People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

• #257 'Hope Through Science', Dr Jacqueline Orian Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University

  We’re pleased to welcome Dr Jacqueline Orian, Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University, to a conversation exploring her work on a new approach to autoimmune disease—along with the habits and values that help sustain a career in scientific research.While medical research is often associated with labs and data, Dr Orian sees value in slowing down and stepping outside. A long walk across campus or a quiet moment among La Trobe’s gardens is part of her routine. “Walks are very important,” she says. “Smelling the flowers, taking the long way between buildings—it’s important to make time for that.”Even with a daily forty-minute commute, she finds time for reading, crafts, and music. While she sometimes works from home—especially for virtual interviews—she prefers the pace and energy of the lab, where she works alongside students and colleagues on new ideas and experiments.Her current research focuses on platelets, the small blood cells known for their role in clotting. But her team has uncovered evidence that platelets are also involved in the progression of autoimmune diseases—conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.In MS, current treatments can slow disease progression, but they often suppress the immune system more broadly. This makes patients more susceptible to infections and can come with other side effects.Dr Orian is working on a more targeted alternative. Rather than suppressing the whole immune system, her aim is to modulate the role of platelets, reducing their contribution to damaging immune responses without compromising overall immune function. “Blocking a process is a bit of a sledgehammer approach,” she explains. “We’re aiming for something more precise.”Her goal is to develop a platelet-targeting drug that limits tissue damage and slows or prevents disease progression. Within the next two years, she hopes to identify a promising molecule and generate early proof-of-concept data. If successful, this could offer a safer and more effective treatment option for MS and potentially other autoimmune conditions.This research also has implications beyond MS. Because platelets are involved in various immune pathways, there may be opportunities to apply this approach to a broader range of immune and neurological disorders.Dr Orian shares her findings through international conferences and collaborative networks, helping her team’s work reach researchers in other disciplines. “There’s a lot of opportunity for conferences,” she says. “It’s where knowledge is tested and shared.”Mentorship is another key part of her role. She works closely with students in the lab, encouraging them to contribute ideas and take ownership of their research. “Their curiosity fuels mine,” she says—highlighting the value of working in an environment that supports learning and shared progress.Dr Jacqueline Orian’s work is part of a growing effort to move beyond one-size-fits-all treatments and toward more tailored, precise solutions for complex diseases. With a combination of scientific focus and a commitment to thoughtful, balanced work, she is helping shape the next generation of research in autoimmune health.

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• #256 'Leading A Global Movement', Martin Rohner Executive Director at Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)

  Welcoming Martin Rohner, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), to Purposely Podcast to share how finance—when aligned with purpose—can drive lasting, positive change for people and the planet.Martin and his team lead a global network of independent banks committed to using money to support social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. His role takes him to communities around the world, from Europe to Africa, where he sees first-hand how values-based banking is creating real-world impact.During a recent trip, he reflected on his time in Uganda—where, despite global pressures like inflation and food insecurity, he encountered a nation full of energy and possibility. “It was energising to see what’s possible when access to finance supports resilience and growth,” he said.Martin explained that values-based banks don’t see finance as neutral. Every dollar—whether saved, spent, or invested—has an impact. These banks choose to channel capital into organisations and projects that contribute to a healthier environment and stronger communities.He encouraged individuals to consider the role their money plays. “Where your money sits matters,” he said. “It’s not just earning interest—it’s shaping the future.”Today, values-based banks operate in more than 44 countries. For anyone looking to make a shift, Martin suggests starting by learning more—whether it’s switching to a local mutual or using resources like gabbv.org to find mission-aligned options.He also addressed common concerns around financial returns. “If a system delivers strong returns but leaves people hungry or the climate in crisis, that’s not success,” he said. “Good finance creates long-term value—for people, communities, and ecosystems.”Martin shared a compelling example: building design. Constructing a building with sustainability in mind can deliver decades of positive impact—reducing emissions, lowering costs, and improving wellbeing. “But if we build only for short-term gain, the harm can last for generations.”His message is clear: finance has the power to either reinforce harmful systems or support transformation. The values-based banking movement shows that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand—and that money, used wisely, can shape a better future.

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• SHORT 'Leadership And Positive Impact', Shaun Greaves CEO at Presbytarian Support Northern

  A warm welcome to Purposely SHORT, short as in not long—a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission.This week, Shaun Greaves, CEO of Presbyterian Support Northern, shares his refreshingly honest perspective on leadership, self-awareness, and staying future-focused in a changing sector. Shaun talks about rejecting one-size-fits-all ideas of success, instead shaping a rhythm that plays to his strengths. He reflects on the value of coaching, the loneliness of leadership, and why adaptability is key to both personal resilience and organisational relevance. He also shares his drive for social justice and why he believes charities, like PSN, must evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow.

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• #255 'Co-Leading The Responsible Investment Movement', Dean Hegarty Co-CEO at RIAA

  Dean Hegarty became Co-CEO of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) to help grow the role investment plays in tackling social and environmental challenges. As the first New Zealand-based CEO of the organisation, he brings a different viewpoint-shaped by his background outside traditional finance and by a strong belief in collaboration. Alongside Co-CEO Estelle Parker, Hegarty is helping to lead RIAA’s mission across both sides of the Tasman through a model of shared leadership that values trust, transparency, and purpose.RIAA represents a broad membership base of asset owners, fund managers, advisers, and others committed to using capital as a force for positive change. The association sets standards, influences policy, and supports investment practices that account for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.For Hegarty, responsible investment is about more than avoiding harm—it’s about enabling capital to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future. He sees the sector at a pivotal moment, with ESG no longer on the margins but increasingly part of mainstream investment decisions. As renewable energy becomes more affordable and social pressures mount, investors are paying closer attention to long-term value and societal impact.“Responsible investment has shifted from being the right thing to do, to also being the smart thing to do,” Hegarty notes. But he’s quick to point out that momentum alone isn’t enough. “There are still barriers preventing capital from reaching the projects and communities that need it most.”As someone who came into the investment world relatively recently, Hegarty speaks openly about his learning curve—supported by mentors and colleagues willing to share their knowledge. Based in Queenstown, he leads RIAA’s New Zealand efforts and contributes to its trans-Tasman presence. His location has required adaptability and clear communication, particularly when it comes to staying connected with the Melbourne-based team.The decision to adopt a Co-CEO model was a deliberate move by RIAA. Hegarty and Parker bring complementary strengths: Parker with her background in diplomacy and public policy, and Hegarty with a values-led, mission-oriented approach shaped by his experience in New Zealand’s sustainability and business communities. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to the organisation’s purpose.While co-leadership can present challenges—especially across time zones and geographies—Hegarty sees its benefits clearly. “Two perspectives allow us to make better decisions. We each bring different questions to the table, which helps test our thinking and improve outcomes.”The arrangement also enables deeper engagement across both Australia and New Zealand, two markets with distinct regulatory settings and investment landscapes. RIAA’s growing influence in both jurisdictions benefits from having visible leadership on the ground in each.Looking ahead, Hegarty wants to see responsible investment become more inclusive. He believes that improving financial literacy and access- especially through mechanisms like KiwiSaver—will help grow the pool of capital directed toward positive outcomes. He describes responsible investment as a spectrum, with approaches ranging from avoiding harm to actively investing in solutions, such as renewable energy, affordable housing, and infrastructure.Ultimately, Hegarty’s focus is on creating the conditions where more capital can flow to where it’s needed most. “If we want investment to serve the future-not just the present- we need to make it easier for good money to find good outcomes.”Through his leadership at RIAA, Dean Hegarty is helping shift how the investment sector sees its role in society—not as separate from social and environmental challenges, but as a vital part of the solution.

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• #254 'Power Of Connection', Jenny Horst CEO at Upside Mentoring Aotearoa

  Jenny Horst, Chief Executive at Upside Mentoring Aotearoa, joined Purposely Podcast to talk about the pressures facing young people in Aotearoa—and how mentoring can help build stability and confidence in uncertain times.She spoke about the challenges of leading a charity as economic uncertainty puts more pressure on funding and growth plans. Despite this, the focus remains clear: supporting consistent, safe mentoring relationships that help young people build emotional strength and a sense of belonging.Jenny emphasised that youth mentoring—when done well—is a practical, cost-effective approach that leads to better outcomes in education, mental and physical health, and resilience.The statistics she shared paint a stark picture. New Zealand has the highest youth suicide rate in the OECD. One in five young people are experiencing serious mental health challenges. Fewer than half are regularly attending school. Meanwhile, Upside Mentoring’s work is showing meaningful results. Independent analysis suggests that every dollar invested delivers $4.70 in social value.Jenny also spoke about the influence of online content on young people—especially boys aged 9 to 13—who are increasingly exposed to harmful messages online. Upside’s mentoring programme supports young people to think critically about the messages they see and helps them develop their own values and sense of identity.Looking ahead, Upside is continuing to extend the reach of its mentoring programme—including through partnerships with organisations embedding Upside’s mentoring model into their own mahi. Building long-term partnerships—with funders and community groups alike—will be essential to this next stage.A key thread in Jenny’s message is the power of connection: strong, trusting relationships between mentors and young people can shift lives in lasting ways. Supporting youth isn’t the job of one person or organisation—it requires shared commitment. Whether through funding, volunteering, or partnership, we all have a role to play in helping the next generation grow, thrive, and feel they belong.

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