“I’ve built a strong career in business. But how can I use those skills to do something with more purpose?”
At Think Talent, we often hear the same question from executives:
It’s a question that’s become louder in recent years. After decades of growth, transformation, and change, many senior leaders are looking for ways to give back, not just financially, but with their expertise. And the good news is, there are countless ways to do it.
Why your skills matter beyond the bottom line!
Commercial leaders bring something powerful to the table: clarity in decision-making, an eye for risk and opportunity, and experience leading through uncertainty. While these skills might feel “business as usual” in the corporate world, in purpose-led and community organisations they can be transformative.
We’ve seen it first-hand. Housing All Australians (HAA), for example, is tackling one of the country’s most pressing challenges, the housing crisis. To do that, they rely not only on housing experts, but also executives from across finance, risk, fundraising, marketing, and transformation. Leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and apply their commercial experience in a new context.
For HAA, the impact is clear: strong governance, sharper strategy, and faster execution. For the executives, it’s equally rewarding: perspective, purpose, and the chance to see their skills make a visible difference in people’s lives.
Here are 5 Practical Ways Executives Can Give Back.
- Join a Board Subcommittee - Many not-for-profits need governance support. Finance, risk, fundraising, and transformation committees benefit enormously from executives who can bring commercial rigour.
- Offer Skills-Based Volunteering - Use your expertise in marketing, digital, strategy, or people leadership to mentor leaders of social enterprises or advise smaller organisations on projects they can’t resource internally.
- Take on a Pro Bono Project - Short-term, high-impact projects (like building a risk framework or reviewing a growth strategy) can be game-changing for purpose-led organisations.
- Mentor the Next Generation - Sharing your leadership journey with younger professionals in the community builds capability where it’s most needed, and often renews your own sense of purpose.
- Blend Business and Purpose - Many executives are now creating impact within their own companies, from championing sustainability initiatives to embedding purpose into sales, marketing, or transformation projects.
The wellbeing dividend...
Research shows that leaders who engage in purpose-driven work report stronger wellbeing, higher resilience, and renewed leadership energy. It’s not just good for the community, it’s good for you, too.
Your skills can do more than deliver shareholder value. They can change lives.
Closing thought...!
At a time when executives are being asked to navigate transformation, disruption, and uncertainty, giving back can be one of the most grounding and rewarding steps you take.
At Think Talent, we’re supporting initiatives like
Housing All Australians, to connect executives with opportunities where their expertise can make a lasting difference. Click the link below to find out how you can help..
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