘ ‘

How are you today?’ Oh fine thanks, just heading off to hospital. They’re performing a philanthropectomy on me today.’

Ohhhhh... I’ve heard they’re quite nasty. Don’t envy you at all with that. You take care, won’t you?’

Actually, if I think about it logically, this makes more sense than at first glance. Separating a man from his money is one of the hardest tasks on the face of the planet, and those who do it well deserve not only recognition for their selflessness and compassion, but also for their skills in psychology, social media, business strategy, behavioural science, and sheer chutzpah. It’s a weird sensation for me to be writing about this topic, because I am an Ambassador for a philanthropic cause. I would like to see every man and his dog turn their pockets out to give money to said cause, because it is backing research into a disease I have. It is also a disease several of my comedic and literary heroes did, or do, ‘suffer’ from, and so if John Q Citizen and Rover could simply deposit cash accordingly that would be brill, thanks. However, this is where I run into a problem. Why am I more worthy than any other cause out there? What makes my plight, or the plight of Michael J Fox, or Billy Connolly, more important than women who are in terrible

need of help with getting out of violent relationships, or children going without education, food, or clothing in Africa, or for that matter, right here in Australia?

There is no answer.

Unlike most normal surgery, you aren’t bound by Hippocratic conventions. Giving is about wanting to give, but it is also about organisations being worthy of the gift. If this sounds harsh, then I apologise; but I stand as a national representative for an organisation who does do the right thing. They check the right boxes. If they didn’t, I would stand down, because I would know they no longer had the best interests of those they claim to represent in mind, and at heart.

Every legitimate cause is worthy of funding and focus.

And both these have to be the basis of any philanthropic efforts.

Why shouldn’t we look harder for a cure for cancer (also self-interest here) rather than working out why I shake like hell? The answer is this.

There will always be people in need. Otherwise you may as well just call it There will always be animals being hurt big business, rather than the business of and abandoned. There will always be giving. diseases to conquer, and there will always be ways in which we will attempt to wreck this beautiful planet. What each of us has to do is choose elective surgery, if you will, on our giving capability. Work out when, and how, you are going to have your philanthropectomy. Choose your causes, and stick to them. Do your research. What percentage of your give goes to administration? Can you see a breakdown of where your money goes, and in what stages? If you are giving to an Australian cause, can you guarantee that the funds are going to Australian research/people/pets/plants? And most important of all... It’s OK to embrace the understanding that a philanthropectomy is reversible.

KATE MATHESON MANAGING EDITOR

CONTENTS

October 2015

108

28 42 36 72

100

02 04

From the Publisher Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note

LIFE

FEATURES

From High Heels To Snowboots

In Her Own Words

Foxfire: An Interview With Michael J Fox

All I Need Is A Miracle: An Exclusive YOU Interview With Melinda Cruz

Why It Is Better To Give Than Receive

BUSINESS

Go Muscles Not Show Muscles

104

Video Magnetism!

Corporate Spend

From Little Things...

Building Engaged Philanthropy

REVIEWS

Domestic Violence: Awareness is Not Enough

The Business of Hope

#ChooseREAL

Leading with Generosity

MONEY

How Impact Investing is Changing Philanthropy

Financial Freedom

108

The Fly In The Ointment: Stamping

110

Book and Web

Out Fake Philanthropy

upposedly Michael J Fox died this week. It was a cruel hoax, and it put my heart in my mouth, but I can tell you I didn’t believe it for a second, because - I know this sounds stupid, and that’s fine - I felt I would know if he were gone. Because I will tell you the moment that Michael J Fox truly - I suppose the words are became alive, for me (apart from this interview). It was when I was reading the first volume of his memoirs, Lucky Man.

FOXFIRE: AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL J FOX Kate Matheson

Of course I had thought he was funny, and charming, and a goofy cute guy with a wit most people didn’t realise was sharper than a paper cut. I had watched him on the small and big screen since Family Ties, and admired his ability to stay himself whilst being a ‘character’. This was no small screen characterisation though. This was real life, and there would be no happy ending - at least not as yet. But there would be a hero. Michael J Fox was talking about being diagnosed with Young, or Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease, and his struggle to accept it. He was 29 years old, going on 30 when he was diagnosed, even though he didn’t share his diagnosis with the public for another seven years.

That was in 1991. In 2001, I felt the first symptoms of what can only be described as complete weirdness. My face started pulling down on one side, and it hurt. It hurt like hell. Then it went away after a while, and didn’t come back for quite some time. The only reason I thought about it at all, really, was because it happened on 9/11. I briefly looked as though I had had a stroke, except, as mentioned, it hurt.

the rest of us, he told the world he did. And, like some of us, he is now doing everything he can to make sure nobody has to go through what he has in this, or any lifetime. Because Parkinson’s sucks. It sucks like a sucky thing with added suck; but also like Mike Fox, you can make a decision. You can sit in a corner and rock back and forth, or you can go out and fight it.

I also didn’t share this information with anyone. Head on. I was 29 years old, going on 30.

You can also make fun of it.

Then I started noticing other things. My handwriting went to pot. I started shaking when I was not doing anything, but as soon as I got busy fine. My little finger curled in on itself. Buttons became the work of Beelzebub.

Michael says:

It took almost as long for me to get diagnosed as it did for Mike Fox to admit publicly to having the disease, but eventually I was told. “You have Young Onset Parkinson’s”. All I could think was ‘thank God it’s not something worse’. And - ‘oh, well, Michael J Fox has it, and he copes OK’. Then I read Lucky Man, and I realised he didn’t necessarily cope OK, but like

“I can play anybody [as an actor]... as long as they have Parkinson’s Disease”. He also says that the disease “has made me a better person, a better father, a better partner... it gave me my soul back. Would I want the old me back? No way. I am part of a community... what I can do for the father with four kids who worries about losing his health insurance, for the girl who worries about being marginalised because of the way she moves... how could I want my old self back?” He admits he did worry that “people wouldn’t find him funny anymore”, but once he looked outside himself

at these bigger problems, and that he could actually do something to help those without a voice, he got a lot more clarity - and felt ashamed of his selfishness.

This in addition, of course, to setting up the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

This is real, and it demands your respect and attention”.

philanthropy... not just putting money into the system, but challenging the system to do it better.”

I am not sure he agrees with this, but he certainly sees those who have “It’s a privilege. Because you are Parkinson’s as stuck in no-man’s land, comforted - despite being frightened as with nobody involving them in the hell, because this is a really big, horrible research timeline. thing, because there are so many people supporting you. There is no isolation. “We call the Foundation disruptive

He has been quoted as saying that although he doesn’t have an MBA, he has a degree - he is a patient. That’s his degree. I would argue that by now, with the amount of advocacy and political activism he has undertaken on behalf of Parkinson’s people, that he would be entitled to several doctorates in actuality, not just honorary ones.

Part of this system, is of course, Shake It Up, the Australian partner of the Fox Foundation, of which I am privileged to be a National Ambassador. I can tell you for a fact that it was Michael’s very blunt ‘he’s making sense’ that got founder Clyde’s strange (in NFP terms) visions for fundraising through the Fox Foundation door.

As a result, Fox matches Shake It Up dollar for dollar in every fundraising effort - and all those dollars go to research here in Australia (Clyde pays all of the administration overheads himself). It is an approach Michael seems to think is pretty damn cool, and I would say appeals to that ‘disruptive philanthropy’ streak in him. I can’t speak for Michael when I talk about Parkinson’s. But I can quote him, and say what he thinks about it. Because not only is he fighting for himself, he is fighting for others in his family; his wife, Tracy Pollan’s brother has it, too. He said on the Letterman Show earlier this year: “I’m fully aware of it (the disease) - it’s locked in with me”. But he also says this:

But I will find a cure - I’m not that stupid.” I cannot say that I won’t say ‘why me’ when the night has been extra long, and my face, back and feet have been cramping and spasming like mad things. But like Michael, I too don’t regret Parkinson’s. I can’t - I would do so many a disservice, and I think I am a Lucky Woman, because if nothing else, it has brought me people who are extraordinary and giving and selfless.

“Once you stop bitching, and saying why me, you realise what an amazing gift you have been given. The chance to Like Michael J Fox. not only be part of something greater than you, but to get an understanding Lucky, Lucky Woman. of yourself. That’s why I will never regret this disease. I will never ever say why me again.

hen Melinda Cruz was pregnant with her second son, ten years ago, she was already nervous about the possibilities of his being born prematurely. She had already been through his earlier brother’s premature birth - a six week early arrival, to be exact - and she knew there was a distinct possibility it could happen again. And it did. This time, it wasn’t six weeks early. It was thirteen. And as she says, it was then her life changed. “It hurt so much to do this to a second baby. [His] being so premature put me into a whole new unknown world.”

ALL I NEED IS A MIRACLE: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MELINDA CRUZ Kate Matheson

When she was discharged from the hospital’s program for very early babies, she searched for ways to stay in contact with other parents and the health system, because of course, she wanted both reassurance on what she was going through, to be able to discuss any issues and concerns, and to have the support of others in a similar situation. As she says: “Finding nothing Australia-wide, I approached the head of the unit with an idea to assist other families who were going through a similar journey and give back to the hospital I credit for giving me my family.”

So what happened next? For most people, perhaps a support group would have been formed, contact would have been maintained, and that would have been that.

mothers, set out alongside the hospital to work out how we could change the experience for new families experiencing the birth of a premature or sick baby.”

Not with Melinda Cruz at the helm... and not with another baby on board, it seemed!

The result? “In ten years, we went from a small local group at one hospital, to the largest national charity in this space operating in every tertiary hospital in

Instead, one of Australia’s most innovative social enterprises came to

life - which this year, along with her second son, celebrates ten years of life, love and a lot of laughter, tears, and achievements. Because that’s when miracles occurred, with the forming of Miracle Babies.

the country and countless more. Our programs are available for families from a threatened pregnancy, to their time in hospital, and then once home until the children are six years old and beyond.

As Melinda says:

We are also the peak consumer body for premature research, input into health and education.”

“Miracle Babies was formed, (I fell pregnant a third time – yikes) and I, along with a group of founding

A premature baby, perhaps; a premature vision - perhaps not. Melinda says her vision has always been

to ensure no family going through this traumatic journey has to do it alone. She sees it as a non-negotiable they have access to support, the best care, information, resources and a connection to others.

Melinda says more needs to be done to understand the long-term implications of a baby who is born premature or sick. GPs, specialists, carers and teachers need to be educated further as the babies grow into children and adults.

“Every year more than 48,000 babies are born premature or sick. It is a massive task, and one that needs to be available year after year; not only for new families, but for all families as their miracles grow. Unfortunately, having an early or sick baby does not end when you are discharged from hospital.

She also feels that going forward, past patients (consumers) will play a bigger role in the direction of overall health, as partnerships have been a missing piece

Sometimes physical and emotional issues can last a lifetime, and for the entire family, and Miracle Babies will be there for them as long as they need us.” Miracle Babies is not only changing the way premature baby families are looked after. They are changing the way the not for profit, or NFP, sector is looked after, which is almost as large a miracle in business terms. “In the space of premature and sick babies, we are providing world-class support for families and we are an integral part of the health system working together for continual improvement. We fill a vital role in said system. Medically and physically, these babies are extremely well taken care of already; we assist in the emotional wellbeing of the family they go home to.”

of health for so long. She says: “In our space, we are working with clinicians on better ways to partner with consumers in the direction of healthcare and in research.” She also feels very strongly that within the NFP sector, that there must be a change in mindset about the whole

area. “My personal belief is this; there needs to be a mindset change in the way we think about NFPs. These are organisations who have the ability (and expertise) to make serious change in our world, yet common belief is that they should do it on a budget, keeping headcount and wages low, and fundraising and administration costs

low. That all funds donated should go towards the cause - yet no part of running a charity isn’t for the cause. Every department, even fundraising and admininistration share, and are working for, the vision of the cause.”

organisation, including their ability to make a strong, deep impact and quickly, to attract and retain great people to the sector, and to build and invest for future growth and sustainability. She says: “I think knowing what I know now - if I was on the other side and a philanthropist, I would want to know more about the people inside the charity, understand their visions and dreams, where they want to take it, and [I would] then put my money towards infrastructure, people, sustainability and growth - and simply let them get on with it.” With Mirace Babies reaching what, in NFP terms, can be considered a very ripe old age, Melinda is seen as an expert consumer representative in her space, and she is now a part of several neonatal trials. She has also been offered a position on the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Clinical Trials Executive Committee and to Chair their Consumer Advisory Panel, and to be part of a new Breastmilk Bank pilot with the Blood Bank due to start next year. This doesn’t seem to have slowed her down at all, however. And the tenth birthday is a huge milestone, but it doesn’t mean the work stops.

She feels very strongly that this is not required with a for-profit company, and therefore has wider implications for an “Funding has always been, and is, our

biggest challenge. We (the founders) came together from a common experience and built Miracle Babies on drive, passion and a firsthand experience of the huge need and gap in the health system – not from fundraising backgrounds. The great thing is, that it only takes about $67 per baby to currently do what we do but the issue is that there are more than 48,000 of them every year. We have a small team but it is an area we will continue to work on. We have to, families need us.” This is a driven woman, (as she says, by ‘c’ words - create, contribute, change, connection, community) - and she is guided by what she feels on an internal level. This is something parents of premature babies all over the world should be very, very grateful for. “I always knew at some level that I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself even if I didn’t know what it was. It wasn’t driven by ego but more by an internal drive I couldn’t explain. I would never, ever have chosen for my boys to come into the world the way that they did, but I know now why they needed to. Their journeys changed the agenda of my life. I hope as I get older, that I get the opportunity to inspire people to challenge what they have been taught about experiences, relationships and life.” There is no doubting that Miracle Babies has changed the lives of parents - and premature babies - everywhere in Australia for ten years. There is also no doubt that Melinda Cruz has been changed by the same miracle, or any doubt about her part in making that miracle happen. Happy Ten Miracles, MB. May you continue to bring hope, happiness, and strength to families - and a sense of purpose to a sector which is often dogged by a lack of it. And Happy Ten Miracles Melinda Cruz, because nobody deserves a celebration more. Find out more about Miracle Babies here.

business

business: /ˈbɪznəs/ noun

1. a person’s regular occupation, profession, or trade. 2. commercial activity.

he Former CEO of BHP Marius Kloppers declared, “Companies should think of every dollar they spend in the supply chain as a potential tool for social good.” 1 Buying goods and services with a social good attached to it is known as “social procurement.” Well known businesses in the Business to Consumer (B2C) space include the various water companies, Who Gives a Crap toilet paper and Tom’s shoes.

CORPORATE SPEND PHILANTHROPY AND PROCUREMENT Justin Pagotto

I am utterly convinced that social procurement provides a massive opportunity to bring long term transformation to society as it solves the following three issues:

Under the traditional donor model there are thousands of charities competing for around 1% of Australia’s GDP. There is simply not enough funds to produce significant long term change.

2. This forces charities to spend

far too much time and resources on fundraising rather than on their core missions (which they are passionate about).

3. Business owners and consumers

are charity weary as we are asked to give every day of the week from what is left after our goods and services expenditure. By switching your supply chain

spending to high quality VENDors, SME’s can get smart procurement and support charity without affecting bottom line profit.

income stream that could be redirected to my friend’s activities. I would then direct this income to my friend to fund his activities.

My journey into using the power of business to fund long-term projects started 10 years ago when a friend of mine left a secure well paid job to work with the poorest of the poor in Asia. Their work involves providing justice for widows, orphanages and rescuing women who have been trafficked.

The value proposition to home loan clients was simple:

Go to the big four banks for a home loan and they keep all the profits

2. Use our service and get access to

all the loans in the market and generate

I AM UTTERLY CONVINCED THAT SOCIAL PROCUREMENT PROVIDES A MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING LONG TERM TRANSFORMATION TO SOCIETY This created a problem as these people couldn’t afford to pay him. Many organisations are in this conflict - they have a great purpose and are really good at what they do but struggle to fund the mission. I had my first lightbulb moment when I realised that through my business connections, I can refer a home loan to a well qualified broker who can provide high quality mortgage solutions. I would receive a share of the upfront and ongoing commission paid as part of the home loan. Given most Australians need finance to enter the property market this provides a long-term

a long-term income stream for good. So we implemented this solution and my friend continues to receive this passive income to this day. Then in November 2013 I had my second lightbulb moment when I went on the Accelerate Global Entrepreneurship Exchange with Creel Price to Johannesburg, South Africa. Creel organised a team of twelve Aussies to match up with twelve graduates from the Branson Centre for a boot camp with a difference.

The “a-ha” moment was “what if we can use the home loan model to the procurement of goods and services for business to fund the work of charities?” Businesses are always spending money on phones, business insurance, websites, leasing, promotional products whether it is recession or boom or anywhere in between.

Our ENDer charity partners in the prevention, rescue and economic opportunity win because they now have consistent funding for their projects and can focus on their core mission. Corporate Spend provides procurement solutions in the following areas:

And so on the plane back to Sydney, our social enterprise Corporate Spend was born. The idea is simple yet powerful in that we connect business owners (SpENDers) with high quality vetted suppliers (VENDors) who pay us a share of the upfront and ongoing revenue which is paid into our Corporate Spend charity pool. In Corporate Spend, 80% of our profits must be given away to our ENDer charity partners or reinvested in the social enterprise. SpENDers win in that they get access to high quality vetted supplies for their real purchasing needs. VENDors win in that we provide warm introductions to SMEs, and corporates who want to do business with them based on Corporate Spend procurement and social good solutions.

• • • • • • • • • •

Property Marketing and Telco Training and Wellness Finance Insurance Legal Accounting Bookkeeping Office Entertainment

Both SpENDers and VENDors also gain the marketing edge over their competitors as we give them the credit for the funds generated and they can Here are some examples of how use the social impact reports to create a Corporate Spend has helped SME point of difference to their stakeholders. clients:

• Our Phone and IT brokers saved a branding company 23% on their landlines and $4,176 over the life of the contract even when a hefty payout figure was involved. • Boutique Real Estate purchased $10,000 of umbrellas to give away to their valued clients • Savings of 5-15% on clean energy

1 is a reference to where Marius Kloppers quote comes from Corporate Social Procurement Report in Australia Sept 2013 Social Traders

STOP PRESS!

The exciting news is that Corporate Spend has partnered with the LBDGroup to provide quality procurement solutions and raise funds for LBDGroup’s philanthropic arm - First Seeds. LBDGroup Members can book in an appointment for a SpENDer review of your services here.

through our partnership with green energy provider • Customised promotional products to Phone Company • Key Person Business and Family Wealth Protection Plans The power of social procurement provides practical solutions and transforms our world. They shouldn’t be mutually exclusive activities. For more information visit www.corporatespend.com.au

Justin Pagotto is the Chief Expansion Officer and Founder of Corporate Spend, passionate about community transformation and the pressing need for charities to transition to sustainable fundraising models. In 2010, Justin received the Australia Day Medal from Randwick Council in recognition of his services to the community Contact Justin here

CASE STUDY

CORPORATE SPEND

BUSINESS OVERVIEW Housed in a bright Sydney studio, buzzing with more than twenty curious minds, Presentation Studio is the premier presentation design studio for Asia Pacific. We are passionate about changing the way companies develop their presentations – transforming lackluster designs into powerful business communication tools. The Presentation Studio difference has been honed through a long-forged dedication to the presentation arena. It’s existence is dedicated to making people look good – to help ideas stand up, be counted, and make a difference. 22 | GLOSS OCTOBER 2015

“CORPORATE SPEND IS A PIONEER IN THIS SPACE IN AUSTRALIA AND WE DECIDED TO PIONEER ALONGSIDE THEM, NOT ONLY TO SAVE MONEY IN OUR EVERYDAY SPENDING BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY TO GIVE BACK TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST.” – EMMA HOW MUCH DID I SAVE BY PARTNERING WITH CORPORATE SPEND?

actually save money and also give back to charities in need it seemed too good to be true.

Loads!

THE PROCESS

Q: How much did you save on

With a couple of simple calls to review price comparison we were able to switch accounts and it really had next to no impact on us. It feels so good to be giving back without actually having to do anything!

energy? A: We are yet to receive our power bill to make a comparison.

Q: How much did you save on

business insurance? A: We have saved over $3000 on our business insurance thanks to Corporate Spend.

WHY WE SWITCHED I think it’s habit to just stick with your current supplier or use the brand who has the biggest marketing spend (front of mind). However, when I learnt that we could

Thank you guys for providing such a wonderful service. Love your work. Emma

FROM LITTLE THINGS GREAT THINGS GROW: meet the First Seeds Fund Board Members

he First Seeds Fund is an essential part of LBDGroup’s purpose and path. Our mission is to reduce the impact of poverty and abuse in our own backyard focussing on women and children, with programs for education and community, and employment opportunities. As founder Janine Garner says; ‘we sometimes get so caught up in looking outside Australia’s borders, we forget to look in at what is happening right in front of us. There are women and children living below the poverty line right here. There are horrifying conditions which we need to look at in our own cities and suburbs as well as helping those who are coming into our country. Their plight is no less; they are living in violence and fear. What makes them unworthy of assistance?’ The First Seeds Fund is all about creating change nationally. From small actions, we know that big things grow. We are seeing huge success come from mentoring, helping girls set up micro businesses, organising new bikes and computers for primary students, and working bees for dads and partners in ‘forgotten communities’ such as Warwick Farm. Warwick Farm is only an hour outside Sydney’s CBD. Prior to the work of Pat Hall, and other strong, amazing women in the community, the culture of teen pregnancy, welfare and drug abuse was three-generations deep. This is now being turned around, and the First Seeds Fund is right there - with our new board, on board to guide, and make sure we are making the best decisions possible. From little things, great things can grow. Help them along the way, by donating to First Seeds.

JANINE GARNER, CEO, LBDGROUP Abigail Disney said to me ‘be a brick in the wall of change’. This is a statement I have never forgotten, and when I founded the First Seeds Fund, it is so much a part of what it embodied, for me - bringing change at a grassroots level to women and children - that I don’t think I will ever outgrow it. We can all do it. Brick on brick.

ALICIA BEACHLEY, CEO, APRIL5 Being able to support people and give back in some way is important to me, and First Seeds is aligned with my values. I believe that when women who care get together we are so much more powerful than the sum of our parts.

ANASTASIA MASSOURAS, MD, PURE INSIGHTS I have experienced first hand the life changing difference one person can make to a life when one genuinely cares and provides authentic support. It is absolutely life changing for all involved. I strongly feel together as a collective we can provide support, care and positive change to communities within Australia that really need it, and feel very privileged to be a part of this amazing initiative. MARGOT ANDERSEN, MD, TALENT INSIGHT (Melbourne Rep) Having grown up in an area with a strong local community, I witnessed first hand the positive and long lasting impact that this community played (and continues to play) in my own life. As a strong believer of the statement it ‘takes a village to raise a child’, the thought that this community is lacking or playing a detrimental role in the lives of so many is one that I believe is at the heart of so many of our social issues today.

ALISON FLEMMING, REGIONAL MANAGER, SCENTRE GROUP Being a part of First Seeds Fund reminds me to be grateful to all the people who helped me when I was younger, and gives me the perfect platform to provide that same help to others.

CAROLYN DEAN, MD, WELLSITES It’s a privilege to be a part of what First Seeds is achieving around the country - it’s wonderful to be part of instigating change.

MELISSA BROWNE, CEO, AT&A Being in the financial services industry means I am hopefully able to bring some advice to the First Seeds table which will assist those most in need. I am proud to be able to help.

KYLEE TREVITT, PARTNER, MOISSONS It is such a wonderful gift to be part of what First Seeds is doing in communities across Australia. I love being part of the changes we are starting to institute.

o donate to the First Seeds Fund, please just go to the following link, or if you

are an LBDGroup member, please contact support@littleblackdressgroup.com.au to find out how you can help see little things grow.

BUILDING ENGAGED PHILANTHROPY Peter Baines

ike most things these days we like to put in place measures, we like to understand the return on our investment and when we donate to our favourite charity we like to know the difference we are making. Our investment to charity can take a number of forms: DONATE WITHOUT ATTACHMENT This is the kind of donation that you are happy to make to support your mates who are doing one of a thousand things to support their favourite charity or cause. They might be off the drink for

28 | GLOSS OCTOBER 2015

a month, eating cup cakes, growing a beard, riding a bike or climbing stairs. We support our mates, not necessarily the cause they are supporting. This is a donation without attachment. We don’t investigate the charity to understand the difference our dollar will make or the programs they are undertaking. Often these donations are going to be around a couple of hundred dollars. DONATE WITH ATTACHMENT This is where we as a business, family or individual we make a considered investment to the charity we are supporting. We look for a charity that meets our values, it is working in the area we have a personal attachment to and we’re invested in the outcomes. In making this contribution we want to understand the difference the charity is making and we like to follow the process and understand the impact we might have. INVESTMENT WITHOUT MONEY This is where you will want to personally get involved and the major form of the contribution is not necessarily about the money, it’s more about the contribution you can make through your time, networks and leveraging your expertise. This will work for some people and others they won’t have the capacity or desire.

have a shared experience. That shared experience might range from a deeper understanding of the charity through to physically getting involved. It’s what I call “active philanthropy”. In 2005, my world changed irreversibly, for the better, after I spent several months leading the Australian and International teams in response to the South East Asian tsunami in Thailand. I would spend the best part of 2005 in Thailand assisting in the identification of the 5395 bodies that were recovered after the tsunami. But things really changed when I met a group of 32 kids who had all lost their parents and homes to the tsunami. They were left without a home or anyone to care for them. When I met them it was August, some eight months on from the tsunami and they were living in a tent. Two things came to me. We can’t change what’s happened, but we can change what happens next. I couldn’t change the fact the kids had lost their parents, but it felt within my capacity to change what happened next for them.

I formed the Australian charity Hands Across the Water, with the intent of raising enough money to contribute to What I see as the most engaged form of the building of a home for the kids. We did that and we opened our first giving is when there is an opportunity home in 2007. The number of kids for those making the contribution to

living in that home quickly grew, and we ended up with double the number of the kids than we first built the home for.

the next generation that follows them.

That’s the real measure of our success. Not the number of homes or the dollars raised but the impact to change lives. And for me the ability to change lives The reason for this is that in times is where our success lies. You see, of crisis and disaster lots of people, we change just as many lives of our governments, charities, NGOs and supporters here in Australia as we do of corporate turn up to help. But too many leave too quickly. Just because the the kids in Thailand. stories are no longer on our televisions Our focus is not rattling the tin in doesn’t mean the problems have gone away or their parents have come home. shopping centres, or guilting people into sponsoring our kids. We offer Of course they never will. opportunities for our supporters to have

...FOR ME, THE ABILITY TO CHANGE LIVES IS WHERE OUR SUCCESS LIES. We made a commitment to stay and continue our support in Thailand. It’s ten years since I formed Hands in October of 2005 and we’ve grown. We now support seven different homes all across Thailand. We have over 300 kids in our care and last year we provided 380,000 meals. We have raised $15million AUD during that ten year period and we have never spent a cent of donors’ money on administration or fundraising. But the measure of our success is in the 29 kids that we have studying at university this year. This will change the lives of these kids, but importantly

a meaningful shared experience. I’ve just returned from running a week long Social Venture Program that is based upon leadership and immersing the group into living examples of tolerance, influence, compassion, resilience and humility on levels I have never experienced before. I took the group into the slums of Bangkok and we commenced the process that would see an elderly disabled family move into a new home, we spent time with the happiest kids on the planet who happen to have HIV and we were inspired by two

choice. Increasingly, people making those donations are looking for a return on their investment, they want The success of the program and ones very much like this that Hands Across to be involved, they want that shared experience and importantly they want the Water run for our supporters is to understand the difference they are that we give value first, rather than seeking donations. We build supporters making. and advocates of the charity who stick The progressive charities are finding a around for years to come. way to return value to their donors, not just relying on the good work they are The charity sector is incredibly doing as the reason for potential donors competitive. There are over 600,000 to pick them, out of the 600,000 that charities and not-for-profits in exist. Australia, so donors have plenty of remarkable Thai ladies.

Peter Baines OAM, a former forensics officer with the NSW State Police Force developed his unique leadership style by leading international identification and recovery teams into Indonesia and Thailand following acts of terrorism and the 2004 South East Asian Tsunami. He would go on to work in the counter terrorism area of Interpol, spent time with the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime and also worked in Saudi Arabia and Japan after natural disasters to hit those countries. But it was his work in Thailand that brought the biggest change. Touched by the children left orphaned months after the Tsunami, Peter founded an Australian charity called Hands Across the Water to support them which has gone on to create opportunities for hundreds of children across Thailand. In January 2014, Peter was recognised in the Australia Day honours with the awarding of the Order of Australia Medal for his International Humanitarian work. Today, Peter has a successful consulting business building engagement through corporate social responsibility and presents across the globe to major corporations and governments on Leadership. He is the author of bestselling books Hands Across the Water and Doing Good by Doing Good. Contact Peter here

: E C N E L O I V C I T S DOME NOUGH E T O N S I S S AWARENE Lisa McAdams

When I left my abusive partner back in 2006, the stats were one in four women were subjected to domestic violence. That has now increased to one in three. Domestic violence does not discriminate: it crosses all cultures, ethnic groups, religions, and social economic demographics. While some are more at risk than

others (Aboriginal women, women with disabilities), domestic violence can affect anybody, including men and people in same-gender relationships. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know who is a victim just by looking at them. I had a corporate job and I was seen as strong and independent. If you had told someone back then who knew

me that I was a victim of domestic violence, they wouldn’t have believed you. As a domestic violence educator, I want to focus on how we can effect meaningful change. People all around the country are becoming more aware that domestic violence is an issue, but we are not seeing a decrease in numbers. Awareness is growing, but so are the statistics. What needs to change?

of implementing change is believing that change is possible. To believe that change is possible, you have to have two things: knowledge and hope. Without knowledge, hope is just a pipe dream. Knowledge devoid of hope is exactly what we have now – a focus on grizzly statistics without empowering people.

The negativity in the media compelled me to start a podcast called Hope Beyond Abuse. In my podcast, I interview people and organisations to ask the questions I wish I had been While I am encouraged that finally able to ask before I left. I know that we domestic violence is getting the media need to break through the myth that coverage it deserves, I am worried there is a certain “type” who calls 1800 about the effect the negative coverage is RESPECT, or that you need to wait having on people still trapped in violent until you are in a life or death situation relationships. I keep asking myself, “If before seeking help. all of this was in the media when I was leaving, would I have left?” People being abused are often ashamed and try to keep the abuse secret. If you The answer is a resounding no. If I had are too ashamed to talk about it, how seen the stories of women being killed do you ask questions? In the podcast by their ex partners, or children being I ask questions for those people still hurt, I would have felt the safest thing trapped. I imagined myself just before I could do for my children and myself I left my marriage; I used to walk was to stay. miles with my children in the stroller, avoiding going home and trying to With all I know now, I realise that this make sense of what was happening to is far from the truth. Even though the me. A podcast addressing these issues six months after is the most dangerous would have helped me enormously. time for someone leaving a domestic violence situation, getting proper When I left, I didn’t know there was support is vital to leaving safely and a cycle of violence and that it was creating a new healthy life. normal to have periods where my marriage was or appeared near perfect. As a coach, I know an important part I knew nothing of the types of abuse.

I genuinely didn’t know that it counted as abuse that he gave me no access to money. I thought it was “normal”. These are all things that the public need to know, but we also need to tell them that there is hope.

resilience to leave. It is a tough road to travel from victim to survivor but I am here to prove that it is not only possible, but plausible. With the right resources and help, a life free of abuse is there to be claimed. I am now happy to throw

TO BELIEVE THAT CHANGE IS POSSIBLE, YOU HAVE TO HAVE TWO THINGS: KNOWLEDGE AND HOPE I know from my years of healing and learning that knowledge is power and I want to empower people being abused by sharing my experience and expertise, and the expertise of many others. I also want to inspire hope. It takes true strength and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but in my opinion it takes more to stay. I want people to know if you have the strength to survive each and every day in an abusive relationship, you have the strength and

my hat in the ring and bring education and hope to those who are still being abused. Raising awareness about domestic violence is all very well and good, but in order to bring about change we need to believe that change is possible. To believe that change is possible, we need to have knowledge and hope. That is the way we move forward.

Lisa McAdams is an educator and expert on domestic violence. Lisa is founder and CEO of Lead the Way, which provides businesses with support, training, and education so they can implement changes that have a real impact on retaining key personnel, company culture, productivity, and the bottom line. She also runs the podcast Hope Beyond Abuse. Contact Lisa here

GLOSS Advertorial

YOUR TICKET TO LEADERSHIP WITH LBD Join Julia Gillard and four inspirational female leaders The LBDGroup is partnering with The Layne Beachley Aim For The Stars Foundation to support their inaugural “Women in Leadership Forum” on Friday 20th November at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. Keynote speaker, the Hon. Julia Gillard will be accompanied by four inspirational business women: Dr Cathy Foley, Deputy Director & Science Director Manufacturing, CSIRO; Louise Herron, Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Opera House; Holly Ransom, Chief Executive Officer, Emergent Solutions; and Cindy Hook, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Australia.

While placing the spotlight on women in leadership and business, the objective of this event is to raise funds to double the Foundation’s scholarship program in 2016, sending a strong message to encourage more girls and women to pursue their dreams, ensuring Australia has more high ranking female leaders and CEO’s in the years to come. The Layne Beachley Foundation “Aim for the Stars” continues to inspire, empower and enable girls and women to invest in

their future and fulfil their potential by providing financial grants along with moral support, mentoring programs, personal coaching and networking. Since the launch in 2003, the Foundation has supported over 400 girls and women, and is committed to expanding on this number in 2016. Founder and Director of the Foundation, Layne Beachley says, “I

want to encourage more women to dare to dream, believe in themselves and have the conviction to stand up and fight for what they believe in. We are extremely thrilled to have the Hon. Julia Gillard as our Patron of the Foundation, as our first female Prime Minister and an advocate for equality and education around the world. Julia is a champion of women and it is this collaboration that inspired the creation of The Women in Leadership Forum, which will launch in Sydney this year on 20th November, before touring to Melbourne, Perth and rural NSW Taree in 2016”, says Layne.

The Forum will ask each speaker to share the lessons they have learned on their journey to the top, providing key messages and tools of empowerment to assist along the leadership pathway. Says Layne, “At this forum we are really highlighting the importance of education, leadership of the pioneering female spirit, the importance of solid and positive female mentoring groups and having the courage to be able to say ‘I need help’ at those pivotal points in our career. We want to create more female leaders of change and more mentors. Instead of trying to claw over each other we need to nurture and support each other. We are the architects of the future, with the capacity to provide a platform of solidarity, promise and assurance to give the future generation an opportunity to shine”, says Layne. Join the LBDGroup and The Layne Beachley Foundation at the inaugural Women in Leadership Forum – Friday 20th November, 2016. Don’t miss the keynote speech by Julia Gillard, four additional inspirational women, a two course sit-down lunch, wines and a special Q & A session with all of our guest speakers.

The biggest event in Women’s Leadership for 2015 – don’t miss out!

BOOK NOW

THE BUSINESS OF HOPE Kate Matheson

nce upon a time, a young boy from South Africa, whose father had supported Nelson Mandela in his fight against apartheid, stood on London Bridge Station. He had been at his high-flying corporate consultancy job, being busy and important, and as he waited for his train home, being jostled by other busy and important people, he looked down the platform.

they? He was just a platform sweeper after all.

Some years before, he had been sweeping that same platform, being jostled by busy and important people just like him now. Nobody would have given him a second glance - why would

It sounds like a fairy story, which is why the ‘once upon a time’ seems appropriate. But between the efforts of a once-platform sweeping, exZoolander style male model/network

That day, Duncan Ward quit his job, and bought a one way ticket to Australia. Many events transpired between the then and the now, but a seed of determination to do ‘different’ had been born.

engineer, with a passion for social justice, and a journalistic-minded cultural anthropologist he chased around the world until she finally married him, a new kind of not for profit has been created. Welcome to Classroom of Hope, and Duncan Ward and Nicola Courtin’s vision of ‘for purpose enterprise’. If ever there was a phrase to describe Duncan Ward, by the way, it would be

just that; for purpose. Everything he does is driven with energy, direction and - yes, purpose. He has the fervency and desire to do good of a prophet, but it’s tempered with solid business sense, and the understanding that in order to do good, you have to ground it in sustainability and direction - and achievable goals. More on that later. First - what is Classroom of Hope, and

what sets it apart from the 60,000 other not for profits registered in Australia? I soon find out just how much Duncan hates the term ‘not for profit’. I can understand this, because I am not fond of it either; it immediately buttonholes and categorises, as almost a purposeless entity. His use of the term ‘for purpose’ is great, because that’s exactly what Classroom of Hope, and all

organisations serious about raising money for a cause are about; getting funding for a purpose. Classroom of Hope was born out of tragedy, which is Duncan’s story to tell, not mine. But the end result was this. Travelling through South-East Asia in 2012, Duncan ended up in Cambodia. There he met Bunrit Thy, or ‘Racky’ as he is known, and heard his story, as you can see in the video.

Cambodia is tragically still soaked in It’s now in both Africa and Souththe blood of the infamous ‘killing fields’ East Asia, and Duncan - with Nicola of the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot. - is - complete with a big, big, grin looking at a very bright future for the Duncan saw that despite Racky’s organisation. desire to see education happen for the survivors and descendants of the So what does Classroom of Hope Khmer Rouge regime - one in three actually do? Cambodians lives below the poverty line - the infrastructure wasn’t there Simply put; they create child-friendly to support him. But what if he had schools (not as obvious as it sounds) in

someone with the experience in setting areas where before, there was nothing. up infrastructure? What if he had someone who talked the corporate talk, No school, no resource, no learning. walked the corporate walk, and could model a program to get support from Nothing. big business and the public? This doesn’t mean charging into an To cut a long fairytale short, that area gangbusters, all do good intentions was the beginning of the Schools blazing, without considering impact for Excellence program on Universal and sustainability however. Children’s Day in 2012 - and Classroom of Hope was born. And this, for me, is where the whole

concept of ‘for purpose’ really comes into its own where Duncan and Classroom of Hope are concerned. They take a measured approach to setting up a school. As Duncan says, “If we are going to do something, there is one, overarching consideration - ‘are we doing it at a remarkable level?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then it doesn’t happen.

“For both Nicola and myself, every action we take - it has to have two factors behind it. One, to be of use, and two, be playful. That, to me, is what learning should be. That to me, is what hope is. That, to me is what a classroom is. Of use, and containing playfulness.”

You only have to look at the Simple as that. That goes for every aspect of accompanying statistics to see that a project”. what Duncan is doing is working. It’s not surprising. He has approached So - the community is consulted. the whole idea of doing good with a Will the children be supported? business outlook and the mindset of Will the infrastructure of the school planning and strategic future-proofing be maintained? In doing this work, vision. are they duplicating the work of other organisations? Is there enough For me, he has not only nailed both possibility for engagement with local being of use and being playful with the government, district and community concept of Classroom, but gone beyond leaders, other stakeholders? them. This is not a charity which just happens How? to do business. Because by thinking outside the Nor is it a business which just happens chalkboard, Duncan Ward has created to be charitable. the kind of entrepreneurship some corporate leaders wait a lifetime for. He It is a well thought out, sensible has created sustainable, independent, approach to doing good, and it is profitable life for an enterprise that reflected in every aspect of their people see as ‘charitable’. branding, from their website, to their thank you cards (in the shape of an owl That, in itself, is reason to have a hell of - the emblem of Classroom). a lot of hope. Duncan says this:

See more about Classroom of Hope here.

WILL YOU STAND WITH US? CHOOSE REAL CAMPAIGN

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; You are MoreT hanEnough

75% of girls suffering low self-esteem are engaging in self-destructive behaviours, depression and even suicide. In Australia, suicide is the second leading cause of death in the 10-24 years age group.

THE PROBLEM: You’ll Never Be Enough!

Girls in our community are facing ever-increasing issues and pressures of deceiving messages of perfectionism, Have you ever thought, “I’m not enough”? You’re not alone in this battle. peer pressure, comparison, unrealistic expectations and more! They need our This is the constant song that is on locked replay especially in the minds of help. teenage girls. Low self-esteem is a thinking disorder in which an individual views herself/ 70% of girls believe they are not good himself as inadequate, unlovable, and/ enough or don’t measure up in some or incompetent. Once formed, this way. negative view permeates every thought, producing faulty assumptions and Teenage girls are increasingly being ongoing self-defeating behaviour. discontent and detached from life. In

a culture that dictates how they should look, act and live in order to be enough, What If… many have lost their true sense of worth But what if girls didn’t feel the need and identity. to hustle for their approval and Over 70% (15-17yo) avoid normal daily acceptance but claimed their intrinsic worth and were unashamedly authentic activities, such as attending school, and REAL, not moulded into other’s when they feel bad about their looks.

expectations but free… free to be all they can be.

THE SOLUTION Meet Ruth Lewis-Jones, the young designer and youth developer from Sydney, who has been capturing our hearts with her inspirational passion to equip and empower girls. Firstly, by developing Esteem Designz – the uniquely creative program building self-esteem, identity and confidence in girls, used in schools and community and welfare organisations across Australia. And now, with the new release of the #ChooseREAL Campaign – an empowering movement taking a stand to change our culture and the way girls (and everyone) see themselves and the world – as whole, complete, not lacking

and more than enough. Just as they are. Through these 2 ventures, Ruth and her team are giving freedom, hope and courage to girls, equipping them with key skills and tools to flourish in life, providing platforms to share and be known and overcome these debilitating issues.

THE VISION “We are passionate about enabling girls to choose what messages they believe and share, choose their outcomes, choose to embrace and celebrate their real identity and value, and Bring freedom around the 3 universal fears of: - Not being loved - Not belonging - Not being enough

Through #ChooseREAL Campaign, our aim is to create a culture of complete acceptance – of self, and others.” – Ruth

CHOOSE REAL CAMPAIGN PROVIDES: - Digital campaign – online platform enabling and encouraging a new accepting community – through sharing stories, competitions, blogs, social media

communities with the needed resources and our events – bringing girls together with their mums, aunties, grandmas and friends to equip, empower and enable them in being brave and choosing real.

How The Journey Began…

Ruth didn’t set out to start a movement. She simply saw a need and wanted to create a solution. Ruth developed Esteem Designz in 2010, after being heartbroken as she witnessed all the confronting issues and pressures - Resources, merchandise and her youth girls faced daily. She was engaging initiatives – beautiful tees, prints and trinkets aimed to be constant determined to create a way for girls to feel content and confident in their real reminders of your worth and value identity and value, and be equipped plus resources to bring freedom and with skills and tools to endure and empower you in your journey. thrive through life’s challenges. - Events – DIY events – enabling you to make the difference in your own

She had no idea this passion would

bring transformation, freedom and hope to countless girls across the country. Ruth was blown away by the impact Esteem Designz was having and the endless testimonies she was receiving, giving her motivation to push through the challenges… Jas, grade 8 participant – “through Esteem Designz I discovered more about myself and learnt to trust and believe in who I am. Through the awesome projects I now know that I can cope with anything and learnt really helpful ways to deal with life. I also learnt that we all have a purpose and not to put others or ourselves down. I feel much more confident in myself.” With Esteem Designz growing, she had another dream. But again, it started with an encounter that ignited her passion. Ruth was working in a school when she met up with Erin in year 6 who shared that the popular girls told her she had to change her hair, her clothes AND her personality if she wanted to fit in. “Erin had no idea how valuable and unique she was and was willing to trade in her real identity for what she thought she had to be.” – Ruth That was enough! Ruth was now determined to take the heart and mission of Esteem Designz to another more instant platform to bring further

freedom around these debilitating messages, and reach and impact many more girls with the truth that they are more than enough, just as they are. Have you ever been in Erin’s shoes, feeling inadequate to just be yourself, or how many Erin’s do you know in your life? A peer, a daughter, a niece, a granddaughter, a friend, a sister, a neighbour, a student, a stranger.

JOIN IN We’d love you to stand with us in this journey to invest in the potential of our girls (and ourselves) to be brave and #ChooseREAL – together we can do so much more. Some of the ways you can get involved – follow the journey through our social media channels, share your story, get the message through our merchandise, run a DIY #ChooseREAL event, become an advocate, a sponsor, a business supporter. We see a generation of girls accepting and loving their real identity and value, celebrating others, and being more than enough, just as they are.

Ruth is the founder, designer and managing director of Esteem Designz and the #ChooseREAL Campaign, passionately providing needed resources for anyone to equip and empower girls. Based in Sydney, she also works as a school chaplain, youth developer, designer, and is involved in numerous community volunteer roles. Find out more here.

LEADING WITH GENEROSITY Margot Andersen

ll too often when we think of generosity we think of financial giving or involvement in charitable work. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t naturally think of it in terms of business dealings or in what we do in our day-to-day jobs. Typically it is equated with what we do outside of business hours rather than what we do in them. What charities, community projects or family and friend endeavours we choose to give to financially or with our time. Make no mistake; these endeavours are all noble and worthy acts of generosity and ones that we should seek out. However, overlooking the ways we can give generously through what we do

and how we lead is not only a missed opportunity to leave our world in a better place but can be self limiting to our own levels of fulfilment and future growth as well as to those in our teams. Whilst true generosity is ultimately an altruistic act we more often than not receive things in return â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and often abundantly. As leaders this could transpire in the form of increased cooperation and collaboration, enjoyment in what we do, sheer goodwill and/or the fulfilment of seeing others succeed - not to mention increased productivity and profitability.

If you were to take a moment to reflect on the colleagues and leaders who have left a positive mark on you and your career there would invariably be a common trait: generosity of spirit. They are the people who gave freely of their time, knowledge and trust and who helped facilitate opportunities for you. Adam Grant, author of the best selling book Give and Take, looks at how and why our success today is increasingly dependent on the interactions we have with others. In essence he flips the notion that it is successful people that tend to give generously, to the idea that it is those with a generous spirit who become successful. He believes that in a work environment there are three ways people generally operate: taking, matching or giving. Whilst takers seek to get as much as possible from others and matchers focus on trading evenly, givers are those rare people who genuinely contribute without expectation of receiving anything in return. His research shows that whilst some givers do occasionally burn out, they are the group that are most likely to achieve extraordinary results regardless of what field they operate in. Successful leaders are generous: they give freely and unreservedly and often. In reflecting upon some of the amazing leaders that I have either worked for or with there are some other common acts of generosity. They all:

1. GIVE OPPORTUNITY:

Opportunities to engage in meaningful challenging work and not just a list of tasks. Opportunities that extend and open up new thinking and learning, new networks and offer lasting impact.

2. GIVE A STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING:

They create environments that are safe and supportive, allowing us to bring our whole sense of self to the office and not just our work mask. They help you see the value in what you do and feel an intrinsic part of the team and organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success.

3. GIVE GUIDANCE:

Generous leaders seek to guide and not control. They offer constructive feedback rather than criticism and empower you to make decisions with strong frameworks of support.

4. GIVE SPACE:

7. GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT:

Generous leaders encourage you to step out and try different things, take risks and push the boundaries of what you think you are capable of. They offer faith in you and push you to be the best you can be.

Space to explore, create, grow, fail and 8. GIVE TRUST: make mistakes and most importantly to Generous leaders understand that high get back up confidently and go again. performing cultures are rich in trust.

“WE MAKE A LIVING BUT WE MAKE A LIFE B - SIR WINSTON 5. GIVE INFORMATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

Trust amongst each other, in each other’s talents, capabilities and values.

9. GIVE TIME AND ENERGY:

Not only do generous leaders offer their insights they encourage others to do so as well. They understand that increased leverage and success comes with purposeful collaboration and open, willing minds not by holding tightly onto things.

Generous leaders understand the importance of really listening and engaging. They offer their time, their total attention and interest in you, what you are doing and the outcomes you seek.

6. GIVE CREDIT:

10. GIVE TIME BACK TO THEMSELVES:

By recognising and appreciating the efforts of others the generous leader helps to create as sense of shared success. They understand the power of ‘We’ is much more powerful than ‘I’.

The generous leader works hard to ensure that their batteries remain charged so as to enable them to give on an ongoing basis. They invest in time

and energy in what reinvigorates them in mind, body and spirit. Giving generously tends to inspire others to do the same. It also helps us create a lasting legacy for what we do, the people we work with and the businesses we have or work for. I would encourage you to explore how you can give generously through your leadership and inspire others to continue to ‘pay it forward’.

BY WHAT WE GET, BY WHAT WE GIVE” CHURCHILL

Margot is the Owner and Director of talentinsight Australia, a company founded onthe principle that true career fulfilment and organisational success occurs when individuals and businesses talk openly and honestly about what they need, their responsibilities, and genuinely work to bring out the best in each other. Find out more here.

52 | GLOSS OCTOBER 2015

money

money: /ˈmʌni/ noun

a current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes; coins and banknotes collectively.

GLOSS AUGUST2015 2015| 53 GLOSS OCTOBER

HOW IMPACT INVESTING IS CHANGING PHILANTHROPY Renata Cooper

eople are giving more – time, money, skills, ideas, their personal space and belongings. Philanthropy is most definitely on the rise. Mass consumerism, more wealth than ever, gender inequalities and an array of other reasons are driving more people towards social causes and helping the less fortunate.

able to write a cheque. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.” The Humans of New York and global Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS are perfect examples of the new age of giving through connectivity, personal involvement and purposeful action. Platforms such as Facebook and crowd-funding have shrunk geographic boundaries and made the culture of giving less distant and more mainstream.

The nature of giving is also changing dramatically and institutions such as the University of California are wondering whether these changes will make this decade the new golden age of While traditional models such as foundations and trusts will continue philanthropy. to play a role in philanthropy, an increasing number of people are looking One of the biggest drivers of this at impactful investments to tackle the change – technology, has made root of problems. According to the philanthropy more personal by BNP Paribas Individual Philanthropy connecting givers with recipients and Index 2015, impact investing that enabling them to play active roles in gives businesses and individuals the the transformative process. As Oprah Winfrey said, “It’s not just about being opportunity to focus on positive social

change as a primary priority and financial returns as a secondary one is the most promising trend by most philanthropists worldwide (52%). According to Alison Covington, Founder and Managing Director of Good360 Australia*, an organisation that connects businesses that have goods with charities that need them, “Once upon a time we used to give to a brand of charity. Now we want to see outcome and impact. As society gets more connected, people are looking for tangible and leveraged giving and want to see how their $10, $100 or $100,000 is bringing about change in the community.

entrepreneur and using what I had to bring about positive change that helped women, youth and education – clashed. Rather than isolating these two passions, I combined them and launched Forming Circles as a social and ethical investment organisation in 2011. Investing in financial literacy, education and funding women entrepreneurs dovetailed into my vision of a socio-ecosystem that thrived on innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and positive social change.

Like angel and other forms of earlystage investment, impact investing is risky and financial returns might not necessarily be as high as other Digital storytelling is getting more ventures. But as we get more skilful important in this narrative. Social and collaborative as individuals, we are media as a generational tool has helped sharing more ideas, time and resources make philanthropy smarter and more to help champion causes and action like a business model – helping donors on change. For impact investors, there see the outcome and how their money is is increasing comfort in knowing that being used. Technological connectivity they are not alone any longer. is moving givers outside silos to becoming engaged participants.” As Alison says, “Impact investing is here to stay. People who have got the Although not pure philanthropy, money will think about using it for impact investing gives those who want social good. There is a risk in return to bring about change the opportunity obviously, but more investors are now to support with capital investments. willing to take the risk. It reinforces Melinda Gates comment that, “Helping people doesn’t have to be “Now, with the rising trend in impact an unsound financial strategy.” investing, people are funding us, but they weren’t early on. We need more My foray into impact investing started risk takers who have an eye for the right in 2010 when I realised my two project and, as Forming Circles did for priorities – becoming a successful Good360, empower organisations in

the early stages when they can’t access larger grants.”

dream of a sustainable future becomes a reality for generations to come.

As an investor, I realised early on that giving money is easy, but that to truly make a difference in the digital age, it is important to take risks and bet on great ideas. A quote I read from philosopher Aristotle hits the nail on the head, “To give away money is an easy matter and in any man’s power. But to decide to whom to give it and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easy matter.”

*Good360 is one of the investments in Forming Circles Global portfolio and Alison Covington is a part of the Forming Circles Global Founders Circle.

It is imperative more people get involved in impact investing. As one of the foremost impact investors in the world, Austrian-born U.S. technology entrepreneur, Charly Kleissner questioned in a recent Forbes interview the risk of not moving in this direction and said, “No one can expect investors to make radical changes in one short period. But the pension fund managers who take a longer-term view start to understand that ultimately the system will change since humanity will have to learn how to live within the resource constraints of the planet.” Philanthropy will get increasingly collaborative and widespread and yet more personal for those looking to change issues in our society. In a world fraught with many problems, giving will take as much precedence as buying or earning. The time to get involved, invest and take risks is now, so that our

Renata Cooper is the founder of Forming Circles Global, a unique angel investment and mentoring organisation that predominantly invests in female-led technology startups. Committed to empowering women entrepreneurs, Renata has invested in over 100 national and global businesses, individuals and organisations since 2011. She is a member of Scale Investors and a muru-D mentor. Contact her here.

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FINANCIAL FREEDOM Tracey Sofra

As an Accountant and Financial Planner who has been in the industry for over 25 years, I see a constant lack of interest, confidence and overall reluctance to embrace financial education and literacy. My profession is my tool box, my skill set, but I am also a women, mother, wife, friend, sister and daughter and what really lights me up is my belief, my cause, my purpose and my greatest passion is for

FREEDOM!!

I believe that the human spirit, heart, mind and soul craves freedom. I believe in freedom of choice to live the life you want. I believe in freedom of choice to be the person you are. I believe that through financial independence you can have the freedom of choice to live the life you want and be the person you are.

decade we will have enormous influence over business, politics, sport and society;

I want to inspire women to share without reservation, to act without fear and to challenge the status quo on a daily basis.

• 47% of women over the age of 50 are single • Women’s retirement income is less than that of men because a woman is away from the workforce an average of 14.7 years as compared to 1.6 years for men. • Women are typically the primary caretaker of the home. This along with lower wages adds up to retirement benefits that are only about ¼ of those of men. • 50% of marriages end in divorce. The woman typically ends up with the children, so she now has financial responsibility for herself and the children. • In the first year after a divorce a woman’s standard of living drops an average of 73%.

Women are:

• more educated, girls are graduating at a rate of 83% vs. 73% of young men • 47% of the workforce in Australia are women I teach this through coaching and mentoring and guidance through my 8 • There are more women business owners - for every business startup week financial transformation program there is 2 women to 1 man and by sharing my stories of self-belief. • Women’s spending power is huge These teachings have come about as a they make up 83% of all purchasing result of questioning the status quo and decisions. innovation in the way we deliver our beliefs as advisers and to challenge and empower our clients. AND YET...

My passion for financial literacy for women comes from my belief that true “freedom for women” can only be achieved when “women become financially free”. There is a quiet economic and social revolution that is developing in the female economy - has anyone noticed? This female economy represents the largest emerging pool of wealth on the horizon. Women are the largest emerging market in the world. Over the next

• Women are expected to live on average 7 – 10 years longer than men, which means that they must provide for those extra years. • The average female born between 1948 and 1964 may likely remain in the workforce until at least 74 years of age due to inadequate financial savings and pension coverage. • Of the elderly living in poverty - 3 out of 4 are women and 80% of the women were not poor when their husbands were alive. • Approximately 7 out of 10 women will at some time live in poverty. Times have definitely changed and the world is changing at an uncontrollable pace. The world is more tolerant now than it ever was for women being able to do whatever they please - stay at home, work, travel, marry, not marry, have children, not have children.

What concerns me is that given these changes and the shift in power, women are still not comfortable with the concept of managing major financial decisions about their future. They may be OK with the day-today household financial matters and budgeting but they are not confident with the more complex financial issues, which shows a lack of self- belief or confidence. Women are now in a position of great power and responsibility to take control of their money and take charge of their lives.

I WANT TO CREATE A AND EMPOWER WO FINANCIAL E

The lack of financial knowledge We now have social acceptance for the and understanding of investing and kind of freedom our grandmothers only protecting their financial future is of great concern. dreamed of. We now have the capacity economically I want to create a shift in thinking, and empower women to embrace financial to look after ourselves, without education which will give them the compromise. knowledge, skills and confidence to So now that we have this so called new manage their own financial future. found freedom and social acceptance, with this freedom comes responsibility I want to help women manage their emotions about money, finances and to take care of ourselves financially. investing.

To provide clarity of their unique values and then articulate these values into goals and building strategies to help them achieve their goals.

Women must embrace financial literacy and education and learn to invest to ensure a secure life for themselves and their children.

In the grand scheme of things, money’s not that important. It’s significant only to the extent that it allows you to enjoy what is important to you. And not worrying about your finances is critical to having a life that excites you, nurtures those you love and fulfils your highest aspirations.

It is no longer just an option. The rules have changed and it’s time we take control of our financial future.

The relevance of better money management is: independence and freedom to live the life you want,

A SHIFT IN THINKING, OMEN TO EMBRACE EDUCATION

DARE, DIVIDE, DISRUPT!! Investing is a process and there is no secret formula, no get rich schemes. In the process of becoming an investor, we learn and we get some hands on experience. We make mistakes. We learn from our mistakes. We get more experience and in this process our confidence and our abilities grow.

Here’s the key, this process we go through is even more important than the end goal itself. Because who we confidence, choice, opportunity. become in the process, as a result of all Money can bring all of these things, if the learning, mistakes and experiences, you open your mind to the possibility is where the real value lies. of having control of your money and I will guarantee you that in your controlling your life. Earning and own process you will make mistakes, investing brings about self-esteem and a sometimes huge ones and you will new found sense of self. This becomes be challenged. You will have fearful infectious to all other parts of your life moments. - home, family and friends. Today, more than ever, we, as women, can no longer depend on someone else, be it our husband or partner, our parents, our boss, or our government, to take care of us financially.

There will be times when you have to make decisions without a clear outcome. It is at these times when our character is tested. If we shy away from the challenge – whether we are successful or not – it is a given that we

the art of leadership is in saying

will grow and expand who we are. And that gain of “intellectual and emotional capital” is priceless. My passion for financial literacy for women comes from my belief that true “freedom for women” can only be achieved when “women become financially free”.

‘NO’,

not in saying yes.

it is very easy to say ‘yes’.

Tracey Sofra is a certified financial planner, entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of WOW Women Group, a Shepparton based support network for like-minded business, professional and entrepreneurial women. Tracey has over 25 years’ experience as an Accountant and Financial Planner. She is regarded as an experienced leader in the financial services industry, with exceptional skills and knowledge. Find out more here.

Tony Blair

the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.

l i fe

life: /lĘ&#x152;ÉŞf/ noun

GLOSS AUGUST 2015

FROM HIGH HEELS TO SNOWBOOTS A MEGA CLIMATE ADVENTURE I NEVER SAW COMING! Liz Courtney

64 | GLOSS OCTOBER 2015

y background is in brand strategy and marketing communications, previously as Managing Director of O&MPR, and partner in two agencies Cartwright Williams, and The Evolve Group. I was always very ambitious and had a goal to be an MD by the time I was 30. Then came marriage, family, and I remember saying, “see you in 3 months”, never imagining what living without the boardroom, or the adrenalin of the new business pitch would be like. But I found my priorities changed dramatically with the arrival of our first son, and I took a step back, created a consulting business with a former colleague and decided to try my hand at film making which had always been a secret passion. Ten years and 30 documentaries later, I was offered the opportunity to direct a youth film in Antarctica and at first I said no, the idea about going so far away from the family, my children, life in general was my excuse. But after some nudging from my children, I realised it was really the fear of travelling across the Drake Passage (which some say is the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest) that was holding me back, so with a deep breath I rang back and said “yes if it’s still happening”, and that was the turning for me. I soon found I had in fact traded my

stilettos for snow boots rated to -30C. Beanies, thermals, and a range of new jackets and pants filled my wardrobe! I went to Antarctica as part of the United Nations Year for Youth, and shared the adventure and the experience with 40 amazing teenagers all “climate ambassadors” from around the world. I saw how fast the planet was changing and I learnt so much from our expedition leader Prof Robert Swan. Together we all witnessed the beauty of Antarctica, its majestic snow covered mountain tops, spectacular icebergs, and silence like I’d never experienced before. We also witnessed hundreds of penguins panting because it was too hot for them; baby penguins crying from starvation because they had been abandoned by their parents, unable to feed themselves because they were born too late, and with a heavy down coat still intact were not able to undertake the long journey to the Falkland Islands. It was an eye opener to the beauty and the fragility of this amazing place. The teenagers asked me why the adults of the world were not doing anything to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the planet for their generation and the ones to come. I struggled with the answer and thought much about the future of my own children, wondering what sort of planet we were really GLOSS OCTOBER 2015 | 65

It’s been a crazy ride over two years, but I am proud to say I have survived and notched up a few of my own firsts along the way; first time camping and It’s hard to come back from Antarctica it was -15C on the Greenland Icesheet, dog-sledding towards the North Pole not changed in some way, I decided to find the edge of the sea-ice (living I could either sit around and do on the ice for several days with no loos nothing or I could try to create the a real challenge!); camping deep in the next “Inconvenient Truth”. So the Amazon Rainforest surrounded by seed was planted which lead me on to howling monkeys, no doors or windows creating a global documentary series on my hut; climbing deep underground on climate change called The Tipping Points which has now played in over 40 into a Permafrost Tunnel in Alaska (not for anyone claustrophobic!); and white countries. water rafting on the Ganges in the high Finding a new way to talk about a tired, foothills of the Himalayas. much discussed and debated subject “climate change” was a bigger challenge then I thought. I decided to tackle a new theory about The Tipping Points of the climate system that was being presented by an English professor Dr Tim Lenton. He proposed that we had really tripped up on the words “global warming” and “climate change”, and it was more about a system made up of many parts which was changing from a stable system to an unstable system. leaving them. Was I proud of the efforts we were making or could we do more?

I never used the words “climate change” again, but rather set about creating a science adventure series, which set out to explore the key elements of this climate system, to understand their role in keeping it stable, and how close they might be to a tipping point – a point of no return where they change from one state of being to another – and in doing this create a domino effect on all the other elements.

It’s been an amazing adventure which culminated in opening Climate Week in New York alongside James Cameron’s series The Years of Living Dangerously. WHERE DID THE FIRST ADVENTURE TAKE YOU? The first episode took me to Greenland

to explore why the Greenland Icesheet is such a major component in the global climate system. Flying via Denmark with my crew, we spent the day on the ground checking our gear and thermal covers for the cameras and our own gear, before flying out to begin an expedition which saw us travel from the far south to the far north of Greenland – to Qaanaaq a remote Inuit community of only 450 people which

the mega droughts and tree deaths occurring which threaten its survival this century and the reduction of the great carbon storage vault it gives the planet. I had never really stopped to understand the great service trees and rainforests provide – they are a virtual storage unit for CO2 which they take in and store in their trunks, and branches. The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest storage vault for CO2 on the

...I DECIDED I COULD EITHER SIT AROUND AND DO NOTHING, OR I COULD TRY TO CREATE THE NEXT “INCONVENIENT TRUTH”. only has one ship visit a year – that’s a long shopping list!

planet, and takes up around 10% of the CO2 stored in forests around the world.

We went there to explore the rate of melt of the Greenland Ice-sheet and its effects on global ocean circulation. My crew was from Australia and our presenter the amazing Dutch / Canadian explorer and climate reporter Bernice Notenboom who is the first woman to have climbed Mt Everest, and skied across the North and South Poles – so she bought a dose of extreme adventure to the team!

WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?

WHERE DID THE OTHER EPISODES TAKE YOU?

The Amazon Rainforest was extremely hot, humid and very hard on the camera gear and the crew as the extreme moist air was exhausting to work in day after day – much easier to work in cooler climates! At night time

Continuing the Tipping Point story – we set off on an expedition across the vast Amazon Rainforest to explore

Of all the CO2 we emit each year, 40% is stored in the atmosphere, 30% is stored in the oceans and 30% is stored in forests – the Amazon is the largest forest and thus a vital storage vault for the planet. HOW DOES FILMING IN -20 COMPARE TO 35C?

we had to try to find a way to keep the happening here and how fast is what we gear in a cool place while we transferred set out to explore. drives, backed up data, and made field Finally we brought the story home notes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the day never ends at sunset! to explore our Oceans -The Last HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE Frontier looking at the inter-connected relationship between the Oceans and AMAZON RAINFOREST? Climate System in the context of Australia, the second most vulnerable Magical is the only word to describe the Amazon Jungle - it is so pristine, lush, tall canopies reach above you to the sky line, and the hot moist air hits your face. Over two thirds of all the bio diversity of the planet resides here in the Amazon which is an amazing fact. WHERE ELSE DID YOU TRAVEL TO? From the warm humid tropical forest of the Amazon, we headed due north to Alaska on an expedition that took us from Fairbanks Alaska all the way North on the ice-truckersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; highway to Toolik Research centre; then on to Barrow Alaska and the Chukchi Sea to look for sea- ice. From the rugged coast of Alaska we headed to Africa, to explore the climate changes affecting subsistence farming. Then it was India and the Himalayas from the roof top of the world all the way down across the plains of India, following the Ganges. Fresh water sources from the Himalayas which provide water to over 1 billion people are under threat, but just what is

THE EXPERIENCE REAL TO WANT TO BRING AB TO EDUC nation to climate change.

As the oceans change affecting currents, tides, fishing zones, sea level rise and coastal erosion, this film explored the impacts on indigenous communities across the far north of Australia, what they have been witnessing, and how these changes threaten the very fabric of their culture and community.

journey of climate journalist Bernice Notenboom as she meet up with two indigenous climate ambassadors’ Narelle Long and Malcolm Lynch on a journey across the South Pacific from the Great Southern Oceans to the Tiwi Islands, and across to The Great Barrier Reef. Science and indigenous wisdom united to look at Oceans – our last Frontier and the effects being felt on a continent surrounded by ocean. This was a special episode for me to direct here in Australia as Narelle Long and Malcolm Lynch were the two indigenous young people whom I had the privilege of taking to Antarctica and we reconnected this time to go back and visit their own communities in Australia to find out of things were changing and if so how?

LLY EMPOWERED ME BOUT CHANGE, AND CATE... In this last episode, we followed the

We filmed in the Daly River Community which is located approx 4-5 hours south of Darwin, to meet with Narelle’s grandmother and elders. It was fascinating to hear how much their hunting cycles have changed, that the dragon flies don’t come anymore, the long neck turtles are not plentiful now and that their mother earth is giving them mixed messages. We also filmed on The Tiwi Island with Malcolm’s family where the elders told us that their hunting cycles were changing too, the wattle was flowering 3 months early and the dugong were not coming at the same time. This is affecting culture; their ability to live

off the land and for the future, sea level rise is also a growing concern. The experience really empowered me to want to bring about change, to educate and empower the next generation to become the “Game Changers”. So together with a group of German coproducers we created a project called ‘Youth4planet” and social media platform which allows young people to find a voice and develop solutions that can affect the health of the “climate system” now and into the future. Motivating the next generation to find their voice, to step up and to become leaders has now become my passion. Sport, Performing Arts, Music and Education. For more about The Layne Beachley Foundation Scholarships Grants for 2016 please go here

Liz is CEO of The Layne Beachley Foundation in Australia and they are currently supporting five new scholarships in 2016 in Environment and Sustainability. In addition, they are supporting a series of new fields of pursuit for girls and women, who are driven and dedicated to making a difference and who have the courage to ask for help.

LBD is not a meet, greet and quickly swap cards and walk away business network. LBD is about community. It is about being able to sit down in a small and intimate environment and truly talk with other women who may already inspire you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or making new connections whom you yourself can assist in some way with your own expertise and creative thinking. It is a think tank, a place for debate, inspiration, ideas and driving change.

Based in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and now Perth, LBDGroup has a simple message for women of worth.

INSPIRE others in their journey. CONNECT with those who share your vision. Take the opportunity to SUCCEED alongside them.

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IN HER OW Melanie Gr

WN WORDS: ray

1. Where were you born and where did you spend your childhood? I was born in the small Wheatbelt town of Wyalkatchem but we soon moved to Eaton, 200 km south Perth, where I started school. My childhood was full of bush cubbies and catching tadpoles with my brother, Luke, riding our bikes down to the river to climb trees and have a go on the Tarzan swing. We lived in a cul-de-sac with two other families, people I still hold dear to my heart for the positive impact they had on my childhood. Surrounded by so many kids we always had the freedom to play - as long as Mum knew where we were, who we were with and that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be home before dark, we were free to create and explore our curious imaginations. It was fantastic. 2. Where did your professional dream begin? I was taught to fold origami cranes by my Japanese teacher when I was in year 3. She was also the first person to teach me that if one was to fold 1000 paper cranes, they would be granted their heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire. So I set out on my way to fold those 1000 cranes, motivated to acquire something along the lines of a toy or game I had my eye on! It took me 11 years to fold my cranes, but then as a 19 year old, that toy was no longer relevant. My life to date was doing

pretty well. I was over confident at that age, I thought I was ten foot tall and bulletproof. I could do it on my own. I had begun modelling, was running my own successful business, playing national basketball and was surrounded by amazing people; life was good. So the cranes were put away for a rainy day, along with my ‘wish’ to be used later down the track should I want for something that seemed beyond my personal capabilities. A few months later my mother was diagnosed with Cancer. It started in her breast but had spread into her lymphatic system, so things were not looking too good. Being a positive family and never shying from a challenge we all fought the battle together. I witnessed my Mum’s extraordinary strength at a time when she was bald and blue and there didn’t seem much hope, but then by some miracle, she was finally in remission. Soon after her recovery Mum took the

time to sit us all down and tell us that she wasn’t confident she could fight the monster again if it was to ever come back. A few years passed and we got on with our lives, subconsciously hoping everything would remain ok. Then that phone call came, just 3 days before my little brother turned 21there was another huge tumor. It was then I knew what I was to do with my cranes. I dug them out, painted them gold and mounted them in a huge box frame. I presented them to my Mum at my brother’s party. It simply stated ‘Make a Wish’. The next day my Mum had an operation to remove the tumor, followed by a short round of radiation tablets. That was 14 years ago and my Mum is alive and well and has never been healthier. It was then I had truly found the magic in these cranes and

I have a giftware frame range, a card range, a nursery range of frames and flocks and a personalised custom range, which is anything from 3. Tell us more about what you do? wedding bonbonnieres to corporate gifts. Each piece is sold with words After Mum’s piece I started folding thousands of cranes. I would give them outlining the traditional symbolism and my personal wish for those who to friends for their wedding presents, experimenting each time with different give or receive my cranes. They make arrangements, each time getting more beautiful gifts for people when you feel creative with the next thousand. I then words alone can’t say enough. found myself in the art world, creating huge installations through art galleries. 4. What have you learnt about yourself during your career? In 2008 I won both the young emerging artist award and the people’s The first business I ran was a choice in one exhibition, but the problem I saw was that all of my pieces network of franchised grooming and were temporary; people were moved by deportment schools for children, viewing the cranes, but were unable to where we used modelling as a vehicle own them at that stage. Being business to teach life skills. I purchased my first franchise when I was 18, and minded, I started exploring how I could make that magic more accessible by the time I was 23 I co-owned the company and had 3000 children to everyone, even on a smaller scale. enrolled in 17 franchises throughout I opened a shop with my good friend and I started selling tiny cranes housed the State. It sounds huge but reflecting back, I just did it. I was driven, I’d in box frames as gift ideas. The idea seemed to be taking off so I spent the seen success throughout my life and I simply thought that’s what people did. next 2 or 3 years creating and selling until I derived a wholesale range that I At the time it was fabulous, I did love it, I worked insane hours and loved could repeat and sell into stores. the children and the perks that came with the job. I had heaps of money Today my business is called Twenty compared to all of my uni mates and I Two Folds, which is the number of was living the dream, apparently! paper folds needed to create each crane. The basis of all of my products Although now looking back, it’s one is the origami crane and I am driven by their traditional symbolism, which of those moments that I wish I’d known then what I know now. It did is something I want everyone to be ultimately come to a grinding halt able to share in. through both personal reasons and this became the start of the journey to where I am today.

industry changes, and at the age of 26 I was floundering to find direction in life and felt I had lost it all. I’d lost confidence and faced some fairly challenging situations personally. I’d walked away from the company and the material life I was used to leading was gone. Subconsciously I was looking to self-sabotage and ironically I even achieved that very successfully!

for granted. If you assume it will always be there, good chance it will be taken from you. Show gratitude every day. Passion - Although I loved modelling and event management, my first business was not my idea; it wasn’t what I was meant to do forever. I took an opportunity and I made it a success

Despite this, being that young my business failings also doubled as brilliant life lessons and everything I learned from that time in my life, both personally and professionally, was priceless. After beating myself up for years, things shifted and I starting giving myself credit for the great things I had achieved. I realised that I am actually driving this bus called ‘my life’ and I could do whatever the hell I wanted to! I picked myself up, took a good hard look at myself and my options, grabbed my second chance at life and ran with it. I am now 37 doing everything I am meant to be, both personally and professionally. 5. What 3 key gems of advice would you share? Gratitude - Don’t ever take anything

but I believe what caused my dramatic fall was my lack of passion. It wasn’t my brain child and I wasn’t fulfilled or motivated or inspired to succeed outside of my comfort zone. I learned that I need fire in my belly to motivate me to move forward. Cranes and what

they represent and being able to share this with others is my passion. Movement - Everyone has the opportunity to make life what they want to it be. We can all dream and know what we may like to be and do, but without movement there is nothing. A conversation is only the beginning - you must act to really achieve. Continue to talk, just make sure you go out and do. It’s what divides you from the rest.

have bought me to a better place, so much so that I have almost learned to embrace them. I think the real key is to catch yourself, reassess things and move forward with a new plan to avoid the major stuff ups. I’m sure I have a few more mistakes to make before I reach that point, but that’s ok. 7. What keeps you going?

I love receiving emails and calls from people, whether they were the giver or receiver, thanking me for the difference a Twenty Two Folds piece However, all of that is nothing has made in their life. Sometimes it’s without integrity. The only way to be is to truly be yourself. If you act from just because it’s aesthetically pleasing, but other times I love that I am able a place of authenticity you are giving to capture a person’s wish within yourself the best chance of getting it the folds of the paper. The mind is right every single time. a powerful thing and people need 6. What are some of the mistakes you something to believe in. made and learnings from them? I am blessed that my work offers them even a tiny piece of hope in their lives I have made many, many mistakes in what they are striving for. What and I could write the book on ‘stuff people don’t realise is that every time ups’! Partly because I was so young I hear these things it’s a gift to me - a but also partly because I had never constant reminder that I have made a really been burned in life. I naively difference. I get to live it every day. walked around believing that if I did the right thing and tried hard I would 8. What’s next in the journey of be rewarded and lead a ‘pretty good’ life. What I didn’t realise about myself BRAND YOU? was that inside I was striving for an extraordinary life, and that required a I have spent the last twelve months rebranding and working to create a bit more effort. fabulous new website to showcase all of the many facets of my business. So today I’m grateful for my failings and that I’ve had the openness to learn I am looking forward sharing my from each and every one of them. They story and the journey of growing my

business and personal brand, and seeing where that takes me. I am excited and, like my cranes, I am ready to spread my wings and together see how far we can fly. 9. Your favourite things: Destination: Opposite sides of the world but Cape Leveque and The Amalfi coast are my favourites. Both places offer an overwhelming feeling that something bigger than you is present all around you. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forget the setting sun on my face and just hearing myself breathe. Being that present is amazing. Drink: Dirty martini - top shelf gin and Sicilian olives a must. App: Sounds clichĂŠ but I love Instagram. I love that there is a platform to give an opportunity for a picture to represent so many words, and that it can mean such different things to so many different people. 10. If you were a hashtag what would it be?

#foldfinger007

Contact Mel here

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GLOSS AUGUST 2015

WHY IT REALLY IS BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE Dr Jenny Brockis

I don’t know about you, but have you found that the pleasure of giving outweighs that of receiving? It’s not that we’re not grateful or appreciative, it’s just that the pleasure can seem just a little smaller, a little shorter in length and a little less intense on the receipt compared to the joy of giving a gift. Have you ever wondered why? It’s because of the way our brains are wired. Compassion and pleasure go hand in hand

or gambling. It’s been well documented that we can experience social pain – when snubbed, ignored or made fun of and that pain hurts as much as physical pain because the pathways of physical and social pain are shared. It makes sense that as highly social creatures we would experience social pleasure as the opposite of social pain; our desire to help others bonding us to others and is deeply embedded as an innate trait. In studies, toddlers have been shown to help others simply because they see that help is required. Our compassion is an intrinsic motivator; we provide assistance because we perceive the need first, not because we expect a reward.

Our brain has pleasure centres that are activated by activities such as when we donate to charity or when we receive a gift of money ourselves. We pursue pleasure because it makes us feel good, STARTING OUT WITH RAOK our brain secretes more dopamine (our reward hormone) whether we are eating Small random acts of kindness that good food, having sex, drinking alcohol take very little effort on our part, apart

from seeing the opportunity, can make a significant and positive difference to someone else. When we choose to stop for a moment and look up from our smart phones we reconnect with our surroundings and start to see what and who is around us. Which means we notice that someone is struggling to find change to pay for their parking ticket in the car park – why not pay it for them. It might mean when meeting a friend for coffee, pay for theirs as well as your own.

recent bequest of $3 billion on his passing. We sometimes need the social proof to see others behaving in a certain way before we will buy into the same activity. That of course is why events such as Telethons are so effective, donors are publically identified and when it’s little Jimmy donating his piggy bank containing $5.45, we feel compelled to join in and donate too.

SMELLS OF TEAM SPIRIT

In August, a group of Perth hairdressers (in conjunction with the Salvation Army) hit the headlines It might mean offering to drop a work for their ‘Short Back and Sidewalks colleague home in your car when it’s Project’, giving free haircuts to the raining cats and dogs because you know homeless with the aim of helping them they usually catch the bus. get back on their feet. Or it might mean choosing to volunteer The $36 dollar haircuts provided for to work at a soup station for the free did something more than simply homeless. tidy up someone’s appearance; they provided a huge dose of confidence. DEVELOPING CORPORATE Personal grooming is about self-esteem and feeling good about ourselves, PHILANTHROPY which puts us automatically in a far better place mentally to cope with our In Australia, corporate philanthropy daily challenges. The broad smiles on is catching on in a big way. Mining the faces of those giving the haircuts magnate Andrew Forrest and his matched those on the receiving end and wife donated $50 million to fund the project is now being rolled out to scholarships at WA’s five Universities. more centres. The Packer Family’s National Philanthropic Fund has contributed Many corporates now seek to “give” $200 million, Westpac have donated $100 million to a scholarship fund and through personal activity and then of course there was Paul Ramsey’s endeavour rather than simply handing

over a cheque because it provides far greater meaning to the exercise and allows those who participate to feel they have done something useful rather than have it happen passively on their behalf.

of need.

GIVING IS GOOD FOR OUR WELLBEING

Not wishing to make helping others be seen purely as a selfish activity, but Back in 2014, a local zoo called Roos- the act of giving not only makes us n-More near Las Vegas was threatened feel good, it has a positive effect on with closure. Some employees from our immune system resulting in lower Zappos and other local businesses levels of inflammation in the body. This decided to step in and help by hosting a translates into staying healthier and series of fundraisers and special events living longer! to raise the $250,000US required to fund the necessary improvements Giving increases our sense of wellbeing and allow the zoo to reopen. The and to a higher level compared to when personal intervention by staff along we spend an equivalent amount of with company support resulted in a money on ourselves. While we might highly successful outcome that restored enjoy that coveted pair of Jimmy Choo a community amenity for the greater shoes that we buy ourselves as a special good of all. me-to-me gift, donating the equivalent

SMALL CIRCLES ARE ALSO BEAUTIFUL, AND EFFECTIVE In the face of natural disasters it can feel difficult to know whether one small contribution really makes any difference. What’s been recognised is that by banding small groups together a bigger bang for our buck can be achieved. This has resulted in the growing number of giving circles, where a group of people form a giving ‘hub’, each person contributing a certain amount of say $1000 per year, which is then pooled and directed to identified areas

value to a charity makes us happier overall.

When we lead a life high in purpose and meaning we are at our happiest, so why not look for some simple ways to reach out and do something for someone else, because then everybody wins.

GIVING IS THE WAY TO CHANGE THE WORLD While we might not have the loose change in our back pocket to match the philanthropic efforts of Bill and Melinda Gates or Warren Buffett, we can be inspired by their actions and

motivated to help in our own way too. As Gandhi said “Be the change you wish to see in others”. We can cultivate compassion through training. Sometimes just being reminded of the ‘how’ can put us on the path to give more. Just as Scrooge discovered, taking part in prosocial behaviours triggers more positive emotion and increases life satisfaction. It has also been shown that practicing loving, kindness and meditation can enhance emotional regulation, quietens down the amygdala (the area of the brain activated by stress) improves psychological wellbeing and social connection. It used to be said, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Perhaps we can change that to “Do something for someone else every day, for the greater good and to feel healthier and happier too.”

Dr Jenny Brockis is the Brain Fitness Doctor. She helps fine tune brains for high performance. Her new book Future Brain The 12 Keys to Create a High Performance Brain is available now at all leading booksellers and online retailers. Contact her here

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GO MUSCLES NOT SHOW MUSCLES | PRACTICAL WORKOUT FOR FITPRENEURS Nikki Fogden-Moore

WELCOME TO THE NO EXCUSES PAGE FOR LEADERS, BUSINESS OWNERS AND EXECS OUT THERE THAT NEED TO BRING THEIR VITALITY BANK™ BACK INTO BALANCE. No amount of using the word “busy” is going to get you fit. When it comes to operating at your personal best - you need to run your body like your business and create actions rather than wish lists. • plan in effective use of time • small regular sessions - regularity is key! • smart ways to get great results you can sustain Instead of writing about the why - this month I am focusing on giving you the how. No gym required. There are many benefits of own-bodyweight exercises -

not to mention you don’t need a gym and can plan exercise into your day wherever you are. Work on your full range of movement within the exercise and activate every inch of your muscles - healthy body, healthy mind - the fitpreneur approach. By perfecting quality technique with a few different exercises you can mix and match your workouts like your outfits. A series of basics in your hard drive and a go-to express session, are all you need to get back into a simple routine. Some of the exercises below should be

performed at high intensity and others should be performed with a focus on form, holding the pose or each pose a little longer and being able to concentrate on contracting and releasing muscles. 5 TOP TIPS FOR THIS GO MUSCLE NOT SHOW MUSCLE WORKOUT: 1. Be body aware. Time to turn off autopilot and be in the moment and task at hand. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got some good tunes locked and loaded on your ipod then think about the muscle groups you are using.

cardio program or a cycle, run, walk or even swim. Do the body weight exercises first after the warm up then move on to a 30-40 minute moderate to high intensity cardio session. This will have you burning more fat over the period of time and your metabolism will be ticking over long after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve finished your session. 5. Friends make it fun! Super set these exercises with a friend or run it as a circuit on a timer. That way you can get the min rest and mix up the routine.

2. Breathe. Think about breathing in and Remember, any of these workouts can be mixed up with a longer cardio session at then out on the point of effort. Be the end, or just use them on their own for dynamic in your movements. a quick metabolism booster. 3. Belly button to your spine: While you Also swap around the exercises as often are reading this article why not pull as you can. your belly button to your spine and you can work your abs while you wait Below is just a guide combination. I use to hit the outdoors! Use this same about 5 exercises with interval sessions technique when you walk, run, cycle in-between that include sand dunes, stairs and do your exercises. Engage your or if there is no space star jumps, skipping core and support your lower back. and burpees. 4. Keep it simple. If you only have 15 minutes then use that 15 minutes. If you have more, integrate this into a

A BASE SERIES HAS 3 PARTS: A WARM UP/ EXERCISES/INTERVALS. This is designed for super busy people - if you have more time then add more exercises. Note: we get some of the abdominal exercises done straight away so you can count those off your list! *Interval cardio = 75% of your max heart rate – or where you don’t want to talk at ALL. If you can talk then you’re not working hard enough. *Warm up and stretch after each session:

EXERCISES SERIES 1 a) Mountain Climbers Interval Cardio 3min b) Swiss Ball Core Lift Interval Cardio 3min c) Side Lift Interval Cardio 3min

EXERCISES SERIES 2 a) Running Man Sit Ups Interval Cardio 3min b) Reverse Plank Interval Cardio 3min c) Prone reverse arms Interval Cardio 3min

DESCRIPTIONS Swiss Ball Core Raises

EXERCISES SERIES 3 a) Swiss Ball Crunches Interval Cardio 3min b) Sprinter Starts (limited in space then make these mountain climbers) Interval Cardio 3min c) Single Leg Squats Interval Cardio 3min

EXERCISES SERIES 4 a) Leg raises Interval Cardio 3min b) Prone narrow to wide arms Interval Cardio 3min c) Pike Interval Cardio 3min + 6 Shuttle Runs (double cardio double the burn!)

Find a good balance on the swiss ball with your lower back activated, abs on and tense the legs to lock in the lower body. Raise your upper body off the ball looking forward â&#x20AC;&#x201C;hold at the top and lower down again. The closer your feet are together the less balance so take your feet wide to start with.

Swiss Ball Crunches Prone With Arms Front

Roll yourself gently onto the ball so your middle and lower back is supported. Hands back with your head resting itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full weight on your hands, chin off your chest, eyes up. Crunch up to the sky making sure you do not fold your elbows in or drop your chin to your chest. Lower back down and repeat.

Start with your body flat on the ground. Tighten every muscle, flex your feet and lift your feet and your upper body off the ground â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with your hands out in front to start then finishing with wide arms. Bring your hands back to the front before you lower to the ground and repeat. Its imperative you lock your abs and glutes to prevent lower back strain.

Reverse Prone Same start as the front prone but you are going to bring your arms back behind you and by your sides as you lift higher. Once again your glutes are locked on and you can feel all your muscles work from fingertips to your toes. Activate everything - don’t leave the work to your lower back. Pull your shoulder blades together for a great ‘row’ simulation.

Reverse Plank Start sitting on the ground with your back at 90 degrees and hands behind you – fingers facing your toes. Tighten like a tiger and lift your entire body off the ground to create a reverse plank. Straight, long lines. Hips towards the sky. Release as you lower and repeat.

Sprinter Starts One of my favourite ab exercises – best start off slowly then pick up the pace when you have the technique correct. Start on the ground with arms out then simultaneously pop up into a sit up with opposite knee to elbow as if you are sprinting. Hold at the top and return to change sides. You must complete the rep by going back to the ground completely flat.

Side Raises Take a side plank position with hips on the ground and upper body is extended. Weight on elbow and forearm with palm of your hand on the ground. Lift your hips off the ground keeping the elbow and arm static. Focus on your obliques. Once you have done your reps on one side change over to the other side.

Single Leg Squats You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to do a massive movement to activate your ankles and knees along with your calf and quads for this exercise. Extend your arms on the way down and bring them back to your sides for the return to standing. A beginner version is shown here.

TIP:

Once you feel stronger you can add free weights, medicine balls and/or kettlebells to your workout to ramp up the anabolic effect and burn more fat. No matter what your age, resistance training is essential.

Leg Raises Another exercise that targets those small muscle groups so don’t let the bigger ones take over. Focus on your lower obliques by starting with feet at 90 degrees then lower them to the point that your back almost raises – but you want to push your lower back into the ground. Small movements create a lasting effect. Go slow to start.

Pike Deceptively difficult - the pros don’t let their feet touch the ground on the start or return. Lie flat on the ground with your arms above your head and your feet slightly raised – then jack knife your body so that you form a pike using your abs as the anchor and pivot point. Release this back to the start position without letting your feet touch the ground. Arms and legs stay straight.

Watch videos on line too - download them to your ipad or just log onto www. youtube.com/VitalityCoachTV and choose an exercise a day to master. Remember, plan your time, use your winning week and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for a quiet day or weekend. Start now. Got questions let me know on nikki@thevitalitycoach.com.au or leave a message on Facebook www.facebook.com/nfogdenmoore

Nikki Fogden-Moore specialises in working with CEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, entrepreneurs and high achievers in creating the life they want. She divides her time between private coaching, Corporate Vitality, Boardroom and bespoke retreats, workshops and presenting. You can visit her for more great advice here.

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Get the low down on what is wanted in print, digital, radio and television stories. Senior producers, journalists and editors from the most popular mainstream media outlets in the country will walk you through the dos and don’ts of content; their pet likes and dislikes; and what really makes a story shine. In this half day session, two panels of outstanding members of the media will educate and pass on their knowledge on strategic engagement with your sought after audience demographic and industry appropriate media. We will then be opening the floor to you! Ask the questions that matter. This is your chance to pick the minds of the experts.

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This is more than a standard press release exercise. It is an opportunity to open the right doors, to increase your credibility as an expert within your industry, and to become a sought after media commentator.

VIDEO MAGNETISM! Zahrina Robertson

Your writing might show off your personality, but for me, it’s just not the same, and I suppose as a very visual person that makes sense. Text-based content is a very onedimensional medium.Video, on the other hand, is a magnetic triple threat! Not only can people hear you, they can read whatever it is you’re writing down. But most importantly, people SEE your body language. They feel your energy and personal approach and best of all, they connect with you on a deeper level.They see your eyes sparkle, feel

your authentic smile, hear your laugh, empathise with your nervous ticks (if you have any) and much, much more. And that’s the secret. Body language communicates more information than you could ever hope to write. What does this have to do with rapport, likeability or even building your business? This. If you can engage, express your authentic message faster, talk about your value, or present yourself as the expert in your field - this will eliminate any stress you will have

about building business brand.

watch online videos.

Video is king and here to stay. Simply look at the success of YouTube. It has more than one billion unique visitors every month; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than any other channel apart from Facebook.

This year it is predicted that half of all internet traffic will be taken up by video. By 2017, 69% of traffic will be owned by video, and this will increase to 79% by 2018. Every week, 75% of all business executives watch videos related to work. Half of these executives share online videos with their colleagues every week. More than half of these

Bear in mind, too, that the majority of people around the world are visual learners. Entrepreneurs and

professionals can only benefit from video content marketing. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into fashion, make a tutorial on choosing the right shoes for the occasion and your website will get increased traffic. Demand for your plumbing services will go up when you post a how-to on fixing clogged sinks. That is how effective videos have become. Every week 78 percent of people watch online videos; every day 55 percent of people

senior executives prefer to watch videos when they are given a choice between text and video.Video marketing has been used by 69% of business, sales and marketing professionals and the other 31% intend to use it as well. Adding the word video to your subject line increases the chance of your marketing email being opened. Clickthrough rate is also boosted by 65%

and lessens your chances of being unsubscribed. 81% of people add video branding to their site. And most of all...

Knowing that video is the future of content marketing and the best way to enhance your online presence, it is only logical to harness that power and use it to your advantage.

Most marketing professionals believe Video is your way to move ahead of that video content offers the best return your competitors and take your business on investment. to the next level. Start with a video bio. Far from being a video that highlights So where can video take your branding your credentials and expertise like a efforts? Video is easier to understand resume, a video bio is meant to take and absorb which could be the reason your personality into focus and show it has the same appeal to people of all how passionate you are about your ages. Knowing this fact, it should then company, product or service. It’s an easy be your goal to create or make a video and effective way to make connections of your own in order to reach your with prospective clients and help them target market. decide to work with you or endorse what you believe in. Videos have the uncanny ability to attract attention; so much so that You will need an expert in personal viewers tend to share or repost those branding to help you project the image that they have enjoyed or sparked their you want and show you in the best interest. This is a golden opportunity to light. It’s only normal to get the jitters reach potential clients. Social media is a or simply be shy in front of the camera. great avenue for marketing, and it’s easy There’s the possibility of wearing the to create a network of people, including wrong clothes or saying the wrong possible clients. If they find value from thing, so a personal branding mentor the content that you post, sharing will help you share your knowledge, get follows. over your fears and build the confidence that you need in order to come up with There is no question that posting the best video. In this way, your brand photos and keeping your profile will be seen as valuable and desirable. updated are important, but when you put a video in there about yourself, the Video lets you provide complete company that you represent, and your communication, one that is visual and products or services, viewers are more helps your clients relate. engaged. The trick here is to make the Don’t forget to be open to valuable video content creative and project your insights that only someone from the values as a person as well as a company. outside looking in can provide, as well

as how possible clients will see you. So take these top tips for success: 1. Your brand needs to be consistent; then it will be popular and stay that way. Your video content mentor should be there all the way like your personal cheerleader, making sure your personal brand messages are updated and maintained.

Believe it! You are one step closer to success, using high quality educational storytelling videos alongside branding photos and great content as part of your online brand strategy..

2. Video branding is the ultimate way of projecting yourself for success. You’re not only creating presence and visibility, video helps you to stand out from the competition, makes your ideal avatar more aware of your uniqueness and value and most of all, it helps you identify and reach your goals for success! 3. How clear is the audio, is the appearance of the person within the footage clear - is the setting or surroundings shown on video - is it on brand? How does the vibe of this video feel? Is it heartfelt and do you feel you connect? How succinct is the brand messaging and the content – is it high quality brand storytelling? 4. Finally, would you want to connect with the person within the video? Video branding brings magnetism. It will help you to convey your brand message clearer and faster and be more compelling to your ideal client with clarity and confidence.

Zahrina Robertson specialises in video and photographic branding for entrepreneurs. Her new book MAGNETIC BRANDING is being released soon. Contact her here

THE FLY IN THE OINTMENT: STAMPING OUT FAKE Adrian Morgan PHILANTHROPY Have you ever tried describing philanthropy to a child?

After I thought about it, I much prefer a simpler definition.

My son and I were talking the other day about this article. As some of you may remember, he has quite the enquiring mind, so enjoys hearing my rambling thoughts on whatever our esteemed editor has assigned this month… (side note, I was quite disappointed when I realised I had misread this month’s subject as Philately. Sad face emoticon).

It’s anyone wanting to make the world a better place by going against convention. We tend to see most philanthropists as donating big sums of money to big causes. But is this really driving change? Whilst some philanthropists donate to the arts, are they doing anything to change how arts are perceived in society? To explain the value of the arts to the world?

‘So philanthropy, what is it and who does it?’ he enquired. I was able to explain various people (Bill Gates, for example) and various causes, but it was hard to explain to said enquiring mind. The question of ‘why do they do it?’ - it just kept coming up.

My favourite philanthropist is Elon Musk – his unwavering commitment to making the world better, drives his decision making, but in a sustainable way. His focus on energy and space is something that is truly inspirational. In a way, it’s the ideal modern company, designed to make a profit, but designed from the outset to make peoples’ lives better.

My son decided after all my examples, that basically you had to be rich and powerful to be a philanthropist, and want to fix something. Which, in reality, is a pretty good description for what most people think of as philanthropy.

The modern philanthropist, I feel, designs their company to deliver on the promise of making the human world better – and yes, for a profit, but those profits aren’t the reason for what

they do; it’s a by product of a passion - donate to one that does something that isn’t easily subdued. Musk seeks primary research, programs that focus to make the world greener, the stars on the cause, not the by product. closer, and now schools more engaging. Donate to homes that desex animals I guess it is easy to be a philanthropist rather than put them down - get a when you are rich though - take a punt rescue dog. Focus on the cause. on things that you are passionate about, Secondly, treat your donations like maybe with the view to leaving your legacy. Be completely comfortable with you do with your money normally - do your research and make sure most of spending your millions on something the money is going to direct action, that may or may not work.

‘WHEN SOMETHING IS IMPORTANT ENOUGH, YOU DO IT EVEN IF THE ODDS ARE NOT IN YOUR FAVOUR.’ - ELON MUSK But what of the average, normal, everyday person. Can we be philanthropists? Will it make any difference to the world if we all start up institutes that make a difference to the world? Nope. But. We can live with the same values of making the world better. Imagine your day tomorrow, or today if you are impatient, if that was your whole goal for everything you did. How could you live in a philanthropic way? For a start, philanthropists tend to focus on root causes. So don’t donate to a charity that promotes ‘awareness’

not administration (as a side note, I don’t trust any organisation that says it raises money and donates 100% of it - there is always a catch. Maybe they don’t do research on the success of their programs, or maybe they don’t have continuity of staff, but there is always a catch). Finally - ask yourself what type of world is my money going to create? Is that a world I want to live in? If the answer is yes, then you are living as a philanthropist. Just make sure you leave room for stamps.

NEWS AND REVIEWS

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hink about how many things in your life you research on a daily basis; where, what and how you are going to eat, get your hair done, nails, get your clothes cleaned, where your fruit and vegetables come from, is your meat organically sourced... the list goes on and on.

But do you do your research when it comes to where your charity dollars are going? Put your money where your Google is, and pick up this great guide to effective altruism. Give well, rather than just giving; it’s methodically researched, the data is - well, it’s data, so how exciting can it be, but it’s impeccable. MacAskill first became fascinated with ‘where is my NFP spend actually being spent?’ when he was at university, and his fascination hasn’t stopped. He has extended this fascination to argue whether NFPs are actually the right way to even spend that dollar. You may not agree with what he has to say, but it definitely gives food for charitable thought.

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f you want to start to give smarter, faster, and - well, yes, harder - then go to the Gates Foundation. The site is a gift that keeps on giving in itself. Bill and Melinda Gates are a rarity amongst the uber rich; they know how much money they need to live well, and they give the rest of it to those who need it more. This is an exercise is good giving, not giving. They invest in the world around them - the smart way - and for the future of our race, and our planet. Kudos, fellow geeks.

THIS MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EXCLUSIVE BOOK EXTRACT... Peter Baines, featured in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue, founder of Hands Across The Water, brings you practical philanthropy in DOING GOOD BY DOING GOOD

onsumers are now expecting that big businesses with ever-increasing profits give back to the community from which those profits arise. At the same time, shareholders are demanding their share and are happy to see dividends soar. Getting this right is a balancing act, and Doing Good by Doing Good helps companies delineate a plan of action for getting it done. Doing Good by Doing Good shows companies how to improve the bottom line by implementing an engaging, authentic, and business-enhancing program that helps staff and business thrive. International CSR consultant Peter Baines draws upon lessons learnt from the challenges faced in his career as a police officer, forensic investigator, and founder of Hands Across the Water to describe the Australian CSR landscape, and the factors that make up a program that benefits everyone involved. Case studies illustrate the real effect of CSR on both business and society, with clear guidance toward maximizing involvement, engaging all employees, and improving the bottom line. The case studies draw out the companies that are focusing on creating shared value in meeting the challenges of society whilst at the same time bringing strong economic returns.

152 × 229 SPINE: 16.6 FLAPS: 0

CONTACT: XOU CREATIVE (XOU.COM.AU) | WIL035 DOING GOOD BY DOING GOOD Cover: w152mm x h229mm SPINE: 12.5mm (TBC) FLAPS: 90 mm TURNAROUND: ? 09/09/2014

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