Episode 16: Bryce Marsden on sustainable impact through education, youth and environment

Pictured above: Bryce Marsden and Lilah McDonald.

In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, Lilah McDonald sits down with Bryce Marsden, Chief Executive of the Milford Foundation, to explore how long-term thinking and focused philanthropy can create real change across youth, education, and the environment in Aotearoa New Zealand.

With over a decade of leadership experience at Milford Asset Management, Bryce brings a unique blend of business acumen and deep personal commitment to the Foundation’s mission. He shares what it was like to build the Milford Foundation from the ground up, why meaningful change takes generational thinking, and how a humble, low-profile approach can often yield the most authentic results. It’s a thoughtful conversation about backing people, not just projects – and why the next generation is central to shaping a more sustainable, equitable future.

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Episode highlights

• Bryce’s journey from COO to leading a purpose-driven charitable foundation.

• How the Milford Foundation supports 46+ university scholarships and programmes like MoneyTime and What’s Up to empower young Kiwis.

• Why the Puhinui Stream Regeneration Project is a game-changer for South Auckland’s urban biodiversity and community wellbeing.

• The importance of multi-year funding, responsible investing, and going beyond financial contributions to help charities scale their impact.

• Practical advice for businesses that want to make a difference — from choosing causes aligned with your values to planning a thoughtful exit strategy.

• Why humility, long-term commitment, and collaboration are key to authentic impact — and how every small step matters.

“We don’t want to be just one of 29,000 registered charities — we want to be one that moves the dial for New Zealand.” – Bryce Marsden

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Find out more about about Milford Foundation

Website – milfordfoundation.co.nz
Facebook – @milfordfoundation
Instagram – @milfordfoundation
LinkedIn – @Milford Foundation

A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, Milford Foundation that is supporting education, youth and the environment to build a better tomorrow for all New Zealanders.