As renowned anthropologist, author and lecturer Margaret Mead once said, “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” What better representation of this than Deloitte? In a Recruitment Marketing Magazine exclusive, we interviewed Economics’ Global Lead Partner Mike Kissane, who spoke about Deloitte’s global goal to positively impact 50 million people.
Your first thoughts about multinational professional services network Deloitte might be assurance and advisory, but do you know how their 300 000 people will impact 50 million? In line with its global purpose ‘making an impact that matters’, its “WorldClass” global goal is to help 50 million people achieve success in a changing global economy by 2030. We spoke with Mike Kissane, the Economics’ Global Lead Partner at Deloitte and Queensland Public Sector leader, who shared how.
“We feel lucky for the life and opportunities we have,” said Kissane. “We’re 300 000 people in Deloitte, so to impact 50 million people, we’re focused on creating opportunities in education, targeting specifically disadvantaged population groups and have a number of targeted campaigns across the Asia Pacific region. For example in our Brisbane office, we provide opportunities for Indigenous cadets to gain work experience at Deloitte.”
Interestingly, Kissane began his career in the public sector and healthcare, and has always valued social responsibility.
“When I joined Deloitte ten years ago, I wasn’t sure whether it would align with my values. But it did completely. I love that for every role I’m in, you can see the real difference you can make. I was attracted to the brand because I knew it stood for something and valued creativity and diversity.”
Deloitte’s overarching goal of “making an impact that matters” refers to its people (improving their lives), its clients (bringing them value), and citizens nationally (through good government policies and corporate social responsibility).
Kissane wears a few hats including Lead Partner for the Deloitte Foundation, Queensland government and Global Economic Advisory.
“I work with an amazing team here that does incredible things for our community with both fundraising and volunteering. I grew up from a working class Irish background, and have since made my way to Australia, married and had three children. I feel like I’ve had the luck of the Irish! For me, I value the ways in which we can make a difference and have a social impact, like helping to grow the economy and building a sustainable environment.”
The people are what make Deloitte special. And Kissane particularly values the fact the organisation supports and encourages innovation, supported by its motto to ‘have fun with serious intent’. Their culture is highly inclusive and purpose-driven with high-performing, talented people.
“We don’t exist without our people. Our services rely on our people, which is why our whole practice is based on attracting and developing the best talent. They are our differentiator.”
Their enviable graduate program is just one of the ways in which Deloitte attracts top talent.
“We’ve won awards for our graduate program. We encourage our graduates to have a voice, use their knowledge and maintain their different points of view. Everyone has a voice and can bring value to solving a problem. You can be yourself at Deloitte.”
In line with its culture and commitment to engaging its people, Deloitte engages in Tour de Office each year; an interoffice cycling event where employees participate in 30-minute intervals and raise funds for charity.
“The event has become a tradition and a signal of our culture. It represents all the incredible things about our culture, like making an impact and connecting with the community. We also have a strong focus on wellness at Deloitte, not just physical wellness, but mental, emotional and spiritual wellness too.”
During the week-long event, its people have the opportunity to fundraise for their rides to support the charity of choice.
“We have supported the Starlight Foundation YFS, Women’s Legal Service in Queensland, and this year our event will be with Peach Tree. These charities are local and well-known in our community and they make a huge positive impact in the lives of vulnerable people.”
Not only does the event allow Deloitte to benefit the community, it also supports its people in improving their health and engages their clients too.
“We see who’s the fastest and how you go as a team. It’s also great for client engagement! We’re trying to get some of our clients in the public health sector involved this year when we support Peach Tree.”
Deloitte has a strong technological focus and has enjoyed seeing the evolution of Tour de Office’s technological evolution over the years. It uses Tour de Office streaming to broadcast the rides nationally.
“That increases awareness, not just that we’re doing something good for our community, but that everyone, all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness, are willing to get involved, jump on the bike and ride for half an hour.”
The event is made more exciting as Deloitte sets up a big virtual ‘road’ so people can ride up mountains or along the coast, and choose their own playlist. The space is decorated with banners of the charity they are supporting, and there are free healthy snacks available for riders and supporters.
“We position the bike at the centre of our client floor, to show everyone, our people and clients, how important the event is to us. At any one time there will be people cheering on the rider.
“At this stage in my life, with a wife and three daughters, it’s great to do something tangible that’s making a difference for a local charity, as well as for my wellness. It makes you feel good. It’s nice to be able to set a good example for my daughters. I want to share with them how we’re part of a community, and that we give back to that community. I can show them that I’m doing something for others, but I’m also willing to get on a bike and ride for half an hour for my health.”
In fact, this commitment runs in the family. Kissane’s wife started charity Peach Tree, and has run it since 2011.
“She’s the greater example of making an impact in the family,” said Kissane. “We all have busy lives, but it doesn’t matter how busy you are. Participating in an event like this makes you proud, because you’ve managed to do something when there are so many excuses not to. When you get off the bike after a workout, you know you did it for a good cause. I like that you can be physically and financially giving of yourself.”
The event forms part of Deloitte’s overall culture and values. The organisation also runs many other initiatives, such as Impact Day, where its people fundraise and work with local charities. And ‘Brisband’, a corporate fundraising event where all the professional services organisations participating, including Deloitte, assemble a band and play live music at Brisbane entertainment venue, The Triffid. (Last year, in combination with other organisations such as KPMG, EY and PwC, Deloitte raised around $30-40K for the Royal Children’s Hospital!)
So, how does this impact talent attraction?
Interestingly, a large percentage of Deloitte’s people are ‘lateral hires’, who joined through referrals from their people.
“Talented people know talented people. They’re the voice of our culture. We’re proud of what we do, but we don’t need to blow our own trumpet. Our people talk about the work we do here, and people who join us have usually heard about these things.”
“We want to make a difference for people without the same opportunities. We want to give back to society and our communities. These type of events represent who we are.”
How does your organisation promote corporate philanthropy and social responsibility? Share a comment below.