Charity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents and grandparents were always involved in giving back, so I grew up seeing firsthand that helping others wasn’t something you just talked about — you did it.
My first memory of charity work was as a child, raising money for guide dogs for the blind. It may not have been much, but it lit a spark that’s been with me ever since.
In my twenties, living in the UK, I joined the boards of two charities. One was a small fund set up by an individual, where the capital stayed untouched and the annual income went to youth causes. There was no full-time staff, so we met quarterly to decide where the money should go. The second was British ORT, part of a global organisation that’s been building schools and training centres since the 1800s, helping people develop skills to support themselves and their families.
Over the years, I’ve supported different causes, but the one that’s had the biggest impact on me — and where I’ve spent the most time — is NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship).
I first visited a NFTE classroom in March 2014 to help judge a competition. Within minutes, I was hooked. By July, I’d joined the board of what was then NFTE Los Angeles (later NFTE West). I went on to chair the NFTE board for seven years, during which time I probably saw more than 30,000 kids educated in the entrepreneurial mindset. In that role, I helped guide the organisation and expand the number of schools and students we worked with.
What’s so special about NFTE? It’s simple — it changes lives. Their mission is to build the “entrepreneurial mindset,” but I often describe it as teaching two essential skills: how to think differently and how to have confidence. These skills don’t just help in starting a business — they can transform how you approach a job interview, a career, and life itself. NFTE graduates earn, on average, 50% more than their peers.
I first visited a NFTE classroom in March 2014 to help judge a competition. Within minutes, I was hooked. By July, I’d joined the board of what was then NFTE Los Angeles (later NFTE West). I went on to chair the NFTE board for seven years, during which time I probably saw more than 30,000 kids educated in the entrepreneurial mindset. In that role, I helped guide the organisation and expand the number of schools and students we worked with.
What’s so special about NFTE? It’s simple — it changes lives. Their mission is to build the “entrepreneurial mindset,” but I often describe it as teaching two essential skills: how to think differently and how to have confidence. These skills don’t just help in starting a business — they can transform how you approach a job interview, a career, and life itself. NFTE graduates earn, on average, 50% more than their peers.
I’ve seen kids go from shy and uncertain to standing confidently in front of a room, pitching their ideas with passion. I’ve coached students from local LA competitions all the way to nationals in New York — and I’ve seen them win, beating out 40,000+ kids nationally. Those moments are powerful because you know you’re not just helping them for a day or a week; you’re shaping the trajectory of their lives.
Charity work has given me a different perspective on the world. I’ve met people — adults and children — I’d never have crossed paths with otherwise. It’s shown me that while giving back is the right thing to do, it’s also deeply rewarding. It feels good, it makes a difference, and yes, it even looks good — for individuals and businesses alike.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in charity work, my advice is simple: find something that speaks to you. Fall in love with the cause and the difference you’re making. When you do, it stops feeling like a duty and starts feeling like one of the best parts of your life.
For me, NFTE will always have a special place in my heart. It’s an organisation that’s very easy to fall in love with — and impossible to forget once you’ve seen the profound and lasting impact it has on children’s lives and their futures.
One spark of confidence can light a lifetime of opportunity.
