Fa'asinomaga: Finding My Identity in Social Impact Work

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As a first-generation New Zealander of Samoan and German descent, my journey into the world of social impact has been more than a career path—it's been a voyage of cultural reconnection and purpose discovery. In recent years, my work with social enterprises and purpose-driven organisations across New Zealand and the Pacific has not only reshaped my professional life but has also deepened my understanding of my Samoan heritage and its relevance in today's world.

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Va Tapuia: Honouring Sacred Relationships

Growing up in New Zealand, I often felt caught between two worlds—the Western business environment and the rich Samoan culture that shaped my home life. In the corporate world, I found success, but also a gnawing sense that something was missing. It wasn't until I began working with social impact organisations that I truly understood the concept of Va Tapuia—the sacred space that connects all things.

In my current work, I see how businesses can honour these critical relationships between people, communities, and the environment. I've had the privilege of collaborating with visionary leaders who embody these principles. These experiences have shown me that creating meaningful change is possible while honouring our cultural values.

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Tautua: Service as a Way of Life

My mother often spoke of Tautua—the Samoan principle of service. She taught me that authentic leadership comes through serving others. This principle has become the cornerstone of my approach to social impact work.

Every project I engage with is an opportunity to serve:

1.???? Fa'aaloalo (Respect): By honouring the dignity and aspirations of the community.

2.???? Tofa Saili (Wisdom Seeking): Blending traditional insights with innovative practices.

3.???? Soalaupule (Collaborative Dialogue): All voices are heard and valued in decision-making.

4.???? Fa'asamoa (Cultural Competence): Recognising diverse cultural identities in our work.

Meaalofa: The Gift of Purposeful Work

In Samoan culture, we have a concept called 'meaalofa'—a gift given with love. I've seen my work in the social impact sector as a meaalofa to my community and myself. It has provided me with immense job satisfaction in ways I never expected.

Looking to the Future: A Thriving Pacific

As I continue on this path, I'm filled with a sense of responsibility and hope. I believe we can create a thriving, resilient Pacific region by bridging our rich cultural heritage with global innovations. While deeply meaningful to me, our Samoan principles share common ground with values found in many cultures worldwide—all of which have essential contributions to make in social impact mahi.

To my fellow Pacific Islanders, especially those who, like me, have grown up navigating multiple cultural worlds, our unique perspective is needed. Our understanding of Va Tapuia—the interconnectedness of all things—is crucial as we face global challenges that demand holistic solutions.

For those from other backgrounds who are curious about this approach, I invite you to explore the power of purpose-driven work. Aligning your actions with a greater purpose can be rich, whether through your career choices or community involvement.

As we say in Samoa, "O le ala i le pule o le tautua" - the path to leadership is through service. By embracing this principle in our work, we can create businesses that don't just profit but truly prosper—nourishing our communities, our culture, and our planet.

I'm honoured to be on this journey, using the wisdom of my Samoan heritage to contribute to a better future for all. ?I will write more about this soon!