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. 3d ago

    What is Psychological Safety with Fay Calderone

    Psychological safety is everywhere right now, but what does it actually mean for CEOs and leaders in the for-purpose sector? In this episode, Michelle speaks with workplace law expert, author, and advisor Fay Calderone about why psychological safety has become a critical leadership, governance, and legal responsibility. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in workplace law, compliance, and culture, Fay unpacks the practical realities of creating workplaces built on trust rather than fear. Together, they explore what psychological safety looks like in high-pressure environments, why wellness programs alone won't solve the problem, and what leaders can do when workload, change, uncertainty, and vicarious trauma are part of everyday work. In this episode:What psychological safety actually means in practiceThe difference between workplaces driven by fear and those built on trustWhy workload, change, role clarity, and communication matter more than everHow CEOs can create safer cultures without adding another overwhelming initiativeThe growing governance and compliance obligations around psychosocial riskLessons from real workplace cases that every NFP leader should understandWhy boards need to be part of the conversation too If you're leading through uncertainty, managing workforce pressures, or trying to build a stronger culture, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Guest: Fay Calderone, author of Broken to Safe and workplace law specialist helping organisations build respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe workplaces. Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    30 min
  2. May 27

    When Strategic Alliances Go Wrong

    In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle unpack why alliances between not-for-profit organisations often start with strong intent but struggle over time. They explore what makes an alliance different from a merger or joint venture, and why clarity, governance, relationship management, and mutual benefit are critical to long-term success. The conversation covers: Why alliances are formed in the NFP sectorThe risks of unclear roles and expectationsHow scope creep quietly destabilises partnershipsThe impact of leadership changesWhy cultural alignment mattersGovernance and decision-making challengesConflict resolution and escalation processesThe importance of ongoing relationship investment Michelle and Danielle also discuss a mistake organisations make: assuming goodwill alone will sustain an alliance. Without regular check-ins, clear accountability, and agreed ways of working, even well-intentioned collaborations can drift off track. This episode is essential listening for CEOs and senior leaders who are: Entering an allianceManaging an existing collaborationInheriting a partnership after leadership changeNavigating tensions within a multi-organisation arrangement For more conversations on not-for-profit leadership, governance, strategy, and sector reform, visit LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    21 min
  3. May 20

    Federal Budget Recap with Louise Yabsley

    What does the 2026 federal budget mean for not-for-profit leaders? In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle speak with advocacy expert Louise Yabsley about what the latest Australian Federal Budget means for the sector and how CEOs can turn disappointment into opportunity. Drawing on her experience in government policy, lobbying and budget strategy, Louise breaks down why this was one of the toughest federal budgets in recent years, what it signals for the care economy and reforms, and why not-for-profit advocacy needs to shift from reactive campaigning to long-term, solution-focused influence. You’ll learn how NFP CEOs can work with boards, peak bodies and government stakeholders to build stronger advocacy strategies, influence policy decisions, and position their organisations ahead of the next budget cycle. In this episode:Key federal budget takeaways for Australian not-for-profitsWhat the budget means for the care economy reformWhy advocacy is a long game, not a one-off campaignHow to engage effectively with ministers, advisers and departmentsPractical steps to build an advocacy strategy that gets resultsWhy evidence alone isn’t enough to influence governmentA month-by-month advocacy timeline for NFP CEOs If you're leading a not-for-profit organisation, navigating government funding uncertainty, or looking to strengthen your advocacy strategy, this episode offers practical guidance on influencing policy and funding outcomes. Louise Yabsley: Louise Yabsley | LinkedIn Watt Advocacy: Home - Watt Advocacy & Communications Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    34 min
  4. May 13

    Is the Vision Statement Dead?

    Is the Vision Statement Dead? Rethinking Vision, Purpose and Strategy in the Not-for-Profit SectorAre traditional vision statements still relevant for today’s not-for-profit and for-purpose organisations? In this episode of The NFP CEO Podcast, Michelle and Danielle debate: is the vision statement still serving a purpose, or has it become outdated corporate language that no longer resonates? As organisations revisit their strategic plans, purpose statements, mission and values, many are moving away from broad, idealistic vision statements toward language that feels more practical, meaningful and directly connected to their work. Michelle and Danielle explore why this shift is happening, what it means for not-for-profit leadership, and how CEOs can create organisational statements that genuinely guide strategy, culture and decision-making. In This Episode Why many not-for-profit organisations are reconsidering traditional vision statementsThe difference between vision, purpose and mission - is there one?Whether broad aspirational statements still inspire staff and stakeholdersWhy many “big sweeping” vision statements fail to connect to day-to-day workWhy purpose comes before vision in strategic planningHow CEOs can ensure organisational purpose is meaningful across all levels of the organisationThe risks of overly vague or grandiose organisational statementsHow vision and purpose should influence strategic decision-makingWhy organisational statements must resonate with funders, boards, staff and stakeholdersPractical questions CEOs should ask when reviewing their strategic framework Listen Now If you’re leading a strategic planning process, reviewing your organisational purpose, or questioning whether your current vision statement still fits, this episode offers practical insight for navigating the conversation. Subscribe to The NFP CEO Podcast for practical conversations on not-for-profit leadership, strategy and sector transformation. Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    20 min
  5. May 6

    This Meeting Could Have Been An Email

    (and other workplace crimes against productivity) We’ve all been there. You’re sitting in a meeting, mentally calculating how many actual tasks you could have completed in the time it’s taken someone to read aloud the exact words already displayed on slide 14 of a PowerPoint deck. Somewhere between “next slide please” and “we’ll circle back on that,” you’re wondering if this meeting is where organisational productivity goes to die...... In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle tackle one of the great frustrations of organisational life: bad meetings. From meetings that should have been emails, to the dreaded round-the-room updates no one needed, to executives somehow being triple-booked (because cloning technology hasn’t reached the for-purpose sector), this episode unpacks what CEOs can do to create a meeting culture that actually respects people’s time. In this episode, we explore: Why bad meetings are more than just annoying: They’re expensive, frustrating, and a surprisingly effective way to drain organisational momentum. The “Death by PowerPoint” epidemic: A subtle reminder that slides are visual aids, not bedtime stories. What every meeting should answer before it starts: Why are we meeting?Who actually needs to be here?What outcome are we aiming for?Could this, in fact, have been an email? (If the answer to that last one is yes… you know what to do.) Why CEOs need to set the meeting culture: From punctuality expectations to pre-reading accountability, meeting standards start at the top. The difference between updates, discussions and decisions: Not every gathering requires everyone, every time. Revolutionary, we know. The hidden leadership skill of structuring meetings well: Because a well-run meeting saves time, builds trust, clarity and organisational alignment. If you’ve ever sat through a 60-minute meeting that achieved less than a two-line email, this one’s for you. Please share this episode with your colleagues, peers and fellow NFP leaders. It helps us grow The NFP CEO community and keeps the conversation going about practical leadership for the for-purpose sector. Because life’s too short for bad meetings. And definitely too short for slide 47. Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    23 min
  6. Apr 29

    Can Culture Outlast Leadership?

    What happens to organisational culture when a key leader leaves? For many not-for-profit CEOs, this is more than a theoretical question. Leadership transitions, executive exits, restructures and management turnover can all put culture at risk - sometimes slowly and subtly, sometimes almost overnight. In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle unpack an important leadership question: Can culture outlast leadership change? The answer? Yes, but only if culture has been intentionally embedded into the organisation itself, rather than attached to individual leaders. This conversation explores how CEOs and executive teams can build resilient organisational culture that withstands leadership transitions, protects team cohesion, and supports long-term organisational performance. As you reflect on your own organisation, ask yourself: Is our culture attached to individuals or embedded in systems?Would our culture survive the exit of a key executive?Are our values clearly translated into expected behaviours?How intentionally do we onboard leaders into our culture?Where do silos exist that may create cultural fragmentation?Is our leadership team aligned in how they reinforce culture? Resources & Support If your organisation is navigating: Leadership transitionExecutive successionOrganisational restructureCultural alignment challengesLeadership team development We work with not-for-profit CEOs and executive teams to strengthen leadership capability and build resilient organisational culture. Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    23 min
  7. Apr 15

    What the Star Case Shows CEOs About Risk Reporting

    In this episode, we continue unpacking the implications of the Star Entertainment Group governance case—one of the most significant corporate governance rulings in decades. While much of the public conversation has focused on large, listed companies, the lessons are just as critical for CEOs in the for-purpose sector. If you report to a board, operate under the Corporations Act 2001, and are responsible for organisational performance, this case applies to you. We move beyond theory and explore what CEOs must actually do—in practice—to discharge their duties when it comes to risk. We cover: Why simply reporting risks is no longer enoughHow CEOs can demonstrate they’ve exercised care and diligenceWhat boards really need from you when it comes to riskHow to structure risk reporting so it cuts through complexityThe critical (and often overlooked) role of culture in risk management If this episode has raised questions or highlighted gaps, Danielle and Michelle invite you to connect via LinkedIn or through The NFP CEO website. Sometimes a short conversation can make a significant difference. The content in this episode is not to be taken as legal advice. We are not lawyers. CEOs should consider these points thoughtfully and determine what applies to their own organisation. Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

    27 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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