Finding Direction
When Annalise walked into a BREED program, she was not chasing a business dream or trying to land a big opportunity. Instead, she wanted direction and clarity. Like many young people, she had plenty of ideas but kept them tucked away, unsure if they were worth sharing. Speaking up felt daunting, and the fear of being “wrong” often led to hesitations before she started.
Annalise’s story reflects a common challenge among young people stepping into adult life. Many hold potential, but self-doubt and lack of confidence often become barriers before skills or opportunities can even be considered. That is why BREED created an approach that begins by addressing the way participants think and feel about themselves.
Mindset Before Skills
The shift began with the Learning for Good framework, a mindset-first approach that focuses on self-belief before technical skills. Instead of diving into business plans or sales strategies, the program starts with the essentials: values, purpose, and the courage to express ideas.
This method recognises that lasting growth is not just about learning practical steps. True change begins when a young person believes in their own capacity to learn, share, and adapt. For Annalise, it meant no longer keeping her ideas hidden away, but instead finding the confidence to share them openly.
“BREED helped me connect with a wider community. It helped me express myself, not just with people my age, but with different age groups too. It helped me keep going and relate to people, even if we were different.”
– Annalise (p27, Social Impact Report, 2025)
Building Confidence Through Creativity
As Annalise’s outlook shifted, she began showing up in a more curious and open way. Confidence was not just about speaking up in front of others, but about trusting her instincts and recognising the value of her ideas.
This sense of self soon translated into action. Annalise began working alongside her mum to create meaningful items such as bracelets, candles, and gift boxes. Each piece carried a sense of calm, connection, and purpose. For them, these creations were more than products — they were symbols of shared time, creativity, and pride.
By starting small and working with someone close to her, Annalise discovered that growth is not always about chasing the biggest opportunity. It can also be about building something personal and authentic, then sharing it with the world in a way that feels true.
The Learning for Good Framework Explained
The Learning for Good framework is designed around three core principles that guide participants on their journey. It begins with mindset, ensuring that young people develop confidence and resilience before being introduced to technical or business skills. From there, the framework encourages connection and community, creating opportunities for collaboration with peers and mentors across different age groups and backgrounds. Finally, it emphasises purpose beyond profit, highlighting the importance of values, wellbeing, and social contribution rather than focusing solely on financial outcomes. Together, these principles ensure that participants like Annalise are equipped not only to pursue business ventures but also to build a strong foundation of self-belief that supports them in every part of life.
Lasting Change and Purpose
Today, Annalise speaks with certainty about her passions and how they link to a bigger purpose. She encourages others to do the same, showing that confidence is grounded in authenticity and should not rely on external validation.
Her journey highlights why the Learning for Good framework works. By focusing on mindset before skills, it creates lasting change — change that empowers individuals to step forward with courage, find their voice, and take action that reflects who they truly are.
This is not just about Annalise. Her experience is one of many stories that demonstrate how a mindset-first approach transforms hesitation into confidence, and ideas into meaningful projects.
What Others Can Learn From Annalise’s Journey
Annalise’s experience shows that growth begins with self-belief. Skills are important, but they become easier to apply when you trust your own capacity to learn and adapt. Her story also demonstrates the value of supportive communities, where encouragement and challenge go hand in hand to build confidence. Most importantly, it reminds us that success is not only about outcomes but about meaning. Whether through a business venture or a creative project, the work feels more rewarding when it aligns with personal values. For some, that means building a company; for others, like Annalise, it is about creativity, connection, and pride in what is shared with the world.
See the Bigger Picture
Want to see more inspiring stories like Annalise’s? View our full Social Impact Report.