Meet Clare: The resilient, authentic CEO behind MND Australia

Today's guest is Clare Sullivan, the dynamic CEO of MND Australia whose 20+ years in leadership and advocacy have made her a true force for positive change in the community.

At the helm of MND Australia, Clare manages millions in research funding while continually working to improve care for those living with motor neurone disease (MND). Her remarkable advocacy efforts have even taken her to the halls of Parliament House where she's brought MND issues directly before the Prime Minister!

But enough about her impressive resume—today we're going to get personal.

In this issue:

• 🌟 Find your spark – How embracing your core purpose can transform your leadership journey.

• 💪 Silence that critic – Overcome self doubt to unlock your true potential as a leader.

• 📈 Transform setbacks – Use your mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

— Sharon Brine, Founder and Editor (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Q: You’ve spent 20 years in leadership and advocacy across a range of sectors doing purposeful work. What does 'purpose' mean to you personally?

A: ‘Purpose’ is something that’s evolved over my career but ultimately, for me, it’s all about people. It means improving their lives, strengthening communities, and leaving the world better than I found it. I feel genuine satisfaction when I know my work is truly helping others. 

That’s why this role feels like the best job I’ve ever had. It’s a perfect blend of purpose, impact, and intellectual challenge. Whether I’m supporting people living with MND, collaborating with our members, or guiding my team, everything comes back to making a tangible, positive difference for people.

Q: As a busy mum of two and CEO of MND Australia, how do you manage to juggle the demands of family life with the pressures of your role?

A: I wish there was a secret to share! It’s a constant balancing act and I never feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. When I’m at work, I feel like I’m missing out on my kids, and when I’m with my kids, I feel like I should be working. It can be tough. 

Still, I believe women have an incredible capacity for multitasking but self-compassion is key. 

For me, my kids are always my top priority, and while that doesn’t mean I have to be a stay-at-home mom, it does mean being clear about what matters most.

Q: For women aspiring to lead in the nonprofit sector, what advice would you offer to help them overcome self-doubt and pave their own way?

A: I’ve spent years asking for this advice from successful women. I’ve heard everything from “surround yourself with good people” to “prioritise self care”. Over time, I’ve realised there is no secret formula and the truth is simple: if others can do it, so can you. It might be tough, but it’s entirely possible. And looking back, I wish I’d had that confidence sooner.

Personally, I still wrestle with imposter syndrome wondering if I’m enough—as a mom, a friend, or a professional. It can be hard to see others’ successes and not think they’re miles ahead. But it helps to remember we rarely see anyone else’s behind-the-scenes struggles; we’re comparing our everyday lows to their highlight reels. 

Keeping that in mind makes self-compassion a little easier. And when I look back at my own wins—big or small—I realise I’m doing better than I give myself credit for.

Q: Can you share a mistake you’ve experienced and how the lesson shaped your leadership style?

A: One mistake I've learned from is underestimating how long things can take. I remember renovating a house years ago and pretty quickly realising that no matter how simple a task seemed, it always took twice as long as I thought. 

And the same is true at work. Consulting with others, waiting for approvals, and handling unexpected issues all add time. So I set reasonable expectations instead of rushing and risking a late delivery. It’s really about balancing the ‘project management triangle’ of time, resources, and quality. If you rush, quality suffers; if you allow more time, you’re more likely to achieve good results.

However, there are also those hard deadlines that you have to hit, and if you don't, you don't get a second chance. In this case my approach is to take a pause to reflect—a habit a former colleague called "time to stare at a wall”. Sometimes stepping away from the chaos, without distractions, sparks creativity just like how kids often come up with their best ideas when they're a little bored. This pause, this moment of quiet, has reshaped my approach to planning and leadership.

Q: There’s a growing conversation about shifting the terminology 'not-for-profit' to one which better highlights sustainable financial management in the sector. What are your thoughts on this shift?

A: I see this shift as much more than just swapping out words. It reflects a change of our mindset around not for profits, community organisations and charities. 

From my experience, it takes sophisticated business management, financial acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to run these organisations, and the term “not for profit” can downplay that complexity. Many of these organisations have solid reserves, sometimes even generating a healthy profit, proving they’re sustainable businesses in their own right. I find this evolving conversation is both welcome and really timely.

Q: Finally, what’s the one key piece of advice you’d like our readers to take away from your journey?

A: If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s that everything comes down to believing in yourself. This starts with simply showing up, giving your best, and trusting that your best is enough.

Allow yourself the time to learn and work through the challenges. And remember, you rarely have to start from scratch. There’s always a framework or a piece of advice you can lean on, and collaborating or delegating can make all the difference. 

Also, give yourself permission to change your mind, switch directions, or even reinvent your career. Give it a go, and if it doesn’t work out, you can change course. As the old saying goes, you’ll regret the things you didn’t try more than the things you did and learned from.

It might not always be easy, but if you trust your gut and follow what feels right, the journey—imperfect as it may be—is far more rewarding than staying on a path that doesn’t inspire you.

Every changemaker has a soundtrack. Our evolving playlist features the songs powering the remarkable women in our Women for Purpose community - the music that moves, inspires, and drives them.

Listen to today’s featured track below, which just so happens to be one of Clare’s favourite songs at the moment, or enjoy our collective soundtrack on Spotify 🎧🎵