Leading with Purpose - Delivering Impact for Clients, Teams and Communities

The Academy of Givers held its first event of 2026 on January 21st, opening the new year with an insightful panel discussion with representatives from Deloitte, exploring how purpose can drive meaningful value for clients, teams, and communities.

Hosted at Deloitte Headquarters, the event brought together Deloitte business leaders to share how the organisation builds long-term impact, from giving back to society through NGO partnerships to creating inclusive workplaces that foster belonging, wellbeing, and untapped potential. The panel featured Deloitte Senior Manager Ylenia Caruana, People and Purpose Leader Caroline Cassar Reynaud, and Manager Aimee Chetcuti, with the discussion moderated by Deloitte Learning Leader Liza Farrugia.

A key theme throughout the discussion was that sustainability and purpose must start from within. Anchored in the pillars of People, Clients, and Society, Deloitte’s approach reflects a clear shift from role-based value to impact-based value, where fulfilment comes not just from titles or salary, but from meaningful work and contribution.

The panel highlighted a clear shift in how people choose the organisations they want to work for. Today’s workforce increasingly seeks meaning, value, and a sense of belonging, wanting to feel part of something that creates positive impact not only socially, but also environmentally. Expectations are higher than ever, and organisations must respond by creating cultures that encourage long-term commitment and engagement.

These changes are also influenced by wider societal and legislative developments. Sustainability regulations, particularly at EU level, were discussed as both an opportunity and a challenge. While compliance requirements have accelerated progress, there was a reflection on how sustainability risks becoming a “tick-box exercise” when not embedded into an organisation’s core strategy. As the panel emphasised, ESG is fundamentally about how a good business should be run, providing the foundations for resilience and relevance over the long term.

Understanding clients and end-users was another recurring point. Purpose-driven organisations take the time to understand who they serve and how they create value, strengthening their ability to build sustainable, future-focused strategies. Importantly, the discussion underlined how individual purpose is closely connected to ESG principles, reinforcing the role people play in driving meaningful impact.

The Deloitte Foundation plays a central role in translating purpose into action. By working across clearly defined pillars, the Foundation maintains focus and keeps people actively involved in impact initiatives. Deloitte supports a wide range of NGOs through financial contributions, pro bono work, and the sharing of professional skills, ensuring that support goes beyond funding alone.

Examples shared included partnerships that respond directly to local needs, such as supporting NGOs like Blue Door Education, which helps with migrant integration into Maltese society. These initiatives also offer an important opportunity for Deloitte’s international staff to connect with the local community, strengthening both social cohesion and employee engagement.

The Foundation also supports access to education, including programmes that help individuals pursue academic qualifications when financial means might otherwise be a barrier. In this way, the Deloitte brand becomes closely aligned with the real needs of local communities, reinforcing trust and long-term impact.

At the heart of the discussion was a strong focus on people. The panel reinforced that an organisation’s people are its soul, and that impact starts with how individuals are led, supported, and valued. Creating spaces where people feel respected and empowered — rather than managed through micromanagement — was highlighted as essential, particularly when engaging younger generations entering the workforce.

Trust, agency, and clear communication emerged as key leadership qualities in purpose-driven organisations. When people understand the purpose behind their work and feel trusted to contribute, they are more likely to stay, grow, and drive meaningful change.

We wish to thank everyone who joined us for this inspirational evening. Your engagement continues to strengthen this ripple effect of giving well and doing good together.

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