Professor Tom Cooney on inclusion to entrepreneurship for marginalised groups such as former prisoners, refugees and those with disabilities
Release Date: 08/09/2025
Building Sandcastles at Low Tide: Chris Clarke's chapter in 'Changing Paradigms' book
Seeds
This is a chapter by Chris Clarke from the new book 'Changing Paradigms' which is now out! You can download the full book here
info_outline
Young people and Charities: Chapter by Bea Gladding from 'Changing Paradigms'
Seeds
This is the first chapter in the new book 'Changing Paradigms' which is now out! You can download it here
info_outline
'Changing Paradigms': Introduction from new book
Seeds
This is the introduction from a new collection of essays called 'Changing Paradigms' which you can register to receive at no cost on the landing page over here: There are 25 essays in this collection and I hope you enjoy it an it challenges thinking! For more visit
info_outline
Governance discussion with Judene Edgar: From Compliance to Confidence
Seeds
In this episode I got the chance to speak with Judene Edgar who is from the Institute of Directors. We talk about moving from Compliance to Confidence in governance with a particular focus on charities and societies. Thanks to the IOD for the chance to be part of the webinar! If you'd like the slides just email at For more content visit Overview Governance of not-for-profit organisations is not just about purpose — essential though that is — but about building organisations that are resilient, trusted and fit for the future. Recent legislative changes have...
info_outline
The Spotlight Paradox
Seeds
In this short 2 minute episode I reflect on "The Spotlight Paradox" and what it might mean when we come to make decisions. Who might you know that this would help? Why not post about it, tag them in or forward the link? It all helps to spread the word about seeds! For more content visit "In this episode I want to talk about a principle that could unlock a new approach for you. It’s something called the spotlight paradox. The point here is pretty simple - we all know what a spotlight is. it illuminates someone on stage and a lead role might...
info_outline
Alanna Irving on combining tech with doing good and co-founding Fundsorter
Seeds
Alanna Irving is a co-founder of which is a new tech based start-up making life easier for charities to find grants and funding. In this conversation we start by talking about her childhood and growing up in California as well as her studies, time spent in Japan and what she learned there as well as how she ended up in New Zealand and found her true home here. We both lived in Japan so we had a lot to discuss on that topic! This is a second part of an interview series as last time I spoke with Lani Evans so be sure to check out that conversation as well for another...
info_outline
Lani Evans on co-founding Fundsorter and blending entrepreneurship with service
Seeds
Lani has been involved in many fascinating projects which push boundaries of thinking about the intersection of business, philanthropy and charity. In this conversation we talk about her childhood and early influences and trace a life filled with innovating and trying new things before diving deeper into the most recent venture which is Fundsorter. If you enjoy this then check out some of the other 470+ conversations with other inspiring people and more about seeds project is at Other projects and links mentioned in the conversation: Steward ownership book...
info_outline
Dr Anu Anandaraja on empowering women and girls through Women Together Global
Seeds
I enjoyed speaking with Dr Anu Anandaraja about her life and the work she does with Women Together Global. I really enjoyed this conversation with Anu and hearing about her childhood and her dream at age 9 to help with health care in Africa - which came true, thanks to both hard work and serendipity! If you enjoy this check out the 470 other episodes in the back catalogue and more info is at Website: New Zealand site for Women Together Global: Video by Kea on Anu: Women Together empowers women and girls to achieve the economic independence,...
info_outline
Shaun Seaman on Mushroom Material, the Next Fest 2025 pitch winner
Seeds
Shaun Seaman from Mushroom Material recently won the Next Fest 2025 pitch competition run by the and this is his pitch. I attended the event and enjoyed the discussions there. Thanks to SBN for the chance to share this with others as it is a good example of innovative and new ways of doing business and thinking! Website: His bio: Shaun is Founder & CEO at Mushroom Material. Mushroom Material is replacing expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) with a high-performance, home-compostable alternative made from mycelium (mushrooms). The material matches expanded...
info_outline
Azoora Ali interviews me on Purpose for her podcast 'Care Beyond Profits'
Seeds
I was interviewed by Azoora Ali for her new “Care beyond profits” podcast recently - this is a portion of that interview. For the full episode listen on her show: Spotify: Video: In this episode, discover how to: • Overcome the fear of the unknown with courage • Embrace mindset shifts to unlock growth and success • Build resilience while navigating challenges and change • Find purpose-driven direction in your career and personal life • Align values, community, and even faith with authentic leadership This conversation is perfect for anyone...
info_outlineTom Cooney is a visiting Erskine Fellow to the University of Canterbury and I was lucky enough to sit with him in person and hear about his life story and the work he does today helping marginalised groups (those with disabilities, refugees, former prisoners, asylum seekers etc) access entrepreneurship education.
But we start with his childhood, influences, parents, what he studied and how he came to be involved in this area - the format of seeds podcast is to really understand a life story not just a superficial "what is your job" question. If you want to hear more there are hundreds of conversations now at www.theseeds.nz
Tom provided the following links to things we discussed:
- Tom Cooney's website www.tomcooney.ie
- Self-employment for persons with disabilities https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/news/aib-and-tu-dublin-self-employment-for-persons-with-disabilities-programme-2025.html
- Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour Inclusion and Innovation (CEBII)
https://researchprofiles.tudublin.ie/en/organisations/centre-for-entrepreneurial-behaviour-inclusion-and-innovation-ceb/persons/
More info on the podcast is at www.theseeds.nz