How to build a successful, values-led organisation
As cofounder of NFP Gotcha4Life and founder of executive coaching enterprise AVAALER, Mike Charter CA helps people add value to their work and their communities.
Quick take
- Mike Charter CA has established a not-for-profit and a business that are both focused on building people’s mental fitness through connection.
- He believes emotional intelligence is something we can learn, and that it’s our responsibility to nurture and grow the best version of ourselves.
- Leaders can help others by modelling vulnerability, asking for help, practising gratitude and looking after their own mental fitness.
Mike Charter CA had already worked internationally as a CFO, chief strategy officer and board adviser when he co-founded Gotcha4Life in 2017. This Australian not-for-profit foundation is dedicated to building a mentally fit future and the experience helped Charter shape his own business, AVAALER.
Both organisations inspire and enable people to take action to build their mental fitness through connection.
“At Gotcha4Life, that’s finding someone you can truly count on – your go-to mate who’s there through thick and thin,” he says. “In business, the best leaders use connection to create an environment of trust and belonging.”
Adding value at all levels
An acronym for ‘adding value at all levels’, AVAALER has a deep desire to add value which, for Charter, means helping leaders and potential leaders to unlock the best version of themselves.
“You’d be amazed how many people in very senior roles are undermined by insecurity or imposter syndrome,” he says. “When you feel mentally well and confident, you have more capacity to help those around you by becoming a catalyst for positive outcomes.
“AVAALER helps high performers lead with confidence and purpose.”
Charter considers emotional intelligence to be critical to good leadership.
“It determines how you handle stress, engage people, navigate conflicts and inspire trust,” he says. “Technical expertise gets you in the door, but it’s emotional intelligence that will keep you there and set you apart.”
While it comes naturally to some people, Charter sees emotional intelligence as a skill that can be learned.
“I guide people through a process of working out who they are at their best, then nurturing and growing that part of themselves,” he says. “When you’re thinking and acting in ways that align with the best version of yourself, the positive impact compounds.”
How to champion mental wellbeing
Charter describes a team’s mental wellbeing as much more than a nice-to-have.
“It’s a performance enabler,” he says. “People do their best work when they feel respected, supported and safe.”
Leaders can help by modelling vulnerability.
“If you think not having all the answers makes you look weak, you risk falling into the trap of trying to prove yourself, which can shut you off from human connection,” he says. “The real strength lies in being prepared to show your vulnerability. When you do, and if you also approach leadership with the aim of adding value at all levels, you’re much more likely to inspire and motivate others.”
The benefits of an accounting background
Charter’s accounting expertise allowed him to think strategically about how to build two values-led, yet commercially sustainable organisations.
“It gave me the discipline to understand the numbers and measure what matters,” he says. “Chartered accountants have a rare opportunity to see the business as a whole. Along with a financial overview, the many meetings you attend provide an insight into all aspects of the company.”
His finance experience also taught him how to communicate complex ideas clearly and simply.
“This is critical when you’re working with everyone from boards, clients and people across the organisation to your communities,” Charter says. “Good communication is fundamental to the human connections that allow good leaders to make people feel seen, valued, heard and recognised.”
Six ways to build mental fitness in the workplace
Charter suggests leaders use these practical steps to support a mentally fit, resilient and productive team:
1. Encourage your employees to identify at least three people – in or out of the workplace – they can talk to openly when things get tough.
2. Prompt deeper conversations by asking meaningful questions, for example: what was the hardest part of your week? Does someone have your back?
3. Encourage your team to think about gratitude every day. You could even open meetings by asking everyone to list three things they’re grateful for.
4. Normalise asking for help by making it clear you consider this to be a strength, rather than a weakness.
5. Develop mental fitness micro-actions. Simple daily habits such as going for a walk, journalling for five minutes or calling a friend can help to build mental resilience.
6. Commit to doing the work it takes to be your best, so you can bring out the best in other people.
For mental fitness resources, visit Gotcha4Life.org and find out more about AVAALER’s coaching programs for finance leaders here.
