Paul Steele

Paul Steele
Strategy | Stewardship | Systems Change

I help people and organisations lead well in complexity—where vision meets reality, and values meet execution.

Over the past 25+ years, I’ve led ventures, built movements, and redesigned systems across philanthropy, social enterprise, investment, and public purpose. From founding tech businesses in my teens to stewarding multi-million-dollar social innovation hubs, I’ve learned that meaningful change doesn’t come from doing more—but from doing differently.

Most recently, I served as CEO of donkey wheel foundation, where we reimagined philanthropy as a space for bold experiments, deep listening, and field-shaping impact. I’ve co-founded incubators, advised governments, helped scale social enterprises like STREAT, and built collaborative spaces that nurture possibility.

My work sits at the intersection of strategic clarity and cultural courage. I believe the future is built not just through systems, but through stories—through people who show up, stay curious, and choose to invest in what matters most.

These days, I’m working across Australia and the US through roles at Passive Place, Good Places, and Regenerative Outcomes, helping organisations design with intent, lead with integrity, and build what lasts.

I live on 50 acres in West Gippsland where we’re growing a hardwood forest—and learning a lot about patience, ecology, and what it means to leave a legacy.

If you’re into purpose-driven strategy, governance that doesn’t suck, or just want to swap ideas over good wine and better questions—get in touch.