Mitchelle Katsande works for a social enterprise mortgage broker
Mitchelle Katsande works for Benevolence Financial Group
“I joined the company because it aligned with my values and sense of purpose in life. To help break poverty through helping disadvantaged families gain homes.”
When did you Benevolence Financial Group and why?
I joined the company a little over a year ago when it was launched during the pandemic in 2020. I'm the Head of Marketing & Communications for Benevolence Financial Group (BFG) and I chose to work for BFG because of the alignment to make a positive difference in the world.
How do you help disadvantaged people on a daily basis?
On a daily basis I help get homes built for a families in need with our impact partner Habitat For Humanity Australia. I know from the campaigns I run and the strategies I develop, that results from this are life changing for a family in Asia Pacific or a family in Australia affected by the bush fires.
Has this job given meaning to your life?
In a way it has. I have discovered more of myself in this job and my desire and passion for social impact. This job has opened other avenues in my life on how I can be of service and help people with anything I do.
Does the company support your mental health and wellbeing?
As a small organization, we're close knit. In a way we're free to open up and talk about our mental and emotional health. I have been given opportunities to take necessary breaks from my work with no questions asked, which has helped me catch my breath.
What are the core benefits of working for a company that benefits others and strives to create a social impact on the lives of others?
One of the core benefits is fulfillment. Knowing your work is contributing to something bigger and greater than yourself is fulfilling. I'm reminded of Simon Sinek and starting with asking why?, that everyone has a purpose and every job does to. When you're fulfilled in what you do, you'll keep striving forward. Another benefit is having like-minded people who share your values. I am able to relate to all my colleagues as we share similar values bound by our social mission.
What skills you have gained from working in such an environment?
I think I have gained skills in so many different areas of work. In a resource strained workplace due to the mission, you develop skills that aren't in your job qualifications. I have done everything from coding to HR without any formal background. I've developed more technical skills in my profession but have also developed soft skills in the way I lead, communicate, and interact with my team members.
What is the workplace environment like?
If I were to describe our internal environment, I'd say joyful, young, and stressful. It's not toxic because of the effort each and every person puts into making our workplace inclusive. It's not an easy workplace but the work is stimulating where we try to maximize the impact of helping families get their own homes and still focus on the business side. It's a balancing act. Our mission is to help disadvantaged families but to get there we need to service our customers who may not necessarily care about what we do. Internally we understand there's a lot riding on every person but we aren't alone, and because of such a welcoming and inclusive culture, I feel secure and capable of the challenges that come my way.