The Something Forum

In our final episode with Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson, we discuss what’s giving her hope and what resolutions she’s set in the new year. We also talk about her time in the military and how that helped her learn to build communities wherever you might be. She also talks about how excited she is for new, young nonprofits joining the industry, and the ways in which they are innovating.Learn more about Digital PromiseLearn more about Dr. Rita Fennelly-AtkinsonDigital Promise Micro-credential PlatformLearn more about Digital Promise's credentialing work via Digital Promise's blogsLearn more about the Digital Promise Micro-credentials ProgramExplore Digital Promise's research reportsThe music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist. 

In this episode, Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson addresses the ethics of data collection. She talks about how demographic data is often not necessary for the work you’re doing, and can pose risks to historically and systematically excluded learners in many ways. She also speaks on the importance of clear and succinct communication, and its importance in an inclusive culture. Learn more about Digital PromiseLearn more about Dr. Rita Fennelly-AtkinsonDigital Promise Micro-credential PlatformLearn more about Digital Promise's credentialing work via Digital Promise's blogsLearn more about the Digital Promise Micro-credentials ProgramExplore Digital Promise's research reportsThe music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist. 

In our second episode with Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson, we discuss the importance of keeping user’s data secure, and only collecting the essential information needed for the credential they’re seeking. She tells us about how Digital Promise uses pilot studies and other research methods to refine their credential offerings. She also remarks on keeping an equity mindset in your research, and the importance of compensation for the individuals who participate in it.Learn more about Digital PromiseLearn more about Dr. Rita Fennelly-AtkinsonDigital Promise Micro-credential PlatformLearn more about Digital Promise's credentialing work via Digital Promise's blogsLearn more about the Digital Promise Micro-credentials ProgramExplore Digital Promise's research reportsThe music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist. 

In our first episode of 2024, Dr. Rita Fennelly-Atkinson tells us about her work with digital credentialing, the importance of considering accessibility from the start of a project, and keeping the historically and systematically excluded users at the center of your work. She also tells us about the importance of building a culture of feedback within our teams, and finding respectful ways to critique your peers. Learn more about Digital PromiseLearn more about Dr. Rita Fennelly-AtkinsonDigital Promise Micro-credential PlatformLearn more about Digital Promise's credentialing work via Digital Promise's blogsLearn more about the Digital Promise Micro-credentials ProgramExplore Digital Promise's research reportsA transcript of this episode is available on the episode page on Simplecast, or as a  Google Document.The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist. 

Welcome to season 2 of The Something Forum! New episodes launch on January 9th! Learn more about Echo&Co. Learn more about The Something Forum.---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist. 

For the rest of 2023, we're bringing you short, fun episodes featuring the things we love! This week, we take a look back at our first season.  Play this game with your teams to kick off innovation in 2024!Let us know what you want to hear on season 2 of The Something Forum!Find The Something Forum on LinkedIn!---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

For the rest of 2023, we're bringing you short, fun episodes featuring the things we love! This week, we're bringing you a quick episode to tell you about the playlist we put together for nonprofit leaders to enjoy in the new year! The Season 1 PlaylistListen on Spotify"Mindful Solutionism" by Aesop Rock"Driftwood" by Moody Blues"Dreams" by The Cranberries"Shenandoah" by Westminster Choir"Can't Hardly Wait" by The Replacements"Dear Future Me" by Little King "Better Place" by *NSYNC"You Are Not Alone" by Mavis Staples"Falling Faster" by Andrew Ripp"Working On A World" by Iris DeMent"Changes" by Joy Oladokun"Brain" by Kara Jackson"Golden Years" by David Bowie---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

For the rest of 2023, we're bringing you short, fun episodes featuring the things we love! This week, we welcome Bill Brown. He'll tells us a bit about Tarot, and walk us through a reading that builds a story. Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness by Rachel PollackBetween the Worlds Podcast (formally Strange Magic)Blinkest appHeadspace app---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

For the rest of 2023, we're bringing you short, fun episodes featuring the things we love! This week, we welcome Catherine Smyka (they/them) to talk about the books that give them joy.Books that Catherine mentioned:Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie FlaggThe EnneagramWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensGetting Along: How to Work With Anyone by Amy GalloNonfiction recommendations from the Echo&Co team and friends of the podcast: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanSwitch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip & Dan HeathAtlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené BrownNaming the World: And Other Exercises for the Creative Writer edited by Bret Anthony JohnstonQuiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan CainInspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love by Marty Cagan Escaping the Build Trap: How Effective Product Management Creates Real Value by Melissa Perri Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan ArielyRework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier HanssonThe Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen M.R. CoveyStillness is the Key by Ryan HolidayUnder the Hood: Fire Up and Fine-Tune Your Employee Culture by Stan SlapDigital Transformation Playbook: Rethink Your Business for the Digital Age by David RogersThe Invention of Yesterday: A 50,000-Year History of Human Culture, Conflict, and Connection by Tamim AnsaryFeel it Out: The Guide to Getting in Touch with Your Goals, Your Relationships, and Yourself by Jordan SondlerFiction recommendations from the Echo&Co team and friends of the podcast: The Imperial Radch Trilogy by Ann LeckieIn the Lives of Puppets by Tj Klune Such a Fun Age by Kiley ReidNevada by Imogen Binnie My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

For the rest of 2023, we're bringing you short, fun episodes featuring the things we love! This week, we talk about the tech we use for our work that we're most thankful for!Tech we're thankful for:MiroGoogle SuiteLibbySEMrushTGE Dev---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

For the rest of 2023, we're bringing you short, fun episodes featuring the things we love! This week, we offer up some tips for digital fundraising during Giving Tuesday!---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

For the rest of 2023, we're bringing you short, fun episodes featuring the things we love! This week, we talk about what it means to be a B Corp, and why we are one! B Corps we love: Tony's ChocolonelyCotopaxiBookshop.orgEast Fork PotteryGardner's Supply CompanyBombasLubanzi WinesGreyston Bakery---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist. 

This week, we give you some insight into what's to come for the rest of our episodes in 2023. ---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

This month we're turning the spotlight on our Echo&Co colleagues. During this episode, we talk with Stephen Musgrave, partner and founder at Capellic, a close partner agency to Echo&Co.  Stephen talks to us about how to use technology and empathy to find ways to build connections. He also talks about how to approach communication in a way that helps an individual deepen their understanding of the conversation. ---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

This month we're turning the spotlight on our Echo&Co colleagues. During this episode, we talk with Anna Kassinger, Program Strategy Director, about the intersection of content and digital transformation. She talks us through what it's like to work with an agency on digital strategy, and how an outlook of wild success can help your team reach its goals. ---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

This month we're turning the spotlight on our Echo&Co colleagues. During this episode, we talk with Peter Sax, Partner and CTO. He tells us about his journey from music school to becoming a developer, and what he feels is a major misconception of the developer role. He also gives us some tips on collaborating with developers to find success in your projects. We also talk about solving big tech problems, AI, and how young people are giving him hope. ---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

This month we're turning the spotlight on our Echo&Co colleagues. During this episode, we talk with Kimiko Tanaka Vecchione about building up her team, how she approaches hiring, and her thoughts on hiring folks with less traditional backgrounds. She also tells us about her theory on leadership, building a culture of understanding among her team, and how her colleagues relate to the nonprofit space.  ---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

This month we're turning the spotlight on our Echo&Co colleagues. During this episode, we talk with Sarah Boison Reynolds about using digital tools for community building and advancing your mission. We also discuss the importance of self care when working in a nonprofit, and how engaging in creative pursuits can help you be of service to yourself, particularly for those who are often of service to others.---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

In our final episode, Zenitta tells us about how her career growth and the career growth of others is giving her hope right now. She also talks about how her children, husband, and all of her family is giving her hope as well. She also talks about how to be a change agent, how to be vulnerable in spaces where it isn't always easy to be, and the questions nonprofits should be asking right now. Lastly, Zenitta gives us a sneak peek into the most shocking class she took in mortuary school.---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.

In our third episode with Zenitta, we talk about her 3 Ts of digital transformation: Time, talent, and technology. She gives us tips on how to make digital transformation successful, and advice on what to do when you aren't brought into a project at quite the right time. She also gives us some insight into the conferences she likes to attend, and other ways she seeks professional development.---The music you hear in this episode is "Something about Something" by Sarah, The Instrumentalist.