BE2: Beyond Profit Why Young People Need Mentors More Than Ever, with Mark Watt of BBBS

In this episode of No BS Real Estate Podcast – Business Edition, host Jo Agresta sits down with Mark Watt, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia, for a conversation that goes far beyond business, property, and finance. Mark knows first-hand what it's like to grow up without a father figure. Having experienced significant hardship himself, he now leads one of Australia's most impactful mentoring organisations, helping young people build confidence, resilience and stronger futures through long-term mentoring relationships. At a time when more than 47,000 students were suspended from schools across NSW, and youth disengagement, mental health challenges and social isolation continue to rise, Mark explains why schools alone cannot solve these issues and why consistent adult role models matter more than ever. In this episode we cover: ✔ Mark's personal journey growing up without a dad and how it shaped his life's work ✔ Why long-term mentoring changes outcomes for vulnerable young people ✔ The hidden challenges facing Australian youth today ✔ Why belonging, connection and positive role models matter more than ever ✔ The difference between mentoring and simply "giving advice" ✔ How Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully matches mentors and young people ✔ Why many successful adults underestimate the impact they could have on one young person's future ✔ The role businesses and professionals can play in creating stronger communities ✔ How mentoring benefits both the mentor and the young person ✔ Why prevention is dramatically cheaper than intervention later in life We also discuss the upcoming Big Brothers Big Sisters Bail Out event, where participants voluntarily get "locked up" inside a real prison environment to raise awareness and funds for young people waiting for mentors. The numbers are staggering: • It costs approximately $3,365 per day to keep a young person in detention • It costs just $9.78 per day to provide a young person with a trained mentor Jo will be participating in the Melbourne Bail Out event on June 19th to help raise awareness and support young Australians who are currently waiting to be matched with a mentor. For property professionals, finance professionals, business owners and leaders, this conversation is also a reminder that building a successful business isn't only about revenue. Sometimes the most valuable legacy you create is the impact you have on someone else's future. 🔗 Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia: https://bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/ 📲 Want smarter property decisions? Download the Abodey AI App for personalised, plain-English property reports that instantly match you with properties aligned to your specific needs, future goals, and budget — helping you buy faster and with confidence. https://abodey.com.au 🎙 Subscribe to No BS Real Estate Podcast for more conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals creating meaningful impact in their communities. #NoBSRealEstate #BusinessEdition #BigBrothersBigSisters #MentoringMatters #YouthMentoring #CommunityLeadership #BusinessLeadership #PropertyProfessionals #MortgageBrokers #BuyersAgents #GivingBack #SocialImpact #Leadership #AustralianBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Abodey #WealthBuilding #ProfessionalServices #PurposeDrivenBusiness