Innovate for Impact

Ep #131 - How anyone can innovate for impact

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss how individuals can help create a culture of innovation within their organisation, regardless of their formal leadership role. It provides insights and strategies for demonstrating creative leadership, aligning work with organisational mission, understanding client needs, and empowering others through collaboration. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Deepen understanding of mission and align daily activit...

Ep #130 - David Spriggs: Digital Technology in the Not-For-Profit Sector

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discusses technology in the nonprofit sector, featuring insights from David Spriggs, CEO of Infoxchange. Some of the topics discussed are AI adoption, cybersecurity challenges, data analysis opportunities, and the importance of digital transformation planning.  Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Technology in the non-profit sector with industry insights from David Spriggs. Technology and social justice with a fo...

Ep #129 - Why innovation isn't a 'nice to have' for Not-For-Profits

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss why innovation is essential for non-profits and not just a nice-to-have, and provides advice for leaders on how to shift mindsets and overcome challenges to innovation within their organisations. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Leaders need to change mindsets from wanting innovation to making it happen  Why challenges like lack of time and resources are a nature of the sector and need to be overcome ...

Ep #128 - Jeff Walkley: How Belgravia Leisure's focus on client centricity and inclusion is benefitting their clients, the community and their business

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Jeff Walkley, CEO of Belgravia Foundation discussing how his organisation promotes inclusivity and client centricity through programs that support physical activity for people with disabilities and mental health, while also gathering community feedback and evaluating initiatives for long-term sustainability. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan & Jeff cover in the conversation: Jeff shares his experience in promoting inclusivity and ...

Ep #127 - Implementation: The unsung hero of innovation

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss the importance of implementation in innovation and how focusing on execution is key to realising impact from great ideas. It provides tips for organisations on establishing processes to successfully implement innovative concepts. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Implementation's role in innovation. How focusing on implementation can help bring ideas to life and make a positive difference in the world. ...

Ep #126 - Are you making one of these 4 innovation mistakes?

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss four common mistakes organisations make that can hinder their ability to innovate successfully. The mistakes covered include a lack of structured innovation processes, internal rather than client-focused innovation, risk-averse leadership styles, and not having a compelling reason for change. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Common innovation mistakes in organisations. Organisations often lack a struct...

Ep #125 - Jamie Hodgson: How Key Assets Australia have aligned the organisation to deliver client centred innovation

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Jamie Hodgson, CEO of Chrysalis Transformation Hub within Key Assets Australia. He discusses how Chrysalis is taking a shared service approach to build innovation capability within the organisation, with their first initiative focusing on co-designing with young people on the 'Voice of the Child'. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Chrysalis was set up to disrupt and innovate within the organisation us...

Ep #124 - Rachael Cook: How mission focus allowed Inclusee to change their model to impact more participants

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Rachael Cook, founder of Inclusee, discussing how her organisation provides social connection services to older Australians and refocused their model and operations based on their mission to reduce social isolation. They share how clarifying their purpose allowed them to innovate and impact more participants through virtual programs and a remote workforce nationally. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: ...

Ep #123 - Why every organisation needs an innovation process

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley talk about why every organisation needs an innovation process.  They also cover what a good innovation process looks like and some things leaders should think about when setting one up. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Empowering people through an innovation process is crucial for organisations to be innovative and impactful.  Innovative and impactful organisations enable their people to create change by provi...

Ep #122 - When can a consultant help you better deliver social innovation outcomes?

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss when it makes sense to bring in consultants for social innovation projects. They highlight the benefits consultants can provide through fresh perspectives, specialised expertise, driving change, reducing risks, and building long-term organisational capacity. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Benefits of consultants for social innovation projects: fresh perspectives, specialised knowledge, driving needed ...

Ep #121 - Claire Rogers: How Oho help community care organisations to deliver on their mission

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Claire Rogers, founder of Oho, discussing her organisation's mission to prevent unsuitable people from working in care industries through automating ongoing credential monitoring of staff. She shares her career journey and how Oho helps care organisations validate the credentials of over 111,000 staff members, covering 2.9 million people receiving care. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Claire Rogers ...

Ep #120 - Barriers to effective collaboration with the people you support

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss the additional supports needed beyond training to truly enable collaboration and shared decision making with stakeholders. It explores the importance of things like creating space, using tools and templates, establishing engagement groups, setting remuneration policies, and providing organisational clarity. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Training alone is not enough to enable collaboration and shared ...

Ep #119 - Kyle Behrend: How Not For Profits are putting AI to practical use for positive change

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Kyle Behrend the founder and director of NFPS.AI.   Kyle's business is educating and empowering not for profits on practical applications of artificial intelligence, and explores both the opportunities and challenges for non-profits in leveraging AI for increased impact and efficiency. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Kyle cover in the conversation: Kyle introduces himself and his work with nfps.ai Discussion around chall...

Ep #118 - Creating a culture of innovation: Leadership strategies for the new year

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss strategies for the new year and how as a leader you can create the right culture for innovation. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Creating a culture of innovation through creative leadership strategies  Using the CIA method (Communications, Interactions, Alignment) to link all conversations and interactions to organisational mission Having an adaptive and flexible leadership style to suit different si...

Ep #117 - Aron Mercer: How Xceptional are changing the game around neurodiverse employment

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Aron Mercer,  co-founder and chief growth officer at Xceptional.   Xceptional is an organisation that connects Neurodivergent people with employment opportunities, and trains employers on how to be more inclusive with Neurodivergent employees. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Aron cover in the conversation: What are some of the barriers for Neurodivergent people in gaining employment? Tips for employers for creating the r...

Ep #116 - Mission focus, the underused innovation tool that NFP's have in abundance

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss the underused tool that NFP's have in abundance, Mission Focus. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  What is Mission Focus and why is it important? Why are some leaders not focused on being Mission Focused, even though it is abundant in the sector and critical for innovation? The importance around setting an ambitious goal and prioritising where we spend our resources The 5 areas of being Mission Focuse...

Mission focus, the underused innovation tool that NFP's have in abundance

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss the underused tool that NFP's have in abundance, Mission Focus. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  What is Mission Focus and why is it important? Why are some leaders not focused on being Mission Focused, even though it is abundant in the sector and critical for innovation? The importance around setting an ambitious goal and prioritising where we spend our resources The 5 areas of being Mission Focuse...

Ep #115 - Kat Dekker: How Give Industries are sparking change as a social enterprise

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Kat Dekker, co-founder and director at Give Industries.  Give Industries are an electrical company set up as a social enterprise, who gives 100% of their profits to good causes. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Kat cover in the conversation:  A bit about Give Industries. What they do and how they do it The important role electricians can play in creating a more sustainable world The sorts of organisations Give Industries...

Ep #114 - A balanced approach to innovation

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss how and why you should have a balanced approach to implementing innovation. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  The concept of balance within innovation Why its important to align your teams on why they should innovate What's required of leadership to create a culture of innovation The role your clients play in balanced innovation The top tools and resources you need to ensure innovation can happen in...

Ep #113 - Consistency, the key to successful innovation

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss consistency and how it relates to innovation.  Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  The difference between consistency and intensive efforts How operational routines can help your organisation drive innovation Building innovation into the way that your organisation works Making innovation part of everyone's job Links from the episode​: Co-design For Impact - Co-design Training: Click here The Impacto...

Ep #112 - Filipa Bellette: Is the state your body is in whilst you work, affecting your ability to innovate?

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Filipa Bellette, a functional medicine practitioner, clinical nutritionist and coach.  Known for helping busy entrepreneurs and leaders to avoid body burn out. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Filly cover in the conversation:  The role stress and being overly busy play in leaders not being innovative in their work How common patterns such as high achieving, overdoing, perfectionism and people pleasing can be a recipe for ...

Filipa Bellette: Is the state your body is in whilst you work, affecting your ability to innovate

Ep #111 - Andrea Comastri: How Hotel Etico are improving employment opportunities for people with disability

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Andrea Comastri, the CEO and Co-Founder at Hotel Etico, Australia's first social enterprise hotel, based in the Blue Mountains that employs and trains young people with disability. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Andrea cover in the conversation:  How Hotel Etico was created and how the idea was brought across from Italy to Australia A bit about how the hotel works with young people and how it assists them in gaining emp...

Andrea Comastri: How Hotel Etico are improving employment opportunities for people with disability

Ep #110 - Jane Hodgkinson: How Wild Horse Radio listened to the voice of their community to become an even better voice for their community

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Jane Hodgkinson, the Treasurer and a volunteer at a local radio station Wild Horse Radio in rural Queensland, Australia.  Jane shares with us how the team are transforming the 20 year old community radio station, by including the voice of their community of listeners in their decision making for the future. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Jane cover in the conversation:  A little bit about Wild Horse Radio, why it needed ...

Jane Hodgkinson: How Wild Horse Radio listened to the voice of their community to become an even better voice for their community

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Jane Hodgkinson, the Treasurer and a volunteer at a local radio station Wild Horse Radio in rural Queensland, Australia.  Jane shares with us how the team are transforming the 20 year old community radio station, by including the voice of their community of listeners in their decision making for the future. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Jane cover in the conversation:  A little bit about Wild Horse Radio, why it needed ...

Ep #109 - Chris Kerrisk: How Cérge is using community insights to create life changing inclusion experiences

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Chris Kerrisk, the Co-founder at Cérge.  A technology company that is making it easier for people with disability to participate in the community, through giving service providers the helpful information they need to know about them before they arrive. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Chris cover in the conversation:  The background of how Cérge was created and why they chose to build an app for people with disability How...

Chris Kerrisk: How Cérge is using community insights to create life changing inclusion experiences

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Chris Kerrisk, the Co-founder at Cérge.  A technology company that is making it easier for people with disability to participate in the community, through giving service providers the helpful information they need to know about them before they arrive. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Chris cover in the conversation:  The background of how Cérge was created and why they chose to build an app for people with disability How...

Ep #108 - How the mindset of people within an organisation affects the client experience

In this episode, Tracey and Dan discuss the mindset required across an organisation to deliver excellent customer experiences. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  What is a client centric mindset and why is it important? Having an organisational understanding that focusing on your clients is the way to improve the organisation Why craving client feedback and acting on it is important Using client insights to drive strategic decisions Understanding the dif...

How the mindset of people within an organisation affects the client experience

In this episode, Tracey and Dan discuss the mindset required across an organisation to deliver excellent customer experiences. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  What is a client centric mindset and why is it important? Having an organisational understanding that focusing on your clients is the way to improve the organisation Why craving client feedback and acting on it is important Using client insights to drive strategic decisions Understanding the dif...

Steph Bradshaw: Embracing lived experience in health care

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Steph Bradshaw, who is a lived experience worker and is training as a social worker in health care. Steph shares with us her experiences and some tips on how to ensure you can best work with people with lived experience in similar roles. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Steph cover in the conversation:  How lived experience workers work together with clinicians and the role they each play in the partnership What a day in ...

Ep #107 - Steph Bradshaw: Embracing lived experience in health care

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Steph Bradshaw, who is a lived experience worker and is training as a social worker in health care. Steph shares with us her experiences and some tips on how to ensure you can best work with people with lived experience in similar roles. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Steph cover in the conversation:  How lived experience workers work together with clinicians and the role they each play in the partnership What a day in ...

Guy Turnbull: How Viva is using innovative business models to support people to live a life of their choosing

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Guy Turnbull, the Managing Director at VIVA Mutual Foundation Limited. An Adelaide based NDIS provider that delivers high quality support services by having strong and engaged relationships between workforce, clients and community. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Guy cover in the conversation:  The background of how VIVA was created, and what makes it different to other NDIS service providers How Guy and his team used a ...

Ep #106 - Guy Turnbull: How Viva is using innovative business models to support people to live a life of their choosing

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Guy Turnbull, the Managing Director at VIVA Mutual Foundation Limited. An Adelaide based NDIS provider that delivers high quality support services by having strong and engaged relationships between workforce, clients and community. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Guy cover in the conversation:  The background of how VIVA was created, and what makes it different to other NDIS service providers How Guy and his team used a ...

Are you getting the most out of your strategic planning?

In this episode, Tracey and Dan discuss their top tips to make sure you get the most out of your strategic planning. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  The common mistakes people make when creating their strategy Getting clear on what you want to achieve from your strategic plan, before starting to develop it Understand what your strategic direction is, don't just come up with initiatives  Ensure you have goals that can be measured, but don't choose goals...

Ep #105 - Are you getting the most out of your strategic planning?

In this episode, Tracey and Dan discuss their top tips to make sure you get the most out of your strategic planning. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  The common mistakes people make when creating their strategy Getting clear on what you want to achieve from your strategic plan, before starting to develop it Understand what your strategic direction is, don't just come up with initiatives  Ensure you have goals that can be measured, but don't choose goals...

Ep #104 - What does the 'Co' in Co-design mean in practice?

In this episode, Tracey and Dan discuss what the 'co' in co-design really means in practice. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  Is co-design just about designing with people with lived experience or is it also about also including other voices such as experts and stakeholders? What is the role of power dynamics when co-designing and how do you ensure that all voices can be included and power is shared? Examples on ways experts can work with people with liv...

What does the 'Co' in Co-design mean in practice?

In this episode, Tracey and Dan discuss what the 'co' in co-design really means in practice. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  Is co-design just about designing with people with lived experience or is it also about also including other voices such as experts and stakeholders? What is the role of power dynamics when co-designing and how do you ensure that all voices can be included and power is shared? Examples on ways experts can work with people with liv...

If the conditions aren't perfect to Co-design, is it better to not Co-design at all?

In this episode, Tracey and Dan debate the topic, that if the conditions for co-design aren't perfect, whether you should do it or not. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  Thoughts on why you should or shouldn't co-design even if its not perfect What is the agreed definition of co-design? Do you have to follow the whole co-design process or can you use elements? Can you only co-design if you are a certified and experienced facilitator?  What if you can't ...

Ep #103 - If the conditions aren't perfect to Co-design, is it better to not Co-design at all?

In this episode, Tracey and Dan debate the topic, that if the conditions for co-design aren't perfect, whether you should do it or not. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  Thoughts on why you should or shouldn't co-design even if its not perfect What is the agreed definition of co-design? Do you have to follow the whole co-design process or can you use elements? Can you only co-design if you are a certified and experienced facilitator?  What if you can't ...

Tom Dawkins: How impact investing can support social innovation

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Tom Dawkins, the Co-founder & CEO of innovation for good catalyst StartSomeGood. StartSomeGood help people design and launch social enterprises and impact projects, and Tom talks to us about all things impact investing and how it can support social innovation. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Tom cover in the conversation:  A bit of an understanding of the current social enterprise and social impact funding landscape in Au...

Ep #102 - Tom Dawkins: How impact investing can support social innovation

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Tom Dawkins, the Co-founder & CEO of innovation for good catalyst StartSomeGood. StartSomeGood help people design and launch social enterprises and impact projects, and Tom talks to us about all things impact investing and how it can support social innovation. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Tom cover in the conversation:  A bit of an understanding of the current social enterprise and social impact funding landscape in Au...

Vicki Miller: How Shake It Up collaborate to improve outcomes for people with Parkinson's

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Vicki Miller, the CEO at the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, Australia's largest non government funder of Parkinson's research.  Vicki shares how her team collaborate across the world to get the best outcomes for people with Parkinson's. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Vicki cover in the conversation:  A bit about Vicki's background and how she played a key role in the creation of the famous Jeans for Genes campaign Th...

Ep #101 - Vicki Miller: How Shake It Up collaborate to improve outcomes for people with Parkinson's

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Vicki Miller, the CEO at the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, Australia's largest non government funder of Parkinson's research.  Vicki shares how her team collaborate across the world to get the best outcomes for people with Parkinson's. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Vicki cover in the conversation:  A bit about Vicki's background and how she played a key role in the creation of the famous Jeans for Genes campaign Th...

After 100 episodes, here are the surprising things we have learnt about innovation

In this episode, Tracey and Dan share their top insights from interviewing some of the sector's most innovative leaders over their first 100 podcast episodes. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  Reflections and celebrations on reaching the milestone of 100 episodes Growth of the podcast and achievements, plus insight into where the listeners are from What we've learnt over 100 episodes The most surprising things we have learnt about innovation from our gue...

Ep #100 - After 100 episodes, here are the surprising things we have learnt about innovation

In this episode, Tracey and Dan share their top insights from interviewing some of the sector's most innovative leaders over their first 100 podcast episodes. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation:  Reflections and celebrations on reaching the milestone of 100 episodes Growth of the podcast and achievements, plus insight into where the listeners are from What we've learnt over 100 episodes The most surprising things we have learnt about innovation from our gue...

Allan Ball: How White Ribbon have difficult conversations that create change

** Please note this episode contains  information  and stories that contain physical and sexual violence, listener discretion is advised. ** In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Allan Ball, the National Director at White Ribbon. White Ribbon educates, collaborates and empowers the community, so all boys and men can speak out and act to prevent men's violence against women alongside everyone in our Australian community Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Allan co...

Ep #99 - Allan Ball: How White Ribbon have difficult conversations that create change

** Please note this episode contains  information  and stories that contain physical and sexual violence, listener discretion is advised. ** In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Allan Ball, the National Director at White Ribbon. White Ribbon educates, collaborates and empowers the community, so all boys and men can speak out and act to prevent men's violence against women alongside everyone in our Australian community Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Allan co...

Ep #98 - Karn Nelson: How Whiddon have implemented relationship based care

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Karn Nelson, the Executive General Manager of Research and Positive Aging at Whiddon, an Aged Care Service Provider. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Karn cover in the conversation:  What is relationship based care? Examples of initiatives the team at Whiddon have implemented to bring relationship based care to life How Whiddon were able to operationalise these concepts in an aged care environment Benefits of relationsh...

Karn Nelson: How Whiddon have implemented relationship based care

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Karn Nelson, the Executive General Manager of Research and Positive Aging at Whiddon, an Aged Care Service Provider. Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Karn cover in the conversation:  What is relationship based care? Examples of initiatives the team at Whiddon have implemented to bring relationship based care to life How Whiddon were able to operationalise these concepts in an aged care environment Benefits of relationsh...