Michael Traill grew up in the mining town of Morwell, in country Victoria. With a state-school education, and a strong sense of engagement with the local community, he developed an awareness of disadvantage and deprivation in the town. The opporunity to study at one of the most respected universities in Australia as well as the Harvard Business School led to a highly paid and successful career at Macquarie Bank, often called the millionaire's factory.  Michael spent 15 years in merchant banking and was a co-founder and Executive Director of Macquarie Group’s private equity arm, Macquarie Direct Investment. However in 2002 he decided to 'jump ship' and joined Social Ventures Australia as founding CEO, reshaping the Australian philanthropy and not-for-profit landscape. In partnership with other not-for-profit organisations, Michael was one of the architects behind the establishment of Goodstart Childcare chain, created out of the ashes of ABC Learning, and now one of the largest social enterprise organisations in the world. Michael is currently Chair of Goodstart Childcare Ltd, Chairman of the Opera Australia Capital Fund, Assetic Pty Ltd, and a Director of M H Carnegie & Co.