Leading with Purpose Through Victoria's Social Emergency

 

Charlie Spendlove has recently been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, taking the helm of one of the state's largest community service organisations at a time of growing social need.

As Group CEO, Charlie leads St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, VincentCare Victoria and VincentCare Community Housing, overseeing services that support hundreds of thousands of Victorians each year. With housing affordability at crisis point and demand for support continuing to grow, she is focused on expanding affordable housing, strengthening frontline services and ensuring the organisation is equipped to respond to the challenges ahead.

We spoke with Charlie about the career experiences that shaped her leadership, what motivates her and the values she brings to the role.

Tell us about your career journey.

It certainly wasn't a straight line, but every step taught me something that's important today.

I first moved into the social impact sector after returning to full-time work following the birth of my daughters. I joined Scope to lead a small corporate training social enterprise, where my role was to redesign the business strategy and operating model while sustaining meaningful employment for 23 people, most of whom were living with disability.

For the first time, I could use my commercial skills to create more equitable outcomes for people. Within two years, we had successfully turned the business around and I was promoted into my first executive role. That experience sparked a passion for purpose-driven leadership that has stayed with me ever since.

A particularly defining chapter was my time at Guide Dogs, where I led the redevelopment of the organisation's national brand, digital platforms and marketing strategy. It was a complex, federated environment, but we were able to deliver meaningful change. I was also fortunate to work alongside an exceptional CEO whose mentorship and sponsorship opened doors and accelerated my development as a leader.

I later joined the Victorian Government in a senior leadership role, broadening my experience of leading at scale, navigating complexity and working across diverse stakeholder groups.

Looking back, I genuinely believe every personal and professional experience has prepared me for this role.

Leading St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is both an enormous privilege and a significant responsibility. At a time of growing need across our communities, the work of the Society has never been more important. With our statewide reach, strong community connections and the dedication of our members, volunteers, employees and supporters, we're uniquely positioned to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people who need it most.

What inspires you in your work?

I've always been motivated by making life better for people who are doing it tough.

At its heart, this work is about connection, dignity and giving people an opportunity to rebuild when life has taken an unexpected turn.

It doesn't take much for someone to find themselves in crisis. Job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or simply an unexpected expense can quickly push a household into financial hardship. Increasingly, many families are only one bill away from needing support.

What motivates me is knowing that we can provide both practical assistance and hope. Helping someone navigate a difficult moment while reminding them they're not alone is incredibly powerful. That human connection matters just as much as the services we provide.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Take the time to really understand yourself. It's your greatest asset.

I began my career in corporate IT sales, where there were very clear expectations about how you should present yourself and lead. It built discipline, but it didn't leave much room for individuality or different ways of thinking.

Over time, I realised that trying to fit a particular mould doesn't just influence how others see you—it also shapes how you see yourself.

Real leadership comes from self-awareness. It means reflecting honestly, being open to feedback and developing the emotional intelligence to know when to step forward and when to step back.

Those qualities make you a more relatable and predictable leader, and predictability builds trust. People perform at their best when they know what to expect from their leaders.

Is there a philosophy you live by?

The words I come back to are simple:

Be curious. Be kind. Be yourself.

Those ideas influence how I try to lead every day.

I believe people perform at their best when they're able to use their strengths. Creating psychologically safe environments matters because people thrive when they feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.

I've also learnt not to avoid difficult conversations. Addressing issues early, while remaining open-minded and empathetic, almost always leads to better outcomes.

Another lesson is to trust your instincts. Warning signs rarely become quieter with time, so if something doesn't feel right, it's usually worth paying attention.

And finally, I try to keep perspective. The work we do is incredibly important, but it's still work. Maintaining that perspective helps me stay objective and make better decisions.

What are you currently watching, reading or listening to?

One podcast I keep coming back to is The Rest Is History.

I've always loved history, and one of the things I enjoy most is how it reminds us that while circumstances change dramatically over time, human behaviour is remarkably consistent.

There are countless leadership lessons in history—from how people make decisions under pressure to how societies respond to uncertainty—and I find those perspectives incredibly valuable in my own work today.