Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal’s journey from escaping a cult to becoming a leading voice in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of resilience and transformation. Today, the Director of Macquarie University’s prestigious MBA program inspires others to drive social change through purpose-driven leadership. Here, the author of A Meaningful Life shares her leadership journey and lessons learned.
As Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal stood on the TEDx stage, the applause from a packed audience washed over her. She had just delivered a powerful speech on the Purpose-Driven University, a concept she had championed as a leading CSR academic. The moment felt surreal, and as the applause continued, she couldn’t help but reflect on how far she had come.
After growing up in a cult and escaping at 18, she later became a student volunteer, an experience that planted the seeds for a life of purpose and impact. This set her on a path that ultimately led to her traversing the globe and becoming a Professor at Macquarie University and Director of its prestigious MBA program.
A childhood shaped by grief
Growing up in Tel Aviv, Haski-Leventhal’s childhood was far from ordinary. When she was three years old, her older brother died from cancer, sending her grief-stricken mother searching for solace. She found it in the Kabbalah Centre, long before the spiritual organisation attracted famous members like Madonna. Debbie was only five when her family joined what would eventually reveal itself as a controlling cult.
As she grew up, Haski-Leventhal’s life was filled with rigid rules, manipulation, and abuse—an environment that dictated not just beliefs but personal identity. “They even changed my name when I was seven,” she recalls, from Adi to Devorah, later shortened to Debbie.
Life in the Kabbalah Centre centred on serving its charismatic leader, Shraga Berg and his wife, Karen. As a teenager, Haski-Leventhal went door-to-door selling books authored by Berg, lugging a heavy briefcase filled with texts. She only later realised that the funds enriched the Berg family while she and her peers endured harsh conditions and unpaid labour.
By 18, she found herself in Paris, France, where Haski-Leventhal shared a cramped apartment with 13 other women. She was miserable, working from dawn to dusk, selling books for no pay with no means of going home. “Today, as a Professor of CSR, I can say that this falls under Modern Slavery,” she says.
Career Tip:As a leader, it’s essential to prioritise physical and spiritual self-care. Nurturing your physical and spiritual health enhances resilience and models healthy behaviour for your team. Haski-Leventhal recommends finding time each day for physical activity, meditation, or simply walking in nature. “Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s necessary for sustainable leadership,” she says. |
When she was sent back to Tel Aviv in disgrace, unable to work after hurting her back, Haski-Leventhal saw an opportunity to escape the cult. “Leaving the Kabbalah Centre was like jumping off a plane without a parachute,” she recalls grimly. “It was so scary.”
Finding a new way forward
At 19, Haski-Leventhal immersed herself in a journey of self-discovery after literally losing her religion. She coped by journaling her thoughts, values, and beliefs. “I had to ask myself fundamental questions: Do I believe in God? What do I truly value? Who am I without the dogmas I grew up with?” she recalls.
Career Tip:As a leader, be prepared to challenge your conventional beliefs. Just as Haski-Leventhal had to redefine her core beliefs after leaving the Kabbalah Centre, leaders can benefit from challenging long-standing norms and beliefs in their careers to foster growth and innovation. |
Later, Haski-Leventhal went to university to study philosophy. Her parents refused to support her, and she lived on the poverty line, picking up odd jobs, cleaning offices and typing up assignments to pay her way. “I was so broke that I often went hungry,” she admits.
The turning point was volunteering for a project called Perach, similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters, in exchange for reduced study fees. Mentoring an eight-year-old boy changed her life. “That was the first time I felt I was truly making a difference,” she shares. This experience reshaped her ambitions, leading to a master’s degree in not-for-profit management and opening the door to a PhD focusing on volunteers’ motivations.
Building a career in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
After completing her PhD, Haski-Leventhal relocated to Sydney, Australia, following her husband’s job move. She started her career as a researcher at the University of New South Wales Centre for Social Impact while also welcoming their second daughter. Despite facing a setback when she missed out on an academic role, she used the experience as a learning opportunity. Her persistence paid off when she secured a position at Macquarie University’s Graduate School of Management, marking a pivotal moment in her academic career.
“Somehow, among the 160 candidates, I got the role, and I was so grateful that I finally had my first academic job. I would walk around on campus, pinching myself,” she says.
Over nearly 15 years at Macquarie University, Haski-Leventhal has made significant strides in fostering social change and positive impact. She established and led the Master of Social Entrepreneurship, and as MBA Director, she reshaped the program to focus on positive impact.
Early in her tenure, she founded the CSR Partnership Network, bringing together 34 major Australian companies, non-profits, and government bodies to share knowledge and drive social good. “I wanted to create a ripple effect of positive impact,” she says. This included creating the blueprint for the Purpose-Driven University, encouraging universities to become a force for good beyond education and research.
Creating a ripple effect
While Haski-Leventhal has achieved much, she is proudest of inspiring her students to make a positive difference in the world. She recalls being thrilled to receive a series of Facebook messages on her birthday from her Masters of Social Entrepreneurship students who’d committed to acts of kindness in her honour.
“For your birthday, I’m volunteering at a dog shelter,” read one message. Others shared pledges to donate to charity, mentor colleagues, or spread positivity in their communities. These messages weren’t just heartwarming—they were a testament to her impact as a teacher, mentor, and advocate for social change.
Many former students, now leaders and entrepreneurs, still reach out years later to share how Haski-Leventhal’s teaching sparked their commitment to creating a positive impact. “I wanted to share that I achieved my dream of pivoting my career towards socially responsible investment,” one wrote. “Thank you for equipping me with the right tools to make this happen!”
Career Tip:Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. To grow as a leader, seek mentors who inspire you and offer different perspectives. Haski-Leventhal believes that a good mentor becomes part of your inner voice, offering guidance long after formal meetings have ended. |
The leaders who inspire Haski-Leventhal
Asked what she regards as good leadership, Haski-Leventhal responds that authentic leadership is about guiding others to find their purpose, nurturing their potential, and cultivating an environment of trust and inclusivity. However, she says there is no perfect leader. “I don’t know a perfect human being, so I can’t expect a perfect leader,” she says.
Instead, she values leaders who act with integrity, possess a strong sense of purpose, and are driven by a desire to create positive change.
One such leader is Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever, who transformed the company into a force for good. Haski-Leventhal recalls meeting Polman at the United Nations, where he spoke passionately about the role of business in society. “He sounded more like the CEO of Greenpeace than a multinational corporation,” she notes. His approach to balancing business success with ethical responsibility deeply resonates with her own leadership philosophy.
Career Tip:If you are a leader with children, find ways to involve them in your purpose-driven work—whether it’s volunteering together at a local shelter, participating in environmental clean-ups, or delivering meals to those in need. “It not only helps create a positive impact but also teaches children the value of giving back,” says Haski-Leventhal. Research shows that children who volunteer with their parents are likelier to volunteer as adults. |
The “TIP” Model and finding purpose
Leaders would benefit from Haski-Leventhal’s latest book, Make It Meaningful: How to Find Purpose in Life and Work, which combines her personal story with practical advice. Central to her philosophy is the “TIP” model, which stands for Talent, Impact, and Passion. The model guides individuals to identify their skills and passion and how they can positively impact the world.
“Everyone can find purpose,” she insists. “It’s about connecting your talents and passions to make a difference.” Whether through professional roles, volunteer work, or personal initiatives, meaningful change starts with everyday actions.
Haski-Leventhal’s journey, from overcoming the constraints of a cult to driving social change through education and CSR, serves as a powerful reminder of her core message: no matter the circumstances, everyone has the potential to redefine their purpose and make a meaningful impact.
Debbie Haski-Leventhal’s Leadership Lessons:
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