Secrets of Social Impact Communicators: A Silver Maple Strategies Podcast with Nate Birt

It's been a tough year for many nonprofits. Yet here you are! Still standing, still serving, and still dreaming about a brighter future. In this special end-of-year solo episode, Nate Birt, founder of Silver Maple Strategies, guides nonprofit leaders through a reflective, energizing reset for 2026. This is not your average strategy podcast. It's a hands-on series of guided journaling prompts you can use to evaluate where you've grown, what you've overcome, and where your organization is headed next. You'll also learn about some key trends affecting nonprofit giving, donor behavior, and funding diversification. Keep an eye on these factors in 2026 and beyond so you can creatively grow your revenue and deliver even greater impact in the New Year. This episode is for you if you: Want to hit pause, take a breath, and reflect before jumping into planning mode Crave more alignment and greater morale across your team and board Need practical ideas for adapting to donor trends and funding volatility Want a clear framework to set meaningful, motivating goals for 2026 You'll Walk Away With: 10 powerful journaling prompts to use with your board, team, or just for yourself A resilience framework you can apply to any season of uncertainty Emerging trends in donor behavior, DAFs, and general operating support A renewed sense of purpose for the year ahead Bonus: Hear Nate's personal Word of the Year and find out why this practice can be a great way to unlock sustained inspiration to fuel your next chapter. Then, choose your own personal Word of the Year. Take the Next Step: Share your feedback on this episode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ View and register for future webinars: www.silvermaplestrategies.com/webinars Get Nate's newsletter: www.silvermaplestrategies.com/newsletter Book Nate to speak or facilitate a strategy session with your nonprofit or association: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/speaking-engagements Connect with Nate: 🌐 SilverMapleStrategies.com 📧 nate@silvermaplestrategies.com 💼 Connect on LinkedIn Special Thanks Big thanks to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode, and to Audrey for helping bring these ideas to life through thoughtful design and marketing. I'm grateful for your partnership!

How do you lead transformative change in a complex, fast-moving world without losing your sense of purpose? In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, host Nate Birt talks with Sheila Voss, Senior Vice President of Communications at the Good Food Institute, about what it takes to lead mission-driven work with courage, clarity, and heart. Sheila's career spans environmental education, biodiversity, and global nonprofit leadership. Although her current work focuses on protein innovation and reimagining the food system, her insights apply to any nonprofit leader navigating systems change and seeking to make a meaningful impact. In this conversation, you'll hear: A powerful mindset shift for reducing polarization in public-facing work Practical strategies for communicating complex ideas with clarity and compassion How to lead through uncertainty while building long-term partnerships Why regional collaboration and cross-sector engagement matter more than ever A fresh take on sustaining your energy and motivation in purpose-driven work Whether you work in health, education, environment, or human services, Sheila offers timely wisdom on how to connect your mission to what people care about most. Resources Mentioned Learn more about the Good Food Institute: gfi.org Recommended reading: Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie Follow food systems strategist Jack Bobo More from Nate Subscribe to the free newsletter: Secrets of Social Impact Communicators Take the free <2-minute Nonprofit Resilience Quiz  Book Nate as a speaker or facilitator for your next event Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode and to Audrey Anderson for podcast publishing support! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate & review the show to help us grow!

How do you stay true to your mission and pay the bills? How do you engage your community and challenge them to think differently? And how do you do all that without burning out? In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, I'm joined by Sara Dean, Artistic Director at The Pear Theatre in Silicon Valley, CA, and a board member of Theatre Bay Area. Sara brings an incredible mix of creative courage, business pragmatism, and heart-centred leadership to nonprofit work, offering takeaways for anyone navigating mission-driven challenges. We talk about: Navigating the tension between program impact and financial sustainability Leading through complexity in one of the most expensive regions in the U.S. Rethinking traditional nonprofit models to serve evolving audiences and communities How storytelling, inclusivity, and data work together to inform programming decisions The reality of nonprofit burnout and how Sara holds space for balance and joy You'll walk away inspired by Sara's leadership journey and equipped with real-world lessons on balancing stakeholder needs, delivering impactful work, and sustaining your own energy and vision as a nonprofit leader. Plus: Sara shares strategies for achieving representation in casting, insights on the process of reimagining classics such as Henry V, and best practices for listening deeply to audiences to shape future programming. Looking for a human-centered and ethical way to use artificial intelligence tools in your nonprofit? Email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com and I'll share a free action guide + access to a ChatGPT tool we've built just for you, packed with ready-to-use prompts for grants, donor appeals, project planning, and more. Connect + Learn More Visit The Pear Theatre website: https://www.thepear.org/ Visit Silver Maple Strategies' website: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/ Follow Silver Maple Strategies on LinkedIn and Facebook! Hosted by Nate Birt, founder of Silver Maple Strategies Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode and to Audrey Anderson for podcast publishing support! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate & review the show to help us grow!

Artificial intelligence is evolving fast, but today's expert guest tells us AI is also entering a new phase of stability, making now the ideal time for nonprofit leaders to get comfortable and curious with this technology. In this week's episode, I chat with Aram Fischer, co-founder and CEO of Change Agent AI, an alternative to tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Change Agent AI is purpose-built from the ground up for nonprofits, advocacy groups, and social impact professionals. We talk about what makes Change Agent AI different: from stronger privacy and anti-bias safeguards to a smaller environmental footprint. And Aram shares how his documentary filmmaking and political communications background informs a tool that supports mission-driven teams rather than replacing them. You'll learn: Why nonprofit leaders should not view AI tools as static or a one-size-fits-all solution The importance of values alignment in choosing tech tools How Change Agent AI is designed for the real-world needs of fundraising, communications, reporting, and multistakeholder collaboration Why the recent slowdown in AI innovation is actually good news for social sector adoption What AI trends to watch (and avoid) in 2026 and beyond We also discuss the tension many social impact leaders feel around AI, especially around data privacy, bias, and environmental impact, and how Change Agent AI is intentionally tackling these head on. If you've been unsure about how AI fits into your mission-driven work, this episode will give you a values-aligned path forward and some powerful new ideas to scale your team's capacity without sacrificing your impact. Resources & Links Try Change Agent AI or learn more: thechange.ai Connect with Aram Fischer on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aramfisher Email Aram: aram@thechange.ai More from Nate Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89566490 Thanks To 🎧 Lee Williams, for producing this episode 🗣 Audrey Anderson, for making sure it reaches the right people 💛 And to you—for the impact you're making in your community

Episode Summary: In this teaching episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, host Nate Birt, founder of Silver Maple Strategies, coaches nonprofit leaders navigating an increasingly uncertain economy. What can you as a nonprofit leader do to navigate volatility and come out ahead? A lot, actually! Here are five practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately whether you're up against government shutdowns, mixed economic signals, or donor unpredictability. And you can take these actions without burning out or losing your mission-driven focus. Whether you're in survival mode or looking to build new momentum during choppy economic waters, this episode will offer you both clarity and encouragement for leadership in challenging times. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The five essential actions every nonprofit leader should prioritize during economic uncertainty How to apply the "four walls" budgeting principle from personal finance to your organization Why preserving current relationships is often more valuable than chasing new ones How to differentiate between a cost and an investment in your budget The underestimated power of saying no and practicing deep focus How creativity can serve as a survival tool Tools & Resources Mentioned: Silver Maple Strategies Capacity Pricing Calculator: Get a transparent quote for nonprofit support spanning fundraising, communications and marketing, and artificial intelligence-forward operations in under 3 minutes: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/pricing-calculator Book Recommendations: Essentialism by Greg McKeown and Deep Work by Cal Newport ⭐️ Enjoyed this Episode? Please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more nonprofit leaders like you discover strategies for navigating uncertainty with confidence and clarity. Thank you! As always, special thanks to Lee Williams for producing the podcast and to Audrey Anderson for her marketing excellence in reaching the nonprofit leaders who can benefit from it.

How do you lead a nonprofit with clarity, morale, and flexibility when the world around you is rapidly changing? In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, Nate Birt sits down with Beverly Coberly, CEO of Extension Foundation, for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on what it means to lead through complexity without losing your values, your vision, or your team's energy. Bev brings deep insight from her decades-long career in the U.S. Cooperative Extension System. She shares insights about nonprofit leadership from her days growing up on a Missouri dairy farm to leading a national nonprofit that partners with land-grant universities, federal agencies, and local communities. You'll hear about her personal mission, her take on what makes collaboration effective, and her call for the next iteration of nonprofit leadership models. Whether you're leading a local nonprofit, overseeing a national initiative, or operating from somewhere in between, this episode will give you renewed energy and practical tools for staying resilient, no matter how winding the path to your horizon might be. In this episode, you'll learn: Why having a point on the horizon matters more than having a perfect strategic plan What Extension Foundation is doing to embrace change and lead with flexibility How to balance visibility, impact, and humility in community-based work Why data isn't enough and what's needed to tell your story effectively Bev's take on artificial intelligence (AI), the value of critical thinking skills, and the future of cultivating trust with evidence-based insights How nature, pets, and faith can keep you grounded in the ups and downs of mission-driven work One of our favorite quotes from Bev: "The path to the horizon isn't straight... But if you stay focused on where you're going, you'll find the flexibility to get there, even if the road bends." Resources & Links: Learn more about Extension Foundation Take the Nonprofit Resilience Quiz Sign up for the Secrets of Social Impact Communicators newsletter Thanks to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode!

Episode Summary In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, host Nate Birt speaks with Mike Servello, Founder and CEO of Compassion Coalition, Inc. Mike shares how his nonprofit has grown from a providential beginning in Utica, New York, into a model for feeding millions of people without taking on debt or relying on ongoing government funding. You'll hear how a donated warehouse and early support from Walmart launched an innovative system of community grocery stores that transformed entire neighborhoods once labeled as "food deserts." Mike also unpacks why restoring dignity matters just as much as providing food, how bipartisan collaboration is possible when people unite around shared values, and why entrepreneurial approaches can radically reduce waste and increase access to nutritious food. This wide-ranging conversation is full of inspiration and practical lessons: from working with policymakers across the aisle, to empowering neighbors to help neighbors, to envisioning what it would look like if Compassion Coalition's model were replicated across the United States. If you're a nonprofit leader, a social entrepreneur, or simply passionate about strengthening your community, you'll leave this conversation inspired with both hope and actionable insights. Topics We Cover The remarkable $1 warehouse story that launched Compassion Coalition Building grocery stores that bring dignity to people who live in food deserts How to sustain your nonprofit without ongoing government funding Whether a plan for government-run grocery stores proposed by New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani would work Strategies for engaging policymakers across the political spectrum The staggering scale of food waste and how to turn it into opportunity How community-led solutions can restore both trust and safety The positive ripple effects of affordable, nutritious food on health and neighborhoods How the Compassion Coalition model might be applied in rural locations Resources Mentioned Compassion Coalition / Bargain Grocery: distributehope.org Free Fundraising Confidence Cheat Sheet: email nate@silvermaplestrategies.com or grab it at the end of our YouTube webinar Silver Maple Strategies Website: www.silvermaplestrategies.com Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode.

Soil health. Sustainable ag. Regenerative practices. These topics are no longer niche. They're front and center in conversations about the future of food, farming, and resilience. This week on Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, I sit down with Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, president of Field to Market, a nonprofit coalition of nearly 200 organizations working to advance sustainable agriculture. Carrie is a sixth-generation farmer, coalition-builder, and lifelong learner who is passionate about helping farmers thrive while stewarding the environment. We explore what it means to lead in a complex, often-polarized ecosystem, and how Carrie has learned to build trust, slow down, and focus on long-term impact—lessons every social impact communicator can apply. In this episode, you'll learn: How to listen deeply without losing sight of your mission What it takes to convene unlikely partners across a wide value chain Why storytelling—especially personal storytelling—can build trust and fuel resilience Carrie's inspiring pivot from a would-be college athlete to a nationally recognized ag leader Why slowing down can be a surprisingly effective leadership strategy How her mom's "say yes and learn as you go" mindset shaped her approach to purpose-driven work We also discuss the growing interest in soil health, why now is the perfect moment to lean into people's curiosity about food and agriculture, and how organizations can lead with empathy and authenticity. Plus, Carrie shares the story of how a miscommunication over the word "shed" became a powerful metaphor for listening better in our personal and professional lives. Resources + Mentions: Learn more about Field to Market: https://fieldtomarket.org Connect with Carrie on LinkedIn Take the Nonprofit Resilience Quiz – get your free, personalized roadmap for growing your organization Subscribe to my newsletter, Secrets of Social Impact Communicators: Join here Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode!  

Too many hiring systems are broken, and moms are often the ones getting left behind. But what if there was a better way? In this inspiring episode, I talk with Mary Kay Ziniewicz, founder and CEO of Bus Stop Mamas, about how she's radically reimagining what work can look like for mothers. From her early career in law firm marketing to building a national platform that connects talented women with flexible, meaningful jobs, Mary Kay is a force for challenging outdated assumptions and rebuilding the hiring process with humans at the center. You'll hear how Mary Kay's personal transformation led her to purpose-driven work, why remote work isn't the silver bullet we think it is, and the untapped business case for hiring moms. We also explore how employers can be part of the solution, saving money, increasing retention, and building stronger teams by hiring differently. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a social impact entrepreneur, or a working parent yourself, you'll walk away from this conversation encouraged, challenged, and ready to take bold steps forward. In this episode, we cover: The origin story of Bus Stop Mamas and why it's changing lives Why 43% of women still leave the workforce after having children How social conditioning and hiring algorithms marginalize moms—and how to fix it What employers get wrong about childcare and workplace flexibility The power of vulnerability, creativity, and community in leadership Why being wrong might be the best thing for your career Fast-cash gigs, pinch hitters, and how Mary Kay is redefining modern hiring Links & Resources: 🔗 Visit Bus Stop Mamas 🔗 Connect with Mary Kay on LinkedIn 📝 Read our related blog post: The Courage to Ask: Rethinking Sales and Your Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy 📩 Subscribe to Secrets of Social Impact Communicators newsletter: Join here Thank you to Mary Kay and the team at Bus Stop Mamas for this powerful conversation. Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode!

What if the path to real social impact began with letting go? In this episode, I sit down with Alfredo Mathew III, founder and CEO of SPCC One—the world's first Shared Prosperity Community Corporation. Alfredo is a former public school educator turned social entrepreneur who's building a bold, transformative model that reimagines capital, ownership, and community. Alfredo shares how his work empowers small businesses—especially Black and Brown-owned enterprises—to band together, unlock capital, and drive systemic change through shared prosperity models rooted in economic democracy and collective ownership. We also dive into: What small businesses and nonprofits get wrong about capital The mindset shift founders must make to stop playing small How to spot when your business model needs a pivot What it takes to build local economic engines that last Why ego is holding the social sector back—and what to do about it A life-threatening health scare that gave Alfredo powerful clarity on impact, legacy, and humility Alfredo doesn't just talk systems change—he's living it. You'll walk away from this episode challenged, inspired, and equipped with actionable ideas for growing your impact while staying grounded in purpose. More from our conversation: Connect with Alfredo Mathew III on LinkedIn Visit Alfredo's website: alfredomathew.com Email him: alfredo@spcc.one Learn more about SPCC One Related Resources: Read my article: "Breaking Through Bottlenecks" Watch recent webinars on the Silver Maple Strategies YouTube Channel Sign up for my free newsletter, Secrets of Social Impact Communicators: Subscribe here Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode! Visit the Silver Maple Strategies website Follow Silver Maple Strategies on LinkedIn Book Nate Birt as a speaker or facilitator

Do you ever feel like you're encountering a series of neverending bottlenecks within your nonprofit? Here at Silver Maple Strategies, we see this all the time - and it's nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary, it's part of the natural growth of any purpose-driven organization. The best part? There are tremendous solutions available to any leader looking to break through bottlenecks and deliver increasingly higher levels of impact. In this episode, I'll teach you how. It really boils down to focusing your attention and strategy in three key areas: Mindset: Erase doubt, stop denying your own value, and avoid sabotage People + Machines: Shift away from analog-only systems and toward human-centered, digitally streamlined processes, embrace automation where sensible, and encourage your team to cross-train Money (aka Fundraising): Focus attention versus spreading it broadly over many areas, bias toward action (rather than primarily research) and navigate tricky predicaments with an eye toward financial sustainability. I hope these insights can be helpful to you in determining which bottleneck you'll break through next. And if you're curious to explore what this could mean for your own nonprofit's health and growth, I'd love to visit with you. Book a free, no-pressure consultation to dive deeper on your nonprofit's specific needs. You can simply schedule a time to talk with me, CEO Nate Birt, at www.SilverMapleStrategies.com/Contact.

Are you struggling to get noticed by funders and strategic partners — even though your nonprofit is doing critical, impactful work? In this episode, I'll walk you through the essential keys to making your nonprofit brand unforgettable. Drawing on insights from more than 17 years in communications and 8+ years advising nonprofit leaders, I share the most common branding challenges nonprofits face today — and the exact steps you can take to rise above the noise. You'll learn how to shift your mindset from "surviving" to "thriving" and build a brand that funders remember, partners rally behind, and your team is proud of. What You'll Learn: Why caution-mode branding holds nonprofits back — and what to do instead The top five branding pitfalls that make nonprofits invisible How to reframe your narrative to emphasize transformation, not just activity Why audience clarity is the new brand superpower Five "Invisible No More" branding keys you can implement today Plus, listen in as I reveal the action steps you can take right now to start moving the needle on visibility, funding, and influence. Whether you're leading communications, fundraising, or executive strategy — this episode will give you the clarity and momentum to lead with confidence. Resources Mentioned: Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with me: www.silvermaplestrategies.com Reach out directly for your copy of the Invisible to Visible Messaging Clarity Checklist: nate@silvermaplestrategies.com 📬 Stay Connected: Subscribe to Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, my weekly newsletter full of tools, case studies, and inspiration for nonprofit leaders: Join here Visit Silver Maple Strategies to learn more about our work.

In this episode, I walk nonprofit leaders through timely strategies for building fundraising resilience in a complex and fast-evolving 2025 landscape. You'll walk away with actionable ideas, renewed confidence, and a powerful framework to tackle today's toughest fundraising challenges. I introduce our team's proprietary Resilience Leadership Model, crafted to help nonprofit organizations navigate change with purpose and strategy. You'll learn why so many nonprofits struggle with silos, underutilize AI, and fall into reactive patterns—and how to break free. Plus, I share behind-the-scenes insights from my 8+ years working alongside nonprofit leaders on: Why resilience is the new success metric for nonprofits How to foster morale, flexibility, and clarity across your team What AI can (and can't) do for your fundraising efforts Why reporting isn't just about metrics—it's about strategic storytelling A practical 3-step path: Communicate, Experiment, Accelerate Whether you're a nonprofit executive, development professional, or simply passionate about impact-driven work, this episode will leave you energized and equipped to lead with greater confidence and creativity. Free Resources from This Episode If you'd like access to any of the following, simply email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com: 🎁 Journaling Prompts for Fundraising Strategy – Designed to help you clarify next steps for your organization 📥 Session Recording & Slides – Available to all attendees and registrants 📅 Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Nate – No pressure, just a conversation about your nonprofit and specific areas where you're looking to grow. Schedule here Get in Touch 💡 Want personalized support for your nonprofit? Visit our website at Silver Maple Strategies 📬 Sign up for Nate's free newsletter: Secrets of Social Impact Communicators 🎙️ Check out the podcast on your favorite player—and on YouTube!

In this episode, I sit down with Eva Goulbourne, Founder and CEO of Littlefoot Ventures, for a fascinating discussion of why this is a historic moment for addressing climate change via food and agriculture. Eva's food systems and sustainability strategy firm focuses on using food systems transformation as the climate solution. She brings extensive expertise serving both for-profit and nonprofit executives including food business technology companies, venture capital, nonprofits, and family philanthropy.  Eva's passion for food and its ability to connect people and transform lives began before the age of 10, when she became a loyal subscriber to Martha Stewart Living. She went on to develop a passion for international development and spent time working with farmers in Kenya and Malawi before serving as Senior Associate in Agriculture Technology Innovations at the World Economic Forum and later as Employee No. 1 and Director of Business & Multistakeholder Programs at ReFED, where she helped scale food waste solutions across the U.S. In this episode, Eva shares insights on timely topics for social impact leaders, including: Diversifying Your Funding Strategy In Partnership With Family Philanthropy: Eva shares how nonprofits can partner with family philanthropy by developing relationships grounded in trust, understanding individual trustees' priorities, and adding immediate value rather than simply asking for an investment upfront. Connecting Your Nonprofit's Outcomes To The Broader Climate-Action Narrative: Eva explains how many nonprofits undersell their climate impact. She offers practical communications strategies nonprofits can use to frame their programs as climate solutions.  Appreciating The Unique Nature Of This Food-Climate Moment: Eva shares her perspective on what makes this moment - 2024 and beyond - so special for leaders and organizations advancing climate solutions via the food system. Resources and Links: Connect with Eva Goulbourne on LinkedIn. Learn more about Little Foot Ventures at LittleFootVentures.com. Get my free report, "10 Climate-Smart Ag Risks Facing Nonprofits in 2025," by emailing me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com. Purchase my new book, 7 Secrets of Highly Effective Social Impact Communicators: Grab your copy here. Credits: Thank you to our producer, Lee Williams, for editing and producing this episode. Please rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform. Every review helps spread the word!

In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, I welcome Jan Barlow, founder of Better Job Fit, for an insightful conversation on career transitions, leadership, and purpose-driven work. Jan shares her incredible journey from a successful corporate career in pharmaceuticals to creating an organization that helps vulnerable populations such as veterans and foster care communities transition into civilian work. Jan opens up about her own career challenges, including the burnout that came from working outside of her strengths and how it led her to rethink her path. She now uses her extensive experience in job matching to help others find meaningful, aligned careers that make a difference. Jan also delves into the critical role of emotional intelligence, behavioral diversity, and creating shame-free environments where individuals and teams can thrive. Key Takeaways: Career Alignment & Well-Being: Jan emphasizes the importance of working in alignment with your strengths and gifts to avoid burnout and stress. Her personal story highlights how job misalignment can lead to physical and mental health issues for social impact leaders and their teams. Conscious Awareness in Leadership: Social impact leaders must prioritize raising their own self-awareness and make the mindset shift from "me" to "we" to use their strengths for the greater good. Helping Vulnerable Populations: Better Job Fit's work with veterans and foster care communities provides structured job-matching, helping individuals transition from highly regulated environments (military, foster care) to the unstructured private sector with confidence and clarity. Jan shares several poignant stories of career transformation that will challenge you to take your purpose-driven work to the next level of excellence.  Behavioral Diversity: Jan discusses the importance of recognizing behavioral differences in teams and explains how understanding these differences can mitigate conflict and improve collaboration. Creating Solutions, Not Blame: Building a "solution-oriented" culture helps teams focus on progress, rather than dwelling on problems. This fosters a healthier, more collaborative workplace. Memorable Quotes: "What's really not spoken of or discussed much is the psychological impact when you are in job transition. ... When you are in that food, water, shelter mode you can have a house, you can have everything fine, but mentally, if you're in that fear mode ... you start to get into that psychological spiral. That's really what I wanted to help alleviate." - Jan Barlow "It's about deference over difference, respect over talking about how different we are ... . That's really what behavior diversity is about." - Jan Barlow Resources: Connect with Jan Barlow on LinkedIn Learn more about Jan and her work at her website, Better Job Fit Interested in personalized career consulting? Reach out to Jan at jbarlow@betterjobfit.org. Call to Action: Be sure to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform, and check out my latest book, 7 Secrets of Highly Effective Social Impact Communicators. For guest ideas or topics you'd like to hear about in future episodes, reach out to Nate at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com. Production Credits: Special thanks to Lee Williams for producing this episode. Remember: Social impact work is soul work. Lead like you live.

In this episode, B3C Global CEO and Founder Cytandra Hoover shares her fascinating experiences building climate resilience in local communities and advancing equity across the world. Cytandra is a seasoned expert in global social impact and inclusive insurance. You'll learn something new and be inspired in equal measure, I promise! In This Episode: Cytandra's Background: Discover how her childhood experiences traveling with her botanist father and witnessing global disparities in conflict zones and places devastated by natural disasters shaped her career path. The Power of Microinsurance: Learn about microinsurance's role in protecting vulnerable populations against climate-related events and other risks. Sustainability and Finance: Consider the importance of sustainable, financially viable solutions for long-term community support. Challenges and Opportunities: Hear insights into the barriers to adoption of microinsurance in the U.S. and other high-income countries, and how these can be overcome. The Future of Social Impact Finance: Examine the finance trends social impact professionals should watch in the next 12 to 18 months. Connect with Cytandra: LinkedIn: Cytandra Hoover Additional Resources: Visit B3C Global: Learn more about Cytandra's work and her company's mission at B3C Global  Social Impact Insights: For more on how to engage in impactful work and the intricacies of microinsurance, check out our website. Special Thanks: Editing and Production: Lee Williams, for his impeccable production work on this episode. Get My Book: "7 Secrets of Highly Effective Social Impact Communicators" now available wherever books are sold.

In this fascinating episode, we dive deep into the world of social impact crowdfunding with Devin Thorpe, the CEO and Champion of Social Good at Super Crowd Inc. Devin, an acclaimed author, speaker, and a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs and investors alike, shares valuable insights into leveraging crowdfunding for meaningful social change. Highlights from our conversation include: Devin's Journey: Learn about Devin's transition from finance to focusing on making a meaningful difference through social impact. His story is a testament to the power of leveraging financial expertise for the greater good. Understanding Crowdfunding: Devin demystifies regulated crowdfunding, explaining how it differs from traditional crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. This segment is crucial for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of investment in social ventures. Inclusivity in Finance: Discover how crowdfunding is creating new opportunities for women, diverse founders, and other entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers in accessing capital. Impact Investing Made Accessible: Devin discusses how platforms like SMBx make it possible for virtually anyone to start investing in small businesses with as little as $10, emphasizing the democratization of impact investing. Strategic Advice for Social Entrepreneurs: From navigating legal landscapes to employing AI tools such as ChatGPT for business planning, Devin offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to harness the power of crowdfunding. The Future of Crowdfunding: Hear Devin's vision for the future, where social impact crowdfunding becomes a normalized and integral part of our financial ecosystem, driving widespread social change. Devin's Recommendations: Book: How to Make Money with Impact Crowdfunding - A guide to navigating the world of investment crowdfunding with a focus on maximizing both financial returns and social impact. Connect with Devin: Visit Superpowers for Good to learn more about Devin's work. Follow Devin on LinkedIn for insights and updates in the field of social impact crowdfunding. Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Lee Williams for his editing and production work on this episode. Stay Connected: Interested in more insights on social impact communication? Order my book, "7 Secrets of Highly Effective Social Impact Communicators," available now on Amazon. For more about me and my work in climate change consulting, visit Silver Maple Strategies. Connect with me on LinkedIn for updates and discussions on social impact strategies.

In this episode, I'm delighted to introduce you to Tamika Bickham, founder, CEO, and creative director at TB Media Group. We bonded immediately over our shared background in journalism and dived into a fascinating discussion of human-centered storytelling.  During our conversation, Tamika discusses her journey into purpose-driven work, shares real-life examples of powerful stories that address challenging issues with authenticity and human connection, and discusses how to build a meaningful legacy.  You'll get so much from hearing Tamika share how brands are leveraging video to bring authentic stories to the world -- creating connection and breathing new life into organizations that can make a meaningful difference in our world.  More from our conversation:  Connect with Tamika Bickham on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Visit the TB Media Group website to learn more about Tamika's team, success stories, and services  Tamika recommends the documentary, "Beyond Utopia" Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode! You can find me online here: Order my new book, "7 Secrets of Highly Effective Social Impact Communicators" Get to know me and my approach to climate change consulting Connect with me on LinkedIn Book me as a speaker or facilitator for your next event

In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Deborah Marshall, director of sales and marketing at Missouri Life, an iconic B2C media brand in my adoptive state of Missouri. Deborah is a true leader in the world of sales, marketing, and purpose-driven communication. During our conversation, Deborah talks about where her best ideas come from - and how other social impact communicators can spark their own creativity. She also talks about the promise of risk-taking and the value of collaboration to create amazing, powerful storytelling.  You'll also capture powerful ideas for strengthening your leadership capacity as a social impact communicator. Deborah shares how openness and cross-pollination of ideas can foster a culture of mutual respect, innovation, and preserved integrity. Deborah also delves into the practical side of creativity, discussing how she and her team evaluate the potential value and impact of new ideas and initiatives. She shares her strategy of categorizing projects based on their potential business value and brand impact, providing listeners with a tangible framework for assessing their own creative endeavors. I absolutely love Deborah's fearless approach to her work and life. She encourages listeners to embrace risk and not to fear failure. Your willingness to try new things in social impact can lead to unparalleled growth and success. Whether you're a young professional just starting out in your communication career or a seasoned veteran, Deborah's insights will inspire and challenge you to think creatively, take well-calculated chances, and keep learning. More from our conversation:  Connect with Deborah Marshall on LinkedIn Visit the Missouri Life website to learn more about Deborah's work and find great examples of social impact storytelling  Deborah recommends the movie, "Sound of Freedom" Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode! You can find me online here: Preorder my new book, "7 Secrets of Highly Effective Social Impact Communicators" Visit the Silver Maple Strategies website for more about me and my social impact work Connect with me on LinkedIn Book me as a speaker or facilitator for your next event

Have you ever worked with a communications consultant - or considered hiring one? In my latest episode, I sit down for a fantastic conversation with Jacque Matsen, owner and president of Relate Strategies LLC. Jacque's communications consulting firm specializes in a range of services including communications strategy planning, thought leadership development, crisis response planning, and much more.  Jacque offers a window into her passion for purpose-driven work and how it shapes every decision she makes at Relate Strategies. As a seasoned communications executive, she reveals the must-have qualities of the best communications consultants and provides invaluable tips for organizations looking to hire and collaborate with them effectively. Be sure to listen for our discussion about authenticity and why every organization must make it a top priority for their social impact communication. More from our conversation:  Connect with Jacque on LinkedIn Visit the Relate Strategies website to learn more about Jacque's work and find her blog with insights from her dad  Jacque recommends reading Tim Schurrer's book, "The Secret Society of Success" Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode! You can find me online here: Visit the Silver Maple Strategies website for more about me and my social impact work Connect with me on LinkedIn Book me as a speaker or facilitator for your next event