Business as a Force4Good

HOST: Kirrily Graham | Chief Changemaker, Dovetail GUEST: Cynthia Kralik | CEO, Ready Set Kirrily sits down with Cynthia Kralik to explore what it actually takes to run a small charity. Cynthia shares how Ready Set supports job seekers facing barriers to employment, and how businesses of any size can build meaningful partnerships that benefit both sides. Key Takeaways: → Ready Set provides professional clothing and career coaching to job seekers facing barriers to employment→ Small charities (under $500,000 turnover under the ACNC) operate with extremely lean infrastructure, with the CEO often wearing every hat→ 40% of Ready Set clients actively seeking work secure a job within their first three months→ Diversified income matters: clothing sales, fee-for-service from referring agencies, philanthropy, and corporate partnerships→ One-off grants leave funding holes that make multi-year strategic planning difficult; sustainable recurring revenue is what enables scale→ Pro bono work, workplace giving, and longer-term charity partnerships are practical entry points for businesses→ Values alignment increasingly drives staff retention and recruitment, especially for millennials and Gen ZTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:12 - Welcome and episode introduction01:54 - Cynthia's background: 30 years in higher education to Ready Set04:55 - Small charity context and the adjustment from corporate scale09:54 - What Ready Set does and who they serve13:10 - Coaching: CV development, interview prep, and role play15:54 - Client success story: a refugee's career turnaround18:11 - The biggest difference between a charity and a business22:51 - Funding mix: clothing sales, fee-for-service, philanthropy24:44 - The challenge of one-off grants and sustainable revenue28:58 - Working with businesses: pro bono, partnerships, workplace giving32:01 - Values alignment and the next generation of employees37:05 - Final reflections for business ownersMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:⁠⁠Ready Set⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ACNC - Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission⁠⁠ABOUT THE GUEST:Cynthia Kralik | CEO, Ready SetCynthia is a senior executive with extensive experience leading large business divisions and multi-functional teams. Before joining Ready Set as CEO in July 2022, she spent over three decades in higher education at RMIT University, leading pre-university programs delivered across Melbourne and internationally. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has previously served as Director and Chair of not-for-profit organisations.💼 ⁠⁠Cynthia on LinkedIn⁠⁠ABOUT THE HOST:Kirrily Graham | Founder, DovetailKirrily is on a mission to transform how SMEs develop successful charity partnerships.🌐 ⁠⁠Dovetail⁠⁠🔗 ⁠⁠Kirrily on LinkedIn ⁠⁠- please include a message why you would like to connect🔗 ⁠⁠LinkedIn Group⁠⁠🔗 ⁠⁠Dovetail on LinkedIn⁠⁠🔗 ⁠⁠Social Purpose Scorecard⁠⁠LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:🎧 ⁠⁠Listen on Spotify⁠⁠🎧 ⁠⁠Listen on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠🌐 ⁠⁠More episodes⁠⁠• • • ⁠a robomouse media production⁠ • • •

Business as a Force4Good | Ep5 – Financing a Difference w/ Nathaniel TruongHOST: Kirrily Graham | Chief Changemaker, DovetailGUEST: Nathaniel Truong | Founder, The Loan LoungeIn this episode, Kirrily is joined by Nathaniel Truong, Founder of Sydney‑based mortgage brokerage The Loan Lounge, to explore what it truly means to build purpose into a business from day one. Nathaniel shares his deeply personal journey — from a moment of conviction about ending human trafficking, to committing 10% of his trail commissions to social impact from his very first $9.29 payment. Ten years on, that commitment has grown into a values‑driven business model, a strong team culture, and a bold vision to give $1 million per year toward ending modern‑day slavery. This conversation dives into values‑led leadership, the discipline of generosity, and how clarity of vision fuels innovation, empowers teams, and creates long‑term impact — without compromising business excellence.Key Takeaways:→ You don’t need to wait until you’re “successful” to start giving — generosity begins with what’s already in your hand→ Embedding purpose early creates habits, systems, and integrity that compound over time→ Focusing on one aligned cause increases clarity, impact, and storytelling power→ Vision pulls businesses forward — lack of vision pulls them backwards→ Excellence in your core business must come before communicating social impact→ When purpose is bigger than profit, leadership and innovation decisions change TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Welcome and introduction03:35 – Why business has a responsibility beyond profit05:43 – The moment that changed everything07:59 – Embedding giving from day one09:51 – Challenges of early generosity11:16 – “If I can’t give $10 now…”12:50 – From $9.29 to nearly $6,000/month in giving13:45 – Choosing the right charity partner15:42 – Seeing the impact first-hand18:12 – Lessons from a decade of generosity21:34 – Living business values22:39 – Empowering staff through ownership25:01 – Vision‑led decision making27:40 – When business becomes a mission30:53 – Why excellence comes first33:50 – Final gold nugget: live with an open hand MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Loan Lounge – Mortgage brokerage focused on "financing a difference”🔗 Loan LoungeA21 – Global organisation working to end human trafficking🔗 The A21 Campaign LimitedModern‑day slavery / human trafficking awareness🔗 Anti Slavery AustraliaTriple bottom line business philosophy🔗 Harvard Business School ABOUT THE GUEST:Nathaniel Truong | Founder, The Loan LoungeNathaniel Truong is the founder of The Loan Lounge, a Sydney‑based mortgage brokerage built on the belief that sustainable businesses can change the world. Since launching in 2015, Nathaniel has embedded generosity into the business model — committing 10% of ongoing commissions to help end human trafficking.Driven by values of care, integrity, excellence, and generosity, Nathaniel is passionate about empowering clients, staff, and communities to experience financial and personal freedom.🌐 The Loan Lounge💼 LinkedIn – Nathaniel Truong ABOUT THE HOST:Kirrily Graham | Founder, DovetailKirrily is on a mission to transform how micro, small and medium-sized businesses develop successful charity partnerships - creating social impact while building more sustainable organisations for themselves and the charities.🌐 ⁠Dovetail🔗 Connect with Kirrily on LinkedIn: ⁠Kirrily on LinkedIn⁠🔗 Join our Tribe on LinkedIn: ⁠LinkedIn Group⁠🔗 Dovetail LinkedIn: ⁠Dovetail on LinkedIn⁠🔗 Social Purpose Scorecard: ⁠Social Purpose Scorecard⁠LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:🎧 Spotify: ⁠Listen on Spotify⁠🎧 Apple Podcasts: ⁠Listen on Apple Podcasts⁠🌐 More episodes: ⁠More episodes⁠ • • • a robomouse media production • • •

Business as a Force4Good | Ep3 - Tim's Top Tips for Fundraising Success w/ Tim GasparHOST: Kirrily Graham | Chief Changemaker, DovetailGUEST: Tim Gaspar | Senior Adviser & Lending Specialist, FMD Financial (formerly of Hatch Financial Services)In this episode, Kirrily speaks with Tim Gaspar, a mortgage broker with 25 years of experience who recently merged his business Hatch Financial Services with FMD Financial. Tim shares how his passion for fundraising - raising over $60,000 across multiple charity challenges - not only created meaningful impact but also built his brand, strengthened client relationships and added tangible value when it came time to sell his business.Key Takeaways:→ Find a cause you have a genuine personal connection to - your story is what compels people to give→ Don't assume who will or won't donate; drop pre-conceptions and ask everyone→ Be politely persistent - give people multiple opportunities to contribute→ Take people with you on the journey; shared experiences deepen commitment→ Fundraising builds brand, reputation and client trust - and can add value when selling your businessTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & introduction01:47 - Tim's background: 25 years in mortgage broking03:48 - Outside of work: family, hiking, reading with the kids08:37 - Why giving back matters10:12 - Oxfam Trailwalker: 100km walk, $30,000+ raised21:07 - Tim's Top Tips for effective fundraising23:13 - How fundraising built brand and client connection26:08 - Final advice: just do it!MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Oxfam TrailwalkerTeam challenge walking 100km in 48 hours to raise funds for Oxfam's work tackling poverty worldwide.🔗 https://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au (2024 was the final event)Dovetail & BNI 20 km Netwalking Challenge MEL/SYD/BNE 20km Walking Challenge combined with Networking for SME's raising funds for local BNI & Dovetail Charity Members. 🔗 https://netwalkingchallenge.org/Ready Set🔗 https://www.readyset.org.au/Sacred Heart Mission🔗 https://www.sacredheartmission.org/St Kilda Mums (rebranded to Our Village)🔗 https://ourvillage.org.au/Lighthouse Foundation🔗 https://www.lighthousefoundation.org.au/ABOUT THE GUEST:Tim Gaspar | Senior Adviser & Lending Specialist, FMD FinancialTim has been in the finance industry since 2002, running his own mortgage broking business Hatch Financial Services for over 20 years before merging with FMD Financial in June 2024. He is passionate about helping families achieve their property and financial goals - and about using his platform to give back to causes close to his heart.🌐 https://www.fmd.com.au/us/tim-gaspar/melbourne/financial-adviser/💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/timgaspar/ABOUT THE HOST:Kirrily Graham | Founder, DovetailKirrily is on a mission to transform how micro, small and medium-sized businesses develop successful charity partnerships - creating social impact while building more sustainable organisations for themselves and the charities.🌐 https://www.dovetailsocialenterprises.com.au🔗 Connect with Kirrily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirrilygraham/🔗 Join our Tribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14116031/🔗 Dovetail LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dovetail-social-enterprises/🔗 Social Purpose Scorecard: https://social-purpose-scorecard.scoreapp.comLISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Xu5PN7HsCAu2C8Hxwr1b🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/business-as-a-force4good/id1845128212🌐 More episodes: https://www.dovetailsocialenterprises.com.au/business-as-a-force4good-podcasta robomouse media production (https://robomouse.media)

Business as a Force4Good | Ep1 - Being a Purpose Led Business w/ Carolyn Butler-MaddenHOST: Kirrily Graham | Chief Changemaker, DovetailGUEST: Carolyn Butler-Madden | Chief Purpose Activist, The Cause EffectIn this inaugural episode of Business as a Force4Good, Kirrily sits down with Carolyn Butler-Madden to explore how businesses can create meaningful impact while also driving profit. Carolyn shares her expertise on why "purpose and profit go hand in hand, not head to head" and reveals how small to medium businesses can authentically integrate social purpose into their operations.→ Purpose is the value a business contributes to society through and beyond their products and services→ Purpose isn't powerful until it's personal—bring what you care about into your business→ People make decisions emotionally and justify them rationally—purpose creates connection→ You don't need big budgets; use the skills, assets and networks you already have→ Doing good is the key to attracting high-quality employees, clients and even investors00:00 - Welcome & introduction to the podcast00:17 - Meet Carolyn Butler-Madden and The Cause Effect01:37 - Purpose-led vs giving back: What's the difference?02:06 - Carolyn defines purpose02:47 - "Purpose and profit go hand in hand, not head to head"03:31 - Why businesses keep their giving "covert"04:23 - Where do you recommend they start?05:21 - "Purpose isn't powerful until it's personal"06:26 - The science: emotional decisions, rational justification07:31 - Building your tribe through shared values08:01 - "Get personal"—own who you really are09:54 - Where to start: finding your connection16:58 - Case study: Dave's Killer Bread story20:17 - Dave's Killer Bread sold for $275M21:34 - The opportunity SMEs are leaving on the table23:58 - Case study: Intrepid Travel25:04 - Carolyn's key message for business owners25:37 - Quote from Professor Colin Mayer, Oxford University26:51 - Closing"The purpose of business is to create profitable solutions to the problems of people and planet, not to profit from creating problems."— Professor Colin Mayer, Oxford University Saïd Business SchoolDave's Killer Bread (Oregon, USA)Family bakery transformed into purpose-driven brand through "Second Chance Employment"—hiring people with criminal backgrounds. Sold to Flowers Foods in 2015 for $275 million USD.🔗 daveskillerbread.com/secondchances🔗 Dave's Killer Bread Foundation: ⁠dkbfoundation.orgIntrepid Travel (Melbourne, Australia)B Corp certified adventure travel company, #2 on AFR's Top 100 Growth List. From zero during COVID to on track for $1 billion.🔗 intrepidtravel.com/au/aboutProfessor Colin Mayer's work🔗 ⁠sbs.ox.ac.uk/about-us/people/colin-mayer-cbeCarolyn Butler-MaddenChief Purpose Activist | Author | Keynote Speaker🌐 thecauseeffect.com.au🌐 carolynbutlermadden.com🎙️ For Love & Money Podcast💼 Carolyn on LinkedInBooks by Carolyn:For Love & Money (2022 Australian Business Book Award Winner)Path to Purpose: How to Use Cause Marketing to Build a More Meaningful and Profitable BrandKirrily GrahamFounder | DovetailKirrily is on a mission to transform how micro, small and medium-sized businesses develop successful charity partnerships—creating social impact while building more sustainable organisations for themselves and the charities.🌐 dovetailsocialenterprises.com.au🔗 Connect with Kirrily on Linkedin (please include a personal note so I know why you would like to connect)🔗 Join our Tribe on Linkedin🔗 Dovetail Linkedin🔗 Try our Social Purpose Scorecard to see where you are at now🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Youtube🌐 More episodes: dovetailsocialenterprises.com.au/business-as-a-force4good-podcastBusiness as a Force4Good is a podcast by Dovetail Social Enterprises, inspiring micro, small & medium businesses to make a meaningful impact through their work.