People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

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

In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from Samuel Richards, exploring the role capital plays in creating social and environmental outcomes.Samuel makes a clear distinction between what we do with money and why we do it. Rather than seeing investors, philanthropy, and government as separate or competing forces, he frames them as parts of the same marketplace, each with a role to play.He talks about the importance of aligning capital with purpose and values, not just chasing labels like “impact”, “ethical”, or “sustainable”, which can distract from the real work. At its best, capital becomes an enabler, quietly connecting the system, supporting those closest to the problems, and helping solutions scale.Samuel also challenges the assumption that returns are the hard part. In his experience, it’s often perception, power dynamics, and language that get in the way, not performance.This episode is a thoughtful reflection for funders, investors, and advisors who want to think more clearly about how capital shows up in the world, and how it can support change without trying to own it.This episode of Purposely was brought to you by Benevity, the all-in-one software solution that benefits employees, customers, nonprofits and society, with thanks also to Trust Investments for their ongoing support.

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

Revisiting the Story of Benevity with Founder Bryan de LottinvilleIn this revisited episode of Purposely Podcast, Mark Longbottom returns to a 2021 conversation with Bryan de Lottinville, founder of Benevity.Bryan is a purpose-led founder whose work has had a significant influence on how companies think about employee engagement, giving, and corporate responsibility. In this conversation, Bryan reflects on the ideas that led to the creation of Benevity, the decisions that shaped its growth, and the belief that business can play a meaningful role in enabling social good.Benevity went on to scale globally and was ultimately sold for around a billion dollars, but this episode focuses less on the outcome and more on the thinking behind the journey — from reimagining corporate giving to building a platform designed around employee choice and participation.Bryan’s background and the origins of BenevityThe limitations of traditional corporate giving models, and why change was neededDesigning technology that enables and encourages employee participationLeading and scaling a purpose-driven businessMaintaining culture through growth, disruption, and CovidReflections on leadership, wellbeing, and long-term impactWhere purpose-led business is heading nextWhy purpose was always central to Benevity’s modelHow democratising giving changes behaviour and cultureThe realities of founder leadership at scaleLessons for leaders working at the intersection of business and impactBenevity has supported the Purposely Podcast as a sponsor for the past three years. Thank you to Bryan de Lottinville for the conversation and for his ongoing contribution to the corporate purpose movement.Follow Purposely Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform to stay connected with future episodes.

In this SHORT episode of Purposely, we revisit insights from Simon Fulford, Executive Director of Parrott Creek Child & Family Services, based in Portland, Oregon.Simon explains why rebuilding self-esteem and identity sits at the heart of working with young people who have experienced trauma, and why care can’t stop at programmes and therapy alone. If the physical environment, daily routines, and adult behaviours send the opposite message, the work can be undermined.He shares how Parrott Creek takes a holistic approach. From unconditional positive regard and mindfulness, to staff self-awareness, food, learning, and intentionally beautiful spaces. All of it is designed to communicate one consistent message to young people: you are worthy, you belong, and you can grow.This is a practical reflection on how environment, care, and values need to align if we’re serious about helping young people heal and thrive.This episode of Purposely was brought to you by Benevity, the all-in-one software solution that benefits employees, customers, nonprofits and society, with thanks also to Trust Investments for their ongoing support.