How to Start and Run an Events Business with Claire Baines | The $100 MBA Show
Running a business is hard enough, but can you imagine running five businesses with charities at the same time?
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Claire Baines, CEO of Hands Across the Water, during a challenging but incredibly rewarding charity bike ride through Thailand.
Claire’s organization is doing amazing work to support children who have lost their parents, providing them with education, food, shelter, and a loving community.
In this extended interview with Claire, she shares the inspiring story of how Hands Across the Water was founded after the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, where they’ve grown to support hundreds of kids through a unique model that combines charitable donations with revenue-generating activities like launching tourism ventures and hosting gala events, all to ensure every donation directly benefits kids in need.
We also talk about how she balances heart with strategy, why telling the right story matters, and what keeps her grounded when the pressure is high. That’s the level Claire operates at.
If you’ve ever considered hosting events, giving back in a meaningful way, or building a charity and business that gives impact to the world, don’t miss this episode.
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the $100 MBA Show
00:32 Meet Claire Baines: CEO of Hands Across the Water
02:34 The Impact of Hands Across the Water
03:27 Joining the Charity Bike Ride
04:47 Running a Charity and Business Simultaneously
06:45 Funding and Operational Strategies
12:17 Building and Managing International Teams
14:55 Allocating Funds and Making an Impact
18:01 Balancing Charity and Business Initiatives
21:32 Branding and Raising Awareness
27:36 Corporate Relationships and Risks
28:37 Impact of Dedicated Charity Support
29:11 Structuring Partnerships and Sponsorships
33:07 Event Planning and Logistics
41:57 Balancing Work and Personal Life
48:58 Future Plans and Initiatives