Michael Traill: Our Common Humanity & Social Investment
Michael Traill is passionate about applying business skills to care for the lives of people in need. During this conversation, Michael shares his thoughts on the importance of service, social conscience and his spiritual life.
We hear about his experience doing rites of passages with his sons, taking family sabbaticals and how he naturally gravitates to people who are open, emotionally available and vulnerable. Ultimately, Michael reminds us of our pressing need to craft a new narrative. One that appeals to our common humanity — and who we really want to be as a community.
Michael Traill was born in the small industrial country town of Morewell in Victoria. He graduated dux of his school, got an MBA from the Harvard Business School and by age 41 was running Macquarie Bank’s venture capital arm, overseeing $400 million worth of investments. One morning, in the late stages of a $20 million investment, he found himself not feeling the usual rush of adrenalin and excitement. On this occasion, he was more concerned about a team member in his son’s under 11’s Aussie rules team. His life direction was changing. It wasn’t long before Michael “jumped ship” and was the founding CEO of Social Ventures Australia. For the last 13 years he has dedicated himself to investing in social change.
About the Guest
Listen to Other Episodes
Many of us have been raised to think that men have to act in a certain way. You know the story — be tough, invulnerable, in control, unemotional etc.
He believes a great team is made up of different types of characters — lovers, fighters, jokers, hard men, quiet types and bookworms.
A ‘good life’ as being determined by generosity, caring for one another and acknowledging our shared frailty as humans.
We hear about his experience doing rites of passages with his sons, taking family sabbaticals and how he naturally gravitates to people who are open, emotionally available and vulnerable.
The nature of masculinity is in great transition — and many men aren’t coping well. Men are scoring higher on the markers of ‘emotional distress’ including suicide, substance abuse, online addiction, violence — and even eating disorders.
Graham Long wears two watches. The second belonged to his son, James. It stopped at one minute to midnight during the first year of James’ death — a reminder to live in the present moment.
Believes being born in Australia is like winning the “embryo lottery” — and how important it is to use our time, talents and money to give back to society.
At some point in your life, you have to decide whether you're going to live according to what others expect, or what you feel is right.
He has a passion for removing stigmas and reminds us that by coming back to stillness we can calm our minds and reconnect us to our basic human goodness.
He makes a very clear distinction difference between being “successful” and being “admirable”.
He values people beyond their job titles and always sought to create work environments where people felt cared for, respected and treated with dignity.
Design Studio crafting grounding and compelling brand ecosystems for conscious businesses through brand strategy, design, sustainable packaging and Squarespace websites.