Altiorem welcomes you to the next post within a regular series, where we profile the inspiring and generous people who are making Altiorem possible.
We are excited to introduce our mentor profile on the amazing Michael Corcoran.
Tell us a bit about yourself (uni, work, other interests, whatever you like!)?
If you needed a term to describe me, I’d go with Research Nerd. I like the idea of life long learning, and have worked hard to keep universities well funded. At the moment, I’m studying Social Impact through the Centre for Social Impact at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
I’m also on way, way too many emailing lists.
Career wise, I’ve always worked in some sector of the superannuation industry, which satisfies my craving for learning just fine.
Over the past decade, I’ve developed an interest in addressing inequality, fuelled in part by my partner’s involvement in social services. I currently serve on the boards of two not for profits, one in the aged care and disability sectors, the other in youth homelessness.
My other interest is in retaining sanity, which is done through very slow versions of touch footy, swimming, yoga and cycling along Brisbane’s usually scenic river. Born and raised in Brissie means I am forever sharing the fortunes of the Broncos, Maroons, Lions, Reds, Bulls and the Roar. Diversifying your sporting interests means you usually have something to be excited about.
What attracted you to Altiorem?
See the above comments regarding Research Nerd…
Two things. Having spent my entire career in financial services, I’m becoming increasingly interested in how the massive amount of money out there can be used for good — to help solve some of society’s most wicked problems. Social impact investing is a big interest. It’s fascinating the way that everything is connected to everything.
Secondly, there is an absolutely astonishing amount of research and information being published every day across an enormous range of topics. Google may help us find information, but Altiorem can focus the search, and answer the “so what?” question — and to effectively communicate the answer.
I like that Altiorem gives the user a succinct summary of what the research is and why it could be useful. So the usually time-poor user doesn’t need to read the research first before deciding whether it’s of any use to them.
How have you found the experience?
It takes a little while to get into the swing of things… learning how the technology works and the standards required. Like most things, it gets much easier as time goes on. Have been inspired by the cheerful devotion and commitment that my contact, Alexandra Brown, is showing to the cause. Answers to every call for help I’ve made, no matter how silly, have been just an email away.
Despite the fact that Altiorem is only kicking off now, I’ve already been intrigued by the range of research already there and I’m pretty sure we’ve just scratched the surface.
What is the most interesting piece of research you have come across?
I’m anticipating that one of the most interesting pieces of research I will come across is sitting in a “to do” folder — that is, one that hasn’t been reviewed yet. There’s a mob called the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment and they’ve published a report called “The Impact Principle: Widening participation and deepening practice for impact investment at scale.”
It’s a long title, but it’s aimed at helping investors understand why impact matters and how impact investment can be used to help meet people’s needs, conserve the planet and address inequality. It’s pretty wide-ranging and looks at imperatives such as how to measure impact, address the political environment and unite the various actors in this space.
There are another two items there with interesting titles that are calling out to me — one about corporate social responsibility and another about sustainable finance and investment…
What would you say to other people thinking about mentoring for Altiorem?
A few things:
· If you’re a curious person with a bit of an academic bent and interested in learning and communicating — especially if you have a passion for finding ways to make the world a better place — have a look at Altiorem.
· Be prepared to have your work reviewed with quite a fine tooth comb and to receive feedback on your work… I certainly did. Altiorem’s standards with regard to communications need to be high with an emphasis on accuracy.
· If you identify with point one and you’re ok with point two and you have time to devote, Altiorem is a great place to get involved with like-minded people and also get onto the cutting edge of developments in the world of finance and sustainability.
