Meet the Intrapreneurs
No, it’s not a spelling mistake. But what exactly is an ‘intrapreneur’?
The term was first coined by American entrepreneur Gifford Pinchot III, back in 1978. He describes intrapraneurs as:
“a unique breed of rebels with a cause, sharing a deep purpose and a set of qualities that propel them forward in spite of the barriers of the organizational immune system”.
They’re “dreamers who do. Those who take hands-on responsibility for creating innovation of any kind, within a business”.
In short, an intrapreneur is a change maker – an agent provocateur, positive deviant and disruptor of market or public policy failure – operating within a large, bureaucratic organisation.
It takes a certain kind of person who can, as Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, once said, “think like a system and act like an entrepreneur”. It’s the type of behaviour that Professor Mariana Mazzucato (a widely read economist amongst our team) would associate with the entrepreneurial public service.
With ambiguity becoming the norm as crises collide and we move from complex to chaotic conditions, it’s the kind of ability (and reform) that’s going to be increasingly needed in the public sector.
At CSI, we’re all about positive deviancy and our Intrapreneurs are the driving force behind some of our most innovative mahi.
Meet some our Intrapreneur team and get to know what makes them tick.
Te Mete Lowman
Intrapreneur – The Western Initiative
Language acquisition pedagogy devotee, te reo Māori advocate and self-determination preacher
Why did you decide to join CSI?
I was excited about the opportunity to serve Māori communities in west Auckland in a broader and more strategic manner. Furthermore, I believe there are multiple elements already existing within te ao Māori that can significantly contribute to the innovation space which looks to tackle the challenges we are currently, and are likely to face, as a people. So, looking for the entry points, the cross overs, the integration and fusion of a te ao Māori perspective with the innovative thinking that is happening, excites me.
What does systems change mean to you?
It means a change in mental models. A change in how people think critically when approaching challenges, we are facing. I believe that all systems are manifestations of how people think, so if we can collectively continue to think differently, acknowledge alternative value sources and have those who are facing the challenges lead the innovation, then we can collectively manifest the systems we need to thrive.
As an Intrapreneur, what do you do at CSI to affect and create change?
I look to build trust with others by striving to present a manawa enhancing and trustworthy character, as well as a good level of competence applied to the knowledge elements of the mahi we engage in.
I prioritise time to conduct research on the topics relevant to my focus and once trust is built with a colleague, a community partner or stakeholder, I look for opportunities to shift or refine mental models.
One of the mental models I strive to shift or refine is the acknowledgement and inclusion of the value that a deep Te Ao Māori perspective can bring to innovation.
What is your vision for Tāmaki Makaurau?
To be a role model for Aotearoa and the world on how to authentically and appropriately enable and empower a te ao Māori approach to everything we do.
What are you reading, watching and listening to?
I am currently listening to Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed audiobook. But have recently completed Alan Duff’s A Conversation with my Country, Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect, David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr and Dr. Chellie Speller’s Wayfinding Leadership and Witi Ihimaera’s Navigating the Stars.
I’ve also been recently watching the 2022 Polyfest kapahaka on demand where many students I once taught performed across several groups.
Donna Te Whiu
Intrapreneur – Wellbeing
Chill-laxing enthusiast
Why did you decide to join CSI?
The kaupapa and values of CSI, and the strong innovative, push-the-boundaries, unapologetic leadership and amazing like-minded colleagues.
What does systems change mean to you?
Inclusion, opportunities, better solutions and aspiring futures.
As an Intrapreneur, what do you do at CSI to create change?
I personally believe that I am part of the change – slightly different to affecting or creating change. For me, this recognises the collective hearts of our team at CSI, and the joint aspirations to bring about true, fundamental, long-term change for our whānau and communities.
What is your vision for Tāmaki Makaurau?
Thriving whānau and hapori across all of Tāmaki where we are actively creating an environment that embraces diversity and allows us to collectively nurture the aspirations of every person within Aotearoa.
What are you passionate about?
Learning, intergenerational well-being, kaupapa/mātauranga Māori, social innovation, long-term solutions and strength-based approaches.
Aaron Bacher
Intrapreneur – Green New Deal
Tea and hammock enthusiast
Why did you decide to join CSI?
The people of CSI and the aspirational mission.
What does systems change mean to you?
System change is a way to address the core aspects of society which aren’t working. It means addressing the issues, not the symptoms. It means the effort of one person’s applied to changing the system can positively impact way more people than that person’s same effort applied to helping individuals. It’s a way to help individuals indirectly by improving the systems that effect their day-to-day lives the most.
As an Intrapreneur, what do you do at CSI to create change?
Connect dots and apply novel mindsets to core issues. Work in a long-term fashion, with long-term people, on long-term solutions.
What is your vision for Tāmaki Makaurau?
That it’s a place of abundance, i.e. no shortage of nourishing food, housing, jobs, access to life enhancers etc.
Beauty is present and accessible everywhere, for everyone and not only for the wealthy. Things are made to last or made to be repaired, reused or repurposed. The objects and places we inhabit are not toxic but nourishing.
The built environment coexists in harmony and as a part of the world not in opposition or contrast to it. It reflects the culture and history of the people who inhabit it. The built environment allows people to dwell in a hopeful present.
Work is fulfilling, aspirational, and subservient to life; people don’t have to work unhealthy hours, they have more autonomy, and more wealth and capital is shared rather than concentrated.
What are you reading, watching and listening to?
Listening to bossa nova jazz outrun synthwave and lots of podcasts. I’m rereading Dune and watching Raised by Wolves (season two), and any other good sci-fi.
Kahurangi Malcolm
Intrapreneur – Māori Outcomes
Reality TV enthusiast, scented candle lover and wannabe DIYer
Why did you decide to join CSI?
To join the army of disruptors.
What does systems change mean to you?
Changing the systems that are causing disparities for whaanau.
As an Intrapreneur, what do you do at CSI to create change?
Think about the root causes of some of the deep, dark problems in our community and tackle them with the right tools to shift the dial.
What is your vision for Tāmaki Makaurau?
Mana whenua, economy, equity, culture. And a Taamaki Makaurau that values all things Maaori: it’s heard, seen and felt. Not just te reo Maaori, but all things Maaori.
What are you passionate about?
Supplier diversity, social procurement, Maaori economic development and social outcomes. Basically, creating equity.
What are you reading, watching and listening to?
My most recent podcast listens are Nuku, Ne? and Taringa.
My most recent watches are Married at First Sight, 10 Years Younger in 10 Days and Tenet.
I do love reading a good journal article about the Maaori economy or news on supplier diversity and social procurement internationally.
Fole (Daleki) Finau
Intrapreneur – The Western Initiative
Master of being my daughter’s chef, taxi driver, ATM and cheerleader. Waka ama enthusiast!
Why did you decide to join CSI?
So I could do systems change work and influence the levers in the system to equitably redistribute resources. Also, to be surrounded by like-minded and like-hearted people, and CSI’s leadership.
What does systems change mean to you?
Systems change is not necessarily about changing Pasifika mindsets but reaffirming Pasifika that our values of consensus and fulfilment of mutual obligations amongst others, will enable us to coherently and cohesively move our people from marching in the margin to leading sustainable change.
As an Intrapreneur, what do you do at CSI to affect/create change?
Build quality relationships and connections between people and organisations.
What is your vision for Tāmaki Makaurau?
We are healthy, happy, connected and prospering through our respective cultural values and knowledge.
What are you passionate about?
Outrigger canoe/waka ama/’a’alo popao paddling as a vehicle for community cohesion and wellbeing.
What are you reading, watching and listening to?
I’m reading Talanoa ripples: Across borders, cultures, disciplines by Jione Havea and watching All American on TVNZ. Currently listening to DJ iLLCHAYS 2021 Island Reggae Mashup Mixtape.
Jessica Beau Ormsby Paul
Intrapreneur – Communications
A māmā of three girls, communications nerd and fashion enthusiast
Why did you decide to join CSI?
I’m here for systems disruption. I want to see more space made for marginalised communities to thrive and prosper. And for south and west Auckland to be shown a little more love, so communities have access to the same opportunities as other Aucklanders.
What does systems change mean to you?
To short-circuit current process to benefit those ‘the system’ doesn’t account for and then, eventually, to break that system so a new system can be redesigned.
As an Intrapreneur, what do you do at CSI to affect/create change?
I mind my words, to reflect the new system as I wish to see it!
What is your vision for Tāmaki Makaurau?
A vibrant and prosperous city that celebrates and validates its diverse identity.
What are you passionate about?
Equity and great outcomes for Māori. Also, fashion.
What are you reading, watching and listening to?
Entreprenuer Magazine – they have a great series of articles on Facebook.
Jerome Phoenix
Strategic Investment Intrapreneur
Master of curiosity and enthusiast of music, food and weekends away
Why did you decide to join CSI?
Personally, I had no idea that roles like this existed. I had been changing my career from commercial towards social good and was excited at the opportunity to use my skillset for impact while continuing my professional development.
What does systems change mean to you?
It means breaking antiquated systems, which I absolutely love doing!
Also, working to truly understand the problems we are trying to solve, developing and validating solutions through lean principles, proving they are desirable, feasible and viable, and then building an investment case for scalability. And with the end goal of creating a body of work so great that government can’t refute your insights or suggestions.
As an Intrapreneur, what do you do at CSI to create change?
I’m working to build a portfolio of programmes that can help develop the emerging economies needed in an economy of mana. In my mind this will require a concerted effort from private, public and third sectors.
I’m currently working with external social impact ventures to develop disruptive and investable business models that are more inclusive, equitable and sustainable.
What is your vision for Tāmaki Makaurau?
I simply want a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of your ethnicity or the post code you were born in.
What are you passionate about?
Freedom, equality, the environment and coffee!
What are you reading, watching and listening to?
I’m currently watching Atlanta, Slow Horses and Tokyo Vice.
I’m reading The Value of Everything by Mariana Mazzucato and American Gods by Neil Gaiman. I’m also rereading Running Lean by Ash Maurya and Inspired by Marty Cagan.
Joel Umali
Digital Technologies and Innovation Intrapreneur
Fledgling origamist and master tinkerer
Why did you decide to join CSI?
I want to be part of New Zealand’s premier social innovation agency that is revolutionising social change practices.
What does systems change mean to you?
Systems change is about exploring fundamental dynamic actions that have the ability to affect how the whole system functions.
Operating inside local government, systems change is about rethinking the role of local authorities and public policy in the economy. It’s about shifting approaches to go beyond the usual practice of merely fixing market failures. It’s about shaping and growing new systems that are required for communities and the environment to prosper in harmony.
In my CSI mahi, I constantly attempt to create an environment for more open problem-solving. I’m always looking for opportunities to grow the local tech ecosystem and create the right conditions for innovation to happen and hopefully shift stagnant systems.
As an Intrapreneur, what do you do at CSI to affect/create change?
I support CSI’s mahi on digital equity and leading the team’s thinking on digital transformation in social innovation.
CSI aims to enable south and west Auckland communities to thrive and prosper in a future-focused digital space. We want everyone to have the tools and the skills they need to engage in, contribute to, and lead in the digital world.
We do this by creating high-impact, partnership-led missions driven by digital technologies, shaping market opportunities with local tech changemakers, prototyping digital equity and STEAM projects, and unlocking investments to scale up experiments. Over the last four years I’ve been focusing on increasing access to digital technology through affordable connectivity and access to computers and other digital products and services. But we also need to improve digital fluency and 21st century digital skills and digital mastery through tech-enabled careers and tech entrepreneurship. I also support the CSI whānau to explore the use of digital tools that can amplify their social outcomes.
What is your vision for Tāmaki Makaurau?
For Aotearoa, not just Tāmaki Makaurau, to have the most diverse tech sector in the world. And, internally, that CSI programmes incorporate a digital component that can amplify social outcomes.
What are you reading, watching and listening to?
I’m a coach potato and into watching docos and mind-bending films.
I’m reading Mariana Mazzucato’s Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism.