Carolyn Mortland
1999-2002, Corporate Team, Auckland
Current role: Co-founder, Futureful
What is a highlight from your time at Chapman Tripp?
Chapman Tripp gave me such a solid grounding in law, but also in being a professional with high standards. It was awesome fun with some great people, plenty of work, client functions and celebrations. Highlights include executing the Frucor Beverages IPO, being seconded to the Wellington office for a few months and working with Arthur Young and the intricacies of his trust work... oh and singing a little song called The Gambler around the Corporate team's table, but that's another story.
What has been your biggest career achievement since leaving the firm?
I moved from Chapman Tripp to Fonterra as it was being formed, and I had a wonderful career there. I started as in-house legal counsel, then moved into business roles including a stint up in Washington DC promoting free trade, before moving into government relations, policy and sustainability roles. My highlight was leading Fonterra's sustainability function for six years, during which time Fonterra commenced water quality & farm environment plans, set its first science-based climate targets and issued its inaugural audited sustainability report. There's always more to do, but it was awesome playing a part in shaping New Zealand's largest company towards a sustainable future.
What else have you achieved since leaving the firm?
A happy marriage and three wonderful kids... all teenagers now!
A portfolio career in the past two years, with some Board roles in the food & fibre sector, some sustainability advisory work and pro-bono governance of Pause Breathe Smile, a mind health programme for school kids.
Tell us about your current role and location?
I am the co-founder of Futureful, a game changing new online recruitment site which matches people to organisations based on their values and expectations, as well as their skills for the job. Chapman Tripp is one of our first believers, alongside some other leading organisations.
What is the best thing about your current role?
Futureful is a purpose-led start-up here to change the way we do business for people and planet. We want to help support meaningful work in a liveable world. It's awesome putting effort into something I truly believe in.
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