gem spotlight - nathan reynolds, State partnerships manager, starlight children’s foundation australia
Meet Nathan, passionate connector and purpose‑driven leader, Nathan builds meaningful partnerships that bring joy and support to seriously ill children and their families. This Thursday, he kicks off the Leadership & Emerging Issues track, sponsored by Gembridge with his inspiring session, “Harnessing the power of love in fundraising leadership.”
What’s the best thing about your current role?
The opportunities that come your way at Starlight never cease to amaze me. We are fortunate to partner with so many different organisations, and I might find myself at the Bathurst 1000 motor race one week, and a fine dining experience in the cellars of the Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide the next. You really do have to pinch yourself sometimes.
These opportunities come about because our partners recognise the importance of bringing happiness to seriously ill children. And my cup fills whenever I interact with the families that we support. When a parent describes to me that Starlight brings a special kind of magic to their lives, or if it wasn’t for Captain Starlight their child wouldn’t go to hospital, or when a sick child tells me they’ve just had the best week of their lives because they got to be in the Starlight Express Room every day, it’s incredibly humbling and deeply satisfying.
What is your proudest accomplishment or career highlight?
Marrying my wife Emma is easily my proudest moment. Emma’s influence on me has been remarkable and the spontaneous roar of support we received from all our friends and family as we walked out of the church with wedding certificate in hand and two little kids in tow was so unexpected and will stay with me forever. I’m incredibly lucky to walk through life with this amazingly kind and generous person. She has taught me so much about gratitude and humility.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of advice that I talk about in my FIA Conference Presentation, “Harnessing the Power of Love in Fundraising Leadership” is from the former Premier of Victoria, Ted Baillieu. He said that leadership starts with you simply putting your hand up. If you care about something, if you want to make a difference, just put your hand up and take the first step.
What first inspired you to get into fundraising or the nonprofit sector?
I had been working in the advertising industry and at some point, I realised I had a values misalignment with the sector.
Fortunately, the Melbourne International Film Festival was looking for somebody with my skillset and I took on the role of Sales and Sponsorship Manager. It was a life changing move. I am very grateful for that experience and for the confidence that the CEO at that time instilled in me.
Fundraising can be challenging. What keeps you focused, motivated, and committed to giving back, even when it’s tough?
I find that for me, having meaning and purpose in my work provides a necessary bedrock of persistence. I’m naturally an optimistic person and the mantra of “this too shall pass” is important for perspective. There’s a great song in Avenue Q called For Now where the main character Princeton is despondent because he can’t find his purpose in life. All of his friends rally around and say whatever you’re feeling, happy, sad or otherwise, it’s only “for now”.
What’s a skill or quality that you think every great fundraiser should have?
From a corporate partnerships perspective, the ability to think strategically and creatively is very important. Being able to understand the partner’s needs and objectives and then being able to deliver on those within the realm of what’s possible within your organisation often times requires you to get quite creative. It’s a part of the job I enjoy and as a former CEO said to me, “I didn’t realise how creative you need to be to turn a dollar.”
What’s your favourite holiday destination, and why?
I have two bucket-list travel destinations: one is to go skiing in the French Alps, and the other is to watch the Australian cricket team play in the West Indies.
If you could do anything for a day, with no limits, what would it be?
I’d love to be able to solve my family member’s biggest problems and bring them peace of mind. Especially for my mum as she enters her golden years.
If you could invite any three guests, living or from history, to dinner, who would they be, and what would you serve?
My dad was in a bush band with two of his best mates, Ivan and Dennis. They were called the King Valley Ramblers and dad played the lagerphone (a broom stick with bottle tops), Ivan played guitar and Dennis the tea-chest bass. They’ve all passed on now. To have them around for dinner and play one more time would be amazing. It would be a steak night for sure.