Generous Change

On day 1656, it's part two of “What's in a name?” We dig into the “Generous” in Generous Change. It's amazing how many things one little word can mean. For us, generosity lies in time, attention and opinion. What does “generous” mean to you? When do you feel most generous? When have other people been generous to you? For bonus points, what's the opposite of generosity for you?

More than 1627 days ago, we chose to name our business (and our podcast!) Generous Change. Coming up with a name was crazy hard! So, we're reflecting on its meaning, how much Generous Change represents not only our business, but who we are and who we want to be for the amazing people we serve. In this episode, we're tackling the "Change" in Generous Change. Turns out, there's a whole lot in a name!

Leaders eat last. Lead from every seat. Leaders are made not born. When it comes to leadership, you can find plenty of corporate jargon and coffee mug slogans. What we forget is a leader is someone people follow - for good or for bad. On day 1607 of entrepreneurship, we're digging into what leadership really means to us and the kind of leadership we hope for you (hint...the good kind).

We're still here! But it's been a minute...or six months...since our last podcast. On day 1593 of entrepreneurship we're going behind-the-scenes on where we've been, lessons we've learned, painful personal growth 2022 has forced us into, and where we're goin' if the universe allows it. There's some expletives, hard topics and a few tears, so buckle up.

How do you recenter? Refocus? Recharge? For us, it's a RETREAT!  What better way to reaffirm your purpose, restate your core values and reignite your excitement than a beautiful getaway? This year, we headed to Santa Fe for great food, a tough hike, a spa experience and 4 days of focused, creative time together . Whether you're a business-owner, team-leader or just need some time away, we'll share tips on making your retreat memorable and magical.

WE'VE HIRED! As we eek ever-closer to 4 years of entrepreneurship, we've hired our very first Chief Growth Officer for Generous Change. We were blown away by the awesome applicants who responded to our job posting. If you're experiencing any part of The Great Resignation - whether you're on your own job search or you're trying to hire someone amazing - we'll walk step-by-step through each element of our simple, one-page job description and share some tips on how to authentically connect with the person or the company that's right for you.

We closed for one whole month?! If you've ever dreamed of a little sabbatical or at least more than the standard 2-weeks of vacation per year, we're right there with you! In our high hopes to prioritize vacation, we're exploring how closing the business for 30 days worked…and didn't. On day 1415 of entrepreneurship, we're still learning big lessons about how we work, how we play and what balance really looks like.

On day 1275 of entrepreneurship, we're at the very edge of launching our brand new major gifts course for small nonprofits called Raise Money. Check it out and register here! Warning: there's a bit of rambling in the first 8 minutes of this long-delayed podcast because we just needed a dang break! After brainstorming, writing, rewriting, filming and full-on creating a new, wildly comprehensive course, we're analyzing the value of FOCUS - where & when & what to focus on, how & why to set boundaries if you really want to accomplish something big and how to avoid the pitfalls of multitasking.

You know that feeling when you've been thinking on something so hard your brain actually hurts? You've just been chewing on it and churning it over and over in your mind and then...wham!...you have a breakthrough

This winter has been brutal! If you're feeling like a starving, sleepy bear coming out of hibernation, you're not alone. On day 1191 of entrepreneurship, we're overly excited about spring and exploring 4 ways we're experiencing renewal - physically in our diet and exercise

If the phrase "the new normal" makes you puke a little

Planning?! 2020 blew up so many of our best-laid plans. So far, 2021 isn't exactly easy breezy, either. When so much feels out of control, what's the point of planning? What if your plans are less about improving yourself and checking the boxes and more about how you want to feel? On day 1142 of entrepreneurship, we're exploring a different kind of planning that's all about resilience, the ability to change your mind, the capacity to truly know, say and do what you want and the awareness of creating daily meaningful memories. We're obsessed with this planner for planning 

2020 may have been the most tumultuous year on record. Generous Change crashed, burned and was reborn. This year shaped us in ways we never expected and, on day 1115 of entrepreneurship, we're reflecting on the good and the terrible. With insane gratitude, a new-found humility and dogged determination, we're asking big questions to make the most of this insane year. What will you take with you from 2020? What do you want to leave behind? What are you most proud of? What do you NEVER want to do again? When did you have the most fun? What made you feel unapologetically YOU? *4-letter words exist in this episode.

SLIMY, SMARMY, AGGRESSIVE: When author, Dan Pink, asked 5000 people for the first word that came to their minds when they thought of sales, these were the top three. But, the truth is we are ALL selling EVERY DAY. You sell project ideas to your boss, restaurant choices to your partner and picking up toys to your kids. On day 1087 of entrepreneurship, we're exploring the bright side of selling, its closely maligned cousin - fundraising! - and 4 critical keys to more successful, less slimy & smarmy selling.

WINTER IS COMING. On day 1077 of entrepreneurship, it's getting cold here in Kansas. Which means it's dark way too early and there's less time outside. Which just plain sucks. But we're not letting winter bring us down! This episode is all about winterproofing. What are the little things you can do to protect yourself from the winter blues? Can you redefine what cold really means? Will you stock up on soft, warm things and candles? Listen for some tips and tricks we're planning to keep us winterproof during this tough time.

On day 1058, just a few days after our 3-year business-iversary, we're still experiencing firsts. Nancy just bought and moved into her very own beautiful home! Jenna just bought her very first set of wireless headphones (which don't sound as good on the ol' podcast, but sure are comfy on Zoom). The older we get, the less we experience firsts. When's the last time you were a beginner? How can you exercise your courage muscles and try something for the first time? In a year when time is both moving faster than ever and has completely stopped, how can you try something new and make some sweet memories?

In the Halloween spirit, we're digging deep into tricks: What tricks do you play on yourself to get through the day, the week or just plain old tough times? What good and bad things have you tricked yourself into believing? And treats: What are your favorite Treat Yo Self moments? Where were you? Who were you with? What can you do now, during this weird time, to treat yourself? On day 1049 of entrepreneurship, we're at different places on the trick or treat yo self spectrum. Nancy's in the middle of 2 monumental changes and Jenna is...well...not. Listen for a few insights into tricks that are no longer serving us, what's working now and little teeny things that feel like big treats. P.S. A huge treat would be YOUR REVIEW of this podcast! It's more fun when we know you're listening, so give us a shout?

On day 1037, our 3-person start-up is just 2 months away from being three years old. We're doing grown-up business things like an 8-month review for our fabulous COO, Kelsey. Despite Kelsey's dislike of reviews, we all recognized the power of this one for our company. After many of the scariest months in our lives and the life of this business, we spent hours discussing where we've been, where we are now and where we're going. If you despise reviews - giving them or getting them - try using any of these thought-provoking questions to make your next review motivating, fulfilling and energizing. Proudest success so far?  Up to 3 ways you've grown? How? When?  Where do you most want to grow in the next 6 months? How? Why?  Biggest surprise (other than the obvious pandemic)?  Toughest challenge? Why? How you will/want to overcome it?  One thing you just plain dislike? Why? How could it be better?  Biggest fear? When does it most often pop up? What helps to allay that fear?  Your most favorite-ist thing/moment in the past 7 months? Why?  Up to 3 things you want to do more of?  Do you have everything you need to perform your job?  Do you feel the team is working well collaboratively? Any ways we could improve?  What are the main drivers for success for our company?  Where have we helped and hindered your work?  In a perfect world, how much (and how) would we all a) communicate and b) work together creatively? At least one thing that you want to see changed/different/more of/less of? Why? When? How?  Given where we are today, what is your biggest/boldest vision for the company and your biggest/boldest vision for your role in that big, bold vision? 

Why is September always so busy? Is it the start of school? Is it because it's the end of summer, so we all feel like we're supposed to get down to business? We’ve heard from so many amazing ladies that they're feeling stretched thin right now. And honestly, always. This feeling of never-enough, has Nancy and me obsessing over this tough question:  Why do we believe our value is measured by how hard we work or how much we do?   To dig into this question and more, we are exploring takeaways from Do Less by Kate Northrup. This simple, straightforward (kinda woo) book stuck with us and and reminds us our value is in who we are not how much we do.

On day 1009, Generous Change has gone wild! After a magical time in the mountains, we're feeling recharged, calm and oddly free. Listen for the birds in the background as we explore what makes us feel wild and free. When have you felt most free? What does nature mean to you? When's the last time you did something hard and scary? When, where and with whom do you feel the most you?

It's DAY 1000 of entrepreneurship! We're shocked that only 8% of start-ups survive their first 1000 days. Put differently, 92% of start-ups fail in their first 1000 days. Those are some seriously tough odds, but we're still here! And we're examining advice on how to be here for another 1000 days.

This is the last week of 4 whole weeks of UPLIFT! 

It's week 3 of virtual UPLIFT and we're gettin' really real. On day 958 of entrepreneurship, we're obsessed with Glennon Doyle’s beautiful book, UNTAMED. Giant questions we're grappling with that we hope will inspire you, too: Why do you think you’re broken when you have a bad feeling? Can you own ALL the pieces of you and be accepting of even the tough stuff? Who are you really and do you have the guts to show all the way up? Are your dreams your plans?

On day 951 of entrepreneurship, we recognize that we're all becoming a different version of who we were before the pandemic. We're inspired by Michelle Obama's book and Netflix documentary, Becoming. Who are you becoming? How can you show up unapologetically and entirely yourself in all contexts? How are you dealing with control and the lack of it in this tough time? Are you focused on perfection and arriving at a goal? Can you focus more on the journey and becoming? Stick with us to the end for a powerful exercise where you can unlock the real advice you need right now.

UPLIFT is our retreat just for women in development planned for June 4&5 in Miami. But, since we can't be together in Miami , we're bringing UPLIFT to you (even if you're NOT a lady in development) throughout the entire month of June! So, the next 4 podcasts will be a little different. We're talking just to the ladies (sorry, guys , but you can still totally listen!) In this first week of UPLIFT, we're exploring joy – not just happiness, but bubbly, bright, sparkly joy! In these past few months, with so much anxiety, sadness and stress, it's been tough to feel joyful. Listen and give yourself a few minutes to discover what really brings you joy. Once you know, you can really focus on it and, best of all, plan more of it. Sign up to receive weekly emails and join our Happy Hours every Thursday through the month of June at www.generouschange.com/uplift!  

On day 913 of entrepreneurship, we're all up in life from home - working, cooking, exercising - just plain old BEING from home every day. We feel like this time at home has shown us who we really are - the good, the bad and the ugly. We're also revisiting The Desire Map (from episode 22) to see how this moment has changed our core desired feelings. How are you holding up? Feeling super-present and super-scattered all at the same time? You are not alone. Let us know how you're doing at team@generouschange.com? Sending hugs.

Day number....um...6 million 625 thousand and four?? Who the hell knows? Ok, we do know. It's day number 892 of entrepreneurship. We're trying to choose the very best contagions - optimism, gratitude, presence. With so much new, so much unknown and so much out of our control, how are you holding up? If you're stressed, worried, anxious, distracted and exhausted - YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Can you find a little joy today? Can you grow just a teeny tiny bit today? Sending you virtual hugs and missing your faces.   Here's a quote Nancy has next to her desk. Hope it brings you some peace.   There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live. - Dalai Lama

What does it look like to do love? It’s day 836 of entrepreneurship and Valentine’s Day, so we’re sharing our four ingredients of L.O.V.E. and singing a whole lot of love songs. Whether you love Love Day or are a Hallmark Holiday Hater, doing love as a verb every day will make you happier and make the world a better, more generous place.

Are you facing a big decision? Thinking of making a huge change in your life? On day 820 of entrepreneurship, we're interviewing our new COO, Kelsey, about why she took the leap and quit her job (with a pension!) to join Generous Change. As a new mom working for a start-up, she shares her biggest fears and wise advice for anyone at a crossroads. Warning: There are so many "YAYs!" in this episode because three really is a company!! YAAAAY!!  

What if you put your feelings first when setting your goals? On day 806 of entrepreneurship, we dive into a resource that has changed the way we are setting our own goals for 2020 – The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte. Danielle reminds us that most people don’t actually want the goal itself, they want the feeling they expect will come from achieving it. So instead of constantly chasing goals, take some time (a lot - this is a big book full of big questions!) to explore your desired feelings. This heartfelt approach to setting intentions has helped us kick-off the year with more creativity, inspiration and soul. Listen to the end to hear each of our core desired feelings, and share your own once you check out the book!   Find the book here: https://www.thedesiremap.com/

On day 779 of entrepreneurship, we're not the brightest bulbs on the shelf. But we're exploring a topic that impacts so many of us - meetings! We've heard from so many of you that you're sick and tired of meetings. You're having too many. They're unproductive. They feel like a painful punishment that steals hours of your life and prevents you from getting your real work done. What if you could transform your meetings? Make them more meaningful, more productive and less frequent? We've got some tips! For more, including a cool tool to use for weekly reporting (via email instead of a face-to-face meeting!) check out this blog post. The goal: you might start to maybe, possibly, hopefully love your meetings (or at least stop dreading them so damn much)!

It's the 2-year businessaversary of Generous Change. Wanna know the best thing about being an entrepreneur? The worst? How has entrepreneurship changed Nancy and Jenna? Think they ever wanted to quit? Celebrate, reminisce and dream big on day 730.

Excitement, pride, anticipation, terror, pain, anxiety are just a few of the opposites we're feeling on day 715 of entrepreneurship. Just 15 days away from 2 full years in business, we're exploring the top 10 lessons and crazy paradoxes of livin' the dream.

Day 687 of entrepreneurship has us celebrating our little, unsteady, adorable toddler business. Like other toddlers, it's full of mystery, madness, pure joy and crazy tantrums. Listen for the top 10 tips we've learned for dealing with (and enjoying) your toddler business and life, in general. 

On day 602 of entrepreneurship we want to hear your voice! Do you hate the sound of your own voice? Are you the one who sits in the back of the room hoping you won't be called on? Do you keep quiet to avoid conflict? We see you and we're exploring how to speak up and take a stand.

On day 588 of entrepreneurship, we're celebrating GIRL POWER! We just hosted the inaugural UPLIFT, a 2-day retreat for women in fundraising in Phoenix. Those 21 ladies blew us away and we are still reeling from the connection, honesty and bad-assery in the room. We believe: It's time for a new workplace. Minimum compliance & maximum widget production are in the past. For innovation, collaboration and nimbleness, we must focus on building healthy teams, embrace the personal as integral to the professional & lift one another up.  You decide what success looks like. Get rid of the shoulds. Ignore those flawless Instagram stories. Focus on what brings you joy. Define and redefine what success means to you - not to everyone else. Show up for yourself. Hold workouts, massages, alone-time and girls' trips sacred. Give yourself space to think big. Give yourself permission to cry and to be pissed off. Be all-the-way you and you will find your tribe.

On day 545 of entrepreneurship, we're exploring travel for work. If you travel for work, you know it includes both magic and mundane, retreat and regret, love and loathing.

On day 531 of entrepreneurship, we're exploring trying new HARD things. 3 big ideas: 1) Name your fears. Say them out loud. There's science behind this! Once you give your fears a name, they are less scary. If you're terrified of a change, stressed out about work or a big decision, write down your fears. Then, tell someone! Talk it out. 2) Everyone else DOESN'T have it all figured out. Let's stop trying to appear so damn perfect. Everyone is a beginner at something at different times in our lives. Admit when you're a newbie. Ask questions. Get advice. Find a coach or a mentor. BE a coach or a mentor. Then, do something new all over again! 3) New = Memorable. It's easy to remember our firsts - first day of school, first dance, first kiss, first car, first house. Do more firsts. Make more memories. Grow.

It's day 478 of entrepreneurship! We're pumped about  UPLIFT, our retreat for women in development and we're thinking about growing pains - not the sitcom - the actual physical & mental pain of change. If you're changing ANYTHING, join us to explore: the pain of growth how to embrace piles of failures what to do with wavering confidence the tricky role of ambition your real aspirations the beauty of imbalance

On day 429 of entrepreneurship, we've decided 2018 was the year of feelings. While Jenna is anti-resolution and Nancy is pro, we both agree that 2019 is going to be AWESOME! Feel more feelings with us as we explore goal-setting without self-punishment. Because you're good enough, smart enough and doggone it, people like you!

It's day 402 of entrepreneurship and the end of 2018! We're reviewing our very favorite books, movies, wine, food, music, places, advice, realization and generous moments.

On day 384 entrepreneurship, we're exploring the beauty & benefits of conferences. We've attended a gazillion in this first year, but we're focusing on a truly transformative retreat: Ali Brown's Iconic. We're also hosting our own retreat for women in development: UPLIFT. Get on the list here!

On day 283, we're exploring the unforeseen consequences - the good and not so good - of entrepreneurship. Big Ideas: Embrace every day. Treat it like the insane gift it is. Cry when you need to. Also, throw things. We won't judge you.

On day 230 of entrepreneurship, we're realizing how fundamental creativity is to business and life. What kills your creativity? What boosts it? How can you make more? Think more? Play more? Laugh more? Be more inspired? Our challenge: be less "busy" and more creative! xo Jenna & Nancy  

It's freaking day 193! That's one half of a year of entrepreneurship. We're feeling lots of feelings - growth, excitement, pain, weepiness and happiness - usually all in one day. In this episode, we share (and remind ourselves) of the amazing Jen Sincero and her 10 secrets to badassery. We were so super lucky to meet Jen in Wichita at Watermark Books. We're still nerding out about it.

On day 148, we've been entrepreneurs for 40% of a year! Gulp. Yay! In this episode, we share our top 10 lessons from the Social Media Marketing World conference in San Diego. This thing blew us away with insanely valuable lessons for EVERYONE! We're already signed up for 2019 - come with us!

On day 106 of entrepreneurship, we're (almost) recovered from the hangover of going from employees to entrepreneurs. Out of the fog of fear comes EXCITEMENT & INSPIRATION. In this episode, we share tips from amazing bosses on how to be a better manager, better employee, better partner, better parent...just better! Whether you're considering a new job, hiring a new employee or thinking of taking the leap into a new career, these tips will remind you what we're all striving for - at work and in life.

On day 64 of entrepreneurship, we've had some failures, a lot of fear and a second panic attack. Being self-employed, making a huge life change or taking any risk is not glamorous - it's damn hard work. In this episode, we share our own failures & fears and an awesome exercise from the founders of Warby Parker that made our business stronger. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, considering going into business with a friend or just facing a big decision, this monthly 360 exercise can help you keep your priorities in perspective, talk through the tough stuff with honesty & authenticity and get you out of the fetal position and back to kicking ass.

What are you afraid of? Us? Being broke, heights, drowning and brown recluse (just to name a few). Entrepreneurship brings its fair share of fear. It can stop you from doing something stupid or motivate you. For us, it's done both. In this episode, we share tips and actual exercises to work through fear. Hint: sometimes you have to take antivirals. Boo.

Are you a perfectionist? A procrastinator? Yes and yes? You're not alone! We'll share a few tips on what (and what not) to do to get yourself unstuck.

Making a big decision? You are not alone! 28 days ago, we quit our jobs to go all-in on our new company, Generous Change. We'll share advice from our favorite mentors that helped us take the leap. No matter what big decision you're facing, we'll share tips to help you work it out.