IB Woman
Issue No. 48 - August/September 2009
Briony Can Do
by Penelope Herbert
Briony Willoughby’s career in banking wasn’t the most obvious entree to a leading position with one of SA’s most successful charities. Yet her financial acumen, sales experience and strategic thinking have led to her being the Executive GM of Group Operations for the CanDo Group of Charities.
“I was first introduced to the work of CanDo when I was with the Powerstate Credit Union, partners of CanDoNet - a high quality web hosting platform - which gave me an insight into the non-traditional side of a charity,” relates Briony.
“The CEO, Paul Flynn, has introduced great innovation to CanDo and his determination has been an inspiration for me. I have always been driven to lead and support people so this role has opened up opportunities for me to succeed on a variety of levels.
“In a broad sense I am contributing to making a difference to the lives of deaf, blind and sensory impaired South Australians in a collaborative and people-oriented culture; it’s the perfect job.”
Under the leadership of Paul Flynn, CanDo Group Charities is the parent body of CanDo4Kids (TownsendHouse Inc) and Deaf CanDo (The Royal South Australian Deaf Society Inc). Briony says that CanDo4Kids, SA’s oldest registered charity, works directly with children and young adults with sensory impairments by focusing on what children ‘can do’ and helping them reach their full potential. CanDo4Kids’ sister charity, Deaf CanDo, provides services and programs including interpreting support to the adult Deaf community.
“It really is a ‘can do’ culture which means the positivity is palpable,” says Briony. “It is this philosophy that drives our therapy and services programs and our fundraising.”
Briony says there is an education element in the community, especially schools, where sensory impaired children and adults fully assimilate into society and may need technological and other support. While education in schools is largely aimed at...
