Gem Spotlight - adelaide thompson at raise foundation
Adelaide became Raise Foundation’s Fundraising Director at the end of 2022. Here, she shares what she enjoys about her work, staying motivated and how she spends her free time.
Adelaide Thompson, Fundraising Director at Raise Foundation
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My favourite thing is being near water – whether it be walking by it, or going for a quick swim, nothing beats it. I feel content and a sense of peace.
I’m reading a brilliant book about Aboriginal spirituality ‘Dreaming Path’ and it says if you have this feeling when looking at nature, this is when you have connected to Country and for me that is exactly how I feel and know it’s the primary reason as to why I live in this amazing country.
If you could invite 3 guests to dinner, who would they be?
Jacinda Arden (because her political leadership was so refreshing), Craig Foster (because i love what he stands for and I also love soccer) and Leigh Sales (because she’s incredibly talented, meets interesting people and I love her book and podcast Chat 10 Looks 3).
What’s the best thing about your current role as Fundraising Director?
The people. I’m surrounded by experts in their fields and I find that incredibly inspiring as I’m continually learning. Whether it be my team, my peers or other stakeholders – I’m always developing due to who I’m surrounded by.
Fundraising can be hard. How do you stay focused, motivated, and driven?
Frequently coming back to why we exist in the first place, and ensuring stories of how we are helping young people navigate life’s challenges are always prevalent in our minds.
Again, this book ‘Dreaming Path’ articulates how stories slow us down, they teach us and they connect us – which I think would resonate with any fundraiser. I think as we are very results-driven as fundraisers, always ensuring you have balance i.e. the understanding of short vs long term wins and that helps me to stay focused.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Be authentic to yourself. There are many different types of leaders and all are unique. Work out what style suits you. And be vulnerable – you don’t need to have all the answers.
Thanks for being a Gem Spotlight, Adelaide!