Adam Whipp, Volunteer Engagement Advisor, is fuelled by a passion to make the world a better place and… a strong, no-fuss black coffee. With a long history being an active volunteer and also successfully scaling Amazon Australia’s volunteering program to more than 4,700 participants, Adam is confident he can support commonkind’s ambitious growth goals. Since becoming a parent, however, he’s not as confident about having boiling water in easy reach of little hands, so, over an iced black coffee, he spills the beans (metaphorically, of course) about what motivates him.
Question 1: Why did you join commonkind?
Simply put, I love the mission. I had a somewhat sheltered upbringing on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and didn’t learn much about community issues and broader social needs. At 19, I moved to Florida for college and travelled throughout the US, where I witnessed vast inequities that ignited a passion for volunteering and giving back.
While working at Amazon, I was fortunate to join the Global Volunteering Team, where our mission was building a scalable volunteering program for over 10,000 employees across 27 locations in Australia. Seeing the joy this brought employees and the measurable impact we made when working together was incredibly fulfilling.
After leaving Amazon, I was searching for a way to share my knowledge of volunteering programs while helping communities in need – and I discovered commonkind! But becoming a father has given this work even deeper meaning. I want my son to grow up understanding that we’re all connected and that he has the power to make a difference. Working with commonkind isn’t just about today’s impact, it’s about modelling the values I hope to pass on and helping create the kind of compassionate world I want him to inherit.
Question 2: What were you like as a child?
According to my parents, I was outgoing, energetic, inquisitive, and sporty. Apparently, I couldn’t sit still (which remains true today!) and spent most of my time outside kicking or hitting any kind of ball I could get my hands on.
Adam (age 3) at pre-school, Brisbane.
Question 3: What was your first volunteering experience?
My first experience was participating in Clean Up Australia Day at primary school. Years later, I had the privilege of working with Clean Up Australia, encouraging employees and their families to participate in annual cleanups. It felt like a fill circle moment.
Question 4: What has been your most memorable volunteering experience?
Cooking lunch for people at the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Sydney. Walking into that kitchen, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but what struck me immediately was the dignity and resilience of every person I met. These were individuals with stories, humour, and genuine warmth who were simply facing incredibly tough circumstances. It was humbling to realise that in a city with such abundance, these people were struggling to secure a daily meal.
Question 5: What’s the very first job you had (that’s not on your LinkedIn profile) and what did you learn from the experience?
My first job was cleaning and parking golf carts at my local golf club when I was 12. It was perfect for that age; I got to meet all the adult members and learned invaluable lessons about communication and how to carry myself around adults. Those early interactions taught me confidence and respect that I still carry today.
Question 6: What do you do for fun?
My new favourite activity is taking my son to the playground and watching him discover the world while interacting with other kids. I also try to run most days, swim at the beach, and squeeze in a round of golf each week. I’m also passionate about food and regularly venture to new Italian restaurants on a quest to find the perfect tiramisu!
Question 7: What motivates you?
Two main things drive me: first, the pursuit of continuous learning and improvement, whether socially, mentally, or physically. Second, finding meaningful ways to share my knowledge, time, and expertise to help others. There’s something deeply fulfilling about growth and giving back.
Question 8: How do you practice self-compassion?
This is always challenging for me since I tend to prioritise making sure my friends and family are okay before checking in with myself. I’m also my own harshest critic, so I consciously try to step back and give myself a break. Running has become quite meditative for me, and I aim to get out daily to switch off and connect with my thoughts and emotions. Recently, I’ve been using saunas as another way to clear my mind and relax.
Question 9: If you could give children and young people one piece of advice, what would it be?
Travel and move! Try not to stay in your hometown too long. Explore everything this incredible world has to offer. Those experiences will shape your perspective and open your heart in ways you never imagined.
Question 10: What is your most used emoji?
