In this episode, Phil sits down with Rachael McLennan, co-founder of People for Purpose, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on succession planning in the not-for-profit sector. Together, they explore how rising community expectations, increased regulation and greater scrutiny are driving a more intentional approach to board and executive succession. Rachael highlights the shift from informal, relationship-based appointments to strategically aligned recruitment grounded in purpose, skills, diversity of perspective and future needs. She emphasises that effective succession planning is not a moment in time, but a continuous, forward-looking discipline embedded in strategy.

The discussion also examines what high-performing boards are doing well — from setting clear term expectations and aligning director "superpowers" to strategy, to using robust board reviews and nominations committees to drive accountability and improvement. Rachael reflects on the importance of strong chairs, healthy board culture, and honest conversations about CEO succession, internal bench strength and risk appetite. Looking ahead, they consider the impact of AI, remuneration pressures, evolving workforce expectations and the growing complexity of leadership in the sector. The episode offers practical insights for boards and executives committed to building sustainable, future-ready governance in an increasingly demanding environment.

Learn more about People for Purpose: https://peopleforpurpose.com.au/

In our debut episode of Board with Purpose, we sit down with Zoe Black, Founder & CEO of Happy Paws Happy Hearts, and Mark Osborn, the organisation's chair, for a powerful conversation on the challenge of measuring impact in a not-for-profit organisation.

Authentic, candid and full of practical insight, we delve into:

• How impact data informs governance, board decision‑making and strategic planning
• The importance of CEO wellbeing, including Zoe's transformative three‑month sabbatical
• Balancing impact and sustainability in a changing NDIS landscape
• Scaling a purpose‑driven model across diverse communities
• Building board capability and culture for long‑term success

Zoe and Mark generously take us inside the Happy Paws Happy Hearts organisation and board, sharing its journey of impact measurement so far.

Here are just a handful of many noteworthy takeaways:

• Traditional output metrics fall short. A robust Theory of Change fundamentally reshaped how Happy Paws Happy Hearts understands and delivers impact.
• Measuring impact requires trauma‑aware approaches that avoid retraumatising participants while still capturing meaningful outcomes.
• Thoughtful impact reporting can strengthen participant agency, giving beneficiaries tools to advocate for themselves in complex support systems.
• Embedding impact into organisational strategy demands board commitment—integrating it into dashboards, conversations and decision‑making processes.
• Purpose‑driven organisations must carefully balance scale and sustainability without compromising the integrity of their mission.
• Effective governance requires navigating shifting NDIS reforms, regional growth pressures, and a clearly defined risk appetite.
• Leadership wellbeing is critical; conversations about burnout, sabbaticals and "healthy compassion" reveal what it takes to sustain impactful work over the long term.

Learn more about Happy Paws Happy Hearts: https://www.hphhfoundation.org/

Thank you to Impact Culture Australian for their assistance in this episode of Boards With Purpose. https://impactcultureaustralia.com.au/

Charitable giving is evolving. How do you stand out in a crowded funding environment?

Katherine Raskob, CEO of Fundraising Australia, and Rick Millen, UNHRC director, discuss how boards can support the fundraising function in the evolving NFP landscape.

Governance consultant Geoff Carter urges boards to lift their gaze from crisis mode. Now's the time to rethink your NFP's mission and how you achieve it.

Experienced business leader Anne Skipper AM FAICD talks about the 'strategic reset' required in the NFP sector including the mindset shift needed and the operational challenges that boards must face to ensure a sustainable future in the sector.

Jane Seawright is the Chair of Netball Queensland, as well as a director of Racing Queensland and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. In this debut episode of NFP Matters, she discusses how COVID-19 has impacted the arts and sport, how it has changed board dynamics, whether crisis plans were adequate and whether we might see a new era of co-operation in federated NFPs.