The New For Purpose CEO

Michelle Cutler and Danielle Ballantine

Ever wondered what happens when CEOs of purpose-driven organisations sit down together for a chat? With 30 years’ of combined experience in the for-purpose space, we knew these conversations should be stored and shared!! We tackle the real questions: How do you build and sustain a thriving organisational culture? How do you manage relationships with your board and your chair? How do you preserve your peace of mind while carrying the weight of responsibility of being a for-purpose CEO. For those who are new to the role or eyeing it on the horizon, the importance of a support network cannot be overstated. This is why this podcast was created - to be a valuable source of information and support, offering ideas and insights you can implement in your organisation immediately. We share the stories and challenges CEOs tell each other when we get together - and chat through how to address issues unique to NFP CEOs in every episode. Wherever you are in your NPF CEO journey, there’s something here for you. We are about our community supporting each other. Creating more impact and driving better outcomes for the sector and those that we serve is what we are all about. LINKS Website: https://thenfpceo.com.au/ This podcast is recorded on country of the Cameraygal and Darramuragal Peoples.

  1. FEB 4

    Behind the CEO Search: The Recruiter’s View

    Recruiting a CEO in the not-for-profit and for-purpose sector is an important Board decision and yet for many leaders, the process can seem full of unspoken rules. In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle are joined by Rachael McLennan, co-founder of People for Purpose, to demystify how executive recruitment actually works in the social impact sector - from board expectations and search processes to interviews, psychometrics, salary conversations and the role of AI in applications. What you’ll learn in this episode : The real difference between recruitment and executive search in CEO appointmentsHow CEOs get hired for roles that are never advertisedWhat boards look for when choosing their next CEOThe red flags and green flags recruiters see in CEO applicationsHow to use AI when applying for senior leadership rolesWhat the CEO recruitment process typically involves from start to finishWhy culture fit can matter more than capabilityWhen and how salary conversations really happen in the for-purpose sectorHow board experience strengthens your CEO career pathwayWhat’s changing right now in not-for-profit executive recruitment If you’re an aspiring CEO, a current executive thinking about your next move, or a board member preparing for a leadership transition, this episode is essential listening. GUEST: Rachael McLennan from Homepage - People for Purpose Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    39 min
  2. 12/10/2025

    Crisis Leadership: How to Respond When It Matters

    When a real crisis hits your not for profit, the first 24 hours are everything. In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle bring back crisis-communications expert Luke Starr to break down exactly what CEOs can do when things go wrong.  From the moment you realise you’re in trouble, through to stabilising operations, managing staff anxiety, communicating with stakeholders, dealing with regulators and media, and rebuilding trust afterwards.  This is a practical, no-fluff, deeply actionable conversation designed to help you lead with confidence when the pressure is on. In this episode, we cover: What to do in the first moments of a crisisEscalation to the boardWhen to start communicating (and when to pause)Legal and contractual obligationsScenario planning before the crisis hitsCommunicating with staff during a crisisStakeholders and client communicationFacing the media (without melting down)Rebuilding trust after the crisisTurning a crisis into an opportunity Guest: Luke Starr, Principal Consultant from Phronesis Consulting: Phronesis | Full service communications digital marketing agency in Sydney Looking for more on crisis management? How to Survive a Crisis by David Omand - Penguin Books Australia Related Episode: Leading Through Crisis: Preparation is what you can control, with Luke Starr Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    28 min

About

Ever wondered what happens when CEOs of purpose-driven organisations sit down together for a chat? With 30 years’ of combined experience in the for-purpose space, we knew these conversations should be stored and shared!! We tackle the real questions: How do you build and sustain a thriving organisational culture? How do you manage relationships with your board and your chair? How do you preserve your peace of mind while carrying the weight of responsibility of being a for-purpose CEO. For those who are new to the role or eyeing it on the horizon, the importance of a support network cannot be overstated. This is why this podcast was created - to be a valuable source of information and support, offering ideas and insights you can implement in your organisation immediately. We share the stories and challenges CEOs tell each other when we get together - and chat through how to address issues unique to NFP CEOs in every episode. Wherever you are in your NPF CEO journey, there’s something here for you. We are about our community supporting each other. Creating more impact and driving better outcomes for the sector and those that we serve is what we are all about. LINKS Website: https://thenfpceo.com.au/ This podcast is recorded on country of the Cameraygal and Darramuragal Peoples.

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