George Hulbert is talking about “purpose”. It is, he says, a really simple thread that has informed his involvement with Keystone ever since his early beginnings with the trust.
George Hulbert with students at the Keystone Trust Future Leaders workshop.
To illustrate: back in 2014, he met Carinnya Feaunati – then studying architecture at Victoria University of Wellington. Carinnya – now a champion alumnus – was one of the first Keystone students George ever met. He was struck by the clarity and depth she presented when discussing her thesis: how post-disaster rebuild reinvigorates a community with a sense of loss. People had a connection with the ruins, and it wasn’t just rebuilding for function – but almost as a healing, she explained.
Says George. “It absolutely floored me. It turned Keystone from being a project into something much more. What Carinnya demonstrated to me was the purpose that she felt in her life and what she was going to do with her career.”
It also made him think about the purpose of organisations who were looking to do better and what their purpose was in doing so – and about how they connect with Keystone. On a personal note: “It made me think about what I should be doing around my own work – to give life to purpose.”
The seasoned communications and win work specialist has enjoyed a close working relationship with the trust – its students (‘the superstars of the future’), sponsors and staff – for well over a decade. His strong property-related portfolio makes him the ideal fit. George strongly believes that doing good is good for business. He says that the human side of the public value model currently espoused by the government is more than a measure of performance. Beyond that, it’s about building operational capacity through a partnership with the community – in this case, the property and construction sector with Keystone. He believes the trust has become the activation point for businesses to show they are operating in the right way. It’s reflected in the “frighteningly impressive” students, he says. “They are all clearly dynamite in the brains department, and have the technical skills to go a long way in their chosen industry, should they wish to. Keystone does an amazing job of supporting, connecting and then networking them so that when they arrive at the gates of employment they are miles ahead of their non-Keystone contemporaries.”
One of the roles he delights in is that of coach for the Keystone keynote student speaker at the annual rugby lunch. George supports them as they prepare to deliver their address before hundreds of industry heavyweights. Many have never encountered such a situation in their young
lives before, and this guidance proves vital – as one former speaker will attest. “George is a very valuable resource for a lot of students,” they said. “He is eloquent and personable. I absolutely enjoyed working with him.”
The former Londoner, who now calls New Zealand home after moving here in 2005, says he’s got the best gig in town by helping the students. He takes particular delight when he sees a scholar understand that Keystone is much more than the money. “They are being welcomed into their future by the people and organisations who they are going to be a part of.
“Keystone has a social purpose as well as a connective purpose. It’s thoroughly rewarding to support it. I really do believe the trust is supremely valuable to so many people and organisations. The more organisations get involved with the trust, get to know the students and engage with them, the more everybody benefits.”
George with students at the Keystone Trust Future Leaders workshop.
The seasoned communications and win work specialist has enjoyed a close working relationship with the trust – its students (‘the superstars of the future’), sponsors and staff – for well over a decade. His strong property-related portfolio makes him the ideal fit. George strongly believes that doing good is good for business. He says that the human side of the public value model currently espoused by the government is more than a measure of performance. Beyond that, it’s about building operational capacity through a partnership with the community – in this case, the property and construction sector with Keystone. He believes the trust has become the activation point for businesses to show they are operating in the right way. It’s reflected in the “frighteningly impressive” students, he says. “They are all clearly dynamite in the brains department, and have the technical skills to go a long way in their chosen industry, should they wish to. Keystone does an amazing job of supporting, connecting and then networking them so that when they arrive at the gates of employment they are miles ahead of their non-Keystone contemporaries.”
One of the roles he delights in is that of coach for the Keystone keynote student speaker at the annual rugby lunch. George supports them as they prepare to deliver their address before hundreds of industry heavyweights. Many have never encountered such a situation in their young lives before, and this guidance proves vital – as one former speaker will attest. “George is a very valuable resource for a lot of students,” they said. “He is eloquent and personable. I absolutely enjoyed working with him.”
The former Londoner, who now calls New Zealand home after moving here in 2005, says he’s got the best gig in town by helping the students. He takes particular delight when he sees a scholar understand that Keystone is much more than the money. “They are being welcomed into their future by the people and organisations who they are going to be a part of.
“Keystone has a social purpose as well as a connective purpose. It’s thoroughly rewarding to support it. I really do believe the trust is supremely valuable to so many people and organisations. The more organisations get involved with the trust, get to know the students and engage with them, the more everybody benefits.”
George with Simone Sharp (2006), trustee and Director, National Health Sector Lead.
