We are delighted to welcome Tanya O’Shea as the Queensland Lead Chair of the For Purpose Alliance. Tanya is currently the Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, where she has led growth, diversification, and innovation strategies that create opportunities for some of the most vulnerable people in the community. With more than 25 years of executive experience in the for-purpose sector, she brings deep expertise in building capacity, resilience, and opportunity across Queensland. She also serves as a Director of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health and the Institute of Managers and Leaders, and contributes to multiple advisory and community committee
What drew you to the For Purpose Alliance and the role of Queensland Lead Chair?
I feel deeply aligned with the For Purpose Alliance’s vision and its commitment to creating meaningful change through collaboration among like-minded leaders. As the leader of a regionally based, grassroots community non-profit organisation, I’ve seen first-hand the power of connection, shared purpose, and collective action.=.
Stepping into the role of Queensland Lead Chair offers the chance to help shape and grow a state-wide community of for-purpose leaders. Serving as Hub Chair offers a powerful opportunity to contribute to a movement that amplifies collective impact, connects passionate people, and nurtures a culture where purpose-driven work thrives. I believe in the strength of alliances to drive innovation, share resources, and support one another in tackling complex social challenges. Leadership can be incredibly lonely, and it’s uplifting to witness the strong, supportive community being built within the FPA – where leaders genuinely show up for each other. Through collaboration, we open strength, resilience, and creativity that no single organisation could achieve alone. When purpose-led leaders come together to solve shared problems, we don’t just strengthen the sector – we transform it.
2) What can members across Queensland expect from you as Lead Chair?
As the Queensland Lead Chair, my focus is on building a strong, connected community of leaders across the state. Members can expect me to be approachable, proactive, and deeply committed to our shared vision. My focus will be on creating safe, inclusive spaces where people feel encouraged to share openly, where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and where everyone feels valued and heard. I lead with curiosity – listening deeply rather than speaking first – because the most powerful insights often come from within the group.
I see my role as both connector and catalyst: building trust, fostering collaboration across regions, and supporting leaders to achieve their goals. Together, we can cultivate an environment where ideas flourish, and where we celebrate both individual and collective successes across Queensland’s for-purpose sector, while also contributing to the national momentum being shaped by the FPA and it’s Chairs.
3) What keeps you inspired?
I am continually inspired by the stories of people making a difference – whether through small acts of kindness or large-scale initiatives that transform lives. Witnessing the resilience, creativity, and positive impact within our community fuels my passion. The opportunity to work alongside dedicated individuals who share a commitment to purpose and progress keeps me motivated to lead, learn, and contribute every day.
I am deeply committed to cultivating calm, purpose-driven leaders who show up with clarity and intention, and who prioritise their own wellbeing so that they can do their best work. When leaders are supported to slow down, reflect and deeply listen, they become less reactive and more grounded, creating space for insight, empathy and meaningful impact. By nurturing the whole person, we lay a strong foundation that emboldens leaders and fosters curiosity, connection and courageous leadership.
