Q & A WITH DANIEL BRACE, COMMUNICATIONS LEAD AT KIDS FIRST AUSTRALIA
In this months Gem Spotlight, Daniel shares with us his reasons for entering the For Purpose Sector, his biggest career accomplishments and love of a good toga party.
Gembridge worked in partnership with Kids First Australia to appoint Daniel as their Communications Lead. Daniel is focused on internal and external communication, advocacy, grant writing and raising brand awareness for an organisation with a 125 year history providing of educational, family and support services for children and families
What's the best thing about your current role?
At Kids First Australia we work to improve the lives of kids. Every Single Day.
What was your previous career/s and what motivated you to move into the 'for purpose' Sector?
I had a career in the ticketing/marketing industry before switching to media and communications working with marginalised and disadvantaged communities. The stories of resilience and the great people I met at all stages of their journey have inspired me and motivated me to get up each day to keep making a difference
How do you stay focussed and motivated?
Having a healthy balance between work, study, my hobby (music) and a social life.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I was the Producer on a documentary film called "Transmission: the journey from AIDS to HIV" . Originally filmed for an international conference, it was aired nationally on the ABC.
What are your key goals for 2021?
To make a big impact in my current, new, role.
What is the best career advice you've received?
Know your strengths and be honest about your weaknesses.
What is the key career advice you give to others?
If it's not the right fit, don't try and make it work, move on.
If you could invite 3 guests to dinner, who would they be?
Paul-Michel Foucault (for conversation), Billie Holliday (for song and to tell her how much her life and music means to the world), and Mr Pythagoras (who doesn't like a toga party)
Did you learn something new or manage major pivots during lockdown?
My hobby is directing a choir and while we couldn't sing we pivoted to Zoom meetings and a range of activities to keep us connected, socially and musically.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere overseas right now.
What did you dream of being when you were a child?
I was obsessed with animals and saw myself as the next James Herriott. So a veterinarian.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Wander into the Cathedral at Valencia in Spain and play the organ for a day.
What is your favourite movie / book?
At the moment it's To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara, a wonderful tale across time linked by our humanity. Such a good read.