More About Episode 26 - The Philanthropist
In this week’s episode of "Bring Your Kid to Work," we meet Ryan Ginard, a philanthropist and advocate for effective philanthropy, and his son Roman. Ryan shares his experiences and insights into the world of philanthropy, while Roman provides a unique perspective as a young observer.
Through this conversation, we gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a philanthropist and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.
I really thought that you had to be a rich person to be a philanthropist, but Ryan explains that philanthropy is not just about giving money; it also involves giving time and talent. He emphasises the importance of volunteering, sharing expertise, as well as making financial contributions.
The way he sees it, philanthropy needs a rebrand. It needs to be reframed as a concept that everyone can participate in, and Ryan hopes to inspire a culture of giving in Australia. He believes that even small acts of giving, such as donating a few dollars or volunteering at a local event, can make a significant difference.
Roman, while initially sceptical about the benefits of philanthropy, begins to understand the value of giving, or at least makes a good show of pretending he does - we may have laid it on a little thick for him. Ha!
He recognises that his dad's work involves helping people and giving them the resources they need and Ryan and I help Roman think about how he can contribute in his own way, such as by being helpful at home or school.
Ryan's role as a philanthropist involves advocating for effective philanthropy and working towards creating positive change. He shares his experiences of working with various organisations and communities, both in Australia and the United States. He thinks it isn’t a job that can be done just in the office behind a computer, but that you need to be present in the field, meeting with communities, and listening to their needs. He believes that true impact comes from understanding the nuances of each situation and working collaboratively to find innovative solutions.
While Roman thinks his dad only works in an office on his computer, Ryan explains how he loves that he has the ability to take his work anywhere, thanks to technology, allowing him to connect with partners and peers across different locations. This flexibility enables him to learn directly from the communities he seeks to uplift.
Ryan's journey to becoming a philanthropist was not a linear one. He started his career working at Coles, which taught him the value of structure, teamwork, and showing up. However, it was his involvement in politics and the 2012 US presidential election that led him to the world of philanthropy. Ryan's passion for making a positive impact and his desire to serve the community guided his career choices.
Ryan doesn’t just talk a big game though - when I worked with him almost 20 years ago, he was always looking for ways to be of service to the community. As an Englishman originally, he has a love for soccer. He saw a need for kids to keep busy and fit, so he ended up founding Springfield Football Club - a whole new football club - in Springfield, with just a few teams. It’s now grown into a huge club with players from MiniRoos up to semi-professionals.
While his aspirations may differ from his dad's, Ryan encourages Roman to pursue his passion and believes that his experiences will eventually lead him to make a positive impact in his own way.
Ryan's passion for philanthropy extends beyond his current role. He is particularly interested in investing in leadership development and empowering the next generation of leaders. He believes that strong leadership is crucial for addressing the challenges of the future and creating lasting change. Ryan tells us about an inspiring story of how a small donation can make a big impact, how paying a membership fee enabled a single mother to pursue her passion for the United Nations and make a significant impact in her field.
Ryan loves a chat and finds it the best part of his job - listening to people talking about their lives and experiences and challenges. Roman, although initially hesitant about talking to new people, knows it’s important to make friends and that’s particularly relevant for him as he gets ready to move north and start a new school. Ryan encourages Roman to be brave and engage with others, as these connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and positive change.
The conversation between Ryan and Roman highlights the power of philanthropy and the potential for positive impact. Ryan's work as a philanthropist involves giving time, talent, and treasure to uplift communities and create lasting change.
Philanthropy is not limited to a select few; it is a concept that everyone can embrace. By reframing philanthropy as a culture of giving, we can inspire individuals to make a difference in their own communities. Whether it is through volunteering, sharing expertise, or making financial contributions, every act of giving has the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change.
How can you give your time, talent, and treasure to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a better future?
