Changemakers - Nigel Hokin

Nigel Hokin is the Director at Engonet, a suite of applications and services that create engaging web, mobile and social experiences and helps organisations to deliver content and value-creating services to customers and the community across the device and social media spectrums.

This week we profile Nigel in Changemakers – a weekly column which examines inspiring people and their careers in the Not for Profit sector.

With 15 years of experience in enterprise and government IT, Nigel is now leading the creation of a new venture with Engonet. He believes in the possibilities of integrated Web Presence across the device and social media spectrum and how this can transform organisations in the market.

What are you currently working on in your organisation?
Engonet is working on a web platform that NFP organisations can use to transform their online audience engagement. We’re working to deliver a unified platform that individual NFP organisations can use for content management, event management, secure payment acceptance, peer-to-peer fundraising, online store, online donor management and membership management.

What drew you to the Not for Profit sector?
I have spent the last 15 years working in the corporate sector, most of this time with Microsoft where we serviced the needs of household name companies across Australia. I was inspired to get involved in the NFP sector because I believe in the potential for NFP to achieve greater social outcomes through the intelligent use of technology.

How long have you been working in the Not for Profit sector?
One year, it’s the beginning of a new journey

What was your first job in the Not for Profit sector?
This one. I am the Managing Director of Engonet, which provides a specialist web platform product and service to the NFP sector.

What is the best thing about working in the Not for Profit sector?
The best thing about the NFP sector is experiencing firsthand the social impact of your actions. Oh, the people are great too!

What do you like best about working in your current organisation?
The best thing about Engonet is we are shaping a new culture, which unites the best attributes of corporate innovation and discipline with the conscience of a social enterprise.

I consider my greatest achievement to be……
I’m not good at reflecting on past achievements, but professionally I look on my time leading the Microsoft enterprise team in Victoria as a series of high points.

Favourite saying …
I feel this needs a preface! Firstly, I never actually say this but think about it frequently. Secondly, I don’t claim to possess the subject of it! However, I try to live the principle which is to be actively open to ideas and opinions not my own. The quote is from F. Scott Fitzgerald and is: “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."

I’m always being asked …
Why did you take the risk to start a new company? Answer? Some new paths must be made, and there is a need for what we do.

What are you reading/watching/listening to at the moment?
Reading The Godfather by Mario Puzo, watching The West Wing (yes, a bit of a late comer to that one!), and listening to Goldfrapp

If you could have dinner with 2 people from history, who would they be?
o Without naming names, I think I’d put together some religious figureheads from history and ask them to discuss the concept of tolerance.

My greatest challenge is …
At present, teaching our 12 week old Golden Retriever puppy that the legs of the dining room table are NOT her personal chew toys!

School taught me …
More so with uni, time management is a key skill that subsequently serves well moving in to professional environments.

What does a typical day for you involve?
At the moment, speaking with existing and prospective clients. I love sitting down with a new client and learning about their organisation.

What (or who) inspires you?
I am inspired by people who are unconventionally creative, and unafraid to pursue their convictions regardless of popular opinion.