Aman Gupta & Julien Rosendahl - Goodie
What is Goodie?
Goodie is an online platform that provides meaningful volunteering opportunities directly to those searching for it. It collects many volunteering roles and resources, and provides them at the click of a button.
About Aman Gupta
Aman Gupta is a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Goodie and has provided success in solving design issues faced by local business and even international brands. Aman’s extensive knowledge and self-driven passion for deisgn has fuelled his meaningful career at Goodie.
Q1: Has impact always been something you strived to create in your career? If not, how and why did you end up here?
“I think in some way or another everyone wants to make an impact in their area – no matter what they're doing. ”
I think in some way or another everyone wants to make an impact in their area – no matter what they're doing. For me, the strive for impact probably comes from my drive to be a problem solver. Whether it's something within your professional, social or home life, when you're solving a problem, you're immediately creating an impact. Along with this, I've always been quite empathetic. I try to put myself in someone else's shoes to see how I may feel or act in their circumstances. These aspects are what have led me towards a need to create positive impact from a young age – whether it’s something as simple as having a conversation with someone in an unfortunate situation, or directly helping an individual in need.
Q2: Is there any advice that you would like to give to young people who are interested in pursuing a career in social impact?
“There is no better time to find a career that is creating social impact.”
As organisations are becoming more aware of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), there is no better time to find a career that is creating social impact. If you feel that it's a significant factor, then research what organisations are creating an impact and whether they align with your passions and interests. You want to be doing something that you love, so it’s important to find an impact area that you are passionate about.
If making an impact is something that you can't do as part of your career, then you can try to do so in your own time. In this case it's important to find a balance and manage your time effectively to avoid burning out. I'd also recommend reading or downloading Atomic Habits by James Clear – a great resource for anyone who's looking to improve themselves and create impact.
Q3: What is one change you would like to see in the Australian social enterprise ecosystem?
I've mentioned that organisations are becoming more aware of CSR and social enterprises are mostly leading in this area. In saying that, I'd love to see both social enterprises and corporate organisations coming together more often to solve real social issues. Sometimes the resources and reach isn't quite there with social enterprises, so establishing key partnerships with corporates to clear these hurdles can go a long way to making a real impact.
“If making an impact is something that you can't do as part of your career, then you can try to do so in your own time.”
About Julien Rosendahl
Julien Rosendahl is currently a Managing Director at Goodie and has a comprehensive record of industry experience. Graduating from Griffith University as a recipient of the Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship which is awarded with community engagement in mind, Julien has only furthered his passion for volunteering with Goodie. Alongside his work, he has volunteered in community legal clinics as well.
Q1: Has impact always been something you strived to create in your career? If not, how and why did you end up here?
“Blending my professional career with a chance to positively impact local communities.”
Yes, I've always wanted to find a way of blending my professional career with a chance to positively impact local communities. It's never been a clear cut or easily recognisable path, but I think keeping this passion at the forefront has helped me identify ways of achieving this. Sometimes it's been a matter of doing extra-curriculars alongside study or work (such as volunteering in community legal clinics while working as a lawyer), and sometimes it's been about finding ways to create these opportunities for others - as is the case with Goodie.
Q2: Much of your work has involved connecting volunteers and charities. What do you see as the key to further bridging the gap between these two groups?
It's a symbiotic relationship - charities are always in need of engaged volunteers, and there are people out there with generous hearts who are looking for ways to give back! I don't see so much of a large gap or discrepancy between the two, but it's really about helping individuals identify the opportunities that they can really make an impact in, and developing the networks that support this. It's a bit like enhanced networking - not just making introductions, but helping each party identify how their passions and skills align in a mutually beneficial way.
Q3: What do you think is the best way for students to be more involved in volunteering while studying?
Part of it is doing the work of identifying passions, interests and skills - the volunteering causes - that you're willing to spend your free time cultivating and developing with others. I also agree that finding opportunities that help develop your skills is very important - but at the end of the day, you're wanting to give away some of your free time for a good cause, so make sure it's something that genuinely interests you. The other part of it is doing the research of finding those opportunities and making the connections to get the foot in the door. Big hint - Goodie exists to help you with all the above so sign-up if you haven't already!
Also, don't forget that time management is essential if you're wanting to add more to your weekly diary. I definitely think that making time for general 'extra-curricular' things (volunteering, pursuing a serious hobby etc) helps you find the space in your life to take on more things without feeling overwhelmed with study and work. After all, volunteering is also about having fun!
“at the end of the day, you're wanting to give away some of your free time for a good cause, so make sure it's something that genuinely interests you. ”
Aman Gupta -
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of Goodie
Julien Rosendahl -
Co-Founder & Managing Director of Goodie
Big thank you to Aman Gupta and Julien Rosendahl for taking the time to answer our questions.