We sit down with Jess Brain, Head of Operations, Mental Health Workforce at Place2Be, to explore the crucial work her organization does in providing mental health support to children. Jess shares her insights on the unique challenges and rewards of working with children, and why children's counseling is more important than ever.
We dive into Jess’s passion for working in a cause-driven environment and how she fosters community engagement to show people the tangible impact they can make. She also opens up about the art of balancing multiple teams, the importance of relationship-building, and what it takes to keep everything running smoothly.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the power of community, care, and commitment.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's UK Sales Lead, Sam Bennett.
In this episode of The Engaged Volunteer Podcast, we sit down with Talia Holloway-Roden, the Statewide Volunteer Manager at Parks Victoria, to delve into the intricate world of managing over 20,000 volunteers. Talia shares her insights on the significance of being passionate about your work and the delicate balance required to run a national program while maintaining a local touch. You'll gain valuable knowledge on change management, including how to navigate and implement changes effectively within a large volunteer organization. Talia also discusses the often under-appreciated power of negative feedback and how it can be leveraged to foster growth and improvement. Talia also opens up about the pressures of delivering high-quality volunteer programs and how she manages these expectations while ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of her volunteers. Tune in for an inspiring and informative conversation packed with practical advice and real-world examples from one of the leading voices in volunteer management. This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's Co-Founder, Shannan Gove.
In this episode of the Engaged Volunteer Podcast, we sit down with Bianca Berenguer, Senior Operations Manager at Event Lab. Bianca shares her journey from working with the Rio Olympics to her current role at Event Lab, where she excels in managing large-scale events.
Tune in to hear Bianca's insights on what it takes to launch the Olympics, her deep passion for the Paralympics and Special Olympics, and how she consistently delivers on time while maintaining high standards. Bianca also discusses her commitment to diversity, the joy of loving what you do, and the incredible experience of having friends around the world.
Learn how she adapts to new cultures and keeps leadership teams informed and engaged in event progress. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone interested in event management and the power of volunteerism. Don't miss it!
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's Co-Founder, Shannan Gove.
Join us as we talk with Sally Breton, Head of Volunteering Delivery at St John Ambulance.
At St John Ambulance, first aid isn't just a skill; it's a lifeline woven into the fabric of communities and workplaces across England. From first aid training to out-of-hospital patient care, St John Ambulance stands as a beacon of hope in critical moments.
Sally Breton leads the charge in harnessing the power of volunteers to make a difference where it's needed most. With a diverse array of volunteer roles ranging from youth education to event first aid, St John Ambulance offers opportunities for individuals to contribute their skills and passions in meaningful ways.
Sally shares insights into the dynamic world of volunteering at St John Ambulance, highlighting the transformative impact volunteers have on saving lives and building stronger, safer communities.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's UK Sales Lead, Sam Bennett.
Join us as we sit down with Claudia Marazita, Head of Workforce Engagement for Golf Australia.
With a passion for fostering vibrant workplace cultures and enhancing employee experiences, Claudia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the green. She is passionate about the idea that "all golf is golf" and getting past the idea that you have to be playing 18 holes of golf to be a golfer.
We'll explore the unique challenges and opportunities within the world of golf, as well as Claudia's strategies for nurturing a highly engaged workforce. From tee to green, we'll uncover the secrets to building a winning team and driving performance excellence.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's Co-Founder, Shannan Gove.
Join us as we sit down with Angele Tilly, the dedicated Volunteer Manager at Literacy Pirates, to explore how to enhance your volunteers' engagement and amplify their impact.
At Literacy Pirates, the mission to empower children aged 9-12 to navigate the seas of literacy with confidence and enthusiasm is introduced to volunteers from the very beginning. This early introduction not only aligns volunteers with the organization's goals but also fuels their passion and commitment. Through engaging after-school programs, led by passionate educators and supported by dedicated volunteers, Literacy Pirates provides personalized attention to help children develop essential reading and writing skills.
Angele's leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that volunteers at Literacy Pirates are deeply connected to the mission. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and gain valuable skills and experiences, making their contribution even more impactful. Angele fosters an environment where volunteers have fun while making a significant difference in the lives of young learners. Volunteers become an integral part of the crew, fostering confidence, perseverance, and a love for learning.
Tune in as Angele takes us behind the scenes of Literacy Pirates, revealing how every volunteer becomes a vital member of this fantastic journey. Don't miss this episode if you're looking for inspiration on how to boost volunteer engagement and make a lasting impact.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's Head of Global Marketing, Martin O'Neill.
This week we sit down with Marian Casey, Deputy Commissioner of Volunteering for St John NSW.
With a background in forensic biology and psychology, coupled with an MBA, Marian's journey has been nothing short of diverse. But her impact extends far beyond the classroom. Marian's entrepreneurial spirit led her to venture into event management and corporate team building, showcasing her versatility and leadership.
As a dedicated volunteer with St John Ambulance NSW since 2010, she has been a beacon of support and diversity, championing positive experiences for fellow volunteers. Her roles in logistics, member welfare, and event planning have left an indelible mark on the organization, earning her accolades such as the prestigious Order of St John and the National Emergency Service Medal.
Recognized as Volunteer of the Year for Central Sydney in 2022, Marian's impact resonates far and wide.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's Co-Founder, Shannan Gove.
Join us for an electrifying episode with Emma Peat, Event Workforce Manager at Formula E. Emma takes us on a thrilling ride behind the scenes of the international electric car racing series, offering unparalleled insights into the recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteers that make Formula E events possible.
Emma shares her firsthand experiences navigating the fast-paced world of Formula E, where each race presents unique challenges and rewards. From the adrenaline rush of managing a volunteer workforce to the intricate details of orchestrating an environmentally friendly racing spectacle, Emma unveils the dynamic intersection of motorsports, sustainability, and volunteerism.
With Emma as our guide, we explore the diverse motivations driving volunteers from around the globe to participate in events. From the rise of Gen Z volunteers to initiatives promoting gender equality in motorsports, Emma sheds light on the evolving landscape of volunteerism in the racing industry.
Tune in to discover the passion, dedication, and innovation fueling Formula E's success both on and off the track, and learn how you can be a part of the movement towards a greener, more inclusive future in motorsports. Whether you're a racing enthusiast, sustainability advocate, or volunteer at heart, this episode promises to rev up your curiosity and inspire you to drive change in your own community.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's Head of Global Marketing, Martin O'Neill.
Join us as we talk to Ruth Leonard, Head of Volunteering Development for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Ruth is the author of the recent book “Volunteer Involvement: An Introduction to Theory and Practice,” which offers a broad and balanced background picture of thinking about volunteer involvement, to encourage all those who want to work with volunteers to think and act together collaboratively and respectfully, and also to critically reflect on what they hear, what they see, and what they plan.
Ruth challenges conventional wisdom by advocating for a dynamic and adaptable approach to volunteer management, one that prioritizes critical reflection and responsiveness to individual circumstances. She explores the nuances of volunteer engagement, highlighting the transformative power of inclusive practices and the essential role of volunteer leadership in driving positive change within communities.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's Global Head of Marketing, Martin O'Neill.
Join us as we talk to Kylie Elliott, the Volunteer Lead at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. Kylie's journey into volunteer management is not just a career path; it's a calling fueled by her passion for making a difference in the lives of others. At SCHF, Kylie plays a crucial role in overseeing a volunteer program that has become the lifeblood of the organization. The foundation has cultivated a community of nearly 5,000 dedicated volunteers, each driven by a shared commitment to supporting sick children and their families. But what sets SCHF apart isn't just the number of volunteers—it's the way they're valued and recognized. Every volunteer's unique currency is honored, whether it's fostering social connections, learning new skills, or simply giving back to the community. This episode was hosted by Rosterfy's Co-Founder, Shannan Gove.
Join us for a captivating journey into the dynamic world of sports events and volunteerism with Olivier Chovin, the Event Workforce Specialist at UEFA. In this episode of the Engaged Volunteer Podcast, we peel back the curtain to reveal the meticulous planning and execution involved in orchestrating some of the world's most prestigious sporting spectacles, such as the UEFA Champions League. With Olivier's extensive experience and profound insights, listeners are treated to a behind-the-scenes exploration of the indispensable role volunteers play in the success of these monumental events.
Olivier shares firsthand accounts and invaluable knowledge that highlight the transformative power of volunteerism in the realm of sports. Through engaging anecdotes and passionate storytelling, he offers a glimpse into the inner workings of UEFA's volunteer program, showcasing the dedication, passion, and teamwork that drive its success.
Listeners will discover the joys and challenges of working with volunteers on a global scale, as Olivier recounts his experiences from different corners of the world. From the heartwarming moments of interacting with children to the intricacies of running a large-scale volunteer operation, this conversation provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted world of sports event management.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy Co-Founder, Shannan Gove.
That was Matt Lynch, Founder of MoonShot.
Have you ever wondered why some live experiences capture our hearts better than others? Consider places like Disney Land, where a commitment to exceptional service excellence sees them described as the happiest place on earth.
MoonShot works with organizations to engage and train frontline staff and volunteers to live and breathe brand ethos through programs that provide opportunities for upskilling and connections. While you might hear Disney and think - that’s all well and good if you have a huge budget - how does this apply to someone like me? In this episode of the podcast, Matt discusses how organizations of all shapes and sizes (and budgets) can implement simple steps to better engage with their staff and volunteers to ensure a world class experience for volunteers, fans and participants alike.
As the world pivots away from in person training to the digital world, we also discuss the importance of understanding volunteer motivations to accommodate engaging experiences for a diverse range of backgrounds and demographics.
This episode of the podcast was hosted by Shannan Gove.
Meet Matt Doherty, City Volunteer Manager for Greater London Authority.
Having worked alongside some of the world’s largest events including The European Championships, Commonwealth Games, The Australian Open and now the Euros, Matt is no stranger to engaging with volunteers in a large capacity.
In this episode of the podcast we get an in-depth look at Greater London Authority’s legacy project from the 2012 Games - Team London - an incredible example of how cities can engage with their communities through a centralised, city wide volunteer program.
After the success of the London Olympics and a renewed interest in volunteering, the city of London made the sustainable move to invest in a volunteer management program, designed to provide year round opportunities for individuals looking to volunteer. From major events to community volunteering and serving the third sector, Team London has around 15,000 engaged volunteers for the community to utilize.
In this podcast, Matt shares how programs such as Team London have been instrumental in supporting London’s major events like The Euros but also, more importantly, how volunteers were able to be utilized by the NHS at hospitals and vaccination centres during the peak of the pandemic which many cities around the work can relate to.
This episode of the podcast was hosted by Shannan Gove.
Meet Andy Newman, Director of Workforce and Operations for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
Working alongside some of the world’s biggest workforce programs including London 2012, Tough Mudder, The Houston Super Bowl and now, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Andy draws on his experience to discuss the true value of volunteering. While most organizations focus on the financial contribution volunteers provide, we discuss the more intangible value - experience. In this episode of the podcast we take a closer look at how Tough Mudder built their hugely successful (and sustainable!) volunteer community, with a database of over 125,000 engaged volunteers.
We also discuss how Andy and his team revolutionised the way The Super Bowl utilized volunteers to ensure a lasting legacy within their communities with technology at the forefront.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy Co Founder, Shannan Gove. To catch full episodes of The Engaged Volunteer Podcast, please follow the link below.
Meet Anne-Catherine, Senior Volunteer Manager worldwide at FIFA.
Having just implemented a global volunteer management program at one of the world's largest sporting federations, Anne Catherine (also known as AC) knows a thing or two about volunteers. In this episode of the podcast, AC takes us behind the scenes, with an in-depth look at FIFA’s global volunteer management program which is using technology to connect their global community of volunteers all via one centralized system.
During this podcast we also discuss how a global volunteer management solution aids the business from an administrator point of view. Allowing local event hosts to access their own volunteer management solution under the FIFA account, FIFAs administrators around the world are now able to provide volunteer service excellence with the resources required to deliver a consistent experience.
This episode was hosted by Rosterfy Co Founder, Shannan Gove. To the full episode, plus additional available episodes, please follow the link below.
For the first episode of this season, we’re thrilled to be joined by Jenny Betteridge, Strategic Lead for Volunteering at Sport England and Shruti Saujani, City Programme and Volunteer Manager at the England and Wales Cricket Board, otherwise known as ECB.
With over 10 million people in the UK choosing to volunteer their time through sport and physical activity last year, this episode of the podcast sees us dive a little deeper into the physical, mental and social benefits of connected communities.
We take a closer look at an inspiring volunteer-led project - Dream Big Desi Women which was created for enthusiastic and passionate individuals who want to make a difference in their community through cricket on and off the field. Jenny and Shruti highlight the importance of creating programmes that are accessible regardless of gender, levels of resources or technology - as well as discussing the significance of a robust volunteer feedback loop, which helps to shape and evolve these programmes to become better for all involved.
We also discuss the impact of the last 12-18 months on volunteering and physical activity, as well as how changes in thinking around connection and personal development through technology is being shared and implemented across sports all over the UK.
This episode of the podcast was hosted by Phillip Gbormittah.
To catch full episodes of The Engaged Volunteer Podcast, please follow the link below.
Meet Elena Laguna - Head of Volunteering at Oxfam Great Britain.
After a chance opportunity to lead a youth volunteering program in Nicaragua, Elena has firmly cemented a career in helping others, working with some of the UK’s leading charities to manage their volunteer programs.
In this episode of the podcast, Elena discusses the importance of treating your volunteers as individuals (even at the highest level) and how understanding volunteer motivations ensures connection.
We also take a look at the impacts of COVID-19 including the changing landscape of volunteers. With traditional volunteers having been replaced (at least temporarily) by corporates and a younger demographic as a result of furloughs and decreased job opportunities the need to create roles that are more flexible and technologically driven is more important than ever.
If this is your first time checking us out, The Engaged Volunteer podcast aims to highlight the ways in which organizations and individuals are engaging their communities to connect them to events and causes they’re passionate about. The best way to support the Engaged Volunteer Podcast is to click ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app, and tell your friends about us!
We also really appreciate feedback on the podcast and would love to hear your thoughts. If you’d like to share your thoughts or if you have someone in mind for us to interview, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via hello@rosterfy.com.
That was Jenne Myers - CEO and ‘Professional Do Gooder’ at Chicago Cares.
After kick starting her career working for The City of Chicago and Mayor Daly, it was an opportunity to work with the Mayor’s wife Maggie that opened the doors to the ‘heart’ of Chicago and a new philanthropic career in public service.
In this episode of the podcast, Jenne generously shares her journey from volunteer to CEO, providing an in-depth look at Chicago Cares’ unique volunteering program. With a mission to connect people of difference, Jenne discusses the transformative nature of volunteering and how the act of ‘giving back’ has the potential to be so much greater than just completing the task at hand.
Through education and leadership, Jenne discusses the need to create mutually beneficial experiences that encourage cultural humility which ultimately creates more inclusive and understanding communities, full of ‘heart’.
If this is your first time checking us out, The Engaged Volunteer podcast aims to highlight the ways in which organizations and individuals are engaging their communities to connect them to events and causes they’re passionate about. The best way to support the Engaged Volunteer Podcast is to click ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app, and tell your friends about us!
We also really appreciate feedback on the podcast and would love to hear your thoughts. If you’d like to share your thoughts or if you have someone in mind for us to interview, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via hello@rosterfy.com.
That was Corina Sadler CVA - Volunteer Resources Supervisor at City of Plano.
After experiencing the joys of volunteering as a teen herself, Corina Sadler has cemented a career enriching the lives of teenagers through the creation of the Teen Volunteer Program for the City of Plano.
In this episode of the podcast we discuss the stigmas that exist when it comes to young volunteers and why they should be embraced as a force for change. We also discuss the important role that technology plays in engaging and retaining teen volunteers who are looking for new and meaningful ways to give back to their communities.
If this is your first time checking us out, The Engaged Volunteer podcast aims to highlight the ways in which organizations and individuals are engaging their communities to connect them to events and causes they’re passionate about. The best way to support the Engaged Volunteer Podcast is to click ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app, and tell your friends about us!
We also really appreciate feedback on the podcast and would love to hear your thoughts. If you’d like to share your thoughts or if you have someone in mind for us to interview, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via hello@rosterfy.com.
Thanks so much for listening!
Meet Tom Bowkett. A specialist freelancer in volunteer and workforce management.
Recorded in amongst the thick of UK COVID lockdowns, 2020 has presented it’s fair share of challenges for a freelancer, who specializes in events. While many would dwell on a tough year, Tom shines with optimism about the future and how important events and volunteering will be in uniting communities.
In this episode of the podcast, we learn more about the world of freelancing in events. From major sporting events to arts and cultural festivals, Tom has experienced the full remit of events and understands just how powerful people (including volunteers) are in creating a successful end to end event.
After a year of lockdowns and isolations, we discuss the renewed reliance on technology and how this has positively impacted workforce programs worldwide and what this means for the future of volunteering. Tom and I also discuss the importance of placing value on volunteers to ensure maximum engagement and retention.
If this is your first time checking us out, The Engaged Volunteer podcast aims to highlight the ways in which organizations and individuals are engaging their communities to connect them to events and causes they’re passionate about. The best way to support the Engaged Volunteer Podcast is to click ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app, and tell your friends about us!
We also really appreciate feedback on the podcast and would love to hear your thoughts. If you’d like to share your thoughts or if you have someone in mind for us to interview, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via hello@rosterfy.com.
Thanks so much for listening!
