Paul Brown recently joined Mark Longbottom on the Purposely Podcast to share his unique career journey, which has taken him from corporate roles to leading nonprofit organisations, with a strong focus on international development.

Paul began his career in the corporate sector after earning a degree in civil engineering. He worked in marketing roles at Ford Motor Company and ASB Bank. However, in 2000, his priorities shifted. Wanting to contribute to his community, he began volunteering at Starship Children’s Hospital. This experience sparked his passion for making a difference and led him to join ChildFund New Zealand.

Stepping into the nonprofit sector presented a steep learning curve. Just two weeks into his new role, the Asian tsunami struck, requiring an urgent and effective fundraising response. This experience highlighted the need for organisations to be prepared for global emergencies and strengthened Brown’s commitment to the work.

During his 17 years at ChildFund, Brown helped transform the organisation. He expanded its focus from fundraising alone to prioritising programme impact. He championed initiatives that supported long-term community development, particularly in the Pacific region, and worked to address local issues like inequality and child poverty in New Zealand.

One of Brown’s key contributions to the sector was helping establish the Emergency Alliance, a coalition of nine aid agencies in New Zealand. The Alliance collaborates to respond more effectively to global emergencies, reducing inefficiencies caused by competition for donor funds. Its first joint appeal supported the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, although it faced challenges in gaining public engagement.

Beyond his work with Emergency Alliance, Brown leads BoardWorks, a consultancy focused on improving governance across New Zealand.

Through BoardWorks, he helps organisations strengthen their boards, ensuring they stay mission-focused and operate effectively.

To hear more from Paul Brown and other leaders in the nonprofit sector, visit www.purposelypodcast.com.