18th February, 2024
We’re kicking off our first podcast episode this 2025 with an inspiring conversation that is honestly one of my favourites! It's rare that you meet someone so genuinely connected to their values that they're willing to lay it all on the line to live it - but that's exactly what (and who) you get with James Humpherson, the General Manager of Humanitix, the world's first not-for-profit ticketing platform. His journey is nothing short of remarkable—starting from a double degree in Economics and Commerce at the University of New South Wales to working in corporate finance, and then taking a completely different path to create real social impact.
From Corporate Finance to Global Impact
James had the typical makings of a corporate success story, but he quickly realised that being another cog in the economic machine wasn’t going to light him up. Inspired by his travels and firsthand experiences in low-income countries, he decided to dedicate his career to something bigger—ensuring ticketing fees could fund education programs for disadvantaged children.
Then when he came across Humanitix, he thought - "this is it!" - an amazing model that merges technology with social impact. As the world’s first not-for-profit ticketing platform, Humanitix reinvests all booking fees into education programs for disadvantaged children, turning what is usually a profit-driven industry into a force for good.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode to hear James’ incredible journey and how Humanitix is redefining ticketing for good.
Humanitix: A Ticketing Platform That Gives Back
Humanitix is a not-for-profit ticketing platform that reinvests 100% of its profits into education programs for disadvantaged children. Unlike traditional ticketing services that channel booking fees into corporate profits, Humanitix directs these funds toward scholarships, literacy programs, and other initiatives aimed at creating lasting social impact.
"We’re solving a pain point in the industry—people hate paying ticket fees. If we can provide a better product at a better price, and those fees go toward something good, then that’s the best model we could come up with."
Through Humanitix partners with organizations that focus on education, particularly for marginalised communities. Their programs include:
Indigenous Education Scholarships – Supporting students in regional Australia to access high-quality schooling and vocational pathways.
Girls’ Education Initiatives – Funding programs in Nepal, India, and Africa to provide education opportunities for young women in disadvantaged communities.
Philanthropic Giving Models – Exploring the most effective ways to create long-term social impact through strategic funding.
Effective Altruism & The Life You Can Save – Supporting research-driven, high-impact charitable initiatives based on Peter Singer’s work on effective giving.
How Travel and Experience Shaped His Path
James’ story and his early trips to Southeast Asia and later backpacking adventures in South America exposed him to a stark contrast: people with very little were often happier than those chasing wealth in corporate settings. This insight fueled his desire to create something that was both financially sustainable and socially impactful.
One of his most transformative experiences was working in microfinance in the Philippines. This program provided small loans to help people start businesses, lifting entire communities out of poverty. These experiences solidified James’ belief that financial resources, when used strategically, can change lives.
Key Takeaways
James’ journey highlights the power of aligning work with purpose. His story is proof that careers don’t have to be just about profit—they can be about impact. Through Humanitix, he’s showing how business models can be reimagined to fund education and drive social change.
Since 2016, Humanitix has contributed over $16.5 million to educational initiatives, with $10 million donated just last year alone. By choosing Humanitix, event organizers can turn something as simple as ticket fees into opportunities for children worldwide.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode to hear James’ incredible journey and how Humanitix is redefining ticketing for good.
OR...
Visit Humanitix.com to learn more or start using the platform for your events.
WE HAVE SOME VERY EXCITING RESOURCES UNDER DEVELOPMENT
BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU'RE THE FIRST TO HEAR WHEN THEY DROP!
Comments