Seeds

This is a chapter by Chris Clarke from the new book 'Changing Paradigms' which is now out!

You can download the full book here https://www.parryfield.com/changing-paradigms/

This is the first chapter in the new book 'Changing Paradigms' which is now out!

You can download it here https://www.parryfield.com/changing-paradigms/

This is the introduction from a new collection of essays called 'Changing Paradigms' which you can register to receive at no cost on the landing page over here: Changing Paradigms - Parry Field Lawyers

There are 25 essays in this collection and I hope you enjoy it an it challenges thinking!

For more visit www.theseeds.nz

In this episode I got the chance to speak with Judene Edgar who is from the Institute of Directors. We talk about moving from Compliance to Confidence in governance with a particular focus on charities and societies. Thanks to the IOD for the chance to be part of the webinar!

If you'd like the slides just email at [email protected]

For more content visit www.theseeds.nz

Overview

Governance of not-for-profit organisations is not just about purpose — essential though that is — but about building organisations that are resilient, trusted and fit for the future. Recent legislative changes have sharpened expectations on boards and committees while also creating a timely opportunity to strengthen governance practice, build confidence and position organisations for long-term success.

New requirements under the Charities Act 2005 now require registered charities to formally review their governance procedures at least every three years, while the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requires all existing societies to re-register by 5 April 2026 if they wish to continue operating. For many boards, these changes can feel like another compliance burden. Yet approached well, they provide a powerful catalyst for renewal.

This session explores how boards can move beyond a narrow compliance mindset and use these legislative milestones to lift governance quality, strategic clarity and organisational resilience. Rather than simply asking "what do we need to change to comply?", directors are encouraged to ask deeper questions: are our structures still fit for purpose? Do our rules support good decision-making and accountability? Does our board composition reflect the skills and perspectives we need for the future?

Join Steven Moe MInstD, a leading expert in charity and not-for-profit law with a strong background in governance, and Judene Edgar MNZM CMInstD, Institute of Directors' Principal Governance Advisor and an experienced not-for-profit governor, for a practical discussion linking legal obligations with effective governance leadership. Together, they will explore how boards can turn legislative change into an opportunity to govern with confidence and set their organisations up for long-term success.

In this short 2 minute episode I reflect on "The Spotlight Paradox" and what it might mean when we come to make decisions.

Who might you know that this would help? Why not post about it, tag them in or forward the link? It all helps to spread the word about seeds!

For more content visit www.theseeds.nz

"In this episode I want to talk about a principle that could unlock a new approach for you.

It's something called the spotlight paradox. The point here is pretty simple - we all know what a spotlight is. it illuminates someone on stage and a lead role might step into the spotlight so all can see them.

To use that picture, we are like the main lead actor or actress in the stage show of our life, so we probably assume that the spotlight is always on us. In other words, everyone is watching us in detail and studying our every move.

So the paradox part of this is that while we all assume we are in the spotlight being observed the opposite is actually more likely to be true.

No one is actually watching or observing you the way you perceive they are - you are not in the spotlight at all. While our self centred egos may put us there it is a perception.

But the reality is that others have their own worries and fears. They are probably thinking you are watching them in their own spotlight rather than even noticing you.

In other words, we think people notice us more than they actually do.

So the consequence of this: It should free you up to take risks and live without a fear of others opinions. If you don't have to think that others are obsessed with you or noticing every choice you make, then it should free you up to do things and experiment and have ideas not work out, but then try again.

The next time you find yourself hesitating to take a risk or embrace an opportunity because of what others might think, just remember they probably are not noticing you the way you might think they are. The spotlight paradox helps us remember not to worry so much about what others think.

So what might that mean you do?

Until next time, Ka kite ano."

Alanna Irving is a co-founder of Fundsorter which is a new tech based start-up making life easier for charities to find grants and funding.

In this conversation we start by talking about her childhood and growing up in California as well as her studies, time spent in Japan and what she learned there as well as how she ended up in New Zealand and found her true home here. We both lived in Japan so we had a lot to discuss on that topic!

This is a second part of an interview series as last time I spoke with Lani Evans so be sure to check out that conversation as well for another perspective.

Seeds is a project that now has 472 conversations so subsribe and check out more at www.theseeds.nz

Fundsorter website: Fundsorter | Grant Funding, Sorted

Other links mentioned in conversation with Alanna

• Loomio: collaborative decision making • Gift Collective: charity fundholding • Open Collective: transparent finances • The Gift Trust: donor advised fund

Lani has been involved in many fascinating projects which push boundaries of thinking about the intersection of business, philanthropy and charity.

In this conversation we talk about her childhood and early influences and trace a life filled with innovating and trying new things before diving deeper into the most recent venture which is Fundsorter. https://www.fundsorter.com/

If you enjoy this then check out some of the other 470+ conversations with other inspiring people and more about seeds project is at www.theseeds.nz

Other projects and links mentioned in the conversation: Steward ownership book https://steward-ownership.com/steward-ownership-101 Generous Ventures https://www.generousventures.org/ Share Collective https://www.sharecollective.nz/ Thankyou Payroll https://www.thankyoupayroll.co.nz/

I enjoyed speaking with Dr Anu Anandaraja about her life and the work she does with Women Together Global. I really enjoyed this conversation with Anu and hearing about her childhood and her dream at age 9 to help with health care in Africa - which came true, thanks to both hard work and serendipity! If you enjoy this check out the 470 other episodes in the back catalogue and more info is at www.theseeds.nz

Website: https://www.womentogetherglobal.com/

New Zealand site for Women Together Global: https://www.womentogether.org.nz/

Video by Kea on Anu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQS1xebR67I

Women Together empowers women and girls to achieve the economic independence, confidence, and solidarity to transform their futures together. Through peer to peer skills transfer, education, access to land and funding to launch cooperative businesses, women and girls are supported to build a better world for themselves and their communities.

Shaun Seaman from Mushroom Material recently won the Next Fest 2025 pitch competition run by the Sustainable Business Network and this is his pitch. I attended the event and enjoyed the discussions there.

Thanks to SBN for the chance to share this with others as it is a good example of innovative and new ways of doing business and thinking!

Website: https://www.mushroommaterial.com/

His bio: Shaun is Founder & CEO at Mushroom Material. Mushroom Material is replacing expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) with a high-performance, home-compostable alternative made from mycelium (mushrooms). The material matches expanded polystyrene in impact resistance, thermal protection, and acoustic insulation. The end product is fully circular, microplastic-free, and safe for home composting.

More interviews www.theseeds.nz

I was interviewed by Azoora Ali for her new "Care beyond profits" podcast recently - this is a portion of that interview. For the full episode listen on her show:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nkiSFbWQhBoGCFkXZR6lA?si=aNWoGQyQQ6yzm8N2pJT1KA

Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8j76XbSDm8g

In this episode, discover how to:

• Overcome the fear of the unknown with courage

• Embrace mindset shifts to unlock growth and success

• Build resilience while navigating challenges and change

• Find purpose-driven direction in your career and personal life

• Align values, community, and even faith with authentic leadership

This conversation is perfect for anyone seeking personal growth, career inspiration, or guidance on leading with purpose.

Timestamps: 0:00 Would your 95-year-old self regret this choice?

0:27 Meet Steven Moe: Lawyer turned purpose-driven leader 1:27 Family chaos, laughter & a love of books 3:36 Childhood across countries → building resilience 7:32 The leap to Japan at 21 that changed everything 10:20 Why "work–life balance" is a myth 12:07 The bell test: How to find your true purpose 15:32 Faith, values & the spiritual side of leadership 21:18 3 daily habits for focus & lasting energy 25:17 Family first: urgent work won't matter in 10 years 31:57 The #1 thing founders must do to succeed 37:12 Everyone is a leader - starting with yourself

Join us in this interview series of inspiring purpose-driven founders, CEOs, and social enterprise leaders who build care into how they work and live. We unpack their values, choices, and habits so you can apply the same ideas in your world. I believe that care turns purpose into impact in positive ways. Hosted by Azoora Ali, a Virtual (Fractional) CFO using the CARES lens: clarity, actionable insights, returns, efficiency, stability. New episodes every 2 weeks.