NFP leader and entrepreneur Jane Martino shares her story
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Martino has a history of being high achiever – in 2002 she founded communications agency Undertow Media and in 2006 she was a Finalist in the Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year which recognises young female entrepreneurs.
A strong advocate for community causes and involvement led Martino to extend her passion for special causes and create the not-for-profit (NFP) Smiling Mind which is focused on delivering free meditation programs online to young people aged seven to17.
Martino’s most recent initiative, Shout – an app and web based micro-donation platform that links back to the colloquial meaning ‘shouting your mates’ is revolutionising the way young Australian’s give.
TS: Can you describe your journey to becoming a young not-for-profit (NFP) leader?
For me, like a lot of people, my personal circumstance was the catalyst for becoming involved in the sector. I think that mediation had a lot to do with it as it allows you to become a lot more self-aware and tuned in. I’ve always been a person, regardless of age or financial situation that has always given a lot to the sector. It was really about being tuned in and thinking about the skills I had in business, marketing and building a team and thinking about doing something that was more aligned with having impact in the world – what was really important to me and how I could help other people.
TS: What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a young NFP leader?
It’s been the same as many challenges I’ve had throughout my career – wanting to give things a go and be passionate, but not always being perceived as having the qualifications or the credentials to do so. But I don’t let this deter me – its’ about being in the moment and keeping momentum – this will allows me to prove myself. I don’t see this challenge as a negative – I’m happy to prove myself. I actually see this challenge as a huge positive as it really does force you to be better and resourceful.
TS: What is the best piece of leadership advice you have been given?
Take time to stop and listen and understand where people are coming from.
TS: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring leaders what would it be?
Don’t be scared of failing – don’t not do something just because you’ve had a couple of people question what you’re doing. Listen to good advice and take it on board but don’t let it throw you off your path if you believe it’s the right path. Make sure you surround yourself with the best and brightest – this will ensure that the path you’re on is the right one. Remember that not everyone will agree with you all the time, so you need to be discerning about whom you surround yourself with and the advice you take. Above all, listen to your instincts.
TS: What do you find most rewarding about working in the sector?
Seeing the impact the program I setup is having.
