Lewis Brimelow

A focus on fundraising

Bachelor of Business

Financial administration, share registry, acquisitions and … philanthropy are rarely seen in the same sentence. But for Griffith Business School alumnus Lewis Brimelow, the unlikely symmetry couldn’t be more perfect.

Working for ASX listed company Computershare enables Lewis to combine his professional skills with his personal passion for helping people less fortunate.

“Working at Computershare has exposed me to many great opportunities including Director level engagement, shareholder and legal negotiations plus involvement with high level corporate governance and compliance,” he said.

In addition to his professional duties, Lewis whole heartedly involves himself with Computershare’s partnership with ‘World Youth International’. Recognised for his dedication to prior philanthropic activities, Lewis has been selected as one of only 22 Computershare employees from Oceania to participate in a fundraising trek in Nepal later this year.

“I really want to make a difference to people’s lives,” he said.

“We are so lucky in Australia that even what we would consider a small contribution, can make such a big difference to someone living in a poorer country.”

The journey which led him to where he is today, started on an international scale and a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources and Management, set the foundation for his success.

“After graduating, I moved to London and began working for a start-up e-commerce company as an intern,” he said.

“I was promoted after just five months and went on to manage their Customer Service team across 6 different country markets. I also managed their entire HR program including the recruitment of executive level staff.”

Shortly after moving back to Australia, Lewis was appointed to his associate position in corporate governance.

“Looking back on it, Corporate Social Responsibility was a pivotal subject at Griffith. It taught me valuable skills which are essential if you want to succeed in corporate governance,” he said.

“I now enjoy managing a growing portfolio of clients whilst involving myself in the company’s various environmental and social impact projects.

“Within the next five years I hope to grow my 75% portfolio share to become the Senior Relationship Manager in Queensland for Computershare. I also want to remain involved in our corporate fundraising initiatives. So far my organisational involvement in various activities has helped to raise over $50,000.”

A member of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, Lewis is constantly learning, networking and growing his relationships with industry colleagues to enhance his career prospects.

“Knowing the right people is so important,” he said.

“I am fortunate to have an excellent mentor, Rachel Sakurai, who is the General Manager of Computershare. She has opened a lot of doors for me and has facilitated professional connections I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.

“I encourage all Griffith graduates to engage in some sort of networking activity or organisation on a regular basis. Put yourself out there and foster relationships with people in your market.”

Lewis has also remained in contact with members of his Griffith alumni community, many of which have gone onto careers in different industries.

He is now calling upon his networks to support his 12 day trek on the Ghorepani Poon Hill in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The purpose of the November trek is to raise money to build a boarding school facility so that students entering Year 11 and 12 can continue their education.

With a collective fundraising goal of $143,000 required to build the facility, Lewis has set a personal target and is going above and beyond to ensure he reaches it.

“I want to raise at least $7,000 by myself to put towards the school. I’ve held staff lunches, client and friend dinners, board lunches and asked for donations online,” he said.

From a physical preparation side, a rigorous training schedule has included participation in the 2019 Gold Coast Marathon, a new fitness experience for Lewis.

“I was running between 20 to 30 kms each weekend to make sure I was ready. After the marathon I was feeling a bit worse for wear. I went a bit slower than I wanted but am pleased that I finished in under 4.5 hours and hopefully it’s put me in good stead for the trek,” he said.

“After the trek, I’m really looking forward to meeting the kids at the school who will receive our fundraising money. It will be amazing to experience their culture and see how their lives will improve through education.”

At time of publication, Lewis and his colleagues had collectively raised over $100,000 towards their $143,000 goal.