Doug Taylor leads one of Australia's largest and best-loved charities, The Smith Family. He is also an experienced charity director and long-time volunteer. In this episode, Doug explains his values and the leadership principles he brings to his work. He offers a first-hand account of what it is like running a large charity and the realities of running an organisation with a dual purpose of financial sustainability and real-world impact. Doug also explains why measuring impact is challenging, important and worth paying for. And finally, he assesses the outlook for fundraising and philanthropy in Australia, noting both the opportunities ahead and the need for charities to meet the challenge of convincing would-be donors to fund them.
12 Apr 2026
Episode 19: Kelly O'Shanassy
Kelly O'Shanassy is one of Australia's most recognised environmental leaders, having served as CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation for over a decade. In this episode, Kelly reflects on what it means to lead an organisation through moments of both progress and frustration, and shares how a deep, personal love of the natural world has sustained her through the demands of that work. She offers a frank and thoughtful perspective on what it takes to influence government — what works, what doesn't, and why long-term relationships and patience are as important as any campaign. Kelly's insights and reflections are a reminder that meaningful environmental change is rarely won quickly, but that the people who pursue it most effectively tend to carry both conviction and an enduring sense of hope.
13 Oct 2025
Episode 18: Melissa Smith
Melissa Smith is the CEO and founder of Noble Ambition, the founder of the She Gives campaign, a former Australian Fundraiser of the Year and a former Global Fundraiser of the Year. In this episode, Melissa speaks about the significant and growing role of women in philanthropy, what women respond to and what they want when they give. She shares valuable insights in relation to successful fundraising and giving in a broader context, and, reflecting on her personal and professional life, talks about the value of ambition, trust and relationships founded on authenticity.
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
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YouTube
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Engagement
30
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