Podcast appearances and mentions of asha curran

Over the next few weeks leading up to the exciting launch of Season 5, we'll be revisiting some of our all-time favorite episodes from the past four seasons. This special throwback series, “Way Back Wednesday,” is our chance to reflect on the incredible moments and inspiring voices that have shaped our journey so far.For the second episode in this mini-series, we're revisiting a conversation with a true force for good—Asha Curran. As the CEO of GivingTuesday and co-founder of the global generosity movement, Asha has dedicated her career to driving social impact and civic engagement. Beyond her leadership at GivingTuesday, she serves as Chair of the board of Guardian.org, advocating for civil discourse and journalism, and supports young filmmakers through her work with the Scout Film Festival. Asha's influence has been recognized globally, earning her a spot on the Nonprofit Times' Top Fifty Power and Influence list and a finalist position for the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize.Join us as we revisit this unforgettable episode, diving into Asha's insights on philanthropy, innovation, and the power of collective action. You won't want to miss it!

James Van Der Beek opens up after colorectal cancer diagnosis; Melinda French Gates and Asha Curran discuss 'GivingTuesday'; New York Times reveals 10 best books of 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's #GivingTuesday so naturally, our latest episode is with Giving Tuesday CEO Asha Curran, who takes us behind the scenes of a movement that's revolutionizing global generosity. With real-time tracking of $3.1B in donations across 105 countries, Asha reveals how data is reshaping philanthropy's future. She challenges traditional giving narratives, showing how everyday acts of generosity create lasting community transformation. Through rich storytelling and compelling insights, she illustrates how Giving Tuesday has evolved from a single day of giving into a year-round force for positive change.   In our previous conversation, Sean Carroll shares his remarkable journey leading Anera's $100M humanitarian mission across the Middle East. Drawing from 25 years of experience and personal insights from living in East Jerusalem, Carroll offers a powerful perspective on transforming communities through innovative aid. His leadership spans from delivering critical medical relief to pioneering tech training programs that create sustainable economic opportunities. Carroll's intimate knowledge of the region and dedication to building lasting change shines through in this compelling discussion.   These conversations will transform how you think about global impact and the power of giving. Listen now on BBBGive.org or your favorite podcast platform.   #HeartOfGiving #GivingTuesday #GlobalImpact #Philanthropy      

James Van Der Beek opens up after colorectal cancer diagnosis; Melinda French Gates and Asha Curran discuss 'GivingTuesday'; New York Times reveals 10 best books of 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Your career is not a yellow-brick road. It's not going to begin one place and end neatly someplace else."  In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday - a global giving network that embodies radical generosity. What started as a hashtag in 2012 following Black Friday's shopping surge (#GivingTuesday) has become a powerful network of local leaders in over 80 countries! They inspire communities to both donate and volunteer, which can be seen in their annual Impact Report. Asha's original goal was to sign up 100 nonprofits to join in at 92NY, where Giving Tuesday was originally piloted. She ended up with over 2,000 nonprofits interested in a shared mission! It's no surprise Asha was named to the Nonprofit Times' Top Fifty Power and Influence list from 2019-2023.  Asha started her communications career as a Publicity Assistant in publishing. She intentionally restructured her career once she became a mom - adding roles to her resume of a childbirth educator, teacher, and then Chief Innovation Officer engaging global outreach at 92NY. Listen to this episode for tips on seeking authentic mentorship, finding your own deep potential, plus dreaming bigger ambitions for yourself and your community! 

What's your calling? Ever thought you might be called to something more? What if your calling is waiting to be answered today? This could be the most inconvenient time for a calling to come your way, yet it can also be the perfect time for you to rise up and show up for yourself and others. If this resonates with you, then this is the episode you won't want to miss. Join us as we dive into a conversation with Michelle Valiukenas, a mom founder who answered her calling and created an incredible impact through The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation. I'm thrilled to introduce you to Michelle Valiukenas, an extraordinary mom founder whose journey and accomplishments are nothing short of inspiring. Michelle is the founder of The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving outcomes in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and infancy, as well as supporting grieving families through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. But this episode is about more than just Michelle's impressive achievements. It's about you and the unique calling in your life. My intention for this conversation is to encourage you to answer that calling, to find the courage and inspiration to pursue your purpose just as Michelle has. Throughout our discussion, which feels as much like a mentorship session as it does an interview, you'll hear the powerful story behind The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation and the critical needs it addresses—needs that often go unmet by insurance, social workers, and government organizations. Michelle's story is a poignant reminder that the problems you see and the passions you hold might be signs pointing you toward your own calling. You might think that someone else is already tackling the issues that matter to you, but as Michelle's experience shows, there are gaps that only you can fill. This episode is your sign to step up and make a difference. So, let's dive in and explore how you can answer the calling in your life, just as Michelle has. Let's talk about your calling. https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination to Networking Success: a LIVE 9-week group coaching masterclass designed to fast-track your connections with the right people to elevate your business. Before we continue today's conversation with today's guest Michelle, a participant of the Fertile Imagination to Networking Success for Mom Founders program I want to ask you a question.   Are you a visionary mom founder who knows that she needs to get better at networking because the growth of her business depends on it? Has feeling awkward, or uncomfortable ever gotten in your way from putting yourself in the right rooms and stepping forward to talk to the right people who can cut you a huge check that can change the trajectory of your business and take your business to its rightful next level? This is an exclusive call for 5 mom founders to join FI to Networking Success this summer. By dedicating just 3 hours a week, you'll be prepared to hit the ground running this fall. You'll get better at networking, identify the right connections to propel your business forward with clarity, and develop a mom-friendly strategy that works regardless of your kids' needs. My proven three-step method—Imagination to Impact to Income—will help you confidently and competently put yourself out there, ensuring you stay connected to your business and dreams in a manageable way, even as you spend more time with your kids this summer. You can have both. But here's the catch—you need to act fast. If improving your networking and selling skills is a priority, now is the time. This transformative program is available at a 30% discount for those who join my June cohort. To secure your spot, we must talk in May. If you wait until June, the investment level will increase and spots may be filled. Will I offer this program again? Not in this way and not with these exclusive add-ons: An intimate, five-participant cohort of mission-driven mom founders. This means personalized access to me, similar to a VIP one-on-one mentorship, which could be valued at 10X the investment level of this group coaching program. As an added bonus, you will be featured and heavily advertised as a guest on my podcast, Unimaginable Wellness, alongside trailblazers like Suzy Batiz, Asha Curran, and Beth Comstock. For a limited time, you'll have direct access to me for personalized feedback on your outreach efforts—an invaluable opportunity to accelerate your progress and maximize your results. Exclusive to securing your spot in May for June, you'll receive a midpoint private session. This working session will focus on executing your outreach plan—it's about immersion and action. Move quickly to take advantage of this unique opportunity and transform your business while nurturing your family. Secure your 15-minute program details call today! Book a 15-minute call HERE:  https://go.oncehub.com/ClientSessionMelissaLlarena Let me know if you have questions about the program via email Melissa[.]Llarena [at] gmail.com Official bio Michelle Valiukenas, once described as a "social worker trapped in the body of an attorney," began her career representing domestic and sexual assault victims in litigation. After a decade, she was called in another direction after losing her second baby, Colette.  She remains the proud mom of two angel babies, Sweet Pea and Colette, and her only living child, her son, Elliott Miguel. Michelle now runs The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, which she founded to improve outcomes in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and through infancy as well as support grieving families through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Since its launch in 2018, the foundation has helped over 2,300 families and distributed more than $1.5 million in grants.  Their ability to give is dependent on the generosity of donors, partners, and supporters and any help is always appreciated. A writer, speaker, and advocate, Michelle addresses topics like infertility, pregnancy loss, and parenting after loss. She advocates for reproductive rights, health equity, infertility awareness, and the needs of families.  At home, she enjoys relaxing with her son, husband Mark, and their dog, Nemo. Links: Donate: www.colettelouise.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/colettetisdahl IG: https://www.instagram.com/colettelouisetisdahl/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellevaliukenastisdahl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheTisdahl You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbanq9_1LEX6hoxGeLGU3Zg Transcript: So let's start with. With you. So Michelle, share with us, share with the listeners who you are and a bit about your organization and really, really let us know like what makes your organization distinguishable versus other organizations in this space. Absolutely. Well, thank you. So I'm Michelle. I'm a mom of three. I have two angel babies, Sweetpea and Colette, and an almost four year old who I think has the energy of all three of them. And our road to parenthood was It was tough. We struggled with infertility. I've only ever gotten pregnant via IBF and we lost our first pregnancy and then with our second, our daughter Collette made it past the scary first trimester and when I was 21 weeks pregnant, I was hospitalized with severe preeclampsia. And told you'll be here until you deliver. And so just talk about the world sort of just coming to a pause and thinking, what is it, what are we going to do? And once I was hospitalized, I was in the hospital about a day or two, it occurred to me how blessed and how lucky I was that we could actually afford. to handle this hospitalization and what was likely going to be a NICU stay. And I also realized in that same vein is that I knew I was definitely the minority that could do that. And so I remember turning to my husband and saying, we need to do something about this, all of that. And he, he turned to me and he said, please, for the love of God, could you please just worry about yourself once? And I said, well, that's not really what I do. Who are you married? What are you talking about? But really it just sort of stayed with me and throughout the whole process it kept coming back to me in my head. Ultimately I was in the hospital just over three weeks and then the doctors recommended delivery. So Collette was born at 24 weeks and five days and went straight to the NICU. And we spent nine days in the NICU before she died and I always call it she gained her angel wings.  In that whole process, going through NICU and seeing the whole, the toll it takes on parents, right? And I was being told by doctors and nurses, and I was hearing doctors and nurses tell other parents, you might want to save your leave time, go back to work now, and save your leave time for when baby comes home. And I had a very difficult  postpartum recovery, and I couldn't imagine. I was in no shape to go back to work. There was absolutely no way that I could have gone back to work. And Just thinking about that and thinking how much time they were losing with their kids and not being participating. And so all of those kinds of things just kind of sort of making this idea and this thought process  to provide financial assistance for families. And when I got out, so I had worked in nonprofits my whole life, and when I got out, I had always sworn.  I would never, ever, ever, ever, ever start my own nonprofit. And so funny things never say never. And so I thought somebody else was doing this. And what I found was I'm still to the state. I don't see that anybody is touching the pregnancy part in terms of financial assistance. And that to me was very important.  So organizations were hitting NICU or law and or loss.  But nobody was helping pregnancy. There were very specific locations, so it might be a certain state, a certain county, certain hospital. And there was very formulaic, this is what we provide, are these things.  And so I was looking at it and I was thinking, first of all, On the location idea,  I've always been a proponent of health equity and fairness, and I thought why should it mean that, like, just because I deliver at a certain hospital, I can get financial assistance, but if I deliver at another hospital, I can't. So that was very much a thought process. The fact that pregnancy wasn't included, and I felt like that was a big piece of not only our story, but of a lot of people's stories, right? And, and it's just kind of. Makes sense. If you're helping in pregnancy, you have less there's less chance of long NICU hospitalizations and less chance of loss.  And so doing that. And then I didn't want to be very formulaic. I wanted to know for me, it's always like every family is different and has different needs. And so I really wanted something that would  Allow us to look at each application, each family independently and adjust what we were doing based on their need. And so we launched on CLED's due date, so September 7th of 2018, and it's just been amazing to see the, the takeoff and the need that is happening. So we are. Right now we have helped over 2, 300 families. We've hit all 50 States and we've given away a little over 1. 5 million. And it's just been crazy. And we're not, we're not meeting the need. I mean, the need is so great. And so many people just really find themselves in these situations that become crises. And that there's no planning for a lot of these.   So I was curious, that thought somebody else is doing this, somebody else must be paying attention to this cause. I think that's something that happens oftentimes when, when we feel like, okay, there's a little bit of media coverage, as they say, like maternity leave, paternity leave, like these topics are like spoken of, right? Like in media, social media and all of that. And so it's, it's very easy. For us to assume, well, someone else must be handling that. There must be someone who's the advocate of this message and this cause. And so my question to you is the following. So in your world, right? Like where does the book stop? So like certain organizations are handling. What sort of expenses, and then where do you like close the gap or meet the need that is not being fulfilled by those entities or other entities?  Right. Great question. So I think one of the biggest things is that there's a cap on services. So there's organizations that, for example, will give to families that qualify under their guidelines, they will give 100 gift card. And that could be gas, that could be food, that kind of thing. And that's great. And we still, we have a lot of our families who have also requested that help or received that help, depending on how it is.  And so that's something, again, like the pregnancies piece is not a problem. Being taken into, into account,  some organizations, they have X amount of dollars and they give them out where we're very fiscally responsible about how we're giving them out throughout the year, but there are some organizations that might get X amount of dollars. And then once that's up, they're done until the next budget cycle. And so not loving that where we're not  stuck to. A certain dollar amount, we're not stuck to what people might need. And we've been very adaptable to what our families need. We didn't think about just because it wasn't something that really factored into our experience, but we didn't think about the cost of transportation and that being a really big request and that remains our number one, number two request. And it makes sense because we have found that our average family is traveling 62 miles one way to the NICU. And so that's a. Huge cost that adds up really, really quickly, right? And that's the average. I mean, we've had people who are driving, driving 200, 300 miles to do, to get to the NICU. And so I think we've been very much like, let's hear from families. Let's see what they need. We also spent a lot of time talking with social workers to say, what are the things coming up? But really it's trying to get a little bit of support so that a family could it. Do a pregnancy bedrest or limitations that they can be seen their babies as much as they can, that they can do the memorialization of their loss. And so it's really been, I mean, we sit and we review every single application and really read it and, and really try to find where it is that we can help.  And what are the things that we can do that gets  Things accomplished. And I think that that's really unique. We, we don't have formulaic anything. I mean, we look at it. There are things we've never covered that will come up. So for example, I'm thinking of,  we had a girl who was 16, had a baby in the NICU and what she had told her social worker, her biggest fear was that she was sort of stuck in this cycle. Her mom had gotten pregnant very young with her. Her grandmother had gotten very pregnant with her mother. And neither of them had finished high school. And so for her. She was like, I want to do better for my, for my child. And so she said, I would like to finish my high school degree. And so they worked with us and the hospital was able to find a laptop that she could use to do online school while she was sick. at the NICU, so with her baby, being able to do that. And we helped with her tuition to finish that degree. And so it's not in the grand scheme of things, like it's not necessarily that her being able to do this meant her baby did better, but it also meant she was starting something and, and doing something and breaking a cycle, which I think is a huge issue. And so those are the things that we want to hear about too. All of those like unique one off things. Situations that may only happen to one family ever and really taking the time to look at those.   Okay. So again, on that thread, right? Somebody else is doing this because I think, like, let's say like watching TV and seeing current events and seeing things on TV and we're kind of like stuck in our own lives, right? We're like, okay, well, I have food. I have water. I have resources as an example. And I imagine a lot of the listeners might feel really, really confused. Blessed and also just like, not in the same state of needing donations, right? In order to get through a really rough and emotionally trying moment. So, okay. Along that thread of somebody else is doing this. It sounds to me, Michelle, that. Somebody else was not going to help that girl  feel a sense of accomplishment and then carry that, that positive feeling and emotional state as she was with her NICU baby, like, and babies Feel us like they know, right? Like they know if mommy is okay, like they can tag. So, okay. So somebody else was not doing that in terms of tuition for this one person. So same idea. Why don't you share a couple of other instances that might not feel so obvious to someone that's never been in that situation, but would like to help you, especially Mother's Day just passed. And obviously. We don't really need just one day to be celebrated and respected. This should be like annual all the time forever. So, okay, what's another thing that somebody else was not doing, but through the foundation, you guys were doing and you guys are a lean team. I just want to say that right now. Like when, when, when we're saying when Michelle is saying like somebody else is doing this, it's like legit, like a. Family in a house with a child, with a bunch of energy and trying to do something that's so amazing. Right. So go ahead. Give us another, another moment. Yeah, I think  we've done things like a family who has lost a baby and maybe was able to come up with the money for a cremation, but might just have ashes in a box and don't have them in a really pretty urn. Right. And, and it's not that urns are super expensive, but. If a family has been through a lot and may not be able to afford the 400, the 500 that an earn could be. So those are things on the last thing as well. Sometimes we have families who, again, they've, they've had something covered. It might be that.  Their particular community has a, has a program, has a plan. Sometimes funeral homes just donate the whole thing and they, they like recoup the expenses,  things like that. But then they want memorial jewelry. They want something that they can hold onto their baby as they go forward. And especially in really early pregnancy losses, they don't get the, they don't get the funerals and services and things like that. And so that might be the only way that they can really remember their baby and remember what that means. And so some people will sort of look at it and say, why are you covering jewelry? And what we know is that that's.  That's not just a piece of jewelry, right? This is not, this is something that is really important and that reminds people. I mean, you talked about Mother's Day and I think anybody who has ever lost  from the earliest pregnancy all the way through an infant knows that a lot of people, especially the earlier in the pregnancy that it is,  don't really look at people like moms and dads. And so that's something that I think is saying. Even if the world doesn't see me, that I know and I'm recognizing my motherhood, my fatherhood,  and I think that's really important to do. On NICU, it's been, sometimes it's medical equipment that they're sent home with that insurance doesn't cover. So it might be the,  I'm trying to think, it's like there's an oxygen concentrator that a lot of babies are sent home with that they might need and it could be a couple hundred dollars and insurance doesn't cover that or they're deductible. And so we're helping with those kinds of situations because we don't want kids going back to the NICU. We don't want parents  Because they have no other option, skipping doctor recommended steps and things like that because they can't have another option. Helping with  post NICU, right? So sometimes we have a family who has already been discharged, but when I talked about the distance, Of a NICU that also means that once they go home, they have a distance of doctor's appointments and they may have a lot depending on NICU babies can, can run the whole spectrum of things. Right. And so if they have to see multiple doctors pretty regularly and they're doing that drive,  we want to help with those situations.  We want to help when they go, if they have to go back to the hospital, which is always terrible, but some, we will do that too. We've had. Family is where baby is sent home, but then needs heart surgery or some sort of surgery and they need to be older and weigh more and be a little bit healthier. So they'll go home for six months and then come back and then the costs are the same, but they're not NICU, they're in a different situation. And for us, we use NICU, but very, very adapted kind of things of what that really means.  And I think that that's really important. Anything in the pregnancy sphere can be childcare. If you think of a stay at home mom who hasn't really needed to use childcare and then is put on bed rest, any parents, anybody who's been around toddlers and kids knows bed rest with children around that's not happening. Right. And so is it childcare so that the pregnant person can. Actually have some bed rest or in situations where they can't lift a lot with that child care help doing that, all of those kinds of things that just I think are so useful and so helpful. We had, we had a story of a woman who, and luckily her doctor was really responsive. She was missing. She was a high risk pregnancy and she had to be going to weekly visits pretty early in the pregnancy. Okay. And the doctor started noticing that she would miss appointments last minute and cancel last minute or not show up or show up an hour late, all this. And luckily the doctor reached out to a social worker and said, I don't know what's going on, but something clearly is happening. And so the social worker reached out and it turned out she didn't have reliable transportation. She was relying on not a great public trans,  not a really great public transportation option or relying on friends and family for rides. And that wasn't. Reliable. And so we were able to set her up so that she was using, she could use lift rides that were charged to our account to go to and from prenatal visits. Right. And so, you know, you look at that and you think she ended up giving birth to, I think the baby was either full term or very close to full term. So baby was in the hospital a couple of days and then released. Right. And did her going to regular prenatal appointments help that? Absolutely. Absolutely. And so I think it's really just being gracious and understanding. And I think that one of the things that also separates us from a lot of places is we've been through all three of these stages. And so we know, and we can think of things. I mean, we're talking about the distance of NICU. Colette was in a NICU that was, 10 to 15 minutes from our house and that felt so far for us and that we actually looked into do we get an Airbnb right here? The reason why we didn't was because the way that the hospital is set up, there was hotel options was still going to be like a five minute drive and things like that. And so we ultimately were like, well, we'd rather be in our comfort in our home  if we're already going to have this. But if there had been a hotel across the street, We would have been in that  and that was very something. So when you start adding up long distances where people can't go every day, can't, they're going once a week or whatever, that's really difficult. That's really something else. So  this episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination to Networking Success, a live masterclass designed to fast track your connections with the right people to elevate your business. Before we continue today's conversation with our guest, Michelle, a participant of the fertile imagination to networking success program, I want to ask you a question. Are you a visionary mom founder? We're hearing Michelle's story and she has a huge vision and a huge ask. But do you also have a big mission that you want to fulfill in this one divine life? If it is the case for you, here's the question. Has not being able to network with confidence, with poise, with intention ever gotten in your way? Do you feel like not feeling that networking comes naturally for you, or maybe it's this feeling awkward about talking to strangers, or maybe you put your foot in your mouth, or you just don't know what to say or how to start, has that ever gotten in the way of the growth of your business? Does the growth of your business actually depend on building relationships that are mutually beneficial with other people, people who you do not yet know. If that is the case, then this is a call for five mom founders only. I want you and I to have a conversation about this if this is pulling at your heart if networking is something that you need to get better at five mom founders this summer will be partnering together to help one another get better at networking and the best part it'll be this summer. It'll only require three hours a week on your terms and time so that this way come this September, you can hit the ground running, totally running. So you get better at networking. If you participate in fertile imagination to networking success, you'll be able to identify the right connections to propel your business forward in the fall. with clarity and you would have already developed a mom friendly strategy that works regardless of what your kids need. My proven three step method that Michelle knows intimately at this point, the imagination, To impact to income method will help you get way better at networking just in time for the fall. And it's going to help you be more confident and feel more connected. Competent about putting yourself out there so that you can do it a lot more in the fall so that this way you are going to stay connected over the summer with your business so that come in the fall, you will not feel like a fish out of the water. You will not feel like it's been a little bit. You're a little rusty when it comes to being a professional and engaging with people. You know why? Because over the summer as one of the five mom founders who can participate in my group coaching experience, you will have an opportunity to To work on your story, you will have an opportunity to understand how you need to plan out the rest of your year as it relates to your networking activities. You will have clarity in terms of what needs to happen in the fall. So that this way, regardless of where you are in terms of your annual goals, you can exceed them. So that this way, if you feel behind on what you have been able to accomplish the beginning of this year, you can accelerate, put the foot on the gas and talk to people who already know what you need to do in order to improve your business outcomes. So here's something that I wanted to share with you. I would love to have a conversation with you. If this is resonating, if you know that networking is something that you have got to get good at. And there is no time like the summer when business might be a little slower, when you might be able to have more time to yourself as opposed to supporting clients so that this way you can do all the work it takes in order to feel completely ready in the fall by way of networking. So here's something that is so important. I am only bringing on five mom founders this summer.  Is huge. This is going to be unlike any other time in my life. I wanna tell you exactly why you will want to talk to me on a 15 minute call on Zoom about. How networking can help your business grow exponentially, immediately. So you will want to reach out to me this month of May because only if you and I speak this May and only if you participate in my cohort this summer, Will you have access to these bonuses, these extras, these never again coming your way opportunities in terms of being part of Fertile Imagination to Networking Success, the program that Michelle, the guest on today's episode, participated in and has gotten success from. Here we go. So only now this program, this nine week program that is virtual, that will only need three hours of your time each week. And really two hours are on your time, wherever you are in the world. It's on demand. One hour will be with me and a group of four other like minded, intense, wonderful women who also want to learn how to network. But here's the thing. So this program is available only this time at a 30 percent discount for those who joined my June cohort and there will only be five spots. That is it. And that is why it is important to speak now in May in order to secure your spot so that this way you get guaranteed that spot in June. If you wait beyond June to speak with me about this group coaching program, the investment level is going to increase and the spots are not guaranteed whatsoever. Now will I offer this program again? Not in this way, not with these exclusive add ons. Let me explain. Here are the add ons that will never come your way again. If you do not have a conversation with me, this may pertaining to participating in the virtual imagination to networking success. group coaching program, which is virtual. Okay. Never again, exclusive to the first five mom founders who participate in this program this June exclusive. So five people will be in this cohort. It is going to be intimate. It is practically personalized access to me. Very similar to a VIP one on one mentorship experience over the course of nine weeks. And that could have been valued at least 10 X the investment level. So I want to just say that is huge. This investment level, this level of access for me to answer your questions so that you are totally unstoppable in the fall will not happen again. It will only happen for these five mom founders at this 30 percent discounted rate. If that, this might actually be more than a 30 percent discounted rate at this moment. Also exclusive to joining me as the group of five, this June month. Also, you will be featured and heavily advertised as a guest on my  podcast, unimaginable wellness, this right here and this platform. There are trailblazers who are also featured like Susie Batiste,  who invests in different businesses like Asha Karan, who. I mean, has spread generosity throughout the world. People like Beth Comstock, the former CMO of GE, who's on the board of different organizations. You will absolutely be in the scene in the same Light in terms of these icons, because you will have an opportunity to be on my podcast and I will feature you and your story like no one's business that is not coming for anyone beyond the five mom founders this June, that is exclusive, that is, that is worth the price of entry period. Also, for a limited time, only if you participate in June at this discounted rate of 30%, only in June, will you have personalized feedback from me on your outreach efforts? What does that mean? If you have to go and write an email to the chief procurement officer of L'Oreal, I will hold your hand and I will, I will help you write exactly the right words. I will help you ensure that that person gets back to you. That is how high touch this very specific program will be in June only. Also by securing your spot and talking to me in May so that you are one of the five mom founders in this cohort. You will also receive a midpoint private session. This working session is going to focus on executing your outreach plan. It's about immersion and action. It is about getting this done. There is just no way under the sun. I want any mom to feel left behind or behind on her ambitions. I am in it to win it with you first five mom founders. We must talk in May about one of five spots in June. Again, you're going to want to move very quickly to learn further details about fertile imagination to networking success, a group coaching program that will launch in June. Michelle already went through it. You can hear her story. You can witness how I would coach you. If you were a participant in this group, And you could also have a sense for the fact that Michelle got a lot more than she imagined. Not only has it been favorable in terms of her business, in terms of her boldness, in terms of how she's going out and talking to people that can absolutely change the course of her non profit,  Also, she realizes, appreciates, and does not feel any longer conflicted about spending time with her son playing, because now the reframe is that that is in support of your imagination, the skill that you need in order to innovate in your business, in order to thrive. Talk to people in order to have a conversation. That's going to be fruitful for everyone. And in order for you to achieve what is on your heart. So my question to you again is, are you a visionary mom founder? If you are, let's talk, just head on over to the link in my show notes. If you are listening to this on a drive, on a run. And then go ahead and write my email address. It is melissa.  larina at gmail. com m e l i s s a dot l l a r e n a at gmail. com. I could've given you my business email, but I wanted to give you one that was 100 percent straight to me. And this has to be done in May so that you can be guaranteed one of five spots in June so that you can absolutely have the answers that you need real time practically so that you can be part of an intimate group of women who want to be and bring the best of themselves to both of their worlds. Being a mom and being a business owner as well. You can have it all this summer. This program is truly, truly, truly flexible because it was built for mom founders. That is precisely what I have been for 12 years, and I am honored to support and serve you on your journey. So go ahead, reach out to me, look in the show notes. I will put a direct link to my calendar for 15 minutes also. That's an alternative. So it's quite simple to get in touch with me. Email me or schedule the 15 minute. I appreciate either approach and my Instagram account is also always in the show notes. So. Either way you slice it, I'm available for it. And there's not much time. It is like May 16 today, the day that I am recording this. So please be aware that as I speak to people first come first serve, these exclusives are exclusive. If you and I speak in May and you don't, you join in the June cohort. Okay. So a little bit more information. What. is inside fertile imagination for networking success. I want to just share with you a bit more so you will know how to initiate the right conversations with the right people who can take your business to the next level fastest. So you're going to have your own signed paperback copy of my bestseller fertile imagination so that this way you can transcend the limitations of your current ceiling and unlock your most expansive thinking. That is really important when you're a mom founder. And you've got a lot of things that change. Okay. You will also Have access to weekly on demand training videos that will empower you with the imagination to impact to income method. What does this mean? You will have a step by step system to elevate your company and personal vision. You will know how to pinpoint your primary focus for maximum business impact. You will know how to increase your energy and productivity. You will know how to innovate. You will know, you will know how to navigate imposter syndrome, refine your leadership narrative and strategize networking efforts, right? Tailored to your business, tailored to your stage of motherhood. That is huge. I have not seen that anywhere in my entire life, which is why I wanted to create it. Then in terms of time with me, with the other members of this cohort, this very special cohort that will be happening in June, you will have an opportunity to join us nine times and ask us anything in terms of what you've got going on. We will be doing some role playing or hot seat sessions. We will be able to help you really regain your weekly focus. Every single week is a different week. And so we are there for it because It's like minded women, and you will have lifetime access to these resources and implementation tools very specifically so that you can turbocharge your networking efforts come this fall, the rest of the year, the rest of your life, please be aware this program is one where it is live in the sense that every week. I will help you every week you have a question. Something is getting in your way from the growth of your business or achieving a networking win. I will help you if you have anything that has held you in the past from investing in yourself. I invite you to consider this an investment in your legacy. This is not an investment in yourself alone. This is an investment in the legacy of you and your family. When I think about my podcast and the skills that I've used and how I have used my imagination to impact to income method, this has helped me build a treasure trove or treasure box of contacts and humans and beautiful people that can not only help me right now, and I can help of course, but can then help my children and my children's children going forward. This is not about me. The program is not about you. This is an investment in your legacy. So let's go and have that conversation. 15 minutes and the link is available for you. Enjoy the rest of the conversation.  Yeah. I mean, what I'm hearing you say, Michelle, is that. What distinguishes your organization versus the big name organizations that I'm sure a lot of people have heard of that are in a similar space, maybe not specifically pregnancy, but kind of thereabouts, is that the dollars that are donated to Your organization are going to actually get through to a patient or a parent. And then on top of that, there's something very distinguishable, which is the simple fact that  a lot of people have lost touch. With what other people who are emotionally incapable of expressing what they need, they've lost touch of what someone actually needs, like only, only someone like yourself and your family, Michelle could read an application and say, you know what, no, this person is asking for a piece of jewelry with their child's name, birthday, whatever it might be, not because they just want to be flashy, but because they Because this is like the emotional connection that they get to have, like literally just softly on top of their heart. You know what I mean? Like, I don't know that someone who hasn't been through it would read an application in the same way. And I also don't imagine that a big organization that has been around is going to be as sensitive because it's, it's a reality, right? So different organizations have different. KPIs and they have different commitments that they have to make to different people. But this organization is, is so grassroots. It's so real and it's been already impactful across the 50 states over a million dollars. I mean, what's the exact number I want to be sure just  over 1. 5.  Yeah. Yeah. Operating out of your home while you're looking at your child and your husband is. Your support. So I think, I think there's a lot to be said in terms of getting to know your organization, getting to know you and really supporting you. And I want, I want to just ask you something that's like, so, so bold. I mean, like we're talking like. I don't even know another planet, right? Kind of bold. So let's just imagine, let's imagine that there is someone listening to this conversation right now. And this person has, they got their tax money back, let's say, right? So they got like some thousands of dollars back from taxes and they themselves Maybe they're a rainbow baby, right? Or maybe, or maybe they have suffered some sort of a loss or have some reason to kind of want to support moms. Like what would be like that magic wand check that you would want that person to consider cutting and give it 30 days? Yeah, so I will tell you my, my goal right now is by the end of 2024 is to raise an additional 50, 000. The reason for that amount is we are budgeted right now to be fiscally responsible. We are budgeted, we give away 5, 000 every week and the need is far out far exceeding what we're giving out. We are always looking and so like any extra dollars that we can do, we are always trying to do a little bit more. Then that, but that's what we can responsibly know. We do. 50, 000 would allow us to go up to 6, 000 a week, which means that every week we would be helping between one and two more families. So our average giver give right now is about 500 a family.  We do have up to a thousand with some families who just really need a lot more assistance And so it would really end up being probably a hundred more families next year that we could help And so that's that's really my goal So if anybody wants to write a fifty thousand dollar check today I would absolutely adore it and I would then be able to spend the rest of the year Perhaps just maybe getting we can get to 200 families, right? So that's really what I would say, but I think You On the donation piece, and I, and I really, this is something we've really worked hard for is we have worked with certain donors and they cover our overhead costs. And like Melissa said, we are very lean organization is mostly me. My husband helps me review applications just to see, I brought on an assistant to finally help me who works 20 hours a week. So we are very, very lean organization, but we have worked with donors. And so we have a couple of donors who cover our overhead. Expenses. And so every donation that comes in goes directly to the financial assistance program and directly to a family. So I, for me, that's always something I have looked at at other organizations. And I think there's some really big organizations that if you did, if you looked at. They are giving your, your donations going 50 percent to marketing or to anything like that. And that was something I wanted to be really clear that that was not our goal with raising money. Our goal was to help a lot, as many families as we could. And so it's going directly. 100 percent of that is going to a family in need.  Perfect. Perfect. And so then I just wanted to slice that number up a bit because I know that someone listening might be like 50, 000. Oh my God, from my personal family budget. But no, let's think creatively, right? Let's use our imagination. So. What would be some other ways that someone can help who is listening to this conversation? And let me just like, start with this one idea. First of all, for the most part, if you work for an employer, they have a matching system, so that's an option available to you. So let's just imagine 25 is like, Not possible. So let's just say whatever the half of 25 is work was possible, right? Let's just imagine. Then you would ask your employer to have the other half. And again, I'm just thinking very big. That's one way, but something that you shared with me as a result of being in my group coaching program was this idea of using your birthday and how that was really, really helpful. So why don't you explain that? Cause that might be.  An alternative for people  listening, right? Yeah, we found the birthday really started on on Facebook and that you could have fundraisers for your birthday that your friends and family could donate to and that they would do it through Facebook. They would get tax receipts. Yeah, that way. And so it was a really good way. And so what we found was that families and friends who are doing that we're having pretty good success rates and right. And it could be anywhere from 100 to 100 up to it's really dependent on what the person would want us. That is a goal and much sort of promoting they want to do of that.  Really, we were finding that that was a great way. I think, especially, I mean, as all of us get older, right, I don't want a lot of stuff. And so I would prefer that somebody donate, you know, those funds to a cause I would really believe in. Like, I would prefer those kinds of, Things. And so I think that's a great way to tell people, like, don't, don't spend your money on a gift for me. I don't need a gift. Could you instead donate to a cause I really believe in? And I think a lot of people are willing to do that and really willing to say, okay, that's great. One of the things, I mean, just today, my mom and her birthday is in October. So she's already thinking ahead that far. She said, I'd like to go to dinner with the family and then anything that you would have spent on me, I would like to be donated to the foundation. And that's a really, it's a really beautiful way to do things. And it's a really great way to just sort of say, I'm going to do it. And that a lot of people, I think we all can. Generally afford from  time anywhere from 25 to 50 if, and that's saying you don't really have a lot of money, a lot of wiggle room in your budget.  And so if you have good friends who would spend that amount of money on you to take you for dinner or for for drinks or something like that, or who would give you a gift saying instead, okay, don't don't do that and donate to a cause that I really believe in. And so that we have found is really been a huge. Like way that people can, can take advantage of, and it doesn't just have to be birthdays. It can be, I have a friend of mine from college who had twins in the NICU and she always promised that if everything worked out and they came home, that she would do a donation every year on their birthday. And so she does it for her kids birthdays. Right. And so I think it's just really great ways to,  to kind of continue that. And   Yeah, absolutely. And so before we close, just because you have a t shirt and I know that you have merchandise that is also in light of this organization, what does your t shirt say? It's a blue shirt for anyone listening  to the audio. And then it says mama of an angel. And so. Yeah. And we have all of the, like we have of angel and of NICU warrior. We have mom, dad, grandma, grandpa,  siblings. So my son wears often wear a brother of an angel shirt for NICU or NICU babies. We have onesies all the way up through kids shirts so that they themselves are NICU warriors. And then even in adult sizes, we have that as well.  We have an IVF line that we have recently come out with. Yeah. For something that is really at risk and, and really trying to be challenged in a lot of different ways. So again, it's IVF baby all the way up through adult t shirts, IVF mom, dad, all of that. Yeah.  And then,  Oh, and then we also just added, I was like, I knew there was another  area, but we just also added at a recommendation of a social worker we work with who said, I don't have personal experience, but I really want to root for people. So we now have an advocate line. So it's NICU advocate, IVF advocate, and loss advocate. And so really just trying to, I think, Okay. And you said this one time was like a t shirts, not just a t shirt. And I think that's really important when I wear this shirt and I have a NICU warrior and I have an IVF advocate and all of those things, when I wear this, I feel closer to Colette and, and it's also something that. My joke is always, I talk about a lot of taboo topics, right? When I wear these, I'm also telling other people like it's okay. And you are not alone. You're not the only other person. And it's so interesting how I get such great feedback where people will come up to me and say, well, I also have an angel baby or my sister. Lost a child or anything like that. And I think that's a really great just connection way to know that you're not alone and to know that other people are experiencing that and talking about it. So yes. And the proceeds go to our financial assistance program as well. So  perfect, Michelle. So let's just give everyone a sense of where they can go to learn more about you and the organization. So website, social handles, what are they?  Yeah. So it's Colette one L two T's Louise. com is our website on Facebook. We're Colette Tisdall T I S D A H L on Instagram. It's Colette Louise Tisdall on Twitter, which is my, my personal favorite. It's the Tisdall and, and then we're on YouTube, LinkedIn, and just really Google us. We come up and you can kind of check out all the different things.  Thank you, Michelle. So I wanted to just close by saying the following because I think it really, it, it, it's important that, and this needs to be said period, but this idea that somebody else is doing this or somebody else must be doing this, or somebody might be paying attention to this topic is, is so like, that's a really dangerous thought. It's a really, really dangerous thought, and I think we have evidence of that in our surroundings and the world at these, at this time, and I think it's also, it's also something that needs to be really, really, you need to sit with this idea that, guess what? What if it's you? What if it's you who is supposed to be the advocate of that cause? What if it's you that's supposed to solve that challenge? What if it's you that's supposed to open your mouth, use your loud voice and amplify someone else who is no longer here on this earth? What if it's you? And I'm saying that to Listeners, I'm saying that to myself, I'm saying that to Michelle, like, I think it's really, really unfortunate that oftentimes when we see things, it's almost like we're desensitized, and we look the other way, like, oh, they must not be talking to me, there must be someone else handling this, that's super powerful. Here's the reality, oftentimes, there just is not. There, there really is not, there is not. And so I invite anyone that's listening more than anything else. There might be something on your heart. There might be a message that you want to share that you are thinking to yourself. Nah, they, I couldn't possibly make a dent in that world or, or someone else must be handling that. And I want you to just. Really thoughtfully sit with that, even meditate and consider the idea that maybe somebody else is not handling it and that somebody else is actually supposed to be you. And so I want to just end right there. Thank you so much, Michelle. And, and all of your links, you're welcome. And all of your links are going to be in the show notes. So if you're listening to this. Just look at the device at the bottom, look in the description and you'll see all these links at the same time. Michelle is super, super approachable. So if you want to know what's the best way for you to donate money to the organization, reach out to her. Would Instagram be the preferred place to kind of just send you a DM? That's totally  fine. Any of the social media, any of that, like I said, we're really lean. So I'm, I'm checking all of those. There's no, nobody else is doing that. So, yes,  it is definitely a very lean team. So thank you again, Michelle and anyone that's listening. If this really caught your attention, if you want to be that somebody else for this organization, do not hesitate and reach out to Michelle, or if you want to reach out to me, cause we're already hanging out on Instagram and I could reach out to Michelle, I'm happy to be the conduit. So thank you again, everyone. And until next Tuesday. I never do this, but I wanted to just share a conversation between Michelle and myself pertaining to her very specific experience in the Fertile Imagination to Networking Success group coaching program. Certainly, if you have any questions pertaining to being one of my Five mom founders this summer. So that this way in the fall, you are as confident and competent as Michelle is in distinguishing her organization versus anyone else. And the confidence that she had to reach out to the first IVF baby. If you want some of that confidence by this fall, go ahead and send me an email. Melissa dot Lorena at gmail. com or sign up for 15 minutes with me on my calendar. You can see all this information in the show notes right on your device. All right. Enjoy the conversation. It is really raw and candid, and I hope that it really answers any questions pertaining to what it would be like to partner with me and to have me as a mentor, I would love to have the conversation and I'd be honored to support you and your company.  All righty, so Michelle wanted to have an understanding like when you were first or not even like what were you thinking at the time that you and I spoke pertaining to the program, like what were you trying to accomplish? How did you feel before deciding to go for fertile imagination to networking success? Right.  I had really reached kind of a turning point in my work. I spent the first few years just getting the word out so we could get applicants and families to apply. And I did a lot of work on that. And, and now it was shifting to really trying to fundraise and grow our program. And so, you know, I knew that that wasn't necessarily my strongest suit,  I can go find community and tell people about resources all day long, right? And I can do that. And that was like a very, although it took a lot of work, I was very easy for me to come up with. But now to flip it, it's, it's hard. And I'm not great at, I'm not great at it. Asking for money, and I'm not great at all these things, and I knew I had to do it, and I knew I had to network, and I knew I had to do everything, and it was also coming at a point where we really closed ourselves off during COVID, and that was because we were expecting a baby, and then we had a baby, and we didn't have a vaccine for him until he was almost two, and so we were really protective of him, and so not only had it been that I Was much more of an introvert and that a lot of those kind of crowds and everything stress me out and I had to really prepare for it and be on top of it. But then we had had this like long hibernation where hadn't done any of it. So it's kind of a skill that wasn't my best skill and then it was rusty. So I think that's really where I was at. I think the program came along and I just thought to me, it felt like one of those things that  I thought would really help me a lot. And that. It would feel like one of those things, if I didn't do it, I would regret it. And so that was really,  that was my thinking and how I was feeling going into it.   That's so interesting. What, what made you think that if you didn't go into it at that moment, you would regret it? What, what kind of went into that? I think it was just, I didn't even really know where to start. And I think I just. I needed somebody who would work with me to develop a better plan. I needed some of that, like outside motivation that I wasn't, that I was lacking because it's hard when you're doing this day in and day out, especially when you are on your own, largely, it's hard to know, am I doing things the right way? Is this, what is this? And so. I think in talking with you, I was like, this is somebody who's going to push me out of my comfort zone. And I need that right now. And I wasn't getting that.  In any other way, really, I was getting it sort of informally here and there, but it wasn't getting somebody who's going to like, be like, no, let's push you out of this comfort zone and everything. And so I really just wanted that. And I, and I knew I needed that. And so that was really where I thought if I Don't do this program.  I don't know how I'm going to find somebody who's going to do that. And I don't know that I have it in me right now to do it for myself and really push myself.   So before starting the program, what sort of doubts or uncertainties did you have about joining and then how did you overcome them?  Yeah, I think it was,  I think doubts are just, it's hard for me to invest in myself and hard for me to like, kind of take that step back.  That time to say I'm working on myself, but it does have another goal. And also it, we should be invested in ourselves. And so I think that was really one of my biggest doubts.  I didn't feel like in some other programs and things that I've looked at, I felt like I don't really know that this is going to be successful. I more felt like really, I was like this. I was like, Melissa is going to kick my butt a little bit and, and get me out of my comfort zone. And  that was what I needed. And I knew that that's what I needed. So I think that was really where the, kind of the doubts settled it. Like, yes, they were there when I first started, they were still there a little bit. And then I think it was very quickly, it was like, Oh yeah, no, no, this is really what I needed was I needed that push. Yeah, and you know what? I think it's interesting. So your background like you're like a JD Like weren't you like were you a trial attorney? I was yeah okay, can I just put context here because the the assumption would be that a trial attorney would be like Crazy intense, totally like gunhole, super loud. I'm just kind of curious, like, like this was not you then, or was it simply because of all the emotions or what was it that?  Yeah. Yeah. I think it was definitely the emotions. I think I was never super aggressive. I knew how to like turn it on for the little bit of the case, but I wasn't really super aggressive outside of court. And so I think it was kind of like, I didn't have that same platform of saying like, okay, in here, in this context, this is what I have to do. I didn't feel that same way. I think it was definitely the emotions, right? It's really, it's really hard in fundraising because I think there's this part of me that's like, what do you mean? You're not going to give money to my daughter. And I think that's a really hard position to be in where it's like. I have to separate that out and understand that it's, it's not the same emotional thing for most people who are going to encounter it. And so I think I needed that. I think it was also just tired, right? Like, I think fundraising is really tough.  I think there was some things of growing up and just culturally is like,  you're not supposed to ask other people for money, right? It's supposed to be, stay within the family, all of that. So I think it's a very foreign concept to me  to ask for money and ask, And really ask for help. I mean, I think that that's something that was tough for me. Right.  And so I think all of those things kind of Combined into this point where  it was hard for me to, to, to do it and to think of how to do it. And fundraising is known for taking a really long time to come to fruition. And I was exhausted  and, and I didn't know how to start. And that was the really big thing. So.   So then what aspect, what aspects of the program set it apart from other experiences and how did those differences contribute to your success? I   mean, I think the first thing is I had never really seen a program that fully integrated the fact of being a mom and what that took,  as well as your work. And so I think it was just this, I was like, this quote always thinks of me as like, you're supposed to, in the same age, you're supposed to work like you don't have a kid and you're supposed to parent like you don't have a job, right? And that's not the reality. Right. They're both hand in hand, things that happen with your child affect work and things that happen with work affect your child. And so kind of that tug and pull, what I always liked was that you were very forthcoming of like, this is you working within all of your obligations and all of the things that are going to pull with, pull at you. And you were going to have to adjust things as, as it goes on. And so I think that was one of the biggest things that felt like  Dad was saying,  you want to be the best mom you can possibly be, and you also want to do the best job you can possibly do, and that is going to ebb and flow on both ends, depending on, you know, needs and what's going on, and that's okay. And then how can we do this? And so one of the things that I think was really good That I really appreciated always was  how being with your kids was like a way to sort of work on your imagination and to sort of play with life and, and see it through their eyes. And that to me was really helpful because I think there was a lot of, if I, if I did all this stuff with my son, that was great. But then I was also thinking about all the stuff that I didn't do and vice versa. And so I think it was just very much  being able to say like, Even spending time with our children, we are developing ourselves and, and really thinking and playing it out of it and getting out of our own heads, which I think was like one of the biggest  benefits to the program was I was forced to get out of my own head, which is a dangerous place to stay in and, um.  Yeah, I would agree I said that to myself yesterday. I was like get out of your head What is it in your head you're dead or something like that? Okay, so then the other question would be Okay, so is there a particular aspect of the program? So something specific that exceeded your expectations or significantly contributed to your growth and success   I think the strategies of networking, not just being when you show up to an event, but doing a lot of the pre work,  I just had never really thought of it. And I had looked at networking, uh, In the terms of like, you show up to this event. It's super awkward. Maybe you meet a few good people, but then there's not really a great,  it's just awkward. And it's, you know, weird to do it. And instead to convert that into making some context saying, Hey, I'm going to be here at this. Let's connect all of that removed a lot of that awkwardness. And then I think that also, cool. The other thing was, like, helped with  how do we follow up afterwards? I think it was so much easier when you had had some pre conversations to then do the follow up of you had a little bit of a dialogue already going into it, and then you had the dialogue at an event, and then you had afterwards, and so it was much more seamless, and for me, who has some of that inner dialogue and that imposter syndrome, everything, it then put me in a space where people We're already connecting with me and it wasn't me going in cold to an event and not knowing anybody not Having any sort of connection with anybody and I think that was a big difference, too  Yeah, people were trying to give you hugs, which I'm not saying that we could promise hugs at all networking events, but  They go. Wow, it's a really it's pretty intense. Okay, so then let's talk about results or achievements that you're most proud of Proud of. So how do you see them impacting your future endeavors?   I mean, I have been making contacts and reaching out to people that I never would have thought to reach out to. And so we had had some success probably last year and a little bit before that with Some of the doctors that were from the hospital we delivered at and just being very gracious and very, we had a big fundraiser and the neonatologists were all coming up to me independently and saying like, we know, like how much good you're doing for our families. And that was huge, but I didn't really know how to like, start that connection, right? Like that connection started because we had been at that hospital. We had all these great relationships with social workers and they like helped us with all of that. But it didn't, I didn't really know how to do it. And instead it was like, okay, so how do you capitalize on those, you know, strategies for how you're on showing up on LinkedIn strategies for who you're looking to connect with and getting past sort of that. I mean, there's a lot of noise in this area and getting past that noise to say, okay, let's start thinking about who is the strategic person. To connect with  and who is, and then also like defining our, our goals and setting them out and saying that I had never felt like I could say, this is my goal and not sound like I was. Being too salesy and instead saying, like, this is my goal and like, I want to work with people who believe in this mission to get me to that goal.   So what would you say is like the boldest thing you said or did throughout our time together?   So I will say that, so Elizabeth Carr, who is the first IVF baby born in the U. S., I have followed her on LinkedIn, and she's very much an advocate for reproductive rights, and  we started an IVF line after the decision in Alabama, and all that we really wanted, I think one of the ways that we're going to combat this is for all of us to start telling our stories, and how IVF has helped us grow our families, I think that that's huge, and that's One of the first things that we can really do and so  it just so happened that during infertility awareness week, which was about a month ago She posted something and orange is the color for infertility awareness And she said every year I remind myself that I don't have a lot of orange and I always mean to buy more orange And I don't and I just commented and said I would love to send you A t shirt that says IVF baby in adult sizes, and we have them in orange, and so

Welcome to Episode 213. Are you a mom entrepreneur who struggles with impostor syndrome,  wants to nip overwhelm in the bud, wishes to realize the power of networking and/or wants to turn her business and mom life AROUND in 2024? If yes then hit PLAY. Say hi to me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ This is a recording from my free webinar that I conducted on January 9th, entitled Mom Mogul Makeover. You'll hear how you can put the insights enclosed in my bestselling book Fertile Imagination into action as a mom with a business. This conversation goes beyond any expected insights on productivity, goal-setting, and motherhood. It's for moms who seek a fresh perspective that's plugged into reality. It's also perfect for you if you know entrepreneurship is the journey you wish to pursue wholeheartedly for more than three years. Oh, also listen to the end, there is a free opportunity for those listening until the end exclusively for moms with their own businesses.  To take advantage of that opportunity here is the link: https://www.melissallarena.com/sessions/. This link is for you to secure your free 30-minute breakthrough call with me, which I will invite you to at the end of this webinar. You'll hear me reference it.  As further context, this webinar is focused on the game changing five insights that have helped catapult me into success which I want for you too in 2024. So please enjoy the conversation, enjoy the webinar, and let me know if you have any questions. You can ask me your questions on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ And yet another reason to go to Instagram is that I'd love to know who got value out of this; let me know you are here so I can see who's listening ti keep you in mind as I'll be running future drawings for listeners. Thank you so much. TRANSCRIPT Hello there. My name is Melissa Llarena and I'll share with you my little bio a little later on, but I wanted to just be sure that we are optimizing this time as we are moms in the thick of it. Even if you're a mom who has. Her kid is an adult. You're still in the thick of it because you still care with all your heart and soul. And so this is time away from them, but it's time on you and your business. And so I honor that. And I respect that. And I just want to invite you to really pour into yourself during this webinar. Take what feels is going to serve you in 2024 and really consider how you will embody some of these insights. So that 2024 is. As successful as you, as you deserve it to be. So this presentation, I'm just going to jump into it again. I will introduce myself later on, but I just want to be sure that I optimize our time together. So mom mogul makeover. The makeover is really going to be about mindset shifts that you will want to reflect upon. And flip so that they work in your favor. So I'm going to share with you the five lips, and it's really going to be important. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, or you have felt overwhelmed, or you don't feel like you have the right connections to catapult your business success. So here we go. Here's the plan. So M. R. O. Y. What is that? I will share with you. I want to also share with you a little bit of what might be going on in your psyche just to see if any of this lands. Then we'll go through the real problem as well as who I am. I promise I would tell you. And then we'll go one by one through the five mindset shifts. And then at the end, you'll be able to make a decision for yourself. I really like new vocabulary, but I'm not so into equations, but this is my equation. And this is something that I'm sure you have considered. So for a mom, it's not just about investing money and energy and time in her business, but it's also coming at a cost of you being away from your kids.   Also, it comes at a cost in terms of just the psychic energy that you have and the bandwidth that you're able to leverage at any given time, all of that to say, again, that's why this is 20 minutes and not 45 minutes. So what I think about when I think about what success means to a mom, I don't think about just an ROI. I really do think about a mom's ROI and I see them as completely different. And I also, if you've ever worked in a corporate setting, I also want you to consider that if you have ever asked for a raise, you are not just thinking about your ROI, but your mom ROI. And it's not just tangible like childcare expenses. It's also the fact that you're not with your kid and you miss them. Okay. So that is why this is 20 minutes. Moving on. Can you relate? And as I go through these, I want you to really think about 2023 and if you've ever experienced some of these ideas, have you ever felt intimidated, yet crazy excited about an outrageous business idea that you never pursued? A realistic, outrageous idea. So not something like putting someone on Mars, but an idea that you thought to yourself, holy cow, like if I could pull that off, I would be so thrilled and excited, and I might even have what it takes to pull it off, but maybe I'm not ready yet, or I need a lot more resources in order to pull it off. Have you ever had something like that happen to you? Has imposter syndrome ever caused you to opt for smaller steps when a bigger step was available? And here's the thing, we want to achieve a lot in a small amount of time. And so this could be seen as self-sabotage. But has it ever happened to you that it's been imposter syndrome? And you knew that you could take a big leap, but you decided to just go baby steps ahead instead. What about overwhelm? Is that like your go to emotion when you can't complete your to do list, maybe due to an interruption? What about this one? And this one I've heard consistently from clients. Have you ever felt disappointed because you couldn't push yourself hard enough to bring your best self to your business or your kids, or have you ever not networked because it felt like you're being needy or maybe it just felt awkward? Or embarrassing, like you're going to say the wrong thing or put your foot in your mouth or sounds silly. Like you just didn't know enough. And here's the last one. Is it hard for you to articulate your secret sauce as a professional? Because maybe you don't want to set up expectations too high because you know your shit would be one reason. Or you don't want to let others know the real you. Like there's something there that you don't think is as professional or qualified. So you don't want to reveal something about yourself that's still relevant, but feels a little too sensitive. Okay. Last one. Do you secretly punish or beat yourself up by overworking because you feel that you should be much further along in terms of your business goals? And this one is a hard one because it's celebrated, right, by society. Working hard, busting your ass, going above and beyond for clients. But could this be the reason why? So while all of that feels heavy and some of that feels relevant, and maybe there's one of those things that was the reason why you're here, I want to just share that there is good news on the other side of this. Like those are just symptoms. The real problem is that you haven't made what I call the shifts. Okay. And so here's what happens once you make these five shifts that I'm going to share with you in a bit. You will have an opportunity to cast a bigger vision than you have ever cast it for yourself before as a business professional. You're going to confidently seek shortcuts and straight paths to achieve your five year goals in one and pardon the language, turn imposter syndrome into your own bitch. I know that's so bad by taking bigger steps than those smaller ones. Okay. You will have greater self-awareness to identify when it's you who's making things harder for yourself versus the stories about being a good mom or a successful business owner. There's so many reasons things feel way harder for us, depending on where you are in your life stage as a mom and as a business owner too. And you will feel comfortable sharing and showcasing your secret sauce. You're going to feel good about your uniqueness. You're not going to feel like standing out is like a terrible thing to do. You're going to feel good about using your superpowers and telling people what they are. And you're also going to have a tool, an unexpected tool to help you enjoy the process of motherhood and growing your business. And if you've been around the block a couple of times, you have to enjoy the process in order to keep going along the process. Tenacity is not just something that I grin and bear. It's something that I have to embody and I have to make it enjoyable for me. I would not be here for 12 years if it has not been enjoyable. So who the heck is this person  with the hat? So here's the thing. I'm a normal human being. I just want to say that because as I wrote my book this year, fertile imagination, and it became a number one bestseller in two categories, mother and women in business. I had to take a step back myself and just reevaluate, like, who am I, why am I so blessed? What is it about me that really is drawn to serve you, mom entrepreneurs? And so I wanted to just share just a couple of highlights. But again, I am a very normal mom, but I will say that I do have a particular switch turned on, which I will absolutely share with you. Okay, so I mentioned it before bestselling author of fertile imagination host of a podcast called unimaginable wellness And here's my specialty It's helping ambitious moms really confidently put themselves out there right to achieve their meaningful business goals Meaningful is a really important word to me. Otherwise I could stay in corporate and make a lot of money in corporate. But if I can help you do something that's meaningful to you, your family society, then we all have one. And here's the thing as moms, we have such a rough terrain emotionally in terms of both of our roles, both as businesswomen and as moms. And in order to achieve anything that's difficult, you have to keep going during the ups and downs. And emotionally, you can totally self-sabotage. You can totally be slowed down if you let yourself be completely barraged by the emotional realities of both being an entrepreneur, which has very high expectations and a mom, which has very high expectations, both of which are very important to you. I've worked in a lot of places.  So, all this to say.  There's a Swiss army knife perspective that I bring to the world and to any client, whether you are in one vertical, in one country, or you have one child or multiples, I most likely have a very specific approach and framework that can help you. And we can tailor. I have degrees. Two of them here, but after I pursued my education because I wanted to be a good girl and in the eyes of my parents, I pursued more education because I wanted to be a good mom. And good coach. So I do have a coaching certificate and I am becoming a meditation practitioner and I'm a mom. I have been for 12 years, which parallels the length of time that I have also owned a business, a coaching practice. So everything that I'm going to share with you is based on firsthand experience, and it's also based on client experience, having worked with working moms and also working dads, which is interesting how you don't hear that phrase too often, for a very long time and through very different economic cycles, the good, the bad, the middle. So this is who I am, and I've been featured in a lot of things. What I want to just say in terms of all of these credentials and all of these features is this Everything that I've pursued it has not been on everyone else's timeline For example being featured in the wall street journal I believe that was like year two or for example getting a degree at nyu or getting one at business school It was done. So in a way that I had to earn my degrees and earn full rides to them. So everything that I've done has been things through the work of angels, which I will share with you in a bit, but I promise I'll keep this grounded and useful for you, a working mom. So here's the thing. The five shifts they come to me from completely Various experiences I've had in my life and in my career, and really, they are the keys to accelerating any goal that is meaningful to you. And again, I say that word over and over because I could say that I want to make seven figures. But I got to be honest, it's not meaningful enough, but if I say I want to build a treasure trove of networking contacts for my three little boys, so that this way, when they have a business idea, when they grow up, I have someone to refer them to, that means something to me. And that's also why my podcast has amazing guests. So here's the five shifts. Alrighty, a crazy goal can keep you sane. I know this sounds opposite and these shifts are all meant to really have you think, is she crazy? And that's okay. I'm totally, totally okay with that. So this is one out of five, a crazy goal can keep you sane. I recall there were several opportunities in my business where I could have gone for incremental lift in my business in terms of sales goals, or I could have gone for the expected next distribution channel, creating a product for like, I don't even know. 49 or something, but that was totally rational, but not emotionally driven. It wasn't enough to be like, yeah, I'm going to skip nighttime reading with my three little boys in order to go after building a 29 product, like it just didn't do it for me, but what did keep me going and made me way more sane during a rough patch of my motherhood experience was going after a crazy goal. So quickly, here's the goal. The goal that I pursued was launching a podcast and having Gary Vaynerchuk, who has millions of people that follow him, and James Altucher on my podcast. That is a crazy ass goal. The reason why it kept me going was because I decided for a hundred days to write a thousand words every day, and I don't know if it all adds up mathematically, but a thousand words or so a day on Medium.com in order to get their attention. Every single day. That was the choice that I made. Let me write this out so that this way I could get either of them on my podcast. Right? These are entrepreneurs. These are multimillionaires. These are people that are above my weight category. That was the most exciting thing and exciting time for me in my life. And I will say that when I would then wake up my little boys in the morning to go to school or to go to pre care, whatever, I was the world's most excited mom. And it kept me going. It energized me. Had I said, I want to sell this HR screening toolkit product. For 29. 99 and have a million people buy it, if that was my goal, I think I would have been toast. And so it's the opposite, but it's an insight that if you embody it, if you know emotionally what's going to pull you, and if you take it to, if you take it to the bank and you really execute on it, then it will absolutely keep you sane and happier than a boring run of the mill goal. And that's the reason why a lot of the things that would have taken me five years or forever Didn't take me five years or forever and they made me a happier person ultimately So yes, I got Gary v on my podcast. I got James alerted on my podcast It took about a hundred days 67 000 words. I did count  But damn, is it a story and it was in my book too, and I wrote it in my book Okay. So that's the first shift. Okay. If you don't get this right, you are not going to feel as energized. You will feel drained. It would have felt draining for me to say, let me sell this HR screening toolkit product to a million people. And I literally have the product in my store, but it's just not as exciting to me. Next one, imposter syndrome is an asset. You might think to yourself, how is this an asset? Well, you have to make a decision to use it as an asset. And if it's been your habit for decades to see it as a sign that you should like step back or warning that there's something that could happen to you, maybe you're acting beyond your years of experiencing, if that has been your habit. Then it is going to take work in order to flip it on its head. You're going to have to learn how to actually feel imposter syndrome in your body and take the opposite action. When I interviewed the CEO of giving Tuesday, Asha Quran, she herself said, whenever she felt like an imposter, she would then be Fierce, like totally fierce pursuing that particular task or situation. That is not the normal sort of approach, but we're not going for ordinary results. We're going for extraordinary results because as a mom. This operating in sprints is something that you have to embody. As an example, I had a holiday break. My children had holiday break and I couldn't work consistently, persistently towards one goal. I had to like pack it up in a particular timeframe and then basically just go at it in a sprint. Same thing here. So imposter syndrome can be used as an asset. It can be taught for you to use it as an asset, and if you don't use it as an asset. What's going to happen is you're going to feel really insecure, not just about approaching someone that is famous or asking someone for a big sale, but you're going to feel insecure about your story. You're going to feel insecure about the good, the bad, the ugly about your narrative as a business owner. And chances are that narrative. Has your secret sauce that where I came from, what I've done to get here that has your secret sauce. And if you don't feel that you can share this sometimes vulnerable message with other people, no one's going to know anything about it. And you're going to sound just like every other person out there who has this amazing way of adding value to someone else's life and just using the same language at that. So turning. Imposter syndrome into an asset is essential and it has to be practiced. And if it's a habit that you've had using it as a stop sign, it needs a lot of practice and guidance too. Cause we could pretend that we're using it as an asset, but if we're not taking demonstrable action, you're not going to get the numbers you need at the end of 2024.  Third one. Okay. Network and share half baked ideas. This one is intimidating. Let me explain why. So let's imagine that you're networking with someone and you're in the beginning of a business idea. Some thoughts might pop up in your head. They're going to steal my idea or they're going to think I'm silly or I'm sharing something and really I should wait until I have it complete. Well, here's the thing. And this is going back to what I mentioned earlier, angels. This is so weird, but I'm going to share this first time in the history of share this. I believe, I believe that there are angels out there that have accomplished what you want to accomplish. And in 2024, it is your business to find those people network with these people and tell as many of many people. You're half baked ideas so that this way, a, you're not as fully invested in the wrong idea. And then B you get people who want to join you on your journey and help you. For me, how did I become a bestseller in terms of fertile imagination? Well, here's the thing. I decided to attend a podcast conference last year in Colorado, and I decided to make it my business to talk to as many people as humanly possible. And this was during a casual interaction that I approached this lady, chewing on a big conference, yummy sandwich, aka those sandwiches are not very yummy. And I remember telling her, I've got a book, I'm writing it, and I don't know what the heck to do.  And I was really, really forthcoming. She happens to be the president of the Chicago Marketing Association. And she has her own podcast and all of that more than that. She took a liking to me and she shared with me, gave me on a silver platter, a plan. This is how you become a bestseller. That plan was meant for 25 people to execute. I am one human being and I have a virtual assistant, but she took a liking to me and she helped me become a bestseller. What does that mean? I promise you that there are rules to the game that you're playing in your vertical. I promise you that someone else has figured out what to do. And, and sequentially  at that, this person gave me the plan in a way that if I, if I organized it in another way, I would have been ineffective and unable because it was meant for 25 people  network and share half baked ideas. Yes. You will be vulnerable. Yes. You will be looking less. I don't even know prepared, then you want to feel, but honestly, it's better to be less prepared and have someone give you feedback early on an ideas journey. Then later on when you're totally invested and it happens to be the wrong idea. So this is about seeking angels and I'm calling it that because this has been a consistent pattern in my life. And it's something that I believe in with all my heart and all my soul. And I will tell my children to do as well. So that's the third point out of five. And if you don't do this in a way that's strategic in a way that is consistent and in a way that unpacks value, when you network with individuals in a generous and authentic and bilateral way, then you're going to miss the whole point. Because that person that helped me, I helped her to that person who helped me. I know her son wants to work with the Green Bay Packers. I'm not a football person, but that's in my head. And if I find someone that's in that organization, you sure bet that I'm going to mention her son. So it's not about using people or just transactions. It's about having people in your heart and in your mind for the rest of your life, and they will do the same for you. And that's how you can speed up the process. And if you have a meaningful business goal on your heart, that matters. Third point, fourth one. Playing is profitable. So oftentimes as moms, we think about playing as a to do that happens after you do all your to do's. And while I appreciate the sentiment because I was there, what I will say is that your results will look very different if you played before versus if you held your breath until you had the time to play. And oftentimes you don't play, right? It's almost like, let my partner play with the kids. Let someone else play with the kids. Mommy's got to get this or that done. Right? And if you are unaware, playing can be so profitable. And this comes from a podcast guest, Beth Comstock, who was the CMO of GE, GE, one of the most serious businesses you could possibly think about, right? Jet turbines and stuff. So at the end of the day, she challenged herself and her executive team to go where the trends are. She challenged herself to go, for example, a K pop concert in South Korea, and that is where she garnered some insights that changed the course of the way that GE approaches. Storytelling, loyalty, building, et cetera, et cetera. What does that mean for you? Well, if you're a solopreneur in a market that is competitive, how do you intend to distinguish yourself? You need to be ahead of the trends. Playing is profitable. On top of that, when we think about overwhelm, overwhelm, rather than be bamboozled by overwhelm, rather than not have a plan for overwhelm, which if you look at your 2024 goals right now, are you setting yourself up for overwhelm? Rather than that. Why not think about playing in terms of a way to nip overwhelming the bud. I'll give you an example. Maybe I'm an alien, but maybe this is you for me in the past, before this insight, I would, for example, work really, really, really hard and then earn a bubble bath, what I'm suggesting is. Take the bubble baths first, and then maybe you won't have to work as hard. It really changes the tone of your effort, and you'll be a happier mom. Period. Oh, and guess what? You know what your kids want? They want to play with you more. So that's another opportunity right there to reduce the mom guilt. All right. Fifth one. Overwhelm has to be addressed at its roots. So, overwhelm. Sometimes I've noticed when I've coached working moms, some of the most bad ass working moms in the universe, we're talking about, for example, a CFO of American express in Canada, bad ass mom. She became a mom. All of a sudden, insecurities pop up. Am I really good? Do I deserve the CFO spot? What if the person that's taking my position during maternity leave takes the actual job? All of these insecurities really pop up because our emotions are so raw, especially early on. And depending on the stage that you are in as a mom, what happens is That you then just start second guessing yourself and other categories of your life. And then you  overcompensate because you really don't want to get it wrong. And that's at the root of overwhelm more than that. It's also figuring out as a mom in that role and figuring out as a business owner in that role, what a success look like for you. Or have you been playing the rules that someone else wrote, maybe your mom, maybe an entrepreneur you see on Instagram, might their rules just send you off a cliff. Like if you don't get this right, you could pretend to be like chilling out at the end of every day and catching up on Z's. But if in your mind, you feel like you're doing less than you should, or you're not enough, that's going to keep nagging at you. And it will slow down your progress as a business owner. And it'll make you less happy as a mom. So this is something that has to be addressed at its root. And it's really hard to see. It's kind of like a jar with a label on the outside. If you're inside the jar, you cannot read the label. If you have someone outside that understands that there's symptoms here and can help you work through them, then you'll be way better off to actually avoid a train wreck. So I, I think this one is just. Pretty urgent. Okay, so here's what you need in order to achieve a five year goal in one year. So five things all together, these have to be practiced and embodied and done swiftly to knock out big goals. Why is that? So at the end of the day, you're not going to be faced with challenge only one time. It's like, Oh, it's 2024 and it's January. And here's that one challenge that I can't convert a particular sales lead or something like that. No, you're going to get that over and over and over in different sort of flavors. And so it has to be something that when you get knocked out the first time. Maybe it takes you and these numbers are totally not based on reality, but maybe it takes you like three days to get back up. And then the next time it takes you, ideally, if you've practiced these five, two days to get back up. And then the next day, 20 minutes. And then the next day, it's a two minute rage session or something. That's what we're going for. And that's why these five things are not just. Intellectual conversations that can be had. There has to be an actual immersion in this entire process. There has to be a guide who can tell you just like the jar metaphor when something is not going well as a business owner, so you could then make some change. So now you have a choice.  Now you have a choice. I just shared with you five insights, some of which might sound woo woo because of the angel thing, some of which might sound like they would be impossible for you to do by yourself. And I've attended webinars just like this. When I have said to myself, first of all, maybe I was double dutying, maybe it was multitasking, right? I was looking at my email. I was looking at another sort of conversation, but these, these conversations and these insights, they're proven. And they're not just proven for a Beth Comstock or Susy Batiz or an Asha Curran. They're proven for someone like, like you, like me, like someone who constantly has to, in their mind, toggle between, okay, this is what needs to happen at home. Okay, this is what needs to happen in my business. Okay. What about me? Am I even on my list? Like they're proven for individuals who have a meaningful business goal on their heart. And they're also proven for individuals who have a meaningful and want to continue a meaningful relationship with their kids. And I know that to you, I just know it. I know it. Why else would you be here? Why else do you want to be successful in both realms of this, of this life? Right? So what does this mean? This means that I can help you. And I can help you in the next 72 hours. So this is what I've done because I anticipated that this webinar might bring up ideas that you've haven't heard before, that you might want to learn a little bit more about. So the next 72 hours, I will put up a link very shortly and you can actually schedule time with me for free 30 minute breakthrough session, and you can share with me your 2024 business goals. What I would love the honor of doing is helping you filter through these goals based on these insights that I shared with you so that this way any blind spots are addressed up front before you run in the wrong direction of your dreams, right? So what I've done is this 30 minute private call. It's totally free. And you could just go ahead and sign up right here, but I will also email you a link so that this way you have a time, some time to breathe. I want to be sure that we both have an opportunity to just have some time to breathe, but I want to just have this here for you so that this way. These insights are not just in the air, but they're really tangible and they mean something to how you intend to approach the rest of 2024 so that this way, whatever happened in 2023 that didn't feel was your best or didn't feel when as, as well as it should have doesn't happen again. Like you want to take different steps for different results. And so that's why I wanted to do this for you. And that's why I honor you. And that's why I'm a hundred percent going to be taking your questions. If you have any, I'll just save a little bit of time, but then we'll absolutely do. The drawing right after, thank you for listening to the webinar. Here is that link. So you can schedule your breakthrough session in the next 72 hours, or whenever you actually catch this episode, it's www.MelissaLlarena.com/sessions. Those are free 30 minute sessions for mom entrepreneurs who are committed to navigating imposter syndrome for mom entrepreneurs who are committed to finding what is going to help them nip overwhelm in the bud and mom entrepreneurs who are 100 percent open to a fully immersive experience where they will learn how to network effectively, productively. Elegantly and authentically so that this way, if you have a five year plan, you can knock it out in 2024. I want to be of service to you. Go ahead and sign up for the breakthrough call. No commitment. Just be sure to show up. Be sure to honor that meaningful business goal that you have on your heart by showing up. And bringing you to the table. I'm so excited and thrilled. Again, breakthrough sessions are free 30 minutes and for mom entrepreneurs.   ​   

"We underestimate the power of our own generous actions," says Asha Curran, CEO of the global generosity movement GivingTuesday. Sharing stories of people making a difference through simple acts of kindness, she shows how generosity, even in its simplest forms, can be a transformative force — and explains why we all benefit from a world grounded in giving.

"We underestimate the power of our own generous actions," says Asha Curran, CEO of the global generosity movement GivingTuesday. Sharing stories of people making a difference through simple acts of kindness, she shows how generosity, even in its simplest forms, can be a transformative force — and explains why we all benefit from a world grounded in giving.

"We underestimate the power of our own generous actions," says Asha Curran, CEO of the global generosity movement GivingTuesday. Sharing stories of people making a difference through simple acts of kindness, she shows how generosity, even in its simplest forms, can be a transformative force — and explains why we all benefit from a world grounded in giving.

This week, to help you make the most of GivingTuesday, our guest is the CEO of GivingTuesday, Asha Curran. We discuss the great work being done through this global generosity movement, the future of GivingTuesday, and much more. Don't forget to follow or subscribe and leave a comment on iTunes. Follow us on Instagram @bbbwisegive and X @wisegiving.

In this episode we speak to Sara Lomelin, founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, about the rise of giving circles and the intersection between philanthropy, community and identity. Including:How did Philanthropy Together come about, and what is the organisation's mission?Who gets involved in giving circles? Are they different from"typical donors"?Do collective giving models appeal more to younger donors?What different approaches to giving circles take to decision-making?Are there models of collective giving that bring recipients into the decision making process as well as donors?How much collective giving takes place through long-term giving circles, and how much is through shorter-term “pop-up” collaborations? Is it possible to combine the strengths of both of these approaches?Are giving circles more likely to give to smaller grassroots orgs that might be perceived as "risky" by institutional funders?Can collective giving models help to make philanthropy more justice-focussed? Can collective giving help to build a sense of shared identity, or does it rely on there being a pre-existing sense of identity around which a group can be formed?  How do identity-based groups accommodate intersectional identities?Does collective giving build social capital? If so, is it merely “bonding” social capital or also “bridging”?The internet allows us to form communities of interest, identity or purpose that are not tied to geographic boundaries- in this context, is there still a meaningful relationship between ‘place' and ‘community'? How can we learn more effectively from other cultures of giving where collective or horizontal models are more common?What is the relationship between collective giving and mutual aid? Is it more common to see a focus on notions such as solidarity when people are giving collectively?Do collective giving models address some of the concerns about the potentially anti-democratic nature of elite philanthropy?Should elite philanthropy fund collective giving models in recognition of their unique value? Or should elite philanthropists adopt practices and insights from collective giving? Related Links:Philanthropy TogetherHali Lee's article on "Cultures of Generosity and Philanthropy Within Communities of Color"Sara's talk at the 2022 TED conference, "Your invitation to disrupt philanthropy"Sara's 2021 article with Asha Curran in Ms magazineSara's Alliance magazine article with Isis Krause on "The future of collective giving and what's next for Philanthropy Together"Philanthropisms podcast with Mihaela GiurgiuWPM article on the 2023 Gates Foundation Greater Giving SummitWPM article on the language we use to talk about philanthropy

Welcome to episode 201! On October 31, I am offering the Kindle version of my book Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact for only 99 cents on Halloween. If you love a sale and want to be the first to be notified of when to shop, then sign up on www.fertileideas.com. In this episode, for any mom who doesn't have time to read books, I will read to you what a mom in the thick of it with a toddler, a baby, limited childcare living as an expat and an online business has to say about the book, and what a great grandmother who has been visiting her grand-baby in the NICU for 110 days wanted to share with you too. In this episode, I will also share with you precisely for whom this book is for... strap on your seatbelt, get ready for a high-octane mini-episode because in 7 days, we're about to birth a book! Say hi: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ About the book: A fertile imagination can cast a powerful and compelling vision that will drive you to turn it into your reality, even if it's never been imagined as possible for mothers before. In this book, I feature my insights along with those of 25 highly imaginative guests, culminating with the CEO of GivingTuesday, Asha Curran, as a case study of using a fertile imagination to its maximum. To call "Fertile Imagination" a book is perhaps the wrong term to use. It's a call to action, encouraging us to break free from the self-imposed limitations we put on ourselves and seize the vast potential that lies beyond our current view. It's a roadmap for readers to reconnect with their inner creativity. It encourages us to think beyond what we've been conditioned to believe about our limitations, to overcome impostor syndrome, and to break free from feeling stuck. Needless to say, "Fertile Imagination" is a must-read for any mother who has ever asked herself, "What if I want more?". It's a testament to the fact that you can be an incredible parent and still pursue your dreams. Jenna Davis, Founder of Life in Germany: Fertile Imagination is a virtual powerhouse of real-life scenarios that will help any woman (Moms especially) navigate today's workplace. I wish I had been given this kind of access to smart women back in the 70s when I was raising my boys as a single mother. Kathy Ryan, Retired Managing Director Global Operations Ogilvy Worldwide: Hearing from moms like you has turned Fertile Imagination into a rally cry….a decisive call to action to let go of what's stopping you and re-engage everything you've got to drive really change forward….and as I thought about this…I came up with this….this book is from my heart to you. To the moms who were denied their right to mat leave To the moms whose birth plans were ripped to shreds To the moms who are still in the trenches pumping themselves with hormones to have a child To the moms who have twins who were pushed to get c-sections To the moms who wanted vbacs and were hijacked of their dream To the moms who feed their babies formula and who are made to feel like shit for doing so To the moms who have degrees up the wazoo and opted out to raise humans To the moms who have ever felt insecure or no longer important in the eyes of society To the moms who were treated inhumanely during the pandemic when childcare was off the table To the moms who own patents To the moms who are at the helm of leadership of world-class organizations To the moms who rather climbs mountains than stay in the valley of hellish experiences on any given day To the moms who can't To the moms who can To the moms who were elected into government positions To the moms who hold Emmys or Sundance awards To the moms who built million or billion dollar brands while being a mom To the moms who cared for a sick child or beat their own illnesses to continue being a mom To the moms who are unafraid to get into colosseums as if they too were a gladiator To the moms who mom alone To the moms who have had enough To the moms who want more To the moms who have finally figured it out and want to get ready to take matters into their own hands **I want to hear from you! I'll be on Instagram on 10/31 and if you are not yet following me there, then pause this episode and do that today. Do that now. https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ About Melissa Melissa Llarena is an author, imagination coach, consultant, speaker, and contributor to ForbesWomen articles that have garnered 4 million + views. She is also the host of Unimaginable Wellness, the podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and creators who are also moms. Featured guests include GaryVee and Beth Comstock. Melissa holds a psychology degree from New York University, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate. She is training to become a meditation practitioner. Melissa lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and three sons. Visit www.fertileideas.com.

If you've ever put your heart and soul into anything, the thought of losing control over what you've created is scary. But when Henry Timms and Asha Curran launched Giving Tuesday, they knew that allowing their idea to grow in the hands of others could be immensely powerful. In 2022 alone, Giving Tuesday raised a record breaking $3.1 Billion dollars in 24 hours. Today, Asha and Henry reveal the strategies that allowed a simple idea to expand into a global movement.Featuring Asha Curran, CEO, Giving Tuesday and Henry Timms, President and CEO, Lincoln Center.If you want to learn more about Giving Tuesday visit givingtuesday.org.Resources mentioned in this episode:Book: New Power--If you aspire to be a System Catalyst and need resources to help you on your journey, subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about our mission and our partners, visit systemcatalysts.com.This podcast is produced by Hueman Group Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Twin Moms Thriving podcast. This week, we are joined by a wonderful fabulous guest, Melissa Llarena.Melissa Llarena is a high-performance coach to moms who have chosen the path of entrepreneurship as their best option for being both a fully present parent and an ambitious woman. She is also the host of her own podcast called An Interview With Melissa Llarena where Melissa helps you go from imagining to living your best life.  In her podcast, you will learn how to believe in yourself, unleash your biggest potential, leave perfectionism behind, and build a fulfilling life.Her latest accomplishment has been authoring a book which will be released soon. Click here to be notified when the book is released.   As Melissa believes moms deserve the best, here is a taste of some of her featured guests: entrepreneurs (Suzy Batiz, Beth Comstock), creators (GaryVee, James Altucher), world changers (David Meltzer, Asha Curran), beacons of hope (Raphael Rowe, Dr. Joel Fuhrman), and world-class storytellers (Cal Fussman, Jordan Harbinger).  Meanwhile, Melissa's background includes a psychology degree from NYU, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and she holds a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate based on Tony Robbins principles and Landmark Education insights. She is a native New Yorker who has lived/worked in Paris as well as London, and courageously relocated to Sydney, Australia with her family. Melissa is a mom to three boys; included in that mix are identical twins.Go to https://betterhelp.com/twinmoms for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsoredDownload my guide to help you keep your sanity with twins here

Melissa Llarena stepped off the corporate track and became an entrepreneur after becoming a mom and not being able to find adequate childcare. She doesn't feel like a “pure working mom,” but she doesn't feel like a stay-at-home mom, either. This “in between” status means she's carving out her own path, which requires energy to create the path, in addition to simply walking it. If there's any “crisis” to Melissa's midlife, it's more answering the question: am I going to do what I thought I was meant to do? Now that she's in her forties - and after a reflective exercise with Post-It Notes that you'll have to listen to understand - she has given herself the permission to execute on who she's always been. Guest BioMelissa Llarena is a high-performance coach to moms who have chosen the path of entrepreneurship as their best option for being both a fully present parent and an ambitious woman. She is also the host of her own podcast called An Interview With Melissa Llarena, where Melissa helps you go from imagining to living your best life. In her podcast, you will learn how to believe in yourself, unleash your biggest potential, leave perfectionism behind, and build a fulfilling life. Melissa believes moms deserve the best; here is a taste of some of her featured guests: entrepreneurs (Suzy Batiz, Beth Comstock), creators (GaryVee, James Altucher), world changers (David Meltzer, Asha Curran), beacons of hope (Raphael Rowe, Dr. Joel Fuhrman), and world-class storytellers (Cal Fussman, Jordan Harbinger). Meanwhile, Melissa's background includes a psychology degree from NYU, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and she holds a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate based on Tony Robbins principles and Landmark Education insights. She is a native New Yorker who has lived/worked in Paris as well as London, and courageously relocated to Sydney, Australia with her family. Melissa is a mom to three boys; included in that mix are identical twins. Celebrating Turning 40Melissa turned 40 as an expat living in Sydney, Australia. To celebrate, she climbed the Harbour Bridge, even though she's afraid of heights. An iconic tourist destination, the climb is safe, but scary. She was chasing the butterfly feeling in her stomach. She believes that her moments of greatest growth have been the ones when she's got butterflies or big nerves.  She asked herself: what can I do to celebrate turning 40 and up the ante that is in integrity with who I am or who I tell the world that I am?  Melissa tells herself and the world that she is courageous. So climbing the Harbour Bridge became the idea that was bad-ass, kind of risky, but not crazy, that made that moment super memorable and was culturally relevant to where she was at the time. But as epic as it was, while she was ascending creaky wooden plank stairs and looking at the cars parked below her, she wondered why she chose this particular celebration and not something more….comfortable.  Mapping Out Where She's BeenAs she approached 40, Melissa started to map out her life, decade by decade, on Post-It notes stuck to her wall. Milestones each got a Post-It.  In her 30's, Melissa became a mom. She got into the labor room for her first-born and realized “I can't' do this.” But what do you do at that point? You power through.   After she had her son, she left corporate America because she didn't have childcare she trusted. So she became an entrepreneur and started to build a business. That got a Post-It.  Leaving corporate America came with trade-offs that she had to work through. She had to let go of the idea of having a dream house because that came with financial obligations that could only be met with the corporate job.  Then she became pregnant with identical twins and, even though it was a single event, they each got their own Post-It. With no history of twins on either side of their family, they were pretty shocked to learn...

Who is ready for some personal development and business inspiration?   I know I am!    Our guest today is the powerhouse business woman, Melissa Llarena.  Melissa Llarena is a high-performance coach to moms who have chosen the path of entrepreneurship as their best option for being both a fully present parent and ambitious woman. She is also the host of her own podcast called An Interview With Melissa Llarena where Melissa helps you go from imagining to living your best life. In her podcast, you will learn how to believe in yourself, unleash your biggest potential, leave perfectionism behind, and build a fulfilling life. As Melissa believes moms deserve the best, here is a taste of some of her featured guests: entrepreneurs (Suzy Batiz, Beth Comstock), creators (GaryVee, James Altucher), world changers (David Meltzer, Asha Curran), beacons of hope (Raphael Rowe, Dr. Joel Fuhrman), and world-class storytellers (Cal Fussman, Jordan Harbinger). Meanwhile, Melissa's background includes a psychology degree from NYU, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and she holds a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate based on Tony Robbins principles and Landmark Education insights. She is a native New Yorker who has lived/worked in Paris as well as London, and courageously relocated to Sydney, Australia with her family. Melissa is a mom to three boys; included in that mix are identical twins. What a boss mom! In this incredible episode we are diving into: - The benefit of surrounding yourself with the right people - Making Connections & Learning from others - How the way we were raised has power over our decisions - Figuring things out - no matter what - Bringing it all to the table - The value of YOU I can't wait for you to listen to this one and I want to hear your biggest takeaways!

This week, our guest is none other than Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday. We chat with Asha about her expectations for the day and how she sees the evolution of GivingTuesday from a movement to an institution. Asha provides a firsthand account of how the day became a global phenomenon. Have questions/comments/concerns? Email us at heartofgivingpod@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment on iTunes.

Happy Giving Tuesday everyone!! I hope that over the last few weeks of episodes, you have been inspired to spread generosity around your community!! If you want to  share what you did you can DM us on Instagram @oneworldonefuturepodcast!! We will share what you did!! ***IG: @givingtuesdayWebsite: https://www.givingtuesday.org/***Asha is CEO of Giving Tuesday, and co-founder of the global generosity movement. Asha serves as Chair of the board of directors of Guardian.org, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing civil discourse and issues-driven journalism at The Guardian; and on the board of directors of the Scout Film Festival, which amplifies the work of teen filmmakers. She was recently selected as a finalist for the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize and has been named to the Nonprofit Times' Top Fifty Power and Influence list in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Ah, Giving Tuesday for fundraisers: it's like Christmas, Tax Day and Lunar New Year all rolled into one. Love or hate it, my friend Asha Curran (CEO of Giving Tuesday) shares her perspective on it. She offers some best practices, advice on what to avoid, surprising stats and how to inspire generosity year-round. This is a really important and full-hearted interview for any (read: all) fundraisers who are thinking about participating in Giving Tuesday and joining the global generosity movement. Top quote: "People don't get tired of giving just like they don't get tired of loving." For more about Asha and Giving Tuesday: https://www.givingtuesday.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nonprofitlowdown/support

In this episode we talk to Lucy Bernholz, Director of the Digital Civil Society Lab at Stanford University's Center on Philanthropy & Civil Society, about her new book How We Give Now: A Philanthropic Guide for the Rest of Us.  In a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation, Rhodri and Lucy discuss many issues relating to themes in the book, including:The expanding "Giving Space"What will the expansion of the “giving space” and the proliferation of ways of “doing good” (e.g. crowdfunding, social investment, ethical consumerism,  etc) mean for traditional philanthropic giving? Does this matter?Has most of the “democratization” of giving in recent years actually being “commoditization”? What would genuine democratization of the giving space look like?Platforms and online givingWhat dangers are there in assuming that platforms are neutral public spaces? Will these problems be exacerbated by the shift to new forms of giving?Data donationWhat does data donation look like in practice? Is there something fundamentally different about a form of giving in which the donor retains the asset they have donated?Mutual Aid & MovementsDoes the enthusiasm for mutual aid networks, digital movements etc demonstrate an unmet appetite for greater participation? Have traditional nonprofits fallen into the trap of being too transactional and seeing those who give simply as sources of money rather than potential partners in achieving social change?Political giving:In the context of new online digital social movements, and renewed appreciation by political parties of the importance of grassroots organizing, does the distinction between “philanthropic” giving and “political” giving make sense any longer?Do we need to maintain a distinction between political giving and charitable giving, because the former needs to be wholly transparent while the latter should allow for anonymity?Policy:  When we talk about recognizing other types of giving, are there policy implications? To what extent is it the role of government to try to shape our culture of giving? Should it take an active role, or should it merely ensure minimum standards and safeguards and otherwise stay out of the way?Elite philanthropy & mass givingThere seems to be a real interest among elite donors/institutional funders right now in supporting the growth of everyday giving, social movements etc. Why is this?  Can mass giving movements help to counter concerns about the potentially anti-democratic impact of big money philanthropy? What opportunities (and potential challenges) does the involvement of big money philanthropy in developing cultures of mass giving present?Related Links:Lucy's new book "How We Give Now"Lucy's websiteThe Stanford PACS page for the wider How We Give Now research projectVideo of the launch event for Lucy's book that Rhodri recently helped to moderate (with Asha Curran & Edgar Villanueva)Lucy's appearance on the CAF Giving Thought podcastRhodri's recent blog on "Philanthropy, Civil Society & the Metaverse"

In this episode Sammie talks to Asha Curran, CEO and co-founder of the Global Movement Giving Tuesday. Sammie has been a Giving Tuesday leader for the past two and a half years and has learned so much about giving in the process. Find out how Giving Tuesday started, how far its spread, and different creative ways you can be involved whether you have money or not. All you need is some kindness and at times creativity. Also find out about Sammie's big Giving Tuesday plans to write notes and spread smiles and you can too! This episode has lots of smiles and inspiration to start your day, week and month off right.

Welcome to episode 1 of Philanthropisms! This is the podcast where we put philanthropy in context. Through conversations with expert guests and deep dives into topics, host Rhodri Davies explores giving throughout history, the key trends shaping generosity around the world today and what the future might hold for philanthropy. In this episode we're going right back to first principles to ask the question “what is philanthropy and why should you care?” To answer that we will take a whistle-stop tour through more than 2,000 years of history, explore the ways in which philanthropy has been defined by comparison to other concepts, and find out about some of the key debates shaping philanthropy today.Including:What does “philanthropisms” mean?Is philanthropy an inherently vague term (or a “floating signifier”)? Does this stop us using it in practice?The roots of philanthropy in the ancient worldThe development of Judeo-Christian notions of charityThe impact of secular humanism, the Reformation, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution on philanthropyThe Victorian “golden age” of UK giving and the rise of “scientific philanthropy”How the early C20th US Gilded Age established the paradigm for modern philanthropy (for better or worse)Defining philanthropy by what it isn't- “Philanthropy vs…”:CharityAltruismMutual AidPrivate givingCommercial activityState provisionTaxationPoliticsJusticeWhy should you care about philanthropy (and therefore listen to this podcast…)?Related LinksMy book “Public Good By Private Means: How Philanthropy Shapes Britain” (PDF version available HERE)Hugh Cunnigham on “A History of Western Philanthropy”“Philanthropy and human rights: the genealogy of the idea from antiquity to global society”- 2013 conference paper by Ojvind LarsenThe Hist Phil website https://histphil.org/ Video of the panel discussion on “Rewriting the Rules of Philanthropy”, which I moderated recently for the launch of Lucy Bernholz's new book “How We Give Now” (including Lucy, Asha Curran from Giving Tuesday and Edgar Villanueva from the Decolonizing Wealth Project).My Medium article “Language Barriers: why the ways in which we talk about philanthropy & civil society are holding us back”My short video of the history of British charity in 2 minutes.

GivingTuesday co-founder Asha Curran has been key in producing 20 billion social media impressions & raising nearly $2.5 billion dollars to help others in a single year.  Digital generosity platform GivingTuesday was created in 2012 to be, in her words, “an antidote to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the two days right after Thanksgiving that shamelessly celebrate mass consumption.” Instead, Asha and co-founder Henry Timms envisioned a simple, open-source, customizable digital giving campaign that could help thousands of nonprofits raise funds in a unified day of giving. Now, nearly a decade on, GivingTuesday (originally launched as part of New York City's 92nd Street Y cultural center) has become a worldwide success, proving that Asha's concept of what she calls “radical generosity” is more than simply a possibility—it is reality. Born in India and raised on the Lower East Side of New York City with a uniquely non-linear life path, Asha brings a world of experience to her role as the CEO of GivingTuesday. As Asha tells host Grant Oliphant: “I focus on things that I find interesting and meaningful, and I immerse myself deeply in them.” Hear about her meaningful, ground-breaking work in digital generosity on this episode of “We Can Be.”   “We Can Be” is hosted by Heinz Endowments President Grant Oliphant, and produced by the Endowments, Josh Franzos and Tim Murray. Theme music by Josh Slifkin. Guest inquiries can be made to Scott Roller at sroller@heinz.org.

In this episode of Nonprofit Architect, Travis talks with Asha Curran the CEO of GivingTuesday, and co-founder of the global generosity movement. Asha tells the story of how she started Giving Tuesday, and how it has become an international movement. You will get a behind-the-scenes look at the organizations, and tips to make your GivingTuesday a success.      Conversation Highlights:  {00:51} How giving Tuesday started.  {05:02} Tool kits available for Giving Tuesday.  {07:28} Behind the scenes at Giving Tuesday. {09:18} How startups and nonprofits can maximize their impact through Giving Tuesday. {13:42} Key ingredients that turn a project into a movement. {16:14} Idea of Co-ownership and the shared mission idea.  {29:10} The pay it forward model.   Remarkable quotes:  It's really like everybody is in on the action of GivingTuesday at this point.  It is an extraordinary amount of money, especially given those are largely grassroots givers. Facebook has been a partner for GivingTuesday for years now, they have done a $7 million match for several years. It is not a movement until it moves without you. People do much better with GivingTuesday when they come to it with lots of enthusiasm and energy for the idea. Resources:  madelaine@givingtuesday.org  @givingtuesday on IG, FB and Twitter  @RadioFreeAsha on Twitter     Bio: Asha Curran   GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.  Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.  Whether it's making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.      Asha Curran is CEO of GivingTuesday and co-founder of the global generosity movement. She was formerly Chief Innovation Officer and director of the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at 92nd Street Y, where GivingTuesday was founded. Asha serves as Chair of the board of directors of Guardian.org, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing civil discourse and issues-driven journalism at The Guardian and elsewhere; and on the board of directors of the Scout Film Festival, which amplifies the work of teen filmmakers. She is a Fellow at Stanford University's Digital Civil Society Lab within the Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society. She was named to the Nonprofit Times' Top Fifty Power and Influence list in 2019.       Nonprofit Architect Podcast Links     Website: http://nonprofitarchitect.org   Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NonprofitArchitect    Ultimate Podcast Guide https://www.fatfreecartpro.com/ecom/gb.php?&i=1698463&cl=377219&c=cart&ejc=2&custom=card Subscribe and leave a review https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-architect-podcast/id1481292481 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/NonprofitArchitect Watch on YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQm8fnR2sHyrmLpV2jKYajA Listen to these other great podcasts from Veterans. https://nonprofitarchitect.org/veteran-podcast-network/ Want help getting your podcast started? https://nonprofitarchitect.org/podcast-production-services/  

In this episode of Nonprofit Architect, Travis talks with Asha Curran the CEO of GivingTuesday, and co-founder of the global generosity movement. Asha tells the story of how she started Giving Tuesday, and how it has become an international movement. You will get a behind-the-scenes look at the organizations, and tips to make your GivingTuesday a success.      Conversation Highlights:  {00:51} How giving Tuesday started.  {05:02} Tool kits available for Giving Tuesday.  {07:28} Behind the scenes at Giving Tuesday. {09:18} How startups and nonprofits can maximize their impact through Giving Tuesday. {13:42} Key ingredients that turn a project into a movement. {16:14} Idea of Co-ownership and the shared mission idea.  {29:10} The pay it forward model.   Remarkable quotes:  It's really like everybody is in on the action of GivingTuesday at this point.  It is an extraordinary amount of money, especially given those are largely grassroots givers. Facebook has been a partner for GivingTuesday for years now, they have done a $7 million match for several years. It is not a movement until it moves without you. People do much better with GivingTuesday when they come to it with lots of enthusiasm and energy for the idea. Resources:  madelaine@givingtuesday.org  @givingtuesday on IG, FB and Twitter  @RadioFreeAsha on Twitter     Bio: Asha Curran   GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.  Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.  Whether it's making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.      Asha Curran is CEO of GivingTuesday and co-founder of the global generosity movement. She was formerly Chief Innovation Officer and director of the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at 92nd Street Y, where GivingTuesday was founded. Asha serves as Chair of the board of directors of Guardian.org, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing civil discourse and issues-driven journalism at The Guardian and elsewhere; and on the board of directors of the Scout Film Festival, which amplifies the work of teen filmmakers. She is a Fellow at Stanford University's Digital Civil Society Lab within the Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society. She was named to the Nonprofit Times' Top Fifty Power and Influence list in 2019.       Nonprofit Architect Podcast Links     Website: http://nonprofitarchitect.org   Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NonprofitArchitect    Ultimate Podcast Guide https://www.fatfreecartpro.com/ecom/gb.php?&i=1698463&cl=377219&c=cart&ejc=2&custom=card Subscribe and leave a review https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-architect-podcast/id1481292481 Patreon https://www.patreon.com/NonprofitArchitect Watch on YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQm8fnR2sHyrmLpV2jKYajA Listen to these other great podcasts from Veterans. https://nonprofitarchitect.org/veteran-podcast-network/ Want help getting your podcast started? https://nonprofitarchitect.org/podcast-production-services/  

Check out this video preview of The Nonprofit Architect Podcast where Travis interviews Asha Curran from GivingTuesday  Asha tells the story of how she started Giving Tuesday, and how it has become an international movement. You will get a behind-the-scenes look at the organizations, and tips to make your Giving Tuesday a success.  You don't want to miss the full episode, which will be released Tuesday, July 13th, 2021!  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast using your favorite podcast player!  i.e. Apple Podcast, Google Play, or Spotify    Excited to announce we made Feedspot's Top 45 Nonprofit Podcasts! Check out the full list at https://blog.feedspot.com/nonprofit_podcasts/ 

Check out this video preview of The Nonprofit Architect Podcast where Travis interviews Asha Curran from GivingTuesday  Asha tells the story of how she started Giving Tuesday, and how it has become an international movement. You will get a behind-the-scenes look at the organizations, and tips to make your Giving Tuesday a success.  You don't want to miss the full episode, which will be released Tuesday, July 13th, 2021!  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast using your favorite podcast player!  i.e. Apple Podcast, Google Play, or Spotify    Excited to announce we made Feedspot's Top 45 Nonprofit Podcasts! Check out the full list at https://blog.feedspot.com/nonprofit_podcasts/ 

Collectively, moms have confronted a lot of uncertain moments historically. Some of us have gone to give birth with a plan and had to make adjustments. Others thought they were going to adopt a particular child and then the legal system changed her plans. Yet, 2021 felt a little different. It was the year that according to one Reuters article about 2 million moms were pushed out of the workforce.  The article that I am referencing is this one entitled: Pushed out by pandemic, women struggle to regain footing in U.S. job market, by Jonnelle Marte and Aleksandra Michalska. In this article, you can witness how two moms who were featured are thinking through their career options, childcare constraints, and whether they will return to the workplace anytime soon. Despite this episode being a dedication to those 2 million moms who were impacted by the pandemic, this episode is an important one to bookmark whether you are a mom or not. Here’s why: You too will feel the impact from such a void in the workplace. You have to admit there is something unique about a mother’s touch: be it her care, conviction, or deep-seated loyalty. If it’s easier for you to get what I am referring to. Do this: Think about whatever you may have felt from a maternal figure in your life. It’s that tenderness, warmth, or concern.  That is exactly what will be missing in the products and services that will no longer have the benefit of being ideated, sold, or enhanced by a mom. Realize that moms are the ones who not only care about the here-and-now but moms are all also already tied-into and invested in what will bear fruit tomorrow. All moms want the best for their children. What will ultimately be missing or what is at stake are the “best” innovations and solutions to problems that must be solved. The best answers to meaningful questions will be at stake. Answers provided with the best intentions. Offerings making good on the promise to deliver the best experiences. Seems like a void worth filling? Don’t you think? Tune in. This conversation is worth your time. Too few moms will share what’s on their mind and fewer will reach out to you for help. Listen to this episode so that you can be a better friend or advocate during any mom’s career journey. And if you are a mom then welcome fellow warrior. There’s a lot to cover here. Share this episode with three moms who left their workplaces (voluntarily or not) yet wish to return because they know they have yet to unleash their greatest potential. What’s that saying? A mom’s job is never done? Yep, that mom who has more to accomplish in her career. She needs to hear this episode. Highlights Invitation: Join me on a 60-minute complimentary breakthrough session if you’d like guidance around these themes. This week my calendar is reserved for moms in marketing. Focus: How to courageously make a bold career transition with the help the strangers Fear: Why hesitation happens especially for nurturers who tend to look out for others. Story: What if only you knew something important? Would you withhold the information? Action: How to make sure you will boldly ask for help despite fears of rejection. Self-Esteem: How to rediscover and believe in your worth if you've ever felt undervalued in any job market Resentment: What if you undervalue yourself because of a resume gap? Being Low-balled: Whose fault is it? Credit: What if you pursue a junior role? Assumptions: How can hiring managers stop themselves from making assumptions about moms? Courage: What other podcast guests can you listen to who are moms? Curiosity: How to ask better questions that you’ll want to use to make better career decisions? Questions: What to ask to ascertain whether you will be happier in a new employer. Unexpected: Will exceptions be made for the right moms? Ask Now Or Regret Later: Keep probing the right people. Commercial Self-Confidence: Undervalue yourself and expect to be undervalued. Ask For Help: Sign-up for a complimentary breakthrough session with me. Be ready for your next best career move. It starts today.   Schedule your complimentary breakthrough session for job searching marketers. Book time on my calendar and get ready to get the clarity you need to attract the best employers.   Ready to pivot into a new marketing full-time role this year?   Register for a complimentary masterclass entitled: The 5-Step Strategy Marketers Use To Pivot Into Their Dream Marketing Career (Without Undervaluing Themselves)!   Other podcast episodes featuring moms   Hear How Michelle Ghilotti, a Former Starbucks and Nike Advertising Executive Turned Entrepreneur Decided to Live More Courageously, Episode 7     Caitlyn Elf, Registered Dietitian and Mom, Shares How to Make Eating a Learning Experience Even Snacking in Isolation, Discusses Changing Careers From Marketing Into Nutrition, and How To Keep The Peace During Family Dinners, Episode 19   Diane Bell, Award-winning Screenwriter and Director Talks Openly On Overcoming Obstacles, Embracing Your Creativity, And How to Stand Out, Episode 21   Tana Douglas, Rock N’ Roll’s First Female Roadie, Talks About the Evolution of the Music Industry, Being a Roadie, and Taking Control of Your Future, Episode 41   Leesa McGregor, Author, Talks About Teaching Children and Adults How to Reconnect with Our Hearts and Minds, Episode 46   Michelle Florendo, Decision Engineer, Talks About Decision-Making, Good vs. Bad Decisions, and Identifying Your Desired Outcome, Episode 48   Should College Pedigree Matter? Apparently Not. First-Generation College Graduate And Lifelong Educator Alicia Jackson-Warren Makes The Case Hiring Managers Need To Hear, Episode 53   How To Lead In An Era Of Movements, Generosity As A Paradigm Of An Inclusive Activity Celebrated Worldwide, Asha Curran, Co-Founder Of GivingTuesday, Episode 55   Suzy Batiz Shares The Wisdom She Cherishes For Giving Her The Freedom And Ability To Trust Herself And Accept Whatever Comes Her Way, Episode 67

Giving Tuesday was launched in 2012 on the Tuesday after American Thanksgiving, as an annual celebration of generosity in all its forms. It has grown rapidly into a global grass roots movement, drawing together people around the world who share a love of serving their fellow humans with their time, expertise and money. Asha Curran has been involved in Giving Tuesday from the start, helping her then boss, Henry Timms, launch the idea. Now she is the CEO. For Driving Change, Matthew Bishop – another member of the launch team – asked Asha to reflect on what lessons have been learned over the past 8 years, including about how to engage people in working for a better world.

#GivingTuesday is an annual campaign that has taken off far beyond expectations in the years since it was first implemented, reaching an unprecedented global scale. And now the #GivingTuesday organization has created a new day of giving as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic: #GivingTuesdayNow. Asha Curran, CEO of #GivingTuesday, joins the sgENGAGE Podcast in this episode to talk with Blackbaud's Rachel Hutchisson about the new #GivingTuesdayNow campaign happening on May 5, 2020. Listen in to hear what Asha has to say about how #GivingTuesdayNow came about, how people are pitching in to help during this crisis, and how to handle messaging and creating campaigns in situations with limited timeframes.  Topics Discussed in This Episode: The basics of #GivingTuesday and how it's become an independent organization What prompted Asha to create #GivingTuesdayNow How people are using their unique skills in the COVID-19 crisis How to focus when there isn't a lot of ramp-up time to create a new fundraising campaign Messaging advice to engage supporters around #GivingTuesdayNow Asha's goals for #GivingTuesdayNow Resources: Asha Curran #GivingTuesdayNow #GivingTuesdayNow resources from Blackbaud  Quotes:  “Last year on Giving Tuesday 2019, over 2 billion dollars was donated just in the 24 hours of Giving Tuesday.” “Right from the beginning, we saw that people were in search of ideas. They wanted to help.” “We have a saying in the Giving Tuesday community that there's no stealing in Giving Tuesday, there's just joyful replication.”

An inspiring discussion between Columbia University's Nonprofit Management students and Giving Tuesday's CEO, Asha Curran.  The conversation touches on new power, jobs that value and support you, mentorship and sponsorship, and engaging with the upcoming Gen Zers. This conversation is bold, honest, and a need to hear for all young professionals in the nonprofit sector. Columbia's Media and Communications Lecturer Marcia Stepanek moderated the conversation.