Behind the Impact - Noel Nallaiah

Can you tell us a little bit about your role on the team and what your day-to-day responsibilities entail?

As Impact and Advisory Manager, I work closely with social enterprises to help them think ahead and strengthen the parts of their business that support long-term sustainability. No two days look quite the same. I might be reviewing a new business idea that could need funding down the track, helping an organisation develop its theory of change or approach to outcome measurement, or building a financial model that shows leaders which levers they can pull to unlock value in their business. Throughout it all, I work alongside my teammates to make sure our clients walk away with advice they can genuinely use.

What's your go-to productivity hack when you need to power through a big project or deadline?

Honestly, I'm still figuring this one out, so if anyone on the team has a secret, I'm all ears! (I do like to find a spot with lots of natural light and is quiet and blocking out focus time)

If you could switch jobs with anyone on the team for a day, who would it be and why?

Probably someone in the investment team. I'm really curious about how private capital can be engaged to help support and build out the social impact investment sector, and with my background in finance, it's an area I find fascinating. That said, it would only be for a day. I'd miss my own team too much!

What's the most interesting thing you've learned or accomplished in your role so far?

The importance of listening well. The founders I've worked with are all passionate people trying to make a difference, and that's hard to do on your own. Being a good listener, helping them navigate each stage, and encouraging them along the way goes a very long way.

What motivated you to pursue a career in this field, and how did you get started in your current role?

It's been a long time coming. I've always wanted to use my skills to help others, and when I discovered social impact, I was excited about what that could mean. It's a complex and still-emerging space, but the long-term potential is what draws me in: seeing communities that have often been overlooked finally get the support and investment they deserve.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing your team or industry right now?

Social impact is still a relatively young sector in Australia, so many social enterprises are navigating it without a clear roadmap. Access to the right kind of capital at the right stage is a big one, as many organisations fall into the gap between grant funding and traditional commercial finance. There's also the challenge of measuring and communicating impact in a way that's meaningful for founders, funders, and communities alike. These are exactly the areas where I think we can make a real difference.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and what advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a similar career path?

The people. Its been great working at Sefa, the passion and hard work each person brings keeps me motivated. The same goes for the wider sector; people here genuinely care about helping others. My advice to anyone interested in this path is that because it's a newer sector and can be hard to navigate, get curious and start conversations. Reach out to people doing the work, go to sector events, and don't be afraid to ask questions. People in this space are generous with their time.