Partner Spotlight: Jilly Tyler, Talking Matters

We recently sat down with Jilly, to learn more about what drives and motivates her.

‍Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background

I was born into a family that wanted social justice and to create a society that was fair and equitable. My parents wanted my sister and I to have opportunities that were not available to them. They taught us to question authority and to advocate for others.

How did you get into the area of work you’re in?

I trained as a kindergarten teacher. This was a great starting point for my career, as it has provided me opportunities to work in many related fields. About 10 years ago I became concerned about poor early oral language outcomes and the impact it was having on the education, health and mental wellbeing of children.

Talking Matters mission is to improve quality life outcomes through rich early language.

We need children to have the language they need to do well in life. If feels urgent and important to me because young children today are contending with many challenges. Notably the divide between rich and poor and the growing challenges we face with climate change.

What motivates you to do what you do?

There is irrefutable evidence that investment in the early years has the greatest impact.

My entire career has focused on the early years. I am passionate about the welfare and wellbeing of our youngest citizens, and their caregivers, in society. This group is often undervalued and overlooked.

I would love to see everyone in Aotearoa care passionately about our youngest citizens.

‍What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I once heard a friend talking about her boss. She described her as someone who ‘left the ladder down in order to support others to achieve success in the workplace”. That spoke to me. I never had that experience, but I have set out to provide that experience for the people I encounter. It is fun when we are all striving together to improve without worrying about status.

Knowing what you know now, what is one thing you would do differently if you were to start again?

Identify and work with good people and stay away from those that promote themselves over others.

‍