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LIVING A LIFE ALIGNED WITH YOUR VALUES

From Corporate Climber to Purpose-Driven Powerhouse: My Conversation with Claire Bains

Have you ever met someone who instantly makes you question if you’re really living your purpose?

That’s exactly how I felt after chatting with the incredible Claire Bains, CEO of Hands Across the Water, on The Property Management Podcast. Her story stopped me in my tracks—and I have a feeling it might just do the same for you.

Claire’s journey from the corporate high life to leading a global charity is the kind of story that lights a fire in your belly. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously inspiring. And the lessons she shared? Well, they’re a roadmap for any of us looking to lead with more purpose, more heart, and more impact—whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just trying to navigate life with a little more grace.

Here’s what stood out most from our conversation (and trust me, it was hard to choose just a few!).

Aligning Your Work With What Actually Matters to You

Claire had what many would call a “dream job” in corporate events—glamorous clients, prestigious programs, big-name brands. But it took a soul-stirring trip to the slums of Thailand to realise: success doesn’t always mean significance.

She felt the nudge (or more like a cosmic slap) that her deepest fulfilment didn’t come from perfectly polished events—it came from serving others.

What Claire taught me (and now you):

  • Check in with your values regularly. Are your current goals really yours?

  • Say yes to experiences that scare you a little—they might just reveal your purpose.

  • Don’t be afraid to have honest convos about what you truly want. Claire’s turning point came when she vulnerably opened up to her CEO about her need for more meaningful work.

✨ Mini Challenge: Do one thing this week that aligns with your values but sits just outside your comfort zone.

The Power of Turning Pain Into Purpose

Claire didn’t just pivot careers—she transmuted deep personal grief into something profoundly beautiful. Her struggles with infertility and loss could have broken her. Instead, she chose to redirect her love and maternal energy into the hundreds of children supported by Hands Across the Water.

She reminded me that:

  • Grief doesn’t disappear—but it doesn’t have to define you either.

  • Being open about your pain can be healing not just for you, but for others.

  • Sometimes, purpose is born from the ashes of what we thought our life would look like.

💛 If someone you love is grieving, be present—not prescriptive. Your steady, silent support can mean everything.

Leading With Heart (and a Whole Lot of Hustle)

Despite her title, Claire is anything but a hands-off CEO. She’s writing newsletters, leading bike rides, and doing whatever needs to be done to keep the organisation moving forward. Her approach is proof that lean teams can still have big impact when they’re led with integrity, collaboration, and purpose.

Claire’s leadership gold:

  • Get your hands dirty. No job is beneath you when you’re building something meaningful.

  • Use your resources wisely, especially when people’s lives are impacted by your decisions.

  • Find your “ying” to your “yang.” Her partnership with Pete (founder of HATW) is a masterclass in visionary + executor synergy.

When Crisis Hits, Get Creative

The pandemic wiped out 80% of their fundraising revenue overnight. Instead of panicking, Claire and her team pivoted—hard. Virtual bike rides, online gala dinners, localised Thai social enterprises… you name it, they tried it.

Real talk: Most of us hate change, but it’s where the magic happens.

💡 What if your next challenge is actually an invitation to innovate?

Creating Opportunities That Empower the Next Generation

What started as a mission to provide shelter has grown into something much bigger. Today, Hands Across the Water is about building futures. Vocational training, agriculture programs, hospitality schools—it’s all designed to help young people become self-sufficient and confident in who they are.

And can we just talk about the full-circle moments? Some of the kids Claire once helped are now leading the charge as staff members, trainers, and role models. That’s legacy work.

Building Community Through Shared Experiences

Since 2009, their bike rides have become legendary—and not just for the fundraising. These aren’t competitive races; they’re transformational journeys. Participants bond over the sweat, the tears, and the connection to something bigger than themselves.

🚴‍♀️ Thinking of joining a ride? Say yes. It could change your life.

Keep Learning, Keep Growing

Claire’s favourite reads?

  • The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins (for kicking hesitation to the curb)

  • AI for the Driven Leader (for future-proofing your leadership game)

Her message? Never stop being curious. Growth doesn’t have an age limit.

How You Can Get Involved

Claire’s final piece of advice was simple and powerful: just say yes. Whether that’s to a bike ride, a volunteer opportunity, a donation—or even just starting a conversation about purpose—every small step matters.

Lead With Love, Purpose, and a Bit of Grit

This episode left me feeling cracked open in the best way. Claire is a living, breathing example of what it looks like to take the hard stuff in life and use it as fuel to create change.

Whether you’re in real estate, property management, or simply trying to figure out your next chapter, let Claire’s story be your permission slip to do things differently.

Say yes to purpose. Say yes to growth. Say yes to being the kind of leader (and human) this world so deeply needs.

Inspired?
Head over to Hands Across the Water to see how you can get involved—or simply share this post to spread the word. And if you haven’t already, tune into the episode. You won’t regret it.