To support Children’s Cancer Institute’s mission to end childhood cancer, courageous leaders Deutsche Bank Managing Director Rod Everitt, and Professor and Head of the Tumour Biology and Targeting Group at the Institute Maria Kavallaris will be facing their fears at this year’s CEO Dare to Cure event.
Here, they share their ‘why’ for participating and offer advice for overcoming challenges and reaching goals.
Rod Everitt, Managing Director, Deutsche Bank
Why are you taking part in CEO Dare to Cure this year?
I am supporting Children’s Cancer Institute by taking part in the CEO Dare to Cure fundraising event because I have seen the pain and suffering that cancer inflicts on beautiful children and their families. As a father of three, I want to help stop this horrendous disease for those that are only just starting their lives.
What dare are you taking on?
The Snake Bath Challenge. I am really not a fan of snakes, so I am not looking forward to this at all!
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, either personally or in business?
In 2007, I was tasked with building out the bank’s capabilities in a new area, essentially building a business from scratch. Then, the global financial crisis hit. The additional challenges that came with global uncertainty made this the most difficult undertaking of my career. And with three kids under the age of five at the time, it also became the toughest personal challenge as the work–life balance became so difficult to manage.
What are you most looking forward to about CEO Dare to Cure?
I’m most looking forward to working with and meeting others who want to make a difference. Plus, the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve been part of an event that raises crucial funds for childhood cancer is priceless. The money we raise could literally help the Institute find the missing piece of the research puzzle.
Children’s Cancer Institute Professor and Head of the Tumour Biology and Targeting Program Maria Kavallaris
What is your personal reason for wanting to support childhood cancer research?
Being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 21 and going through the journey and side effects of the treatments, I want to make a difference so that one day no child has to be impacted by cancer and the effects of therapy.
What dare are you taking on?
I plan to take on the Mystery Box/Bug Challenge. I’m not looking forward to it, but it’s nothing compared to what kids with cancer face every day.
What is your fundraising goal? How do you intend to go about achieving it?
My goal is to raise $5,000. In order to do this, I plan on approaching my family, friends and colleagues for donations. I’m also a deep-sea scuba diver, so I may even sell some of my underwater photos.
What’s your secret for overcoming challenges?
I take it a day at a time and surround myself with supportive, compassionate and empathetic people. I try to take the positive out of any challenge that I face and learn from the experience. Any challenges I face are minor compared to the challenges children with cancer have to endure.
What would you say to other CEOs and business leaders thinking about getting involved?
Get involved, engage your team and have a great time for a worthy cause.
Did you know?
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every single week, 20 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer and tragically, nearly three will die.
Help give hope to the tens of thousands of children worldwide who are diagnosed with this terrible disease each year. Donate to Children’s Cancer Institute – the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to finding a cure for childhood cancer – today.
Are you a CEO or C-suite executive who wants to get involved? Register here. Would you like to donate? Sponsor a CEO here or make a general donation.
