technology alone can't solve the challenges nonprofits face. And that's why neon one provides software that empowers you to manage constituents all while giving you the resources and support you need to connect to what matters most your people and their passions. Learn more about how neon one is helping nonprofits create stronger connections by visiting neon one.com/we are for good. Hey, I'm John.
And I'm Becky.
And this is the We Are For Good podcast.
Nonprofits are faced with more challenges to accomplish their missions and the growing pressure to do more, raise more and be more for the causes that improve our world.
We're here to learn with you from some of the best in the industry, bringing the most innovative ideas, inspirational stories, all to create an impact uprising.
So welcome to the good community. We're nonprofit professionals, philanthropist, world changers and rabid fans who are striving to bring a little more goodness into the world.
So let's get started. Becky, what's happening?
We have health care, like philanthropy royalty in the house today, I'm so excited.
We do. And we just have a dear friend that I've been like, so excited to get Bowie into the conversation on the podcast because she's been a listener, but she's also one of the best question askers I've ever met in my journey. And I'm excited that today she's going to kind of turn the tables on us a little bit. She's going to ask us a couple of questions in the course of today's show. But let me tell you a little bit about her because she is a fascinating person that you should add to your network and just follow along because she is really creating conversation around really evolved leadership. So Bowie Carpenter, she currently serves as a Senior Associate VP for Development and Alumni Relations at Johns Hopkins University. In her role, she has both operational and Frontline responsibilities managing several large scale teams, but her professional career and Development and Alumni spans over 26 years 22 of which are have been in their current organization, do you you know with sticking around and working through
your skincare regimen? Because that does not look, you don't have been in this business that long.
But one of my most exciting chapters I think about Bo is she started a personal endeavor this year, and I'm so proud of her, she stepped out with the inquisitive leader. And this is this community that she has created conversations with bright, enthusiastic, talented, diverse professionals. And she has a weekly blog, but that's kind of like just the baseline of it. She shows up on social, she's encouraging people and challenging people through really great conversations. And so today we're diving into futurism, like literally trying to think like a futurist. And so we're delighted to have both on the show get in this house. I love
it. So nice to be with the two of you, you are fabulous. Fantastic. And I love listening to all your episodes. Gosh, we're
excited. You're going to be one of them. It's long overdue. Thank you for being here.
Thank you for oh my gosh, it's a huge honor. And I remember the first time we met like I was just geeking out just hearing your story. And I'm so delighted that we get to share your story with our whole community today. So would you kind of take us back to your kind of your childhood growing up? What led you into the work that you're doing today? And obviously your amazing career at Johns Hopkins?
Yeah, no. Well, you know, I'm an 80s Girls. So the police song synchronicity comes to mind. Because
that is that's an album one of my top five albums. A little known fact. Yes, let
really my life has been one where you know, the universe has had a plan. And I have just answered the call. I really consider myself try cultural. I was born in England, I lived in West Africa, my parents moved to the States. So that is really part of sort of who I am. And I really have learned a lot along the way. I'm someone who thought I would be an international attorney. And then I ended up as a fundraiser. But I went to law school and I really thought I was going to practice law. But the universe had sort of another answer for me. I was interviewing a law firm and a lady gave my resume to her husband, and he gave me a call. And he said, I'm the Vice President for Advancement at the University of Memphis, you've been speaking to my wife, I'd like to meet you. And that was really how I entered into Development and Alumni Relations, many moons ago. And what a blessing though, I really had grown up on college campuses. And really the mission spoke to me. And I just dove right in. And I had really great people around me who embraced me and kind of taught me the business. So I have to say the generosity of others, sharing their knowledge was the way that I entered into the field. And I know that both of you know, just engaging with donors is absolutely amazing. And so that personal connection really drew me through then really, you know, kept on going and came to the Maryland area and Johns Hopkins was a wonderful place to land. I've been so blessed to be at this institution for as long as I have been, and to grow within the organization as an individual contribute You're a manager leader. It's been fantastic. And I have this passion project on the side that I started thinking about really, probably about two, two and a half years ago because I meet so many wonderful people. And you know, when you give people space just to be there, all these things that I realized they needed information, just like you please provide, you know, and so I started inquisitive leader. And it really is kind of a fun space for me to explore the things I'm thinking about, and bring people along with me as I circle around the sun. So that is sort of the nutshell version of how I got to be where I am today.
Okay, I've got to just make an observation before we keep moving, because when we first met you, and I know John has said this prolifically because he's been visiting with you for quite some time. There is a warmth and a generosity of spirit and a joyfulness in you. And the way you tell your story that comes through so well. And I'll just say we're coming off the hills of being at the AARP, the Association of donor relations professionals conference, we met a couple of people from Johns Hopkins there who are amazing i, Kiersten and when we said we were going to have you on the podcast, they were so proud of you, they were so proud to have you represent their organization. And so I think you just have this legacy of warmth and openness. And it just seems right that we're going to be talking about futurism in that today. And I think what really attracted us to have this conversation is we're revisiting with people all the time on the podcast to are talking about how do you plan ahead, you look at something like the COVID 19 pandemic, and it's like, there, you're thinking, there is absolutely no way we could have prepared for that. But we've talked to a couple of organizations who really were looking towards the horizon. And I want you to talk to us about futurism talk about the origins of it practical applications and resources that people can use to explore for your future isms. But you know, for listeners who are just hearing about it for the first time, what is it?
Yeah. So you know, disruption has always been part of history. And obviously, over the last few years, we've experienced a lot of disruption. But we might not always recognize it in sort of less disruptive times than the ones that we've gone through. Because change usually happens in incremental steps. So in thinking about sort of Futurism, it really is not a predictive sport, it really is one of seeing possibilities, and thinking about what are the patterns? What are the signals from the present, state that can be possibilities for a future state, and, you know, looking back and really appreciating history, and having those patterns perhaps in form and be data points for how we move forward. But what's really interesting is, it's not a solitary sport. So doing it on your own, really just gives you a universe of one. It is more of a team sport, and it's not sort of 100 year, what's going to happen in 100 years for it, will we be living on the moon? It's like taking a look at sort of in the next 10 years or so. What can we do? So I have sort of like a world example. And then a not for profit example of how this can manifest. You know, one, yeah, at one time, the only mode of transportation was horse and carriage right. And we didn't go from horse and carriage to the Tesla electric car. So there was sort of a long journey. But there are those were innovative moments along the way. So for example, I think Leonardo da Vinci sketched horses, horseless mechanical carts, like in the 1500s. And then like 300 years later, Karl Benz, he came up with a three wheeled motor vehicle called the motor wagon. So we go from the carriage horse and carriage to thinking about what it would be like without a horse to having a motor wagon, and then moving from that to sort of cars as we know them. And now we have electronic and hybrid vehicles. So the definition of cars has changed. But this might make you chuckle in the not for profit space. I remember my very first job. When I started in development. The research office was this gentleman's office that I would walk into. And when I needed research, I would ask him, give him the name of the person and he would get up and he would go to an index card system. And yes, I totally do. He does. Pull out a card and on the index card, there were a few sentences about the individual. And wealth really was sort of based on zip code. That was the only wealth kind of screening that held People had it.
We're coming for you
know, we have companies that do well, screenings and computers and, you know, database systems that are really, you know, have a lot of information. So there are patterns and signals. And there are also things called trends. So for those that are new to futurism, trends are really those waves that come crashing down on the ocean, they come in quickly, they're there for a short period of time, I remember my daughter's hoverboard, that was a trend didn't last long. Oh, you don't even know where that is now. But that
almost broke my arm on one got it. I'm with you right now.
And then you can also think about patterns and signals. And those are kind of like the tides, the currents that are lurking below the surface. And you know, those are really the ones that are the signals for that futuristic, happening, and usually happening across multiple donate domains. So maybe wealth economy environment. So if you think about the Blackberry, for example, you know, that was like an early adapter, that became a signal in the area of technology, where we now have iPhones that are absolutely amazing. So that's sort of is a quick view of futurism. There is, Amy Webb has a book that's called the signals are talking and that is another sort of place to go for information. But it's really, I think, a wonderful way to engage in really taking a look at what is around us and trying to help us be strategic as leaders in the space as we move forward.
I mean, I love the language that you were putting to all of this and the way that you teach. I mean, I'm so like leaned in. And this is something that all of us need to be paying attention to. But the language of signals, I just want to like call this out, because I think that word is really interesting is that that's an undercurrent, we may see the trend, but there's all these other things happening. How do you decipher? And this is a little bit off script. But I'm just curious, like, what is what are you looking for? When you're like, you know, that seems like something that's really going to play out later down the field to you? Is there is there something that that kind of triggers that in your mind and heart.
So one thing I really try to think about is not staying in my vertical, because I think that innovation and creative thinking happens outside of that space. And so I try not to think about it in terms of the not for profit space, but sort of the world at large. So if we take for example, engagement, each of us are engaged every single day, by lots of different people, lots of different types of technology. And so if we just think about what engagement looks like in our vertical, the not for profit space, we might miss out on how we can really leverage things into a grander scale. Because perhaps we're not innovative in that space. So that's sort of what I look for is what are other people doing. And I know one of the things I'd love to talk about as technology because I think for us in the not for profit space, that is huge. And there can be barriers to that based on organizations and budgets. So
yeah, and financial literacy, too, and just understanding how to use the technology. And I think one of the things that's percolating for me in this conversation is just having this mindset of being open for trying new things being in different lanes. And it's one that it's that sort of a call to arms that we like to use, it's like, try some stuff, you know, how do you get into a mindset that will need to be to your point, not running in our own lane at all times. And so we're really here for this call for nonprofits to think forward and look over that horizon. And one of our values that we talk about a lot on this podcast is core value number seven, which is disrupt, grow, adapt, repeat. And that's a really disruptive mindset. So how can our nonprofit sort of adopt that sort of disruption mindset? And what are the obstacles that are preventing nonprofits from thinking like a futurist? So
you know, I think disruptive innovation needs to be fostered. And that requires leadership. And if creativity is not nurtured, then it can't be practiced. So I think and I think leaders have many reasons for not fostering innovation because I don't think there's any leader that says, hey, I want to be a lackluster leader, right? So when I think about what sometimes can be a hurdle, perceived cost, I think is sometimes a really huge hurdle that really prevents people from thinking because they go To the end, and they don't think about the creation that happens in the middle and the value of that, and then figuring out the end later. And you know, budgets and bottom line are really huge for nonprofit organizations and their spectrum of sizes of organizations and budgets. But all I would say is curate curiosity is a thinking exercise. So perceived cost doesn't have to be a hindrance. Risk aversion, I think, you know, fear of failure is something that people sort of shy away from when they're trying to get into that disruptive space. And they think about why it can't work, instead of exploring the possibilities. Something that I say and I use is like permission to fail, sometimes we have to ask for permission to fail, because that then at least lays the groundwork for what were the agreement that we're coming up with it? Yeah, there's a possibility that it might not work, right. And then third, no, and here is just, you know, bureaucracy to sometimes in different organizations can hinder things in terms of people feeling that they have a lot of hoops to go on, go through before they can land somewhere. And that might be disruptive in them thinking about moving forward. But the good news is, you know, leaders actually have control of the conversation, and they can set those expectations.
Okay, can I come work for you? No, I love it. You're cultivating that, because I agree with you. It's a leadership, it starts with a leadership issue, or a potential opportunity, a leadership opportunity, and everything you're saying, I'm also like, how are we cultivating this with our kids, because the creative energy, we don't want to double that because we need innovation, to just advance and to really tackle so many of the problems that we're facing. So, okay, we're drinking the Kool Aid of this conversation, let's start getting into some activation, you know, thinking like a futurist and looking over the horizon. So we're gonna paint this picture, right?
Yeah, you guys are gonna play with me, right? We're gonna play live,
and we have no prep. So we can't wait for this, this is gonna be great.
Okay, so you know, we're just kind of rubbing our hands together, ready to start activating. And I think you kind of put together an activity and truthfully, Becky, and I don't really know fully what's coming. So you're gonna get our raw responses, which is gonna be great.
I love this. So let's have some fun. And let's move into the future itself. Okay, so you have to be very zen. Are you ready?
Okay, I'm squeezing my squish balls. Let's go, there we go.
You know, I know that you have had so many conversations like 300 Plus, and you have amazing guests, and you are amazing thought leaders yourself in this space. So I want to take you to the year 2032. And what does you know? Yeah, what does it look like they're in development, alumni relations in the nonprofit space, you've had so many wonderful conversations. And I know that there have to be signals that you're seeing, and that are signs of some of the shifts to come. So we'd really love to kind of have you dig deep and think about what some of those might be,
I'm floating in space. I'm selfishly hoping that we're all in driverless cars. So my kids are not 16 and actually driving on the road.
So that's it. I think that they're
like, I see what the signals to me are that we all live through COVID. And so a lot of us are thinking for sustainability of our missions, people are standing up different revenue streams. So I don't think the typical nonprofit anymore, just goes to oh, we're gonna fundraise our total budget, they're thinking of creative other ways to add revenue or have assets or other kinds of ways to bring in revenue. And so I think that's going to be more commonplace and more talked about. And I also think the way that people show up, is going to be more, and this is slided to us, because we see the power of media. But I think like thinking as a media entity, is a really powerful way. Because getting in to the conversation getting into the creative arena, as our friend Tony Albrecht always is talking about is part of our mission is like trying to help that shape the narratives of our entire world. And so the more that nonprofits step into that, I think by 2032, that's going to be part of how we build our teams of how are we building these bigger narratives that we're trying to tackle the issues from a head part and a heart part and not just money? You know, because money is not the end all be all,
man. Jon. I hate following, you jumped in there.
Thinking about this.
I actually believe Jon is so dreamy and sees markets before they exist. So this is a great question for him. I think my answer would be around the evolution of community. And I think the way that we have defined our community and tethered that to how we finance our missions is going to be entirely up ended and I'm very excited about it because to me In 2032, we're gonna see between now and then the rise of the everyday philanthropist. And the power of it. We're watching her the power of digital and media and storytelling and collective giving. And trust based philanthropy, we're just seeing the early tenants of the power of how to empower and enable anyone to show up in a way that works for them. And I think for us that really starts with if you can even just start teaching your children or your teens, you know, how do you adopt an empathy mindset or a service based on mindset? How do you wrap your your time and your energy around that which lights you up or breaks your heart, and if you can do this at a really early age, and I think if even if you just start right now and adopted as a practice, nonprofits are going to have to start seeing beyond the donor pyramid, we see an evolution of a complete flip, where the power really goes to the base, and the base can be activated in a very compelling way. And if you do that digitally, and you leverage tech to your point, and you use automation, and all of these things that we have at our fingertips, you can still be human, you can still be personal, and there's ways to just stop holding our mission so tightly ourselves. And if we can release that, to our rabid fans, to the people who really believe in us, it will create a ripple that will not only go on into other communities, but I think it will affect generations, as I pull my kids into our giving and the things that are important to us, I see them start to say these things back to us, you know, one of my daughters is really passionate about water for and you know, and it's in, it's a disruptive nonprofit, providing water aid, but it also provides jobs and creates a business, the business of water, which can be a thriving economic engine in Africa, but she knows, and she repeats to me and she repeats to her friends when she wears her water for shirt. $27 can give someone Clean Water for Life that stuck with her. And so I think that if you plant these seeds, wherever you are, and whatever community you are, and you stop thinking about that top donor, which again, back to Jon's point, diversified revenue, then you can actually not only scale from a financial standpoint, but you scale your story, you scale your brand, you scale your base, I just think there are limitless opportunities. So as we're talking futurists, thank you for letting me talk about that. Because clearly, I needed to get it off my chest. But I want to dream that and manifest that into the world because we see it as such a potential for those who are brave enough and courageous enough to try it.
Well, I'm coming into your world. Oh, come on over. We have to pay royalties. Christina? Well, I know that you have had many guests that have come on to the show. And do you have sort of like, a top three list of things that nonprofits should be thinking about now, in addition to some of the broader areas that you've seen? I mean,
I think so, you know, we we started the year, and it may just be our new tradition at the start of the year to really just kind of put a flag on the ground and say, We think these things really matter as trends. And I'm sensitive to the word because honestly, I read your blog post, which we need to link up in the show notes about how to think like a futurist. And I think there's power and understanding what's a trend and what's just trendy, you know, and I think these are things that are going to be with us for a while, I think I don't think they're just going to quickly go away. But something like investing in digital, and just investing also in people. And that's really not a trend, I hope not, but what you're even saying of like, actually intentionally making investment in people is something that's not common across the, it's disruptive as badly. It's disruptive. But it really meets the moment because more and more of the jobs that our parents generation grew up with are becoming automated are going away. And it's like, the ability to have the soft skills to build relationships and to connect and to engage digitally, like becomes such an powerful currency. And so we want to build in, you know, help build those kind of leaders. The other one, I think, is partnerships. You know, we're really challenging people to move past just selling at gala table, because we sold gala tables
for a long time. We totally did it. We still need to sell some
tables, I get it. But yeah, there's power in the partnerships and talking about that diversified revenue like there is the rise of CSR, CSI, corporate social impact responsibility, and that is a real giant driver of our economy, and just how businesses are showing up and it would be an imperative to figure out how to tether yourself to some really incredible missions because as they grow, it's going to become increasingly important to them. on these partners that are doing the work, and so we should be aligning because that can help, you know, give us another revenue stream that we can count on.
I think I'd like to lift that we're looking at donor behavior, more than we're looking at the giving amounts, like how are you reimagining the donor experience into an evolved approach that values, actions and behaviors of your donors more than just giving them out? I think somebody who talks about this really, really well is Lynne Westar she's come on, she's taught a good guide on this impro that just blew our minds. Because if you think like this, it's going to shift the mission to be fueled by passionate supporters at every single level, not just the top level. And that's going to change the way that we engage the way that we storytel the way we're looking at data, Lynn talks a lot about she calls them velocity or doublers, people who move in you have to watch for it, you know, move from $100 to $200. You know, that's, that's a doubler. That's a jump somebody that moves from $100 to $1,000. We want to know what that trigger is, we want to know what their story is. And I think if you see trends like that, you know, as a storyteller, I'm going to tell you go in and go find that story. Tell that story. And telling the story of the base is going to be really important. And I think that if I were really going to dream about what I would ask nonprofits to do, as a writer, and as a storyteller, I really want people to lean into this idea of ethical storytelling, giving dignity to the person that we are profiling, thinking about how the world will perceive their story, and to paint them in the most positive and empowered light and making sure that we bring along their permissions. And we are checking trauma, and eat our own ego and our own advantages at the door. Because you know, we had a great conversation with Kimberly O'Neill, about this, who says, you know, if you're going to talk about a child, and say they're at risk, and you put that up on your website, anytime that child gets Google as they grow up, we're going to have a photo tethered that says this child is at risk, we don't want to we don't want to be contributing to that digital footprint in that message. So I think just being really conscientious about the way that we tell our stories, and we give dignity to our believers will be honestly as a marketer, I'm like, that's a brand magnet to say that this is how we show up. This is how we treat people. This is how we value our believers. So those would be my two.
And can I say to like, I mean, I'm really touched by you talking about Leonardo. I mean, I streamliner.
He was so ahead of his time. I mean,
how often do we hear as leaders like you can't be what you can't see. And it's like, how do we show up now? Because it's going to influence all the next generation of just what they think is possible, but also just starting to course, correct, because there's been harm that's been created through some of the ways that marketing has rolled out with nonprofits and the way that fundraising and the way that equity looks. And so it's imperative that we start to may not be fixed in this year or this decade, but we're sending up those signals that hopefully can be built upon. And so I love that analogy that you're using with us.
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Well, thank you for letting me take you down the road of features.
Why haven't we done that before? We should do that more often as a practice.
I'm sure I mean, can I turn the tables on you? Like, what do you see from your side of things? Because you have been in this specific sector with, you know, both alumni but development and the convergence of healthcare to like, what do you see as some of those signals that you're paying attention to? With how things are shifting?
Yeah, you know, our engagement is really engaging people for good. And so I think that there really multiple lenses and perspectives in terms of how to think about engagement. I think about three different pillars in terms of engagement, number one, ease of giving, and stewardship. Those are three areas for me that I think are important to think about. And, you know, during the pandemic, engagement was something that we really had to think about differently, be it to steward someone, be it to have a discovery call, be it to have a visit with someone. And what I saw across sort of the landscape where there were these technologies that had been tested before in terms of using video and using different campaigns and micro campaigns and texts, and sort of real time, things that you could do with constituents where they could share things on social media, that really started to shift the possibility of access in terms of not necessarily being physically in front of someone, but being able to engage them in a different way through technology. So that's sort of one of the things that really struck has really struck me and I do think that technology is going to impact our business, what I can tell you that I absolutely love about your show, is everything that you do about storytelling, because the storytelling piece of engagement, I think is going to be so key to how we really speak to people and show up because people are looking for a different type of impact. And they're looking for it on different levels. And as organizations, we can't necessarily aggregate data in the same way that corporations can. And so I think about that, in terms of the fact that really, our donors have a lot of agency now. Right? And so how do we meet them where they are? And that's sort of a question that's sort of in my mind is how do we meet them where they are? Because they too, are in a different place as we are coming out of the last two and a half years?
That's exactly right. And I think that's the power of futurist thinking is, we're not going to step backwards. And we and we can't step backwards back into the old ways that we used to do business because, frankly, if we step back, we may be standing alone, because the donor may have evolved to a different place. And so I'm just thinking broadly about the nonprofit professional who's listening right now. Help us apply some futures thinking to to empower them right now, what are some patterns, or data points that they could explore? And how can nonprofits really focus on what actually matters right now, this is the trendy versus trends that John was talking about?
Yeah, I think one is the the hard thing is focused, right? Because we are in the people business. And human behavior plays into that. And we are all so different. So really, in terms of focus, I would say, what are the areas that are most impactful to your organization, because every organization is going to be different, and sort of starting there. And then also looking beyond your organization, but other business streams that are similar to so as I said before, you know, I think engagement is one that is really important, obviously, in terms of the storytelling, but ease of giving, if it's difficult for someone to make a gift, and they have to click, and we're seeing different sort of mechanisms for making gifts online for texting. You know, thinking about what that means for your organization. If someone does hear your story, and they do go to your website, or they do try to engage and they can't make a gift, then that doesn't allow you to sort of have that multiplier effect that you were talking about where now you have them in your family and then they might do more Um, so I think, you know, it doesn't have to be grandiose thinking, I think it can be some of that sort of foundational thinking that's needed because people are using their phones differently. Right? Yeah. People are consuming data differently. And so, you know, what does a QR code mean? Now it's, you know, something that is much different than, you know, I would have thought I
thought those were gonna die. Did you think those were gonna die a slow death? I mean, they made a raging comeback. And I'm excited about it.
Yeah. So that was something that one could have thought was really just like a fleeting moment. But it's something that seems to have some stick to itiveness to it. Indeed,
I love that. Because also, when you realize that people are coming on their mobile phone, that's why you need to have other forms of payment, because if they're on their phone, that doesn't mean they've got their checkbook, or whatever, you know, or their John Mayer,
kind of the fact that I still have checks. Should we talk about that?
More every time I have to write a check. I'm right there. But you Becky, I don't do anything, which is dreadful.
The duplicates and all that. So I mean, this is a good transition point to say, you know, what are some examples that you like to look to of organizations, or individuals or folks that we can follow that are already thinking in the future as mindset already?
Yeah, I have to say, I think it was 2021, I was at a case conference. And I was really enthralled with the idea of having a digital gift officer. And so that is something that I've really been thinking a lot about and doing a little bit of research on in University of Washington. And that was the group that was giving the presentation. And they were talking about sort of the use of technology for engagement. And if they engage someone in one way, then there's a different branch, and then that other engagement piece happens. And it all happens automatically. But the data all comes together. I think there are other universities like Kansas State Foundation, University of Wisconsin foundation, that are exploring the digital gift officer. I think it is more, it's more than a passing glance, I really do. I think it will change the way that we get that discovery, the way that we get the annual gift, the way that we can retain people, and really have, you know, the opportunity to touch people that might not have made a gift before because they just got a letter in the mail. Or they had a brochure that had an insert in it. Yeah, so that's really what I've been thinking about a lot in terms of scale to write because if you have a lot of constituents, you only have a finite number of people. And so how can you scale up in a way that you can really start going through that haystack.
I love that example. And way to go University of Washington for moving forward. And that way, I would be so interested to just understand that as a case study. And if you're really into this kind of thinking, I would also we're going to drop in the show notes. And Marie Daugherty with the Bob Woodruff Foundation just came on and did a great episode. It was episode 303. And she talks about having, you know, they're a veteran organization. And she has, you know, one of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on her board. And he is a military man used to thinking for the future. And this was one of these organizations who was entirely ready for COVID-19. Because they had a culture of looking ahead, and thinking and anticipating outcomes like this. So I would also throw that one in there. Bowie. I just think about your career. And I think about the sunshine that you've poured everywhere you go, and I'm wondering about a story of philanthropy, or a moment in your life that has stuck with you in this work that you might be willing to share with us? Yeah, I
have to say that it's such an easy one for me, because it really was my introduction. And when I think about the true meaning of philanthropy, and the fact that it's really love of humankind, that's really the connecting point for me. I don't think about people as an annual giving major giving or a principal gift donor, I think of them as people. And so, you know, the story for me was the love of parents for their daughter, and how they brought me into their life to make something happen that was meaningful for them. That also left legacy. So in my very first job, I met this wonderful couple, they owned a construction company. Their daughter had gone to law school, she was an assistant attorney general. And she died tragically in a car accident. One day when I think there was a severe storm and her car hit a tractor trailer. It just was absolutely dreadful. And these people came into my professional life and really sort of made me appreciate the privilege that we have as fundraisers, where people can bring us into that most vulnerable spot and I know that you too, have both been in health care, fundraising. And it really is this sacred space that To have someone pull you into, just really makes you hold space with them differently and see the world differently. And everything that came from them was out of love. You know, a lot of times people ask us as fundraisers, how can you do what you're doing, it must be difficult. You know, it isn't it's connecting with people and going into their space. And this couple was absolutely amazing. They wanted to have a legacy for their daughter, they wanted to create a scholarship in her honor, they wanted to sort of make sure that other people that might not have the chance to go to college to go to law school would have a chance to do that. And, you know, I go to the website at the University of Memphis, it's the AMI Spain scholarship fund. And I take a look at who those recipients are, it was an endowed gift, which we know, you know, the gift that keeps on giving, the fact that they've touched so many people, and it came out of tragedy, and it came out of love, you know, all those different emotions and feelings that are so human. And that, to me is the beauty of philanthropy is really sort of the love for another and giving to another. And that is sort of one of those stories that just as always, with my heart actually printed off a photograph of Amy Spain, and I have it periodically and look at it, I just, you know, you know, her legacy is amazing. So I'm just privileged, I feel privileged to have been part of that and to have been brought into that conversation and to have been taken into that very sacred space with
these stories never get old.
And I'm trying to like push down my chills, you know, I mean, that's such a gift that we get to be part of it was just such the opposite of what it sounds like on paper, you know. So thanks for not going to be an international attorney. And thanks for being in the space. You would have kicked bottom on that journey to I'm sure but let's be so we're starting to wind down. I'm so curious, what is your one good thing you would leave with us today could be your secret to success, a habit a mantra.
And well the first thing I have to say is a nod to the two of you. And that is I implore everybody to be a do gooder, right? Everybody, be out there and be a do gooder because that really is the beauty of life. And I know that we've talked a little bit about family and our kids and sort of legacy. And one thing that I say to my daughter all the time, and this really is my mantra that keeps me going. And that's, you know, mindset matters. And be open to possibility. And think about the what ifs. So that is really sort of the spirit that I like to bring to my work and to the spaces I occupy. But it really is like important to me that mindset matters. And we get to control that
no one is surprised that Boi is raising a futurist at her home. Who is thinking about these things differently in an empowered level. Thank you for that one good thing, okay. But we you've got to tell people how they can connect with you. How do they come and read your blogs over at the inquisitive leader drop all the links so people know how to they can get a hold of you and keep following this incredible thought leadership you have?
Yeah, definitely the easiest way is to type my name into LinkedIn. But we carpenter and I have to say I don't think there's another one of me out there. So hi,
very easy.
And all of my connection information is right there. My blog, the link to my blog and everything else. And it's inquisitive. leader.com. And I post everything on LinkedIn and I have other social media channels. But LinkedIn is really my primary channel. My main, as my daughter would say that's a
you got the kids language down. We're learning. Okay. Thank you so much for this incredible conversation. This is this is good for the mind. It's good for the heart, and we're just rooting for you in this work. We want more of it.
Well, thank you and keep doing the work that you're doing because you really are moving and changing the world. So I feel really honored to have spent time with you today.
Hey, friends, thanks so much for being here. Did you know we create a landing page for each podcast episode with helpful links, freebies and even shareable graphics? Be sure to check it out at the link in this episode's description. You probably hear it in our voices but we love connecting you with the most innovative people to help you achieve more for your mission than ever before. We'd love for you to join our good community. It's free. And you can think of it as the after party to each podcast episode. You can sign up today at we are for good.com backslash Hello. One more thing If you loved what you heard today, would you mind leaving us a podcast rating and review? It means the world to us and your support helps more people find our community. Thanks friends. I'm our producer Julie Confer and our theme song is Sunray by Remy Borsboom.
