Carl's Rise to Leadership

Carl's journey from incarceration to running a kitchen serving food to Perth’s rough sleepers demonstrates the power of authentic leadership born from lived experience.

When Carl was released in October 2023, he found re-integration challenging. 

“I felt overwhelmed and lacked confidence in myself for a long time. The team at MAX understood my limitations and challenges and gave me the support I needed to get where I wanted to be,” he said.

Having earned chef qualifications during incarceration, he was determined to cook healthy cuisine, not settle for fast food work. 

"Carl appreciated us supporting his decisions," says his Job Coach, Gemma. "When positions came up that didn't align with his goals, we knew we had to focus on what mattered to him."

Carl's first role at a cafe ended abruptly when the business went into liquidation. Rather than letting this derail his progress, he leaned on MAX's mental health support while Gemma encouraged him to stay active through volunteering.

When there was a delay hearing back from his volunteer applications Carl could have given up but instead, he sent out follow-up emails explaining his situation and asking to be given a chance. It was this persistence that caught the attention of Volunteer Coordinator, Erik Bibaeff, at Uniting WA who was also impressed by Carl's punctuality, presentation, and thoughtful questions when Carl came in for a meeting.

“Carl challenged every expectation; he had purpose, professionalism, and a genuine desire to contribute.” Erik reflects. 

Starting as a volunteer at the Tranby Engagement Hub in December 2024, Carl immediately demonstrated exceptional people skills - connecting authentically with both service users and staff. His operational insights and ability to motivate teams toward common goals quickly became apparent.

"Not only is he amazing with kitchen logistics, Carl has the humility to reflect on whether changes are working and the courage to adapt. That's excellent leadership," Erik explains. 

Tranby has approximately 350 rough sleepers through the door each day seeking a hot meal, a shower and support.

By May 2025, Carl had transitioned from volunteer to permanent manager after completing over 500 hours as a volunteer (filling in for an unwell staff member). Now, he was working alongside Erik as the Food Rescue Coordinator which encompasses the running of the kitchen and the organisation of incoming food donations. 

"This is the perfect role for Carl," Gemma reflects. "He's doing what he loves - cooking healthy food in bulk - while making a real difference."

Carl's story illustrates that authentic leadership often emerges from adversity. Not only does his lived experience inform his work, but it also enhances his ability to connect, lead, and create meaningful change for society's most vulnerable.

Carl is proof that second chances, when paired with determination and support, can transform not just individual lives, but entire communities. As Erik puts it: "Everyone deserves a second chance, and Carl has made the most of his."

MAX continues to support Carl in his leadership role, demonstrating that sustainable career transformation requires ongoing partnership and belief in human potential.