623. The Art & Science of Convening: Designing Events That Spark Change - Heather Mason
Meet Heather, Founder and CEO of Caspian Agency and Impact Lounge. 🤝She’s the creative mind behind some of the world’s most powerful gatherings. Since launching Caspian in 2005, she has brought a scientifically grounded, strategic approach to high-impact events for organizations like the Skoll World Forum, Rockefeller Foundation, and Dalio Foundation. With roots in film, marketing, and large-scale conference production, she also created the Caspian 10 Essentials, an event methodology now taught in university programs and used by leading global institutions.In this episode, Heather shares how intentional design, storytelling, and purpose can transform any gathering into a catalyst for change. Whether you're planning a summit, workshop, or community meetup, she reminds us it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it with heart. 💛This conversation will shift how you think about convening. 🎧 Tune in and walk away ready to gather with more purpose, clarity, and impact.💡Learn: The Caspian 10 Essentials framework in creating impactful gatheringsUnderstanding the ‘why’ behind events is crucial for successEvents should be designed to foster meaningful connectionsEvents can serve as a catalyst for social movementsSmall, intentional touches can make a big impactCollaboration among all stakeholders is essentialMindset shifts can empower individuals to challenge the status quoEpisode HighlightsDesigning Events fro Impact (11:59)Creating Meaningful Connections (24:01)Creating Intentional Gatherings on a Budget (29:55)The Role of Events in Social Movements (36:12)Mindset Shifts: If It's Not Gravity, It Can Be Changed (37:58)Heather’s One Good Thing: If it’s not gravity, it can be changed. (37:00)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/623Thank You to our Partners 🩵Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.Head to weareforgood.com/recs to explore our go-to tools and humans doing good work. We’ve curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you’re with We Are For Good. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
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622. Hold Fast: Building Donor Trust in Uncertain Times - Mike Duerksen
Meet Mike, CEO of BuildGood 🤝. He’s here to share a thoughtful, grounded approach to fundraising in uncertain times.In this episode, we dig into why “Today’s growth comes from today’s donors” isn’t just a clever phrase—it’s a mindset shift. From the game-changing nine-word email to the fundraising flywheel and the power of donor celebration, Mike’s sharing practical strategies that can turn transactional giving into transformational relationships.Mike shares how to identify multi-year supporters and use donor surveys to uncover major gift potential—reminding us that growth often comes from deepening existing relationships. With 55% of our community citing donor connection as their biggest challenge, his insight couldn’t be more timely.Tune in for thoughtful insights and practical strategies to deepen donor relationships and fundraise with more intention. 🎧Episode HighlightsNavigating uncertainty in Nonprofit Leadership (02:23)The Importance of Donor Retention (03:40)Strategies for Engaging Existing Donors (05:04)Identifying and Prioritizing Donor Relationships (09:12)Effective Communication with Donors (12:25)Building Consistency in Donor Engagement (19:42)The Role of Reporting in Fundraising (23:28)Homework for Fundraisers (26:39)Mike’s One Good Thing: What is the most human thing you can do right now? (30:00)Resources MentionedRingless Voicemails - https://www.slybroadcast.com/The Build Good Academy Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/622Thank You to our Partners 🩵Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.Head to weareforgood.com/recs to explore our go-to tools and humans doing good work. We’ve curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you’re with We Are For Good. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
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Gather At The Well: The Human-Centered Audit—Where Are You Now? - Lindsey Fuller
What if policies could actually feel like care? 💛In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller invites us to rethink how we show up for our teams. Through the policies we write and live by. Drawing from her own experience, Lindsey unpacks the evolution of her organization’s “corrective progression” policy, showing how even the trickiest processes can be reimagined as tools for growth, not punishment.With heart and practicality, she introduces a simple but powerful framework that places every policy into one of three buckets: care, conditions, and corrections. You’ll hear why listening deeply, surveying your team, and designing policies rooted in trust can shift your culture from reactive to restorative.Come for the insights, stay for the breathwork 🧘—this episode is a reminder that policies don’t have to be dusty documents. They can be living, breathing reflections of the kind of workplace we’re all trying to build.Episode HighlightsUnderstanding Corrective Progression (01:21)The Importance of Structure in Organizations (04:37)Implementing Corrective Progression Policies (10:01)Building Resilient Organizations (15:05)The Cost of Human-Centered Policies (20:57)Categories of Human-Centered Policies: Care, Conditions, and Corrections (25:05)Engaging Staff in Policy Development (31:36)Affirmations: "One step at a time is enough for me.""I am worthy of healing centered policies.""We deserve policies that help not harm.""I am brilliant.""I can lead this effort."Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/humancenteredauditwhereareyounowSupport the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
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621. Hold Fast: Storytelling That Grounds, Heals + Connects - Obiekwe Okolo
Meet Obiekwe “Obi” Okolo, storyteller, creative director + culture alchemist. 🤝In this episode of Hold Fast, we’re slowing down to explore the deep, healing power of story with Obi Okolo—visionary creative and founder of Bittersweet Creative. Born in Lagos, raised in Texas, and rooted in purpose, Obi invites us into a conversation about crafting stories that don’t just meet metrics—but move hearts.From launching his own coffee brand to championing narratives that center identity, belonging, and truth, Obi reminds us that storytelling isn’t just a strategy. It’s soul work. It’s how we make meaning, deepen connection, and imagine new futures.Your story isn’t a marketing tool—it’s an invitation to be seen, to feel, and to dream bigger.🎧 Tune in and join us for one of the most heart-expanding conversations of the season.You'll hear:Storytelling helps nonprofits meet goals and expand community.Storytelling should be approached as a practice of reconnection and belonging.Nonprofits often struggle with their identity and message during crises.Creating for everyone often results in creating for no one.Silence can be a powerful form of protest and connection.Listening to the wisdom of elders can guide our storytelling journey.Episode HighlightsThe Importance of Relationships in Storytelling (08:58)The Role of Nonprofits in Storytelling (11:50)The Process of Ethical Storytelling (15:06)The Impact of Community in Storytelling (23:55)Understanding Audience and Authenticity (36:02)Practical Exercises for Better Storytelling (39:30)Listening and Learning from Elders (50:10)Obi’s One Good Thing “"Look back and borrow strength from the elders." (50:27)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/621Thank You to our Partners 🩵Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.Head to weareforgood.com/recs to explore our go-to tools and humans doing good work. We’ve curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you’re with We Are For Good. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
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620. 100% For Purpose Model: The Legacy and Future of Newman’s Own Foundation - Alex Amouyel
Meet Alex, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation. 🤝 100% of profits from Newman’s Own products go toward helping children facing adversity. With over $600 million donated to date, the Foundation continues Paul Newman’s bold vision of business as a force for good. Alex is also the author of The Answer Is You, a guide to living with impact.In this episode, Alex shares how the 100% for Purpose model is reshaping philanthropy through community-led giving, tackling child food insecurity, and uplifting young changemakers.Tune in to hear powerful stories of impact and learn how small actions can create real change. It’s a reminder that generosity starts wherever you are—and that we all have a part to play. Episode Highlights: The Legacy of Paul Newman and Newman’s Own (06:09)The Business Model of Giving 100% Away (09:05)The Future of Philanthropy and Community Engagement (11:50)Child Nutrition and Food Justice Initiatives (14:54)Decentralizing Philanthropy and Inclusive Giving (18:05)Alex’s One Good Thing: Create your own rainbows (31:00)Resources: Episode with FRAC Alex’s TED Talk newmansown.org100forpurpose.org Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/620Thank You to our Partners 🩵Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.Head to weareforgood.com/recs to explore our go-to tools and humans doing good work. We’ve curated a direct line for your VIP access to these groups just by saying you’re with We Are For Good. Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
About We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
Nonprofit professionals are faced with more challenges to accomplish their missions and the growing pressure to do more, raise more, and be more for the causes we hold so dear. Join Jon McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE as they learn with you from some of the best in the industry; sharing the most innovative ideas, inspiration and stories of making a difference. You’re in good company and we welcome you to our community of nonprofit professionals, philanthropists, world changers, innovators, and others to bring a little more goodness into the world. Get cozy, grab a coffee, and get ready to be inspired. We Are For Good. You in?--We Are For Good is an online media and education platform with an aim to revolutionize the nonprofit industry by equipping this generation of for-good leaders with the mindsets, tools and innovative ideas to make a bigger impact than any of us could ever dream to accomplish on our own. Our vision is to create an Impact Uprising. Learn more at www.weareforgood.com
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