Investing for Life Podcast – David Williams, Founder Meza Community

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest who put purpose and passion ahead of a traditional career path, unlocking an ongoing journey of positive community impact and social change. 

David Williams has more than two decades of experience across the private and ‘for-purpose’ sectors, most recently at Social Ventures Australia, spanning diverse roles from global senior management to field operations and delivery. His experiences partnering with people in Australia and around the world to generate positive community outcomes has transformed his approach to ‘work’.

After meeting his wife and raising their young family in her hometown in the Northeast of Brazil, David began to fully appreciate the breadth and depth of racism and unconscious bias in society. This sparked a journey of understanding of self, and the way people from different cultures and contexts interact.

David has applied these learnings throughout his career working within the ‘for-purpose’ sector; leaving his early career at Bain & Company and spending more than a decade working in countries across Africa and Latin America, before returning to Australia to work and raise his family. 

For anyone seeking deeper purpose in their career, tune in to this inspiring conversation with someone who took a leap of faith and has never looked back. Listen to hear more about:

- David’s experience as an 'outsider' living with his family in the Northeast of Brazil;
​- David’s transition into the 'for-purpose' sector;
- How his sustainable tourism social venture (Meza Community) came to light, combining marine conservation and community development alongside recreation and hospitality services in Tanzania;
- His view on how to create positive social change including learnings along the way; and
- Whether David believes you can have a greater social impact at home or abroad.