Andy
Chief Executive Officer
Andy is the CEO of The Youth Impact Foundation. When Andy was 21, he founded the Not-for-Profit organisation Burn Bright, a social enterprise with the mission of increasing the wellbeing of young people through leadership and character-building programmes and national camps based on an evidence-based theory of change centred on wellbeing science and positive psychology. Andy also serves as The Managing Director of the National Leadership Forum, an annual leadership event for Young people aged 18-26 in Parliament House in Canberra. As a result of these ventures, Andy has impacted Over 100,000 young people In Australia and Internationally.
While completing his Master of Science in Coaching Psychology at the University of Sydney, Andy was part of a working group of 10 youth mental health-focused charities. They were tasked with discussing ‘how might they collaborate better together’, leading to him founding The Youth Impact Foundation.
Andy believes in a community and people-first approach to living out his vision for the not-for-profit sector is to see more reliance, cooperation and resource sharing to ensure not-for-profits are more sustainable in making a difference in the lives of all Australians, which compliments his ambition to help others build relationships and community so young people are known, loved and can see their value and influence on the world around them. Andy firmly believes leadership is accessible to everyone - not just those with a badge or appointed in leadership roles.
Layton
Chief of Staff
Layton Fraser is the Chief Of Staff of The Youth Impact Foundation.
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Layton moved to New Zealand when he was young and eventually moved to Australia to co-found Burn Bright with Andy Skidmore. After eight years of Burn Bright, The Youth Impact Foundation was founded to create and sustain an even greater impact.
Layton has a background in the sporting industry and sports coaching, having previously studied for a sports degree and working for both New Zealand Cricket and the BLACKCAPS for over six years, including during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, which serves as a highlight. Being involved with sports at its highest level and with a range of sporting talents has provided Layton with many incredible opportunities and insight into how athletes handle and use their inherited influence.
Layton also developed a keen interest in leadership and the opportunities that came with it. This started with Layton being one of the founding members of the Hauraki District Youth Council and flowed on to him attending many leadership forums and events around the globe. Within leadership, Layton has a passion and key interest in the concept and exploration of Servant Leadership. Layton’s definition and belief of Servant Leadership is, to lead and make decisions with others as the first priority which at times may be at the sacrifice of the leader. Servant Leadership and Robert Greanleaf’s writings, have played a significant role in Layton’s thoughts and development.
Layton approaches his professional life and experience creation from a unique perspective – allowing him to constantly challenge and push boundaries to create the best and most impactful experience for all involved. Layton’s curiosity, open-mindedness, and commitment towards understanding, explaining, and navigating the leadership space create a thought-provoking and mindset-challenging experience for those who engage with him.
While not working, you may find Layton enjoying golf with his friends, 4wding and camping, or a lazy weekend on the couch watching whatever sport is on offer.
Michaela
Chief Business Development Officer
Simon
Chief Strategy Officer
Simon Thurston is the Chief Strategy Officer of The Youth Impact Foundation, where he leads the Organisational Development, Measurement, and Policy.
He has extensive experience in learning and development and organisational development and change. He previously worked as part of a Global Learning and Development team, having project managed, designed, and deployed both face-to-face and digital learning in over 15 languages and into over 75 countries. Simon has a comprehensive background in facilitation, having led corporate learning in four countries and countless coaching, train-the-trainer, and specialised workshops.
Simon is passionate about coaching and elevating others to reach their potential and facilitating opportunities for others to recognise the impact they can have on the world around them.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations, human resource management, and Geography with honours from the University of Waikato and a Graduate Certificate in Business Psychology from the University of Western Australia.
In his spare time, Simon enjoys reading, ultramarathon running, and playing board games with friends
Treen
Chief Financial Officer
Valentine
CEO Aotearoa New Zealand