Ep#23: Scott Neeson - Hollywood to Cambodia; vision, leadership, legacy and next steps
Ethical Partners – Good investing Podcast · Ethical Partners Funds Management
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Show Notes
This is the incredible story of a leading Hollywood Producer trading in one lifestyle for a very different one. What motivated Scott Neeson to sell his LA house, boat and other possessions to start up a charity in one of the poorest and most under privileged countries in the world? What was the vision? Well, it turns out there wasn’t one. What there was though was a selfless drive to help others - to invest in the next generation of Cambodians. The first graduates of the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) first school intake are now graduating from University. This is a story of leadership, resilience, passion and practical business building - a must-listen for all business leaders.
Highlights
2.05 Throwing out the usual format
2.40 What is Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF)? Scott goes from Hollywood to building schools for Cambodian children
3.45 Measurable outcomes. From the first 200 children…. to 2,000 kids in school now. Plus the model has grown to include healthcare and other programmes
6.00 The Neesons emigrate to Adelaide from Scotland in the 1960s. Scott talks about his upbringing
7.50 Working as a projectionist at a drive-in cinema. Then working for Greater Union… and the move to Sydney
8.50 Moving to Los Angeles with 20th Century Fox. Appointed President of International in 2000. Marketing was a key strength – understanding what type of movie would sell well to whom and where
10.50 Favourite movie: Braveheart. Working with Mel…
11.50 Having it all… and the “mid life review”. Listen to the outcome of that review…
14.30 Scott signs with Sony but has a break before starting the new job. He goes travelling…
15.45 Visiting Cambodia. Trying to help… but not knowing how
17.20 Visiting the Stung Manchay rubbish landfill for the first time
19.30 Trying to transition between Hollywood and Cambodia. Needing to go all in…
20.25 The “Great Garage Sale”
21.25 The sale of Scott’s LA house funds the start up of CCF. Then managing growth in the first five years
23.20 “No great vision”
25.00 Transitioning away from poverty and the historical context.
26.00 Trying to “not judge”
27.45 How Scott tries to deal with stress
29.00 Where does CCF go from here? Succession planning. Sustainability. Governance. Transparency.
30.00 Expansion. Replicating the model in other countries
32.45 Scott’s keys to leadership
34.45 Scott’s favourite book - The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
37.00 The “either/or” game
39.00 How you can help – link above
40.10 How many of Scott’s Hollywood mates visit? (not many…)
43.14 Mental note: Don’t wear white linen
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