Social Good Instigators Podcast

Latest Episodes:

SGI54: Sharing About What You Do with Adam Walker Nov 13, 2017

Show notes

Sharing about what we do is at the core of every endeavor. That's even more true for the nonprofit and social entrepreneurial space. In this episode, Adam Walker shares tips for sharing about what you do, as well as some things to think about as you develop your online presence. He's recently launched a podcast about nonprofit digital marketing, so if you're looking for more about that, be sure to visit sideways8.com to listen in. • The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: • Set Strict Boundaries to Keep from Feeling Swamped • Strategic Planning is a Key Opportunity for Small Nonprofits • Bold Visions Open Doors • Define and Share Your Bold Vision in 20 Seconds or Less • Think Big – and Take Time to Step Back Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.

SGI53: Consistent Growth and Changing Careers with Diane Nelson Oct 30, 2017

Show notes

Changing careers can be difficult for anyone. When you're a corporate, number-focused person transitioning to the nonprofit world it can probably go either way. For Diane Nelson and for VIPS, where she serves as executive director, it's been a perfect match. In this episode Diane shares a bit about the transition, as well as ways they increased their budget from $1.1 to about 2.6 million. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: • Leading a Nonprofit Requires Creativity, Flexibility and Strategic Thinking • Competitive Bids Can Save Thousands of Dollars • Don't Spend Money Before You Know Where It's Coming From • Analyze Where Funding is Coming From – and Where It Should be Coming From • Ask – and You Might Just Receive • Tell Stories About Individuals to Better Communicate Impact of Programs • Sometimes, Earned Income Opportunities Also Increase the Positive Impact of Your Programs • Seek Out Collaborations to Extend Impact (and Potentially Raise Funds) • Spending Time Agreeing on Expectations is Essential to Any Partnership • Don't create something, cure something. Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.

SGI52: Recruiting Board Members with Nathan Webster Oct 16, 2017

Show notes

For a nonprofit, having a high performing board is essential. Unfortunately, many nonprofits struggle with this issue. In this episode. Nathan Webster with Dream Big Community Center in Vancouver Washington shares about a board challenge, what he learned from it, and how he's approaching board members now. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: • Don't be Afraid to Start a Conversation with a Potential Donor • When Approaching Foundations, Do Your Research • When Recruiting Board Members, Make Sure You Clarify Expectations • Don't Invite Someone to Be a Board Member at the First Visit • Be Clear About Your Expectations of Board Members • Two Key Qualities for Board Members: Commitment and Connections • When in Doubt, Remember Why You're There Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.

SGI51: The New Economy with Godelieve Spaas Oct 03, 2017

Show notes

You may have noticed a shift that is happening among businesses and the nonprofit / NGO sector. Individuals, companies and organizations are becoming much more cognizant of their impact on the world. Our guest today, Godelieve Spaas, will be sharing some insights into this shift that she gained while working on a report entitled Research New Economy. That report is available on her website at creatingchange.nl

SGI50: Managing Change in an Unpredictable Environment with Jason Steinberg Sep 18, 2017

Show notes

Most of us work in environments that are in constant flux. It's a sign of our times right? In this episode, Jason Steinberg shares some stories – and advice – from the unpredictable environment of a refugee camp. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: • Tactics may change, but the goal remains the same • When working in a changing environment, you learn to roll with the punches • Sometimes Plan B works out better than Plan A • Listening is a core skill in relief work • Stay humble and stay focused Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.

SGI49: Creative Problem Solving (or Design Thinking) With Randy 'Salz' Salzman Sep 05, 2017

Show notes

Have you ever felt that your organization could achieve better results if they just faced problems differently? If so, this interview is for you. Randy Salzman shares some background about thinking through and addressing problems more comprehensively, or design thinking, and how to help your organization shift to that approach. He is a co-author of Design Thinking for the Greater Good: Innovation in the Social Sector, which covers this topic in more detail. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: • Design thinking is simply a problem-solving process • A wicked problem is most detected when you realize there is no single easy fix • Overcoming bureaucracy is often necessary to create change (even in the nonprofit sector) • Rethinking the need is often a good first step in determining the change that is needed • From a small struggling nonprofit to a regional instigator of social good • Start by bringing people together for a conversation • Work together better by valuing diversity in perspectives • Empower both instigators and analytics in problem solving by giving each their own (separate) turn • Look to other sectors to find analogies that can be applied to your challenge Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.

SGI48: Creating an Environment That Encourages Risk Taking With Dominique Callimanopulos Aug 22, 2017

Show notes

Travel sometimes sounds really glamorous, but the behind the scenes work can be crazy. In this interview, you'll hear from Dominique Callimanopulos who is giving back through her travel business. She'll be sharing about creating an environment that encourages risk taking and how building a network and being a thought leader can make your job easier. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are:

• Sometimes the best way to make an impact is to build on what you're already doing• When you're a thought leader, scaling a project or concept can go faster • Giving permission to fail will increase the number of your successes • Ways to give permission to fail • 'Failures' can be the on ramp for processes to operate more efficiently and effectively • It's possible to pick up new ideas from diverse sources Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.

SGI47: Impact, Community and Tech Partnerships with Scott Reichenbach Aug 08, 2017

Show notes

In this interview with Scott Reichenbach, we explore ways Cure Clubfoot has learned to extend their reach through various partnerships – with local professionals and affiliates as well as a partnership with RemitRadar, a payment processing company. While not a primary focus of the call, one things that really stands out for me in this interview was how sometimes the simple act of raising awareness can help eliminate negative stigmas. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: * Eliminate Stigma – and Improve Quality of Life – by Raising Awareness * Aligning with a Tech Company can be of Great Benefit to a Nonprofit * Common Goals Can Help Build Trust Quickly * Increase Impact by Utilizing Local Partnerships * Build Community – and Increase Impact – by Hosting Peer Learning Gatherings * Encourage Planning and Visioning by Building in Times for Introspection * Grow Stronger Quicker by Letting Local Partners Set the Pace * Slow and Steady Wins the Race Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.

SGI46: Partnerships that Bring Lasting Impact with Stacie Freeman Jul 18, 2017

Show notes

Partnerships are best developed when two (or more) people or entities realize they can make a bigger impact by working together. This partnership, between Bethel University and Bright Light Volunteers is one of those. Stacie Freeman, shares her perspective on what's gone well, as well as a couple of learning experiences.

Key points include:

Relationships Can Lead to Partnership Opportunities;
Volunteers Pay Their Own Way – and Contribute to Project Costs;
Avoiding Band-Aids and Striving for Lasting Impact;
More Than a Feel-Good Trip, It's About Building Understanding of Complex Issues;
The Importance of Learning to Let Go to Let it Grow;
Recognizing Complementary Strengths in Your Partners;
Universities Can Be a Source for Volunteers and Other Help;
Define Your Dreams – and Follow Them.

NLN45: Leadership Transitions as an Opportunity with Jennifer Aronson Jun 27, 2017

Show notes

Jennifer Aronson explores key issues from the Boston Foundation's recently published report, "Opportunity in Change." Key points include: • Leadership Changes are Happening Across Generations • Transition Times Can Be an Opportunity to Make Structural Changes • The Importance of Avoiding the Temptations of the Frankenstein Model of Nonprofits • Seeing Transition Times as an Opportunity to Address Diversity, Equity and Inclusion • Deciding to Make Time for Long-Term Thinking and Planning Jennifer Aronson leads key initiatives at The Boston Foundation to enhance the impact of the Massachusetts non-profit sector. Her portfolio includes capacity building, leadership development, structural innovation strategies, and programs for guarantee and non-guarantee organizations, collaborations, and networks. She's done a lot of work in this area and was a big part of a recent report that came out from the Boston Foundation called "Opportunity In Change." Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.

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