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.

James Garland FFIA CFRE is a Strategic Director at fundraising consultant DGB Global and the Fundraising Institute of Australia’s 2025 Fundraiser of the Year. In this episode, James delves into various aspects of fundraising, sharing insights from his extensive career. He shares pivotal moments that shaped his approach to fundraising and offers advice to charities attempting to crack the structured philanthropy market. James identifies common denominators and secrets of success behind accomplished fundraising charities and outlines trends in philanthropy and donor behaviour. He also discusses the future of fundraising in these uncertain times

David Handley AM is the founder and the force behind Sculpture by the Sea, an exhibition that began in Sydney in 1997, before expanding to Perth and, with Royal patronage, Denmark. In this episode, he explains how and why he built these cultural and community assets, and why he is so passionate about his latest venture, the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail. David also offers valuable insights into running a non-profit, how to raise philanthropic and corporate support, and how to nurture partnerships that endure.

Mel Thomas is a frontline domestic violence prevention expert who founded her own charity KYUP! Project, to teach Australians self-worth and self-defence. A two-time Australian Hapkido champion and black belt martial artist, Mel has spent the last decade delivering practical workshops and education in schools, shelters, community centres and businesses across Australia. In this episode, Mel talks about her own experience with domestic violence, KYUP! Project’s work with women and girls, and how to spot and help people experiencing abuse.

Michael Traill AM made his name at Macquarie Bank as a successful private equity investor, before jumping ship to foster social entrepreneurship in Australia as founder of Social Ventures Australia. This journey led him to the field of impact investing, a field in which he is now acknowledged as a pioneering leader and elder statesman. Today, Michael is Executive Director of For Purpose Investment Partners and Chair of the Paul Ramsay Foundation. In this episode, Michael reflects on what he has learnt during his career, and shares unique insights in relation to investing, leading, governing and tackling a wide variety of social issues.

Shaun Christie-David is an award-winning social entrepreneur who thinks big and delivers on his ideas. As the Founder and CEO of Plate it Forward, Shaun uses food and hospitality to support and lift up people in need. In this episode, Shaun talks about his life and his long-term commitment to helping and empowering marginalised communities through the provision of food, employment and business.

Karen Mahlab AM is one of Australia’s most prominent community advocates. As the force behind Pro Bono Australia, Karen gave voice to a raft of social and environmental movements for over 20 years. As a proponent of public interest journalism, she remains at the forefront of civic life, even as she contemplates her next move. This episode was recorded in the wake of Australia’s Voice to Parliament referendum and in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel. It begins with Karen reflecting on the impact of both events. Karen also reflects on her career and, via her new tattoo, explains how she feels about the next stage of her life.

Greg Hagin is a Principal, Managing Director and Board member at global fundraising consultant CCS Fundraising, where he provides advice to the non-profit sector. In his career Greg has advised on more than 100 development initiatives that have raised collectively over $10 billion, positively impacting tens of millions of lives. Greg knows Australia well and in this episode he shares universal secrets of successful fundraising.

Alex Vynokur arrived in Australia aged 16 and unable to speak English. He went on to co-found leading ETF manager, Betashares, where he is currently CEO. After initially feeling shock and anger in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Alex helped to establish the United Ukraine Appeal, a registered Australian charity providing humanitarian aid to people affected by the conflict. Alex tells an amazing story as he charts his life’s journey and his efforts as a founder, funder and Director of the United Ukraine Appeal.

Kristy Muir is CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation and a Professor of Social Policy in the Business School at UNSW Sydney. In this episode Kristy’s passion for evidence-based social justice is on full display. Kristy talks about her belief in the power of culture and how her values shape her work as a leader. We also examine how the Paul Ramsay Foundation works to break cycles of disadvantage by enabling people and places to thrive.