Aspire Hosting their First Virtual Social Enterprise Award Ceremony | with Susan Post
Sep 29, 2020
Show notes
Susan Post introduced Aspire, the Columbus-cultivated award ceremony honoring social entrepreneurs. The annual award show began in 2013, and continues to celebrate social enterprise in Columbus today. Similar to many events in 2020, Aspire will be held virtually. Now the event has a larger capacity for more people to share this celebratory experience sponsored by Social Ventures.
Three awards exist, which include Social Enterprise of the Year, Emerging Social Enterprise of the Year, and Nonprofit Sustainability. To give context to the awards, Susan gave examples of previous winners which included Freedom A La Cart, Honest Jobs, and Clean Turn. For this year, the award show has two awards: Social Enterprise of the Year award and the new Social Enterprise Coronavirus Pivot. Susan explained the importance of paying attention to recognizing the “social enterprises that were faced with huge challenges in their operational models because of the situation and found really great ways to pivot and find new ways to serve the community and carry out their mission.”
Aspire establishes recognition, and provides a platform for social enterprises to tell their stories. Susan personally feels the value of awareness around social enterprise. People should see the link of engaging with social good initiatives to the impact born from the participation. The power of impact at scale becomes a more tangible topic to the general public.
In this year’s awards, the public will be able to feel more acquainted with the award nominees. Susan shared her delight about the one-on-one interviews Aspire had with finalists. Unlike previous years, the interviews are a way to hear directly from the nominees. Susan suggested anyone in the general public can start by browsing listings from Social Ventures. She encourage everyone to actively discover social enterprises, whether local or non-local.
From my experience, one thing I observed is that people in Columbus are supportive of each other. Spaces built for opening doors and connecting names with faces are at the core of the organic web of genuine effort in Columbus. Speaking of Columbus, we dived into Susan’s origin story. As of now, Susan worked with Metroprenuer for over seven years, but of course there is a journey prior to joining the initiative. She grew up in Ohio, and attended Ohio State University (OSU). Susan briefly explained how she ended up in her career path.
Circling back to the awards, Susan informed everyone that tickets are a give-what-you-want donation this year. If you donate more than $15, you’ll be eligible to win a social impact box from Social Ventures.
Susan further expressed interactions she had in Ohio. She explained her thoughts on writing articles to convey the excitement companies have around their impact and missions. Susan speaks on the future complications Columbus could face, including evictions. The issues began before the evictions.l, and we dove into the topics layering social issues in Columbus. We had the type of conversation where you need more time.
Cuddles Foundation Brings Nutrition to Kids with Cancer | with Purnota Bahl
Sep 25, 2020
Show notes
Purnota Dutta Bahl of Cuddles Foundation provides nutrition to children undergoing cancer treatment. Being based in India, Purnota explained the barriers of cancer treatment for children within the country. Malnourishment is one of those barriers slimming the odds of proper treatment. Malnourished children can experience disruptive side effects during chemotherapy, and drop out of treatment. The organization believes “every child deserves a chance at cure”, and is determined to protect the probability of recovery.
Cuddles Foundation does not focus solely on giving food to children. Purnota explained the initiative educated parents/ guardians, wrote nutrition prescriptions, sent nutritional baskets worth one month of nutrition, and educated nutritionists across the country in the science of pediatric oncology nutrition. Everything is done to ensure a better condition for undergoing cancer treatment.
From the start, the initiative was intentional in purpose, and “let’s see how this goes” in actions. She has an instinct of treating the initiative like a startup. For example, Purnota recounted how she found herself at an opportunity with only ten days to register proper paperwork for Cuddles Foundation. The social enterprise benefited from her tendency to not waste a chance, and her skill of recognizing when to “push the panel harder”.
As the organization developed, there was a need to create awareness around the specific cause of the initiative. In this case, the cause is “how important nutrition is in cancer treatment”. Rallying support produced a challenge at times, but Purnota made a point of succinct advocacy and meeting the right people at the right time. Following this lesson came a lesson many social enterprises face, which is forming a qualified team.
Purnota expressed the gap between not having funds to pay the same rates corporations offer and a hiring qualified, cutting edge team. Her solution was to build a small core team. The core team of qualified individuals led to high performance and exponential results. Of course, we imagine this outcome not developing linearly, but unfolding ultimately. She summed up the key combination of securing a strong core team that has better potential to scale:
“… bring the people in, then you make sure that they feel fulfilled, that the work is such good quality, that they themselves will bring in money and they themselves will bring in people.”
— Purnota Bahl
Purnota dug further into this topic on which individuals to engage if you want to produce these kinds of cooperative relationships. Most of the interaction is helping people know that they have a stake in the action, empowerment, and value.
Cuddles Foundation approaches their operations by providing value from multiple sides and embraces mindset shifts. Purnota explained the future projects and goals the Cuddles Foundation is pursuing, including technology. She then explained past mindsets, even mentioning the beneficial e-commerce habit the Cuddles Foundation adopted. The organization is showing everyone how nutrition is an undeniable root cause in health treatment and needs an all-around approach.
Columbus Works is Breaking Generational Poverty with Employment Retention Coaching
Aug 31, 2020
Show notes
Beth Gifford, President & CEO of Columbus Works, described the initiative perfectly, saying Columbus Works is a “nonprofit organization providing job readiness training and longterm wraparound support for any individual in central Ohio who desires to move out of poverty through full-time employment.” During COVID-19, assistance in employment matters is extremely relevant. Beth explained the pivoting challenges and adapting to the new atmosphere once stay-at-home orders began. For example, their coaching switching from physical locations to virtual sessions unknowingly led to other issues being exposed. A major one being their members did not have access to WiFi or access to a stable learning environment.
Each new pivot became a defining moment to the decisions faced. Beth expressed the scenarios of chronically unemployed members, parent members with children, and the tough decisions where Columbus Works tried to provide guidance. People who make progress to come out of poverty are the most fragile and are understandably hit the hardest. It may take years to regain the momentum lost to the turmoil of the pandemic.
According to plans by Columbus Works, it takes three to five years to earn your way out of poverty. After that, it takes an additional five to seven years to learn how to stay out of poverty. Beth emphasized their approach being reasonably predictable in how they walk alongside their members to achieve life improvements. We explore these different stages in the podcast, from the beginning with the very first steps of engaging with Columbus Works.
Work through the initiative transforms the lives of members. Beth told a particular story of a man who went from living in a shelter owning a three-bedroom ranch in the course of a year. Not only did his life change, but the lives of the people he is connected to. The man was able to move his mother into his home and is able to take care of child support. At the time of the episode, the man is saving for a car, and Beth pointed out one threshold Columbus Works aims to have their members reach:
“You want to be able to get to a place where you can choose.”
— Beth Gifford
She expanded on this thought using the car scenario. The financial ability to choose how and what to pursue gives a different sense of freedom.
Another heavy area of impact within Columbus Works related to members learning through their trauma. For Beth, there came a realization that not being able to sustain employment could be connected to the fight or flight instinct of trauma. She delved into patterns she identified with Columbus Works members and their significance.
Beth wrapped the conversation through an explanation of what it takes to be part of Columbus Works. She explained the main characteristics for roles, such as a member or a partnering employer, that are necessary for a thriving Columbus Works journey.
Urban Accelerator X Creates A Better Business Map by Expanding the Horizons
Aug 17, 2020
Show notes
George “Ski” Zarebski and Lolo Smith of Urban Accelerator X came to help everyone get on track around building up entrepreneurship. Urban Accelerator X works as an urban entrepreneur support organization much like their name would suggest. Usually, the initiative interacts with smaller businesses that are 5 years or younger in their business journey. The duo points out that they work with all levels of business, but the level closer to the ideation stage of business is where they currently have the most organic connection. To increase impact, they honor support for poc-owned and women-owned businesses against added barriers these entrepreneurs face. They also deliberately made their entrepreneur center accessible to the inner city. Clearly, Urban Accelerator X is adamant about supporting and expanding horizons of people growing through entrepreneurship.
Ski and LoLo explain the three huge barriers in business: management, money, and markets. Lolo specifically addressed the additional factors of emotional trauma and generational curses. Barriers with lingering effects tend to create a gap that widens over time. These are barriers that we seem to address on the surface, only to realize there is more depth needing discussion. Ski and Lolo touched on the limits seen in these lingering barriers, such as difficulty in building wealth.
A step toward minimizing these lingering barriers is to combat them from the beginning. One way is to focus on expanding the level of exposure to the possibilities of life. Ski gave an excellent analogy using an age-old question:
“When you’re a kid, you almost inevitably get the question: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ It’s a horrible question because the only possible answers you can give are things that you’ve been exposed to. That’s exactly what we’re talking about here. We’re talking about a group of people that have not had the same level of exposure as another group of people, and so what we’re trying to do is broaden that awareness, broaden that exposure.” – Ski
Feeding off this topic, we started sharing our own experiences of broadening our horizons. At times the shift was on purpose, and other times it was through shock. Each person is raised in different environments, and there comes a day when you realize what is the “normal” basic to you is not the same for everyone else. In a great illustration of this point, Lolo shared a personal college preparation experience that switched the entire perspective around family expectation and finance.
We dive more into real life stories of entrepreneurs overcoming limiting beliefs and the value of changing the lens we perceive the business world through. Both Ski and Lolo have accounts on touching stories they witnessed develop as entrepreneurs found their place. Luckily, Urban Accelerator X is continuing their work of helping entrepreneurs find their place. Ski and Lolo announce exciting news about upcoming work that will further entrepreneurs in their business journeys.
Jennifer Sconyers Uncovers the Real Work Behind Diversity and Inclusion
Aug 10, 2020
Show notes
Jennifer Sconyers came to discuss her extensive work in diversity and inclusion, alongside commentary on what lessons she learned. Being the president and founder of Abundance Leadership Consulting, Jennifer continuously worked with numerous companies and observed a lack of diverse talent. Absence of diversity only intensified as the conditions did not allow diverse backgrounds to thrive and be successful. For diversity and inclusion, companies and organizations will benefit from viewing their environment from all sides.
Examining both the internal and external relationships of a company reveal culture being upheld in the operations. Jennifer touched on what it looks like for a company where diversity has no longevity and added that the external affairs are important. The relationships with customers, clients, or any part of the external operation can also hold clues to how a company is choosing to interact with diversity. She explained how this can be experienced on different levels of a company, and the significance of tradition. A company that opened 100 years ago is more likely to have a set culture and be part of a larger system, which could make the issues of diversity a more tangled topic than a company first expects. Anything you change must be changed at the root, but reaching the root is not always easy.
A portion of the work is discovering what it means to be anti-racist. Uncovering the systems constructing racism give space for individuals to dismantle, and create something new. Jennifer emphasizes this work is not to be done as a badge of honor, but to “fundamentally” change people’s outcomes for the better. The work is a long term commitment.
At times the work appears in direct relationships, such as connections between co-workers or between relatives. Jennifer spoke on ways to approach the task of difficult discussion with relatives. We then switched into discussing relationships as building professional partnerships. I mentioned to Jennifer ways GiveBackHack is encouraging a more diverse environment. She took this moment to bring attention to the need for both sides to receive value. She expressed that people are willing to recruit for “diversity” as a metric. There needs to be value for the company, and for the individuals, the company is recruiting.
“If you’re doing it because you need to increase diversity numbers, I would say rethink that. Cause there’s gotta be something in it for both of you.”
–Jennifer Sconyers
Jennifer explained how diversity is not only race but thought and experience. Diversity work is around including diverse backgrounds and making the environment welcoming. Involvement in the work is the follow up to actually acknowledging the work needs to be done. Jennifer gave a creative example on how oppressive structural systems are like a default wallpaper, which really speaks to the proactive nature and awareness we need. Recognizing the first steps in diversity and inclusion helps us find workable, impact-filled solutions in how we move forward.
DC Design Involves the Community to Solve the Right Problem
Jul 28, 2020
Show notes
Durell Coleman speaks on DC Design’s work as a social impact strategy and design consulting firm. The firm works on the pressing issues such as the criminal justice system, healthcare, foster care, and education. Through their efforts, DC Design helps organizations nurture relationships with their communities in addition to developing strong strategies and resources. In the end, the firm provides an overall structure to empower the organization and the community.
“Our work is powered by the belief that in order to truly create the type of change the communities need, you need to be in community with those communities. You need to be working hand in hand with the people that you want to benefit.”
— Durell Coleman
Durell discussed DC Design’s multi-stakeholder human-centred design, starting with an example of work done on criminal justice in Santa Clara. The multi-stakeholder approach searches for the different narratives taking place within one scenario. For Santa Clara, Durell explained the choice to speak with people who worked with incarcerated individuals, people who had been incarcerated, mentors of incarcerated individuals, family members of incarcerated individuals, and victims of crime. DC Design’s process goes even further as the firm sat down with power roles, such as the sheriff and public defender, to include those narratives. All of the experiences are gathered to work towards a solution.
Collaborative effort plays a huge role in the vision towards a better solution in DC Design’s playbook. Letting the community take the lead, the firm focuses on listening. Durell expressed thoughts behind the importance of listening deeply to people in direct contact with the issues. We continued our discussion into the topic of longevity coming to the most fitting solution. The goal is to find a solution that will still have a positive impact years later. Identifying the different needs surrounding the issue, and discovering the overlap, provides a way to create such a solution.
“I think you need to make sure that you define the problem correctly to make sure that what you create actually solves the right problem.”
— Durell Coleman
Beyond helping organizations and governments, the firm opened DC Design University for people set on creating social impact. Courses explore topics that reach into overall achievement. DC Design is currently launching a self-paced course, Design Thinking Fundamentals for Social Change, giving the fundamentals of community change while using real stories of pivotal community initiatives.
We then discussed the untapped potential high schoolers have in our world. The podcast discussed this a while back, but to summarize, there is a sort of natural innovation in the limitless mind of youth. Durell shared his own story of this realization, bringing a new depth to why empowering youth is insanely beneficial. Durell then reminisced on major moments and questions that pushed his journey leading up to DC Design. He expressed his commitment to continuing the work changing communities and systems.
Also – they extended the discount of their innovative DC Design University program through August 3rd – check it out!
Omar Elhagmusa and Paul Bryson Answer the Question “Why Choose Non-Profit?”
Jul 03, 2020
Show notes
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with past guest Omar Elhagmusa and bringing in new guest Paul Bryson. Omar was a past guest when I spoke with his non-profit lending company Illinois Facilities Fund (IFF). Paul is working for the Legal Aid Society (LAS) as a non-profit lawyer. We dive into the benefits of incorporating as a non-profit, and navigate a conversation of whether to start as an LLC or non-profit. Quite often we hear the benefits of starting an LLC, so these two guests together help fill out the story on the other side.
Omar explained his work with the largest Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in the Midwest. He gave more information on similar community finance institutions, such as micro lenders. Paul followed up with his perspective on the strong points and barriers of each side. Paul mainly expressed the initial goal is simply to determine capacity and what ways to move forward.
Our conversation evolved into something like a brief consultation. We discussed the impact of timely advice on the operation of initiatives, whether for-profit or non-profit. Business models play an incredible role in sustaining and developing community initiatives. Soon we discussed our takes on business model examples in the social good space, such as Foundry. Paul provides his expertise in carefully explaining L3C (low-profit limited liability company), which is the closest to a cross-over of for-profit and non-profit. He described the common approaches of what a social entrepreneur might experience; speaking from both a bank’s perspective and the community perspective.
“I think the final thing is sometimes people go ‘Well, if I’m a nonprofit, then I can’t earn money’. That’s a huge myth that I think we’re going to dispel as we go forward. ‘Nonprofit’ doesn’t mean you can’t earn money.”
— – Paul Bryson
We dug a little further into nonprofit operations, such as relations with the IRS or choosing a board of directors. Omar suggested an untapped source for finding board members, and discussed the benefits of incorporating board culture into social enterprises. Keeping social good at the forefront becomes key.
“The temptation of doing the easy, fast thing at the beginning may not translate to helping you achieve your mission, which is why you start a social enterprise in the first place; because you believe in the mission and you’re trying to find a way to unlock capitalism in order to achieve that social good.”
— Omar Elhagmusa
In a full circle moment, I asked for a verdict on switching from an LLC to a nonprofit. Suggestions on how you transition were given, but overall, switching is not to be done casually. During our conversation we also discussed topics like subsidies and common myths around non-profits, alongside examples to properly illustrate which social entrepreneur interactions to expect.
If you would like to learn more you can check out the IFF official site or the LAS official site to find more information.
Marvetta Rutherford Shows People How Empowerment Can Come From Learning More About Society’s Systems
Jun 25, 2020
Show notes
Marvetta Rutherford discussed with us her take on transportation, food access, ownership, and empowering people. Marvetta gave her observations on the evolution of her hometown, Cleveland, Ohio. Her life experience spans enough eras to remember the Hough riots and Glenville riots during the sixties.
Through the eyes of a “lifelong Clevelander”, she talked about noticing change in her community, like the small businesses she once knew being replaced. Her journey in life also allowed her to recognize the differences of the East side and West side of her town.
Access to transportation is a vital part in life security, such as commuting to work or going out for groceries. Vulnerable neighborhoods can face unexpected challenges with a change in access; such as changing bus routes away from vulnerable neighborhoods.
Disparity in the town is being fueled by a system failing the people of the town. Marvetta spoke on the combination of lacking knowledge and contradictions that plague numerous systems across America. She mentioned a great example of prison labor being extensively used, including to combat fires that break out in California. Despite the hands-on experience, having a felony record will stop formerly incarcerated individuals from securing a firefighter position after their prison release. Following this tone, Marvetta also described phenomena of people working for years within the same company or completing college education to end up underpaid, or at a minimum wage job.
Marvetta made a strong point of giving people the opportunity to learn skills, and that not everyone needs the same skills. Instead, she said to “… at least live your purpose and do it with enthusiasm and empower other people to do that too.” Showing people how to care for themselves is a huge part of Marvetta’s work. She goes through each day excited about who she can help next. In her work, she helps educate people on living, in hopes of people having a better quality of life.
“It’s all about freeing up money, showing you how to save money and showing you how to look at it from the lens of a business owner.”
— Marvetta Rutherford
Marvetta spoke with her heart on the instances Americans live through while trying to attain some form of the American Dream. She expressed her take on what is given to communities, what is sold to communities, and how communities respond. From financial freedom, to culture, to food tendencies, she shared her observations without being afraid to express and dissect the situations ongoing in community.
Our conversation eventually came to an important change-making vehicle: voting. Marvetta emphasized the direct impact any decision local elections will have on a community. People undervalue local elections at times, not understanding how each vote counts. She even has behind-the-scenes experience; recalling one mayoral election with a 20 vote difference for the winner. Marvetta encourages everyone to really take accountability of their voting rights and community.
If you would like to learn more, you can check out Marvetta on Instagram to keep up with her latest activities.
SocialVentures’ Allen Proctor is Connecting the Ecosystem of Social Impact
Jun 19, 2020
Show notes
Allen Proctor from SocialVentures balances optimism with an extremely realistic outlook on the development of social enterprises and community relations. He builds the ecosystem of social entrepreneurship. We talked through what is working well for social entrepreneurs and what they need to know.
Starting off strong, his first two points revolved around what some of the best social enterprises are doing right now. One part is social media, and the other relates to business models. Lingering on the topic of business models, Allen gave his take on a gap in business awareness within social enterprise.
Many people start from a similar viewpoint of the business world, but it is a viewpoint of tattered pieces. Allen explained the scenarios often found in the aftermath. Being aware of your business model and having a sustainable plan becomes crucial in longevity and scaling impact. While speaking through the decisions social enterprises should be aware of, he managed to bring our attention back to an old saying, “Hope for the best. Plan for the worst.” Soon after, he reassures that there are social enterprises doing well, but realistically points out where improvements could be made.
Along with laying out the business model, there are times of pivoting and boundaries. In business, you’ll make decisions about where and what to change, including when letting go to make more room for change. Concerning boundaries, Allen gave an excellent example using catering. He explained that if the business is equipped to order 10 to 25 lunch boxes, they shouldn’t agree to every delivery request significantly beyond that range. A fluctuating expectation is understandably unsustainable.
Our discussion shifted to the contrasting relation of funds available compared to impact on communities. Smaller companies more tied to the community are receiving less funding than larger corporations that have no focus on helping communities. In housing, for example, Allen shared his opinion on what’s been happening in opportunity zones around Columbus, and how it is not transformational for the communities.
Speaking of transformation, Allen has a strong take on entrepreneurship being the start to community wealth, and it’s not the take you may think. He shared observations and conversations on what actually occurs when trying to build wealth in community. One dilemma centers on placement and market exposure for the entrepreneurs. Chances are not in favor of the business owners, and lead to an opposite effect if business does not go well.
We also had a chance to discuss Allen’s work in initiatives, such as Impact Boxes. This particular venture is driven in response to the pandemic. Impact Boxes lessens the burden of delivery management small businesses suddenly faced amidst the pandemic. Allen talked about pivoting while staying connected with social impact and listening to the community. Fittingly, Allen then expressed the mission behind work with SocialVentures:
“SocialVentures’ mission is to empower mission-driven businesses to eliminate the social and economic divide in our community.”
Social Impact Business Coach Trudi Lebron Discovered Power in Changing Narratives
May 21, 2020
Show notes
Trudi Lebron is a business coach for social impact-driven entrepreneurs. She also works as a diversity equity and inclusion strategist.
She reflects on how she first began her venture into the coaching space. Trudi said school loan payment helped fuel her natural side hustle tendency. She briefly describes what gave the first push of momentum behind her coaching. As one learning point, she notes: “Swim towards the people who are swimming towards you.”
From there, it’s all about taking small steps. Interestingly, for Trudi, small steps are more about the questions. She’ll ask herself “How can I replace my electric bill?” rather than only saying “I’m going to save money.” Trudi is specific in finding a bare minimum to move her progress forward.
Among the ways she concentrated her dedication, Trudi invested in her progress by hiring a coach. A professional coach was a huge investment at the time; “… it was more than my car payment” Trudi recalls.
While in the coaching program, Trudi needed to unpack lingering narratives about the nonprofit sector with money. She gave an example of where the narrative is birthed from and said nonprofits can attest to this honest scenario. After acknowledging the narrative, Trudi explains what brought her to realize that money can function differently.
Deeper than the money narrative, Trudi commented on efficiency needing to be a larger focus for nonprofits. Many nonprofits, if they were to calculate their efforts, have a negatively disproportionate amount of money compared to the hours and services they provide. Her first suggestion towards improving efficiency is developing protocols. She explained that the protocols should hone the process, not necessarily the humans performing the process.
“I tell people that they shouldn’t be managing people. They should be managing outcomes, and if they stop managing people and start managing outcomes, you actually get to your outcomes way faster.”
– Trudi Lebron
Building a framework benefits the company’s ability to naturally thrive. Trudi expressed how nonprofits and for-profits can exchange knowledge to better their operations. How companies organize their operations don’t always match their values. Trudi discussed her approach to addressing disconnect by having her clients realize their own behavior in comparison to their values.
OPPORTUNITY became the topic of discussion once Trudi talked more on the differences behind access and what people are exposed to while in their own surroundings. She did not let the lack of anything disrupt her from starting her ventures. Trudi navigated her space with questioning, seeking where she could find the resources. Through this, she goes back to discussing coaching, and also the importance of collaboration.
During the end of our conversation, Trudi really expressed how her passion for coaching is linked with diversity and inclusion. Trudi’s passion is the driving force behind her ventures, which continues through work such as coaching, Script Flip, and her new podcast, Business Remixed – a different kind of business podcast around social impact.
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