Social Change Maker Profile: Patrick Darcy, Cadreon Australia

For the past couple months, B&T has partnered with UnLtd to bring attention to some game-changing stars in our industry and their respective charity work. And they just keep getting more and more impressive.

Last week, we spoke to Max Learmont from Ikon Communications about all things solar energy and Microsoft, and now it’s Patrick Darcy’s turn! Patrick, 35, is the managing director of Cadreon Australia, and would love to be able to teleport. Us too, Patrick. Us too.

First ever job: Packing shelves at a two dollar shop

If I wasn’t doing my job, I’d be: Working at KidsXpress and spending more time with my wife and son.

How I got where I am today: I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a few mentors in my life, at work and outside of it, who taught me to believe in myself and would always call me out when I was being a d*ck head!

I used to think I had to be a version of other successful people to succeed myself, but I’ve since learned this is not true and it’s about being the best version of yourself.

Causes I care about: Those that support and protect our children. I believe every child has the right to feel safe, happy and not fear being abused or neglected. Most recently I’ve been doing work with KidsXpress and batyr, two amazing organisations that look after young people.

The change I’d like to see in the world and why it’s important: I would love to see a world where every child feels safe and is given the chance to flourish.

For example, a world where our kids are safe to walk to and from school again; the environment is protected so they can all experience the wonder of nature; and the institutional abuse of children is eradicated.

I have an 18 month old son and as a parent there is nothing more important than the world we create for our children to live in.

How did you first get involved with UnLtd: Through the work I started doing with KidsXpress many years ago I met Kerry McCabe who founded UnLtd. Almost immediately I realised Kerry is a very special human being and UnLtd a very special organisation.

The charity projects I’m currently working on: I’m working on the UnLtd Cup, a charity indoor soccer tournament held in July for the media industry. It is in its seventh year and will tick over $250,000 raised for KidsXpress after this tournament.

I’m also working on the second Better Together Day, which brings nearly 600 people from across Media brands together on one day to raise money for a cause our people believe in. Last year we raised over $60,000 for batyr, and we’re aiming to top that this year.

Some social issues I’m passionate about are: Protecting children from abuse. It’s still allowed to happen way too often.

I also worry a lot about my son going to school in a few years and the pressure of social media and scale of cyber bullying. I was bullied at school when the bully had to say it your face and that was hard enough.

Here at B&T, a social issue we’re passionate about is equality. In fact, we’re hosting an event in less than a month to promote diversity and inclusion in the Aussie advertising, marketing and media landscape.

B&T‘s Changing the Ratio will provide attendees with game-changing ideas, practical tools and case studies to take back to their organisations. So to see captivating and inspiring speakers like Lisa Wilkinson, Deng Thiak Adut and Cátia Malaquias, grab tickets to this event right here. Now, back to Patrick!

Why I want to give back: I don’t really see the work I do as giving back because it’s all been so rewarding for me.

I’m so lucky to be able to work with organisations like KidsXpress, UnLtd and batyr and with people like Kerry McCabe and Margo Ward (founder of KidsXPress). What those people and those experiences have given me is far greater than what I’ll ever be able to do for them.

The best/most rewarding volunteering experience I’ve had: That’s a tough one, they’re all so rewarding. The project we ran for batyr last year definitely stands out, as right up to the day itself I wasn’t sure how it was going to go.

Then to come to work, feel the change in energy in the place and see hundreds of people mobilise to do something positive for someone else is an incredible thing.

My greatest achievement: Marrying my wife and having our son.

The person/company I’d like to challenge to get involved & why: Donald Trump. In my opinion he represents what has gone wrong in the world. If he were to start putting all his energy to good, to philanthropic work and tweeting about social causes that need a voice, we could start turning things around.

My advice for someone just starting their career is: Stop to think about what you really love doing and work hard to make it a part of your job.

Find a mentor who can help you learn what your strengths are – to trust them and focus on making them your superpowers.

Ask for feedback often and take time to consider every piece of feedback you get, whether you act on it or not.

If I could have one super power, that would be: I want to say something powerful and inspiring associated to saving the world, but if I’m really honest my number one superpower would be teleportation.

UnLtd is a social purpose organisation connecting the media, marketing and creative industries with charities helping children and young people at risk. Find out how you can get involved at unltd.org.au.