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TitlePub. DateDuration
#175 Strengthening Civic Life with Simple Coaching Skills02 Mar 202500:32:34

The Social Change Leaders Podcast is back! Host Traci Warnberg-Lemm returns with fresh insights on the intersection of leadership, civic engagement, and coaching. In this episode, she explores how coaching skills can enhance civic dialogue, and what practical tools leaders can use to strengthen their impact. Plus, Traci shares reflections from listeners on how their passions contribute to social change and provides free resources to help leaders navigate complex times with resilience and clarity.

🎧 Tune in to:

✅ Hear listener insights on skills they have that contribute to solving our biggest challenges

✅ Explore self-care, joy and nervous system regulation needed for resilient leadership

✅ Learn why leadership and civic engagement need a coaching approach

✅ Discover how deep listening and meaningful questions can bridge differences, foster collaboration and transform all types of conversations

✅ Gain practical coaching tools to engage more effectively in civic life

✅Hear how practicing better communication and inquiry can improve personal and professional relationships.

Resources & Links:

👉 Grab your FREE download, Civic Action without the Burnout - HERE

👉 Quiz: Should You Consider Hiring a Coach – Link to 5 minute quiz HERE

👉 1:1 Coaching with Traci - Link HERE for more information

👉Learn more about Civic Remix Conversations (in March 2025)HERE

🌎 Connect with Traci Warnberg-Lemm → www.socialmotion.co

#174 - RECONNECTING - Why We Need Our Community Working Together in 202501 Feb 202500:19:30
📢 “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” – Gandhi

Episode Summary:

The Social Change Leaders Podcast is back! After a hiatus, host Traci Warnberg-Lemm returns with renewed purpose, fresh insights, and a deep commitment to supporting social impact leaders like you. In this episode, Traci shares personal and professional updates, reflects on the challenges shaping our world today, and offers a powerful coaching question to help you clarify your impact. Plus, she extends an invitation to build a thriving community of change makers as we navigate 2025 together.

🎧 Tune in to:
✅ Discover the evolution of the Social Change Leaders Podcast over the past five years and its exciting future
✅ Gain insights from Traci’s personal and professional journey—stories of loss, travel, and transformation
✅ Understand the biggest leadership and social impact challenges emerging today
✅ Explore how a strong community of equipped, empowered change leaders can shape the future
✅ Reflect on a powerful coaching question designed to help you refine your purpose and contribution
✅ Learn how to get involved in a growing network of like-minded leaders ready to make a difference

🔥 Ready to step into your full potential as a leader in social change? This episode is for you.

Resources & Links: 🌎 Connect with Traci Warnberg-Lemmwww.socialmotion.co
Listen to the Spark Good Podcast by Stephanie Malon-Rufiwww.sparkgood.net

Answering a call: Sarah Symons Founder of Her Future Coalition10 Dec 202000:43:38

If you call and no one answers, go anyway.

- Rabindranath Tagore

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Trafficking of women for sexual exploitation is an international human rights crisis. How do girls and women that have been exploited overcome the trauma and create a livelihood? Today we talk with Sarah Symons, Founder and Executive Director of Her Future Coalition, an international non-profit and social enterprise fighting human trafficking and other severe gender violence with shelter, education and employment. In our conversation we:

  • Learn about Sarah Symons had a career as a songwriter for TV and film and how seeing the film, The Day My God Died, became her inspiration to support women and girls that had been involved in human trafficking
  • Discuss the work of the nonprofit, Her Future Coalition, and it current work in India and Nepal - the epicenter of the sex trafficking
  • Learn about the long-term intensive programs that help individuals overcome trauma, address health issues and mental health challenges, secure housing and create a livelihood 
  • Hear about how Her Future Coalition partners with local-based organizations such as rescue shelters and ‘red-light’ areas where children are at high risk for sexual assault and exploitation
  • Become inspired by success stories of girls and women who are have become leaders in their communities
  • Learn about how poverty is one of the primary risk factors for trafficked children and young adults and solutions require systemic solutions
  • Hear Sarah describe how she got her start in an imperfect and messy way, but believed that the perfect is the enemy of the good
  • Understand how Sarah came to embrace storytelling as method of raising money and how Her Future Coalition is supported primarily through jewelry proceeds and individual giving
  • Learn how Sarah has built a global team for this work including hiring women who were former participants in the program that lived the experience of being trafficked
  • Hear Sarah’s lessons learned and advice for others wanting to make a contribution
  • Get inspired by Sarah’s philosophy of ‘let’s see what love can do’

In this episode we reference: 

More about Dr. Sarah Symons:

Sarah Symons is the Founder and Executive Director of Her Future Coalition, an international non-profit and social enterprise fighting human trafficking and other severe gender violence with shelter, education and employment. Over the past 15 years, Her Future Coalition has helped over 5000 women and children in India, Nepal, Cambodia and Thailand to get out of slavery and exploitation, and to build safe, independent and successful lives.



Honoring This Time 22 Apr 202100:12:48

Here’s the truth about racial injustice: It is not just a Black America problem or a people-of-color problem. It is a problem for every American. It is keeping us from fulfilling the promise of liberty and justice for all. And it is holding our nation back from realizing our full potential. We are all a part of George Floyd’s legacy. And our job now is to honor it and to honor him.

-Vice President Harris

The  Podcast is based in the Twin Cities and we wanted to take this episode and acknowledge the events of the week with the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

Black Lives Matter



4 Simple Steps to Begin Having an Impact While Making Money15 Apr 202100:19:59

“The best way to have social impact and generate revenue, is to strategize, collaborate, break some rules, and operationalize your passion.”

-Traci Warnberg-Lemm and Stephanie Malon-Rufi

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

Have you wondered how you can create social change and make money? Can you really do both?  The corporate world of making money and the nonprofit, charity and government world of social change are coming together in unique ways. There is a lot of room for creativity in the emerging social business and social enterprise field. On today’s episode, Stephanie and Traci discuss four first steps you can take to do this.  In our conversation we discuss:

  • Learn about some of the current options and paths open for social enterprise and social business models and the role pricing plays in them
  • Understand how the nonprofit model can also be a revenue generating model
  • Hear common types of social business / social enterprise models that people launch and examples of each:
    • Opportunity Employment: Organizations that employ people who have significant barriers to mainstream employment.
    • Transformative Products or Services: organizations that create social or environmental impact through innovative products and services.
    • Donate Back: businesses that contribute a portion of their profits (or even 100%) to nonprofits that address basic unmet needs.  Or it can be donating a product such as the one-for-one model. 
  • Learn about the 4 ways to get started including: 
    • Learn what others have done / get inspired 
    • Give some thought to your ‘why’ or your vision 
    • Share Your ideas with others 
    • Get support 
  • Hear about the Turn Your Passion Into Impact Course if you are ready to take the next steps

In this episode we reference:

Thoughts from Minneapolis: Healing Our City08 Apr 202100:26:49

Be the Change You Want to See in the World. 

 

  • Gandhi

 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

The city of Minneapolis is going through a challenging time as the trial of Derek Chauvin, the officer charged in the killing of George Floyd, is underway. Community members are grieving, hoping, and many are fearful and anxious.  Today, we hear from Don Samuels about the founding of the ‘Healing our City’ initiative and Don’s thoughts on what social change leaders should be aware of, think about during this time and do. In this episode, you will:

  • Hear about Don’s extensive background in the public, private, nonprofit and faith sectors and how that has informed his work
  • Learn about the ‘Heal Our City’ effort started after the killing of George Floyd
  • Hear how individuals came to the gathering space / prayer tent to meditate, pray  and bear witness with other community members 
  • Hear about the reprisal of the prayer tent when the Derek Chauvin trial was started with a virtual multi-faith meditation, reflection and 9 minutes and 39 seconds of silence
  • Learn a bit about the history of North Minneapolis and the multi-layered elements to this community
  • Hear Don’s reflections on how a sustainable way forward is to collaborate and conspire together across differences
  • Be challenged to be the change you wish to see in the world

In this episode:

Healing Our City

 

More about Don:

Don immigrated to the US from Jamaica in 1970 to study Industrial Design. He resigned from executive R&D leadership, at Hasbro Toys, for a partnership in Red Racer Studio, inventing toys for major manufacturers. Don and his wife Sondra concluded that White Flight and Black Middle-Class Flight were the major contributors to the concentration of poverty and its repercussions, in Urban America. 24 years ago, they moved to the challenged Jordan neighborhood, in North Minneapolis. They quickly became strong voices for peace and leaders for unity and collaboration. With their urging and support, Don was first elected to the Minneapolis City Council in February 2003.

As a Council Member, he directed unprecedented levels of funding to his North Minneapolis community, ensuring remarkable recovery from a devastating tornado and the Great Recession. Don co-sponsored the Ban the Box resolution, which later became state law, giving ex-offenders a greater chance at careers. Don ran for mayor of Minneapolis in 2013.


Don cofounded the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), where his wife Sondra now serves as CEO. He graduated, in 2001, from the Luther Seminary and is an ordained minister. He currently serves on the boards of Luther Seminary, Twin Cities Rise, Center for Action and Contemplation and Trust for Public Land- Minnesota. He is CEO of MicroGrants, making grants to low-income individuals to start and boost their businesses and careers, and the Lights On! program: Now, when a driver is pulled over for a broken light in the state of Minnesota, instead of a ticket or lecture, they receive a voucher for free repairs up to $250.

Three Things To Do Before Planning Your Learning Event01 Apr 202100:22:34

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

– Benjamin Franklin

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

Many of us are creating trainings or learning events for colleagues, coworkers or even for clients. Are you engaging the correct people prior to planning?  Have you identified why you are doing the training? Do you know how much planning goes into a learning event?  In today’s episode, co-host Traci Warnberg-Lemm walks us through 3 important considerations to make before you develop a course, training or learning event. In this episode, you will: 

  • Learn how often training is not necessarily the answer to our challenges
  • Hear about the importance of understanding and identifying the behavior changes desired from a learning event
  • Learn one of the best ways to move your learners to implement what they learned and to change behavior
  • Understand the types of people that should be engaged prior to attending a learning event
  • Recognize how much time goes into developing a training event
  • Hear about what needs to happen after the event

In this episode, we reference:

  • For more information on Traci, you can visit Social Motion
  • To take the short Quiz, ‘Are your learning activities designed for results and impact?’ LINK HERE
  • For more information on the course, LINK HERE

Podcast Episode #77 Learning as a Tool for Social Transformation, LINK HERE

Simple Ways Leaders Can Build Ecosystems for Learning25 Mar 202100:28:58

Leaders must build ecosystems that support learning and ones that create safe places for trial and error during the implementation of learning. 

- Traci Warnberg-Lemm

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

Are you confident that your learning efforts help you achieve your organizational goals? Are you as a leader supporting ongoing learning for colleagues and team?  In today’s episode, Traci walks us through why and how leaders can build ecosystems and cultures for learning. We discuss why leaders need to think bigger about how they can support learning beyond the training. In this episode, you will: 

  • Learn about what organizational culture is and how it impacts you and your team
  • Hear about some of the benefits that come from organizations with a positive learning culture / ecosystem
  • Learn about 7 ways leaders can build an ecosystem for learning 

In this episode, we reference:

  • For more information on Traci Warnberg-Lemm, you can visit Social Motion
  • For more information on Stephanie Malon-Rufi, Genuine Impact
  • To take the quiz, Are Your Learning Activities Designed for Results and Impact?   LINK HERE
  • To register for the March 29 webinar, ‘Top Tips to Design Learning for Impact’ LINK HERE
  • For more information on the course, Collaborative Integrated Learning Academy, LINK HERE
  • Podcast Episode #023: The Importance of Coaching for Social Innovators LINK HERE
Are you Prioritizing the Important Work?18 Mar 202100:17:05

What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.

-Dwight Eisenhower

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Do you run around putting out fires each day?  Do you feel like you are on the hamster wheel and not sure when you will get off?   When you are letting the days run you, instead of you running the day, you most likely are not getting to the important work.  The important work is what is going to get you ahead and keep your organization or business sustainable.  In this episode, co-host Stephanie Malon-Rufi leads us through the Eisenhower Matrix framework to help you categorize your work, set priorities and determine what actions to take. 

  • Hear about the origins of the Eisenhower matrix and how it has been adapted over time
  • Learn the difference between importance and urgency
  • Understand why it is helpful to go through this exercise as you prioritize your activities and plan your time
  • Learn how to determine  which tasks you should eliminate, confine or delegate, focus on and make time for doing
  • Hear about how you can use time management tips to help with some tasks you need to confine or minimize

 

In this episode, we reference:

 

More about Stephanie Malon-Rufi

Stephanie works with visionary founders who have created a valuable purpose to their work.  Entrepreneurs who have a social mission at the heart of what they do but also need to have a sustainable business model. She helps them  move past feeling overwhelmed or stuck.  Together, she helps social entrepreneurs  make sure they:

  • have a sound foundation
  • are poised for the growth you want
  • develop the roadmap to get there

Her services are designed to help you move forward with making a difference – making an impact. To help you go from feeling stuck to energized while getting crystal clear on what steps to take next.  The work is real – it is genuine Stephanie created this 6-part framework based on her personal knowledge and experience having been involved with start-ups as well as operating social enterprises for years.  She also works with many social entrepreneurs  (especially over the past year when COVID hit) and was able to see what was most helpful for those leaders to pivot and remain sustainable.

Tilling the Soil for Equity Leadership11 Mar 202100:43:39

We all do better when we all do better.

- Paul Wellstone 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Are you taking some of the important steps needed to support diversity, equity and inclusion goals in your organization?  Do you review & actively live into your organizational mission, vision and values? Are you leading by example and doing your own deep work to effectively lead and build a culture of equity?  Today, our guest is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant Felecia Boone. Felecia shares poignant stories from her upbringing and describes how those shaped the work she does today. In our conversation we:

  • Hear how crucial it is to have a mission statement and values that are used within an organization as living documents
  • Learn about the importance of social change leaders doing their own self care when engaged in anti-racism work
  • Understand how social change leaders need to learn the art of “turning up the heat, but not too hot” when supporting equitable practices
  • Learn about the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and other assessments that will support 
  • Understand the importance of getting out of our heads and getting into our hearts while making embodied anti-racist practices a habit
  • Discuss the importance of recognizing when individuals are hitting the wall and need a bit of space / support
  • Hear about the importance of leveraging the skills, expertise and assets within your organization to best [ be better allies, co-conspirators and activists] build diversity, equity and inclusion practices
  • Hear about the importance of leveraging the skills, expertise and assets within your organization so everyone can be better allies, co-conspirators and activists while build diversity, equity and inclusion practices

More about Felecia:

Felecia A. Boone is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant in local government, where she is also the administrator of a Diversity Leadership Mentoring Program. Outside of work, she serves as vice-president of the Minneapolis Area Synod in the ELCA; is chair of the nonprofit Crossroads Community Organization board; is a member of the Board of Regents at Wartburg College; serves on the board of several other equity-focused community organizations; and leads and collaborates on a range of committees at her home church, Calvary Lutheran, always through a racial equity lens. Felecia is also a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).

To connect further with Felecia:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/feleciaboone/

https://www.facebook.com/felecia.boone

Learning as a Tool for Social Transformation04 Mar 202100:28:06

A leader’s most important role is supporting the development of others to better equip them to scale their impact and create social transformation.

  • Traci Warnberg-Lemm

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

Do you wish you had a leadership superpower that created results and impact?  Do you incorporate learning into your work and that of your team?  Do you ever struggle with having training or learning opportunities that are effective?  Today we explore learning as a leadership tool for social change. In this episode we examine learning as a key component to great leadership.  In today’s episode, you will:

  • Understand how and why learning is an important element of social change and social transformation
  • Learn about the importance of learning to individuals, teams, organizations and systems
  • Hear about some of the challenges with the learning today
  • Have an opportunity to consider how your learning programs and training activities may or may not be having the impact you desire
  • Learn some simple ways social change leaders can get better at designing learning  and why they should
  • Hear about 3 ways individuals can do a ‘deeper dive’ into how to build learning activities that will maximize results and social impact

In this episode, we reference:

  • For more information on Traci, you can visit Social Motion
  • To take the short Quiz, LINK HERE
  • To register for the March 29 webinar, ‘Top Tips to Design Learning for Impact’ LINK HERE

For more information on the course, LINK HERE

4 Quick Ways to Shift Your Mindset25 Feb 202100:11:52

When you change the things you look at, the things you look at change

Wayne Dyer

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Do you know when you need to shift your mindset?  What tools do you have that help you quickly do that?  This week we are going to talk about 4 simple ways to shift your mindset and how to know when you need to use them.  On today’s episode we: 

  • Discuss how a positive mindset sets us up for success
  • Define some of the common ways to identify if you need to shift your mindset:
  • 4 simple tips to quickly and easily shift your mindset

In this episode, we reference: 

  • Coaching with Stephanie - Genuine Impact
  • Coaching with Traci - Social Motion 
  • Social Change Leaders Podcast episode #10 on Mindset for Social Innovation LINK HERE
  • Social Change Leaders Podcast episode #55 on Understanding When You are ‘Hitting a Wall’  LINK HERE
The Role of Inspiration in Leadership18 Feb 202100:23:49

Do you find yourself inspired on a consistent basis?  Do you inspire others?  Do others inspire you?  Inspiration can be the catalyst of great ideas and forward movement to achieve them!  Knowing where we get our inspiration can be helpful on our journey to create innovative social change.  In this episode we examine inspiration, especially how it can be a key component to great leadership.  In today’s episode, you will:

  • Understand what inspiration is and where it comes from
  • Hear about why inspiration matters and the benefits of being inspired
  • Reflect on research that shows how inspiration can be activated and cultivated in each of us
  • Hear about why social change leaders should follow their own inspiration to have more impact 
  • Learn about the importance of inspiration in leadership and the benefit to teams with inspiring leaders

In this episode, we reference:

Thoughts from Minneapolis: How did we get here? Where will we go?18 Jun 202000:45:54

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests and reactions in the Twin Cities and around the world, we wanted to invite Carl Young back to the podcast. Carl is a social change leader, a mental wellness professional who does a lot of community-based work and a black man living in Minneapolis. 

In this episode with Carl we talk about:

  • Carl’s experience growing up as a black man in the south contrasted with living in Minnesota for over several decades
  • The historical context of the relationship between black people with the Minneapolis police department and the U.S. police force in general
  • Why Carl believes the George Floyd incident was different than former police murders and why it ignited a global response?
  • What Carl thinks about the increase in white people joining in the antiracist movement 
  • Carl’s advice for our listeners who want to bring about positive social change.  What needs to be done on a personal, micro and macro level?

More about Carl Young:

Carl Young, MS, co-founder of ILC4Y,Increasing Life Chances 4 You 

Connect with Carl on Facebook and catch some of his live videos where he shares his thoughts and perspectives 

Carl Young, MS, is the founder of Increasing Life Chances 4 You.   Carl specializes in working with survivors of trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, neglect, mental/physical abuse, domestic abuse, those struggling with life transitions, anxiety and depression, and those needing just that little "push and guidance" to help them move forward toward accomplishing their personal and professional goals.  Carl is dedicated to addressing issues of diversity and equity in the mental health system and advocates for individuals who may need culturally competent life coaching and mental health support.  His passion is to improve individuals’ success professionally, personally, in school and at home; thereby increasing their life chances. 

  ********

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launch June 29, 2020. Learn more here and sign up today!

About Social Motion:  Social Motion helps leaders to have greater impact in their professional and personal lives so they can have greater impact on our community and world.  www.socialmotion.co

About Genuine Impact:  Genuine Impact Consulting and Coaching works with social entrepreneurs and social enterprises to bring clarity and focus so they can make a greater impact.  www.genuineimpact.net



Social Enterprise Check-Up: A 6-part framework to increase sustainability11 Feb 202100:31:00

You have to work on a sustainable business model first so your social enterprise will have the impact you want. 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Do you know if your social enterprise is sustainable?  Do you know what you need to strengthen?  Where do you start?  In this episode we answer these questions.  Co-host Stephanie Malon-Rufi takes her experience and expertise to provide a tangible 6-part framework to increase your sustainability.  The Social Enterprise Check Up will help you identify and work on key areas to strengthen your social enterprise. On today’s episode we: 

  • Review how a check-up is different than an organizational or business assessment
  • Discuss why a social enterprise check-up is important
  • Learn about the 6 key areas you should be reviewing to determine what needs strengthening in your social enterprise
  • Get a set of questions within each of the 6 areas to help you evaluate and set action steps for yourself

In this episode, we reference: 

More about Stephanie Malon-Rufi

Stephanie works with visionary founders who have created a valuable purpose to their work.  Entrepreneurs who have a social mission at the heart of what they do but also need to have a sustainable business model. She helps them  move past feeling overwhelmed or stuck.  Together, she helps social entrepreneurs  make sure they:

  • have a sound foundation
  • are poised for the growth you want
  • develop the roadmap to get there

Her services are designed to help you move forward with making a difference – making an impact. To help you go from feeling stuck to energized while getting crystal clear on what steps to take next.  The work is real – it is genuine.

Stephanie create this 6-part framework based on her personal knowledge and experience having been involved with start-ups as well as operating social enterprises for years.  She also works with many social entrepreneurs  (especially over the past year when COVID hit) and was able to see what was most helpful for those leaders to pivot and remain sustainable.



Episode Encore: Culture and White Body Supremacy, A conversation with Resmaa Menakem04 Feb 202100:49:33

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

“The only way forward is through, together” 

- Nichelle Smith

It is February 2021 which in the United States is also Black history month.   With humility and respect we do recognize Black history is actually American history.  This month serves as a reminder of that history and the contributions Black Americans have made; many of these contributions under challenging and impossible circumstances, and many of them unacknowledged and unappreciated at the time and still today. This is not something we only must do during the month of February, but every month. 

This week, we wanted to do an encore of a previously released podcast focused on the work of Resmaa Menakem, a healer, author, trauma specialist and podcaster.  In this episode Resmaa shares his thoughts and insights about racialization as pedagogy and white body supremacy.  In our conversation, we dive into:

  • Key concepts about the impacts of racism on black and brown bodies
  • The concept of white body supremacy as the standard by which all bodies of humanity are measured and why white people must get comfortable with that term
  • How black and brown bodies can be harmed when white people seek validation and comfort from people of color
  • The recent work Resmaa has done with author and speaker Robin DiAngelo about identifying and combating White Fragility      
  • How current policies and procedures allow white body supremacy to multiply 
  • Why Resmaa believes white people must engage in a longer-term, embodied process of work and self study to transform as individuals to better address the dismantling of white body supremacy 
  • Why white people must learn to create their own culture to better hold space for discomfort when discussing race
  • Resmaa’s creative ideas about how to leverage technology and other innovative fields to support anti-racism work

In this episode:

More about Resmaa Manakem:

Resmaa Menakem, MSW, LICSW, SEP, has appeared on both The Oprah Winfrey Show and Dr. Phil as an expert on conflict and violence. He has served as director of counseling services for the Tubman Family Alliance; as behavioral health director for African American Family Services in Minneapolis; as a domestic violence counselor for Wilder Foundation; as a certified Military and Family Life Consultant for the U.S. Armed Forces; as a trauma consultant for the Minneapolis Public Schools; and as a Cultural Somatics consultant for the Minneapolis Police Department. As a Community Care Counselor, he managed the wellness and counseling services for civilians on fifty-three US military bases in Afghanistan. Resmaa studied and trained at Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, as well as with Dr. David Schnarch (author of the bestselling Passionate Marriage) and Bessel van der Kolk, MD (author of the bestselling The Body Keeps the Score). He currently teaches workshops on Cultural Somatics for audiences of African Americans, European Americans, and police officers. He is also a therapist in private practice.



Converging for Change: Democratization of Energy Markets28 Jan 202100:45:35

It is exciting to see innovation, equity, and investment finally converging for the change we need in the energy industry.

-Nina Axelson

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Are you curious about how you can better engage and support clean energy efforts in our communities? What is the democratization of energy and what does that mean for everyday citizens?  What innovations are having an impact on the energy industry? Today, our guest is Nina Axelson, vice president of sustainability and outreach for Ever-Green Energy overseeing sustainability objectives and performance, government affairs, community relations, and communications. In our conversation we:

  • Hear Nina describe how the role of a single champion can have a transformational impact on environmental efforts and initiatives 
  • Learn about the ‘democratization of energy’ and what it means for consumers and citizens as environmental products and services are becoming more available 
  • Understand how the convergence of public policies and infrastructure, private markets and civic community-based organizations are driving change in the energy industry
  • Learn about the innovations happening in the energy sector and the challenges to deploying and scaling those innovations
  • Understand the challenges that exist in pivoting old infrastructure to new systems and what is being done to make that happen
  • Hear about current trends and where energy experts believe we are heading in the next 10-20 years 
  • Listen to 5 suggestions Nina has for that you can do keep positive environmental change moving forward

More about Nina:

Nina Axelson is the vice-president of sustainability and outreach for Ever-Green Energy. Axelson has oversight for sustainability objectives and performance, government affairs, community relations, and communications, launching the company’s corporate social responsibility platform in 2019. Axelson has served as project manager and lead author for technical studies and master plans, including the nation’s largest solar thermal array and recently completed aquifer thermal energy storage analyses. She has led technical studies for the Department of Energy and International Energy Association. Axelson currently serves on the board of directors for the International District Energy Association and Clean Energy Economy Minnesota.

In this episode:

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota

Ever-Green Energy

Partnering with Government: 7 Strategies to Create Change21 Jan 202100:34:54

If liberty and equality, as it thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in government to the utmost.

   - Aristotle

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Do you want to support good governance and good government?  What can you do as a social change leader to effectively partner with government agencies on shared community goals?  Join us and hear 7 strategies to partner with the government and create change. And download the tip sheet here. On today’s episode we: 

  • Review the complexity of the social challenges we face
  • Discuss the dynamics of politics and governance
  • Understand how today’s problems and challenges are complex and require good partners and collaborators
  • Consider the need for all types of social change leaders to partner with government to support good governance and work on community challenges
  • Learn 7 strategies for how social change leaders can effectively partner with government to create change

In this episode, we reference: 

Better Communication to Scale Your Idea and Have More Impact14 Jan 202100:26:17

Be insane or be the same! 

- Brenden Kumarasami

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Are you communicating effectively to best scale your ideas and have more impact? Communication is a critical skill of social change leaders. Today we are talking with Brenden Kumarasami, the founder of MasterTalk.  Brenden helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs and changemakers improve their communication skills to have more impact.  Join us as Brenden discusses the work he does and shares some key skills that social change leaders can begin doing TODAY to start having more impact. 

In our conversation we:

  • Hear about Brenden’s journey to found MasterTalk, a youtube channel that seeks to answer any and all questions individuals have about communication
  • Listen to Brenden share one important question that leaders should ask themselves to become a better communicator & effectively spread their ideas 
  • Learn about the ‘puzzle method’ - and hear why Brenden recommends using this process to prepare presentations
  • Hear Brenden share some of the his thoughts on the his favorite communication tips from the best speakers and communicators in the world 
  • Understand why asking yourself hard questions is important for personal and professional growth 
  • Are challenged as social change leaders to consider a few questions for yourself 

More about Brenden:

Brenden is the founder of MasterTalk, a YouTube channel he started to help the world master the art of public speaking and communication. He coaches purpose driven entrepreneurs on how to master their message and share their ideas with the world.  Find Brenden’s YouTube channel here.

Creating a Vision and Plan for 202107 Jan 202100:17:50

Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. 

- African Proverb

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

Have you started planning your 2021? Today Stephanie and Traci continue the conversation about transitioning from 2020 to 2021. In this episode, we discuss how to create a powerful vision statement and how to get started setting goals & action steps for 2021.  In this episode, we:

  • Learn about vision statements, why they are important and how to create one of your own
  • Discuss goals, how to set goals and how to plan for the year ahead
  • Walk through a free download that supports you in drafting a vision statement, setting goals and action steps for 2021 
  • Reference examples of a goals, strategies and actions that you can reference as you start to plan your 2021
  • Discuss some important resources, such as coaching, to support you following your roadmap and achieving your 2021 goals.

In this episode we reference:

 

12 Year-End Reflection Questions for Social Innovators31 Dec 202000:21:26

From quiet reflection will come even more effective action.

 

Peter Drucker 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

Have you taken time to reflect on 2020? The new year is a time many reflect on the year that has passed and begin planning for the one ahead.  Listen as Stephanie & Traci share some year-end rituals and activities to consider as 2020 comes to an end. This episode also walks through 12 year-end reflection questions for social innovators, social entrepreneurs and social change leaders. In our conversation we:

  • Discuss some of the collective events and challenges we have experienced in 2020
  • Share some rituals such as cleaning and decluttering, expressing gratitude for things in the year, reviewing your habits  and many others 
  • Discuss the importance of making peace with things still lingering in your life and a few ways to do that
  • Walk through 12 year-end reflection questions social innovators, social entrepreneurs and social change leaders

In this episode we reference: 

Holy Days: A Season For All Faiths and Cultures 24 Dec 202000:19:30

This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against planetary darkness.  We string bulbs, ignite bonfires and light candles and we sing. 

- Anita Diamant. 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Did you know that the term “Holidays” actually refers to “Holy Days?”  So, when we wish someone Happy Holidays we are acknowledging and respecting their preferred holy days - in an inclusive manner.  It is the time of year when many holy days are celebrated around the world.  Listen to what some of these are and learn the common themes:  darkness into light, truth, goodness, reflection, dancing, singing, prayer/meditation, and wisdom.



Understanding Abolitionism and Transformative Justice: A conversation with Jason Sole17 Dec 202000:46:28

Bring your gifts to the work, dig in and enjoy it.

 

Jason Sole

 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

“Defund the Police” has become a popular phrase used this past year and elicits strong reactions.  In this episode we move beyond this phrase to talk about what abolitionism and transformative justice truly means in a powerful conversation with Jason Sole.  Jason is the co-founder of the movement Humanzie My Hoodie, a criminal justice professor, author, activist and abolitionist.  Jason both talks about the ways that our current system does not work for all citizens and also paints a picture of what it could look like if we reimagined how our society addresses issues of housing, food, addiction, mental health and other key social issues often left to the police to handle. 

In the episode we:

  • Hear the story of Jason’s early life in Chicago and how he eventually ended up in Minnesota 
  • Learn the story of how the Humanize My Hoodie movement got started by a challenge Jason had for his college classes to understand the negative stigma of hoodies sweatshirts being work by people of color.
  • Be inspired by how Jason Sole and his business partner and friend Andre launched and the initial Humanize My Hoodie clothing line which has turned into a national brand and movement  
  • Understand the abolitionist education framework and its central theme of speaking truth and taking bold action
  • Hear Jason discuss current and historical abolishionists including Harriet Tubman who sought to abolish slavery, not trying to get nicer plantations for slaves
  • Hear how abolitionists are leading the way to eliminate systems that do not work and how they are pushing for reallocation of resources to improve communities 
  • Abolitionists can see a dream where all are healing from trauma and coming together to heal. Dream of a different world and putting resources to put these dreams into fruition
  • Hear a real-world examples of simple actions being taken to meeting needs can better solve problems
  • Be challenged to understand how white people can do a deeper dive and use privilege to have conversations and work to soften the hearts of those that support practices and policies that hurt people of color 
  • Hear Jason talk about the need to liberate yourself before you can liberate other people and how to be creative in the way you love other people
  • Learn about how you can get involved whether it is through the Allies workshop

 

In this episode we reference: 

Humanize My Hoodie

Humanize My Hoodie Ally Online Workshop

Humanize My Hoodie Documentary

Ava DuVernay’s Film “13

Jason Sole’s website

Prison By Any Other Name by Maya Schenwar

More about Jason Sole:

Jason Sole works with organizations and individuals who believe that there must be equity for there to be freedom and that there must be a radical redefining of criminality for there to be justice. 

Jason has been a criminal justice educator for a decade (served as an assistant professor at two academic institutions) and is currently an adjunct professor at Hamline University. He is a national keynote speaker and trainer. He’s the past president of the Minneapolis NAACP in which he launched several public safety initiatives (e.g., Warrant Forgiveness Day) that led to harm reduction in Hennepin County. Sole was a 2013 Bush Fellow who focused on juvenile delinquency and recidivism throughout the state of Minnesota. He helped launch Mayor Coleman’s Community Ambassadors Program, which led to a 63% reduction in juvenile crime in the first year. In 2014, he published his memoir, From Prison to Ph.D.: A Memoir of Hope, Resilience, and Second Chances. He recently served as the Community First Public Safety Initiatives Director for the City of Saint Paul. In addition, Jason is the co-founder of the Humanize My Hoodie Movement in which he’s challenging threat perceptions about Black men through clothing, art exhibitions, and workshops.



Launching and Growing Impact-Driven Businesses: With Connie Rutledge, CEO of FINNOVATION Labs03 Dec 202000:25:41
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

James Baldwin

 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

There has been a growing ecosystem to support social entrepreneurs and social businesses in the U.S and beyond.  What does this support system look like?  What resources are available for those who are wanting to launch or scale their social enterprise?  Today we talk with Connie Rutledge, CEO of FINNOVATION Lab. FINNOVATION Lab launched in 2017 to empower and support professionals and entrepreneurs who use business to address environmental, economic, and social issues.   It champions changemakers in the community who believe in solving systemic social problems through the power of business.

 In our conversation we:

  • Learn about Connie’s experience in the entrepreneurial, venture capital and social business spaces.  And how she brings her lens on the world to try to understand our inequalities between gender, race and class.  How can we harness the power of the market to be a positive force for change?
  • Hear about how FINNOVATION Lab began as the brainchild of Jackie Berglund, founder of Finnegans Brewery, one of the longest running social enterprises in the state of Minnesota.  She developed FINNOVATION Lab out of the desire to create the resources and support for social entrepreneurs that she wished she had 20 years ago.
  • Understand the goals of the 9-month  FINNOVATION fellowship program geared towards social entrepreneurs in the idea phase of a social venture.
  • Learn about the new mastermind program launching in January 2021 for impact-driven CEOS that want to scale; Social Business Collective.  Stephanie (Genuine Impact) is teaming up with FINNOVATION Lab to provide this program for social impact businesses that are growing with leaders that want to connect with peers, get advice, and learn more on important topics.  
  • Hear about how a mastermind group can be a key ingredient to build accountability, community and be a catalyst for growth. 

 

Finnovation Lab

Social Business Collective

 

About Connie:

Connie Rutledge is a leader in the Twin Cities community of entrepreneurs. With over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship and business management, her expertise ranges from concept design, market analysis, and fundraising to product development, operations, and strategic partnerships. Her passion is supporting innovators with practical advice and strategic analysis so they can recognize their vision in a socially and financially sustainable way.

Connie has developed and taught courses in entrepreneurship for the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Minnesota. She also coordinated the Minneapolis/St. Paul Mini Maker Faire, attracting over 5000 makers, artists, and curious families every year.  She holds a BA in sociology from the University of Tulsa and an MPA from the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota.



3 Key Questions to Ask if You are Ready to Launch28 May 202000:47:40

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Have you been thinking about how your work can make more of a social impact. Or starting a social enterprise?  Or launching a program that benefits the people and planet?  Stop delaying yourself from taking action!  Now is the time to be the change you want to see in the world.  Listen to this replay of our virtual workshop to walk you through the 3 questions you need to ask yourself first.  We will let you know the key pieces you need in place so you are ready to launch.  Be sure to grab the download worksheet as you follow along.

UPDATE: The course begins June 29, 2020.  Learn more here: https://www.socialmotion.co/turn-passion-into-impact

In our conversation we:

  • Touch on the common fears people have when they think about starting 
  • Provide our own launch stories to going out on our own and starting our businesses
  • Go through the three key questions, provide the context in which to think about these questions and ask additional coaching questions for each.
  • HIghlight our upcoming course, Turning Your Passion into Impact: 5 Steps to Generate Revenue and Make a Difference. This course is a 5-lesson, step-by-step, video-based curriculum that will give you clarity, direction and momentum to turn your passion into social impact and revenue.  

More about the course - 

The lessons will include the following:  

Week 1 - Clarifying Your Why / Vision / Purpose / Mission 

Review and clarify your values, skills, vision, purpose, mission, and your ‘why.’ We will work to align these with the social impact you want to have.

Week 2 - Develop Your Social / Business Concept  

Explore how to take the items from week 1 and learn about different options to monetize it.  An emphasis will be on starting lean with a minimal viable product or service

Week 3 - Create Strategies for Marketing and Partnerships

Develop key strategies to market your product / services as well as develop strategic partnerships.  You will also have template to easily create key talking points and key messages to give you confidence talking about your social impact ideas / plans.

Week 4 - Setting Habits  and the Right Mindset

Understand the importance of habits, mindset, time management and other key strategies to set yourself up for success.

Week 5 - Creating your Customized Action Plan

Bring everything together and create a customized action plan that fits your life so you can turn your passion into impact and revenue!  

In this episode we reference: 

 

Challenging Ourselves to Reconcile Thanksgiving26 Nov 202000:07:50

May we grow back not to what was, but instead toward what we can become. 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

This episode is being released on the third Thursday in November of 2020 which is Thanksgiving in the U.S.  Many of us will be preparing large meals with fewer people around the table due to the increased social distancing practices brought on by the increase in COVID cases. As with many things that have happened in 2020, this holiday is a good time to reconsider and revamp how we understand our history, how we understand our current challenges and how we look at the Thanksgiving holiday.  In our conversation we:

  • Discuss briefly the history of the national Thanksgiving holiday in 1863 under President Abraham Lincoln and the date change under President Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • Share two articles about the origins of Thanksgiving and reconciling and coming to terms with the history of colonization in the United States
  • Offer 2 questions for social change leaders:
    • How are we educating and challenging ourselves?
    • How are we challenging others in our lives - especially those who may not see it the same way?

In this episode we reference: 

Being Grateful Because of 202019 Nov 202000:25:47

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Be grateful for the hard times too.  They have opened your eyes to the things you weren’t paying attention to. 

- Anonymous

Has it felt hard to be grateful in 2020?  As you end the year are you thinking about all the things that did not  happen because of 2020?  Today we want to challenge you to think about 2020 differently.  Gratitude is important!  We want to share experiences and things in 2020 that we are grateful for - not just despite the pandemic but sometimes BECAUSE of the pandemic.  

In our conversation we:

  • Review and acknowledge the challenges we have experienced individually and collectively in 2020
  • Discuss the reasons why gratitude is important and the benefits it provides including:
    • Emotional benefits 
    • Social benefits
    • Personality benefits 
    • Career benefits 
    • Health benefits 
  • Talk about various ways to practice gratitude in your daily life
  • Highlight what Traci and Stephanie are grateful for because of 2020 and encourage our listeners to do the same

In this episode we reference:

 

Health Equity Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Veronica Svetaz12 Nov 202000:40:12

We all do better when we all do better 

Paul Wellstone 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

As social change leaders work to be more inclusive and address structures and systems of racism and oppression in our communities, we take a look at one of the important ones to tackle - health care. This week we discuss bias, leadership and health equity with Dr. Veronica Svetaz.  Dr. Svetaz is a physician at Hennepin County Medical Center (where she also works in the Center for Health Equity Leadership) and an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota. She is nationally recognized for her work as the Director of Aqui Para Ti youth development program and her extensive research and writings. Dr. Svetaz was recently named as one of the seven examples of local leadership by the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. In our conversation we:

  • Listen to the story of Dr. Svetaz’s journey that started in Latin America with a deep spirit of doing things together in community
  • Hear about the impact of being a teenager under military government shaped Dr. Svetaz’s ideas around democracy, advocacy and caring for each other  
  • Learn how Dr. Svetaz came to the United States and began working with adolescents and how that turned into a fellowship and residency 
  • Hear Dr. Svetaz discuss her experiences with the role of women in leadership and how that impacted her career choices  
  • Understand the connection she shared with Latino families and how she learned the importance of vicarious resilience and gratitude
  • Learn about the difference between chronic conditions and chronic illness and how working with community in strength-based manner supported her in becoming an expert in the area of health equity
  • Hear about the important role of leaders, but how leadership is one of the most difficult things to change
  • Hear about inclusive spaces and how social change leaders can become more aware of structures and systems of oppression in the communities including understanding the bias, discrimination, stereotyping and racism experienced by marginalized communities 
  • Reflect on the transformative power of deeply listening and human sharing 
  • Understand how health equity is rooted in being aware of and starting work the social determinants of health 
  • Learn how Dr. Svetaz defines and supports activism and activation in patients

 

In this episode we reference: Book, Promoting Health Equity Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents 

 

More about Dr. Veronica Svetaz:

Maria Veronica Svetaz, MD, MPH, FSAHM, FAAFP is a Faculty Family Practice and Adolescent Health Boarded physician at HCMC Department of Family and Community Medicine, and an Assistant Professor at the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Minnesota. From Argentina, Dr. Svetaz completed her medical school, Internal Medicine and Chief Residency at the University of Buenos Aries, Argentina. She came to the University of Minnesota in 1996 to join the Division of Pediatrics and Adolescent Health LEAH training program for a two-year fellowship. At the same time, she completed a Master in Public Health, Maternal, and Child Major and completed her Family Medicine Residency at Region's Hospital. She was a member of the National team that drafted the 2002 "Consensus Statement on Health Care Transitions for Young Adults with Special Needs," endorsed by AAP/AAFP/ACP/ASIN (published in Pediatrics, 2002). She had been the Medical Director of Aqui Para Ti/Here for You youth development program since its beginning in 2002. This program has received multiple National Awards, most importantly the 2014 Millar Award for Innovation in Adolescent Care, by the Society of Adolescent Health (SAHM). It is currently overseeing a system-wide initiative to make HCMC (safety Net Hospital) teen-friendly. Her research includes working with bilingual youth, chronic illness and youth, issues around parenting that youth, educating practitioners to better work with minority youth, on how to use CBPR (Community Based Participatory Research) and how to support Health Equity. She is currently the Chair of the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) 's National Diversity Committee (authored 2 Position Papers on Health Equity) and is a National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health's Board Member. She sits on the Health Equity Advisory Board at Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) and is also part of DHS Behavioral Health Homes' Advisory Committee. 



Civic Series Part 3: Trusted Healers and the Path to Improving Health05 Nov 202000:21:55

The reason we do what we do is because everyone matters.

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

How does the U.S. Healthcare System compare to other countries?  Can we really improve care and cut costs at the same time? Who is the best advocate for our own healthcare?  In part 3 of our civic series, we discuss health care policy, health costs and care, leadership and generational social change with Dan Pelino. Dan will walk us through our role as health care consumers, the role of ‘trusted healers’ and elements of the US healthcare system. Please join us to: 

  • Hear about Dan’s background and work in healthcare and wellness
  • Learn about US health care expenditures and quality compared to other nations
  • Understand the key challenges in the US healthcare system and how patient-centered and team-based care can improve care and reduce costs
  • Learn about some of the data that supports the value of having a primary care doctor and a relationships with a care team  
  • Learn about what patient-centered medical homes are and how they can support our individual and collective health and wellness 
  • Hear Dan’s thoughts on leadership and the role of leaders in healthcare reform
  • Understand the actual time it takes for social change to take root and become embedded in our society
  • Be introduced to the concept of a ‘trusted healer’ and consider people you have in your family or social groups that would fall into this category 
  • Be challenged to step forward and be your own best health advocates and healers

In this episode we reference: 

Dan Pelino

Trusted Healers



Civic Series Part 2: Skills for Democracy 29 Oct 202000:36:10

We fight for lost causes not because we always think we are gonna win, but because someone needs to keep the battle going.

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Election season always brings to light important civic topics and this year, big questions.  Is voter fraud a real threat?  Is the voting system still reliable?  Will we know the election results on election night?  How do we know what information to trust?  And, perhaps even more importantly, how can we better improve citizen engagement and expand civic education?  This week we tackle these questions in a conversation with Professor David Schultz, a Political Science and Law professor at Hamline University in Minnesota.  He is a nationally and internationally sought-after expert on civics and government topics. He authored many books, legal treatises, and articles on topics including election law, eminent domain, law, public policy, legal and political theory, and the media and politics. In our conversation we:

  • Hear about how Professor Schultz developed a passion for voting, public affairs and civics at a young age 
  • Discuss the importance of civic education in supporting citizens to engage with the government to make change
  • Highlight the importance of good listening skills in our noisy democracy 
  • Hear David’s thoughts on the importance of media literacy and citizens discerning between good and bad information 
  • Discuss how important it is for citizens to get out of our bubbles and try to talk to others
  • Learn about the importance of starting discussions with a little bit of healthy doubt
  • Understand an effective way to share what you believe by highlighting the reasons ‘why’ we have those beliefs
  • Hear David’s thoughts on the integrity and reliability of US elections and the checks and balances in the US voting system 
  • Understand when we can expect to know election results
  • Discuss the importance of civic education, citizen engagement and why getting involved, citizens can make a difference

In this episode we reference: 

Schultz's Take Blog

Strong Democracy by Benjamin Barber

Civic Series Part 1: Reflections and Questions22 Oct 202000:31:59

Good Governance Depends on the Ability to take responsibility by both administrations as well as people. 

 - Narendra Modi

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

As we approach the U.S. 2020 elections, where many big elections are occurring in all levels of government (including presidential), it is important to think about the role and responsibilities we have to American democracy.  We are not born being good citizens or participants in democracy. Being an effective member of a democracy must be learned, cultivated and practiced.  And with only 55% of the eligible voting population voting in 2016, we know that there is work to be done in this area.

On today’s episode, Traci will share some of her work in government and civic education and share some key questions to reflect on in the coming weeks and months. In our conversation, we:

  • Hear Traci’s story of serving as an election observer in Sri Lanka in 2001
  • Review some basic definitions including politics and government 
  • Discuss some of the current challenges to American democracy 
  • Consider the value of social innovation and policy entrepreneurship as path to a better and more effective democracy 
  • Present Key Questions we should ask ourselves including:
    • How am I educating and evolving myself to be a better participant in democracy? 
    • How can we support and elect candidates who have integrity and are collaborative? - represent values that we hold 
    • How do we prepare the next generation of informed, engaged participants in our democracy
    • What is our responsibility to to engage in respectful conversations & build bridges with the many people in our lives who actively, passively or unknowingly support the oppression of so many of our friends and loved ones 
  • Highlight the signs of optimism in social innovation and policy entrepreneurship

Mentioned in today’s conversation:

Blending Passion with Purpose: A Conversation with Junita Flowers15 Oct 202000:25:14

 

Pursuing purpose Is less about skillset and everything about your mindset. Believe bigger

- Junita Flowers

 

Social change leaders and More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Specifically,  in our conversation we:

  • Hear about Junita’s early fascination with entrepreneurship, her passion for baking and her experience being in an abusive relationship all led her to find her purpose in founding Junita’s Jar in 2015.
  • Learn about the social entrepreneurial model Junita followed to launch her mission-driven, retail cookie company that uses food to engage young people in conversations about relationships and domestic / relationship violence. 
  • Discuss how the social impact Junita wants to have has evolved and seeks to 1) remove stigma and shame around relationship violence, 2) educate college students about domestic and relationship violence,  3) inspire college students to take action.
  • Understand how Junita learned to be succinct and more effectively communicate her mission so she can expand her audience and have more impact
  • Listen to Junita discuss some of the people and things that were helpful along the way including the Finnovation Fellowship Program and how it helped her understand and clarity how to make everything work.
  • Learn about the the value Junita found in meeting with women of color who were also growing their business and how this helped her overcome obstacles and build her up.  
  • Hear Junita explain how there is never a perfect time to launch your passion and how clarity comes when you are in motion
  • Learn about Junita’s future plans to continue to expand and grow the business side of the company while replicating and scaling up the impact of her ‘cookies and conversations’ model   

In this episode we reference: 

Junita's Jar

Finnovation Lab



Reflections on One Year of Podcasting08 Oct 202000:21:07

One year = 365 Opportunities

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

The Social Change Leaders Podcast is one year old!  We look back at some of our episodes, share our reflections and what we have learned. In our conversation, we discuss:

  • The importance of getting started and why now is the time to dive in and get out of your comfort zone 
  • The value of partnering and doing things together  
  • How keeping focused on our passion and our why has been helpful
  • Being flexible
  • The importance of communication
  • Keeping a sense of humor in new ventures and endeavors
  • Setting deadlines & how they seem to almost magically happen 
  • Creating space and time to plan, think, create and brainstorm

Mentioned in today’s conversation:

Understanding and Coping When You are ‘Hitting a Wall’01 Oct 202000:20:58

If you can’t imagine getting through whatever you are going through…...just try imagine getting through the next tiny little bit, the next 5 minutes, hour or day, whatever feels manageable.

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

Are you running out of gas?  Do you feel like you are losing steam and need to recharge?  Over the past month, we have noticed ourselves and others expressing the feeling of ‘hitting a wall.’  Having a loss of energy and feeling constantly fatigued.  As we are still in the throws of the global pandemic and as we enter the fourth quarter of 2020, we want to talk about why we all seem to feel depleted, tired and have a sense of loss.  We will also discuss what we can do about it.  In our conversation, we cover:

  • The myriad of reasons we are hitting this wall from what is going on for individuals, families and the societal systems we rely upon
  • The definition of surge capacity and how ours are depleted
  • Common emotions we feel when we hit the wall
  • 5 Ways to cope with ‘hitting the wall,’ including: 
    • Situation acceptance
    • Honoring feelings
    • Expecting less from yourself
    • Elevating relationships
    • (Re)building your resilience bank

Referenced in today’s conversation:

About Your Hosts:

Traci Warnberg-Lemm is the owner of Social Motion, a training, coaching and consulting company that energizes civic, policy and community-based solutions and supports leaders that drive them. Traci has over 20 years of experience serving local communities, nonprofits and government agencies, in the United States and abroad. Social Motion provides coaching and consulting services, organizational development support, small and large group facilitation, and strategic impact planning to support organizations to better collaborate, innovate and create systemic change. Learn more about Social Motion here.

Stephanie Malon-Rufi is owner of Genuine Impact which works with emerging and young socially-driven organizations interested in growing their impact and laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.  Stephanie draws upon her 15+ years of experience in nonprofit and for-profit management along with her MBA education to collaborate with organizational leaders (and sometimes with their board or business partners) in developing solutions to keep moving forward and have their desired social and/or environmental impact. Stephanie serves as a strategic growth coach and consultant for changemakers looking to take their social enterprise to the next level and feel confident in the steps to do it. Learn more about Genuine Impact here.

 

Now is the Time to Build Something New24 Sep 202000:24:29

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, 

not on fighting the old but on building the new.” 

Socrates 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the systemic inequalities of our global economic system.  At the same time, citizen and community action is increasing across the globe as our complex problems require cooperation and collective action.  Have you thought about a way that you can contribute and have a social impact right now?  Do you have an idea for a business or program or nonprofit that you have wanted to start?  On this episode, Stephanie and Traci discuss trends and areas of growth in the social change arena and why NOW is the perfect time to start that social enterprise, launch that nonprofit or social impact business that makes a contribution to the collective. 

We go through 7 current trends in social change and hope they challenge you to think about how to deepen the impact you are having in our world.  Now is the perfect time to put some of those ideas and dreams into motion.  

In our conversation, we:

  1. Talk about why now is the perfect time to pivot and start that new initiative
  2. Look at the intersection of sectors and highlight how our most challenging problems need multi-sectoral solutions including the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
  3. Understand opportunity in the area of government, policy and social innovation
  4. Discuss how the business sector is becoming increasingly more transparent about their sustainability and impact-driven practices 
  5. See how social innovation can be used to address wellness and health care 
  6. Dive into how consumer demand has driven the need for businesses to be engaged in solving community challenges 
  7. Discuss the growing ecosystem to support purpose-driven business which create benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders
  8. Highlight other factors indicating an increase in the social businesses including, generational shifts in how they view business as needing to play a bigger role in addressing social problems, the rise of benefit corporations, and the increase in impact investing and the urgent need for people across all sectors to address deep structural racism.

Mentioned in today’s conversation:

Wellness + Self Care Series: Part 4 - Writing as Self Care23 Apr 202000:35:49

Sometimes the truth depends on a walk around a lake.

- Wallace Stevens

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

How often do you do creative writing in your life?   Have you ever tried to write as a way to relax and take care of yourself?  Today, our guest is Jory Mickelson, a writer, educator, and retreat facilitator living in Bellingham, Washington.  Jory helps us understand how writing and being in nature are important self-care practices. Jory is a writer, educator, and retreat facilitator living in Bellingham, Washington.  Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you can still benefit from the practice of writing.  

In our conversation:

  • Jory shares his background especially how nature was an important part of his childhood and has inspired his writing
  • Jory offers a variety of suggestions for those wanting to do more writing including the importance of scheduling time for a writing practice  
  • Jory gives listeners a specific exercise they can try at home to kickstart a short and simple writing exercise
  • We listen to a poem written and read by Jory
  • Jory also talks about his own self care practices and writing routines

Mentioned in today’s conversation:

How you can connect with Jory: 

More about Jory:

Jory’s work has appeared in Sixth Finch, The Puritan, Jubilat, Mid-American Review, Diode Poetry Journal, The Rumpus, Ninth Letter, Vinyl Poetry, The Collagist, and other journals in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  Jory is the recipient of an Academy of American Poet’s Prize and they have received fellowships from the Lambda Literary Foundation and The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico. They’re first full-length collection WILDERNESS//KINGDOM was published in 2019.

Jory is a graduate of the University of Idaho’s MFA Program and the former Poetry Editor of 5×5 Lit Mag and the creator of the blog Literary Magpie. They have taught workshops and retreats on a wide variety of topics including writing and wilderness, mindfulness, zines, creative writing, and poetry as a spiritual practice. They live in Bellingham, WA.

Self Awareness as the Key to Leading with Impact17 Sep 202000:14:34

“It is self-awareness that allows the best business-builders to walk the tightrope of leadership: projecting conviction while simultaneously remaining humble enough to be open to new ideas and opposing opinions.” 

-“How Leaders Become Self-Aware” by Anthony K. Tjan

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Do you see yourself as a leader?  What type of leader are you?  Are you looking to improve your skills and have more impact as a leader?  In this episode we talk about one of the most effective things you can do as a leader; to become self-aware.  By doing this you can not only have more impact in your work but you will be more effective with your team, as a communicator and in setting important boundaries.  We will go through some important steps to build deeper levels of self-awareness. In this episode we discuss: 

  • What self awareness is and why it is important

  • How to recognize ego-based leaders and why they are toxic

  • Building self awareness to be a better social change leader through the following:

    • Begin to really see yourself as a leader and embrace that role

    • Understand your own style, motivations, strengths and weaknesses

    • Embrace ongoing learning

    • Align your work with your values   

In this episode, we reference: 

Three Ways to Integrate Social Impact Into Your Life and Work10 Sep 202000:14:13

“All of us, whichever job or project we choose to take on, do something to change the culture.  That social impact, positive or negative is our choice.  It turns out that all of us are social entrepreneurs.  It’s just that some people are choosing to make a bigger (and better) impact than others. It’s a spectrum, not a label.”

-Seth Godin

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Have you wondered how you can earn money while also having a positive impact on the community?  You can!  On today’s episode we share the three main ways to have an impact on the social and/or environmental problem that you are helping to solve while also generating revenue.  

On today’s episode we: 

  •  Discuss how you can integrate resources, partners and business structures in your life to have positive social or environmental impact.
  • Walk through the three main ways that you can have an impact:
    • Through giving (time, resources, money)
    • Through your offer (products and/or services)
    • Through how you operate (vendors, partners, employment structure)
  • Learn various ways to have impact that range from simple to more complex.
  • Emphasize the importance of starting somewhere to begin having an impact.

In this episode, we reference: 

 

Traci, Social Motion, and Stephanie, Genuine Impact, have teamed up to bring you an online course - Turn Your Passion Into Impact.

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launch October 1, 2020. Learn more here and sign up today!



Using Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Improve the Lives of All Seniors03 Sep 202000:29:27

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. 

Martin Luther King 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

How can a large organization use social entrepreneurial principles in its everyday work? How can social innovation and human centered design be integrated into the work done to solve big community challenges?  Listen to this dynamic conversation about how these important principles are used by AARP Foundation as they address challenges faced by today’s seniors living in the United States.   In today’s episode, we talk with Lisa Marsh Ryerson, the president of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Foundation, the charitable affiliate of AARP. Since she took the helm, AARP Foundation has developed pioneering initiatives, explored new avenues for collaboration, and secured unprecedented funding to support programs and services that truly change lives.  In our conversation we:

  • Hear about the history, mission and especially the big, bold vision of the AARP Foundation  
  • Learn about the innovative partnerships AARP is developing to advance solutions that help vulnerable older adults increase their economic opportunity and social connectedness.
  • Discuss the shared challenge of ending senior poverty and how there are 37 million individuals 50 and older already living in poverty or one life event away from living in poverty 
  • Understand how poverty is not due to an individual failing and requires a multidisciplinary approach to solving it that includes new and bold solutions to issues like housing, jobs, wages, food security, social connection / social isolation
  • Discuss the growing public health issue of social isolation
  • Hear Lisa describe how physical distancing due to COVID-19 cannot become social disconnection and how the AARP team has brought in social entrepreneurs to use lean startup and human-centered design to address social isolation with chatbots and other innovations  
  • Address the myth that when older adults retire they will have income to support their life, when in fact retired adults often need skills and tools to generate income into their older age
  • Learn how the entire AARP organization uses innovation including an Innovation Lab that looks for start-up companies at various stages that are driving social impact tools
  • Understand how AARP supports various social innovators through in-kind support and how it launched a program using AR (Augmented Reality) so families and individuals can remain connected with each other
  • Hear about what Lisa has learned about how to do innovation well which includes following the process of innovation and lean startup to inform an approach, make good choices,  solve problems and drive grants. On any given day, we can fall in love with a great idea in search of a problem.  It is important to look at the root problem and test idea
  • Discuss how human-centered design is critical when working with vulnerable and low income population because of ageism, structural racism and inequality.  This holds organizations like AARP accountable to work in an inclusive way. 
  • Learn about AARP’s practice that no idea makes it into the room unless it has a minimum of 50 conversations, inputs or insights from the people the idea (or solution) is intending to serve
  • Discover how AARP Foundation understands their role, their own strengths and assets and how they use good strategy along with collaboration and partnerships in their work
  • Find out about the largest, free, volunteer driven tax assistance service with 36,000 volunteers that serve millions people per year on tax assistance and various other programs that support savings as a way to prepare for retirement

In this episode we reference: 

AARP Foundation https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/

More about Lisa Marsh Ryerson:

Lisa Marsh Ryerson is president of AARP Foundation, the charitable affiliate of AARP. A bold, disciplined and collaborative leader, she sets the Foundation’s strategic direction and steers its efforts to realize an audacious vision: a country free of poverty, where no older person feels vulnerable. Since she took the helm, AARP Foundation has developed pioneering initiatives, explored new avenues for collaboration, and secured unprecedented funding to support programs and services that truly change lives. Ms. Ryerson has spearheaded innovative partnerships with other organizations to create and advance effective solutions that help vulnerable older adults increase their economic opportunity and social connectedness.

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What type of Social Change Leader are you?!  Take the quiz and find out!

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Traci, Social Motion, and Stephanie, Genuine Impact, have teamed up to bring you an online course - Turn Your Passion Into Impact.

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launch October 1, 2020. Learn more here and sign up today!

 



What Type of Social Change Leader Are You?27 Aug 202000:21:32

The best leaders don't know just one style of leadership - they're skilled at several, and have the flexibility to switch between styles as the circumstances dictate.

Daniel Goleman

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Welcome to the 50th episode of the Social Change Leaders Podcast! On today’s episode we will share with our audience a new quiz to help determine, ‘What Type of Social Change Leader Are You?’ To take the quiz, Go HERE

On today’s episode we we discuss: 

  • How today’s problems and challenges are complex and require skilled and well-rounded social change leaders that can be flexible and nimble.
  • Three leadership practices that ALL social change leaders should have including; mindset for social change, commitment to life-long learning and cultural awareness and literacy. 
  • Characteristics and tips for the five types of social change leaders:
    • The innovative social change leader
    • The operational social change leaders
    • The strategic social change leaders
    • The collaborative social change leaders
    • The  innovative social change leaders

In this episode, we reference: 

**********

Traci, Social Motion, and Stephanie, Genuine Impact, have teamed up to bring you an online course - Turn Your Passion Into Impact.

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launched October 1, 2020.  Learn more here and sign up today!

Lessons Learned After 50 Podcast Episodes20 Aug 202000:31:43

 

 

You many never know what results come from your action.  

But if you do nothing, there will be no result.

-Gandhi

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

This podcast started out as a labor of love for social change leaders.  Next week will be our 50th episodes and we have some exciting announcements coming up.  On today’s episode we will look back and discuss what we have learned launching and doing a weekly podcast.  We share some of the secrets from behind the scenes, lesson learned and answered some of the questions we have received from people about doing a podcast.    

In our conversation we discuss: 

  • The nine tools we use every week to produce and release each episode
  • How much time it really takes to have a podcast 
  • The benefits of having a partner in podcasting
  • How we plan our episodes and find guests
  • Advice for others who are starting a podcast
  • Lessons we learned that can be applied to launching a podcast or any venture or new project

In this episode, we reference: 

Partnering for Culturally Specific Services13 Aug 202000:40:57

When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.

- Ethiopian Proverb

Social change leaders and More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Social innovators solving community challenges are recognizing more and more the importance that culture plays in developing solutions.  Are you creating a solution that is culturally competent/responsive?  Or, is it culturally specific?  What is the difference?  In this episode we have a conversation with Angela Reed who will explain the differences.  Angela is the Director of Support Services at Turning Point, a nationally known and Minneapolis-based organization that provides culturally specific chemical health, housing, supporting services and training for the African American community. Angela will talk to us about culturally specific services and ways organizations can partner with culturally specific organizations to be more culturally responsive and competent.  Angela also talks about the use of the Collective Impact Model to better serve their clients and how some of their key partnerships work.  

Specifically,  in our conversation we:

  • Hear Angela explain the difference between culturally competent and culturally specific services and learn how organizations can partner to become more culturally competent.
  • Discuss the Improving Impacting Factors approach that Turning Point takes and how it leads to the Awareness to Action Model that they use.
  • Learn about the nimble approach Turning Point takes to respond to the changing needs of the community it serves. 
  • Understand the collective impact model and how Turning Point implements it.
  • Learn how Angela and Turning Point evaluate potential new partners and train them.
  • FInd out about Turning Point training on culturally-based training for others working with their clients and why it is important.

In this episode we reference: 

Connect with Angela Reed at Turning Point : https://ourturningpoint.org

Collective Impact Model - link to article: https://www.sopact.com/perspectives/collective-impact-model

Collaboration for Social Impact06 Aug 202000:28:53

Unity is strength ... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved 

- Mattie Stepanek

Social change leaders and More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

In today's episode we discuss collaboration. Collaboration is a skill that social change leaders must acquire and constantly improve in order to engage and energize individuals and groups to accomplish mutual goals.  Collaborative leadership involves bringing the right stakeholders together to do the right things to meet community goals.  Many of our challenges today require multi-sectoral partnerships between the public, private and nonprofit sector which require skilled collaboration.  In this episode we:

  • Define collaboration 
  • Clarify the similarities and differences between a partnership and a collaboration and  how they are often used interchangeably 
  • Describe why collaboration in critical to social change activities
  • Share examples of successful collaborative efforts 
  • Discuss our  8 tips for effective collaboration; 1) Focus on Relationships, 2) Cultivate a Collaborative Mindset, 3) Develop Common Purpose and Goals, 4) Create Good Communication Patterns, 5) Embrace and Leverage Differences, 6) Develop Collaboration / Partnership Strategies, 7) Foster / Promote Collaborative Behaviors, 8) Set blended and measurable goals, but focus on progress

In this episode we reference: 

Top 10 Time Management Tips for Social Innovators30 Jul 202000:20:46

Run the day or the day runs you.

Jim Rohn

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net 

Are you making the most out of the time you have available?  How are you figuring out how the important work gets done that is going to move you and your social initiative forward?  Using the rock, pebble, sand in a jar analogy is helpful when you plan how to use your time to make sure it is helping you achieve your goals for social change.  But how can you build in better time management practices to make sure you are staying focused, being efficient but also allowing for the creativity often needed by social innovators?  On today’s episode, Stephanie and Traci talk about their top 10 list of time management strategies and actions to make sure you are making the most of your time.

In our conversation we go into detail about our top 10 list:

  • Creating a ‘not to do’ list
  • Not letting unimportant details drag you down
  • Building a system that allows you to capture flashes of creativity
  • Taking time for self-reflection
  • Using a timer
  • Setting and reviewing goals regularly
  • Taking frequent breaks 
  • Taking time to plan
  • Focusing on managing your attention, not your schedule
  • Decluttering and organizing your workspace

In this episode we reference:

Social Change Leaders Podcast Episode #14 

Social Change Leaders Podcast Episode #15

Traci, Social Motion, and Stephanie, Genuine Impact, have teamed up to bring you an online course - Turn Your Passion Into Impact.

5 Common Mindset Blocks for Social Impact Leaders23 Jul 202000:21:08

Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside changes along with it. 

- Steve Maraboli

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

As we continue to do socially impactful work, there are some common mindset traps that all social impact leaders can fall into on a regular basis. Getting stuck in these mindset blocks can have a big impact on many areas of our life: not only the work we are doing but our confidence, energy, relationships, health, fulfilment and success.  If we can learn to understand more about these common pitfalls and get strategies for how to avoid them, we can change our mindset and change the results we are getting in almost every area of life.  And, we can have greater social impact.  This week we are going to talk about what mindset is, common mindset issues and how social change leaders can manage  mindset challenges.

On today’s episode we we discuss: 

  • How to define mindset and understand how it plays a critical role in how we handle situations
  • Five common mindset issues that social change leaders face
  • Steps and strategies social change leaders can take to manage common mindsets 

In this episode, we reference: 

**********

Traci, Social Motion, and Stephanie, Genuine Impact, have teamed up to bring you an online course - Turn Your Passion Into Impact.

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launched June 29, 2020 but you can still join.. Learn more here and sign up today!

6 Types of Outside Support That Can Maximize Your Social Impact16 Jul 202000:22:54

Be Strong enough to stand alone,

smart enough to know when you need help, 

and brave enough to ask for it.

 - Anonymous

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Social change leaders like you are doing important work.  But as you launch, develop and more deeply engage in your social impact efforts, you may find you hit some road blocks or stall out a bit.  This is the perfect time to bring in additional support and assistance and perspective from the outside. This can be very valuable when you have a challenge you are wrestling with or a new idea you need feedback on. When you are launching and doing social change work it is important to get help, advice and consultation from others. On today’s episode we will give you six ways you can best use outside support to amplify and maximize your social impact. 

In our conversation we discuss: 

  • Why social change leaders should get outside perspective and support to maximize their efforts  
  • 6 different ways to utilize and get outside support to build and support your social impact effort including facilitated retreats, one-on-one coaching, group coaching, masterminds, mentors/advisors and biz besties. 

In this episode, we reference: 

 

**********

Traci, Social Motion, and Stephanie, Genuine Impact, have teamed up to bring you an online course - Turn Your Passion Into Impact.

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launched June 29, 2020 but you can still join.. Learn more here and sign up today!

Wellness + Self Care Series: Releasing stress and anxiety16 Apr 202000:40:04

“We change the world not by what we say or do, 

but as a consequence of what we have become.” 

- Dr David Hawkins

More information can be found here.

On today’s episode we speak with Dr Josh Eha. Dr. Josh has close to 20 years experience helping patients free themselves from physical, mental, and emotional bondage through acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Emotional Releasing techniques. Patients demonstrate time and time again the necessity and effectiveness of releasing practices for stress, anxiety and depression that are the root of most modern chronic disease.  Dr. Josh explains his emotional releasing practices to let go of negative emotions from the body.

In our conversation:

  • Dr. Josh Eha discusses his background and experience in healing, including how he switched from a western medicine track to the field of Chinese medicine
  • We learn about the importance of managing negative emotions and the impact those emotions have on our physical health.
  • Dr. Josh describes how unresolved emotions lead to stress which affects our sleep, eating and general well being  
  • We explore the importance of acknowledging emotions as a first step to deeper healing
  • Understand how Dr. Josh unlocks issues with individuals by doing emotional releasing techniques that lead to better emotional and physical health 
  • Learn how Dr. Josh works with clients to increase self-awareness and how this allows access to deeper parts of ourselves  
  • Explore how the root of fear is insecurity and listen while Dr. Josh explains how each of us can start to shift our fears through techniques he uses with clients   
  • Dr. Josh describes how social change leaders can have more impact by acting out of love versus fear
  • Dr. Josh shares his thoughts on how we create the world around based on the vibration we put out and how that can get reflected back to us
  • We hear about Dr. Josh’s own daily wellness and self-care routines including a specific meditative practice he follows
  • Dr. Josh shares what you can do in 2 minutes to transform your day

 

In this episode we reference:

Website:  Dr. Josh Midwest Specialty Acupuncture

Facebook: click here

LinkedIn:  click here 

 



Taking Time to Work ‘On not In’ Your Social Enterprise08 Jul 202000:15:18

Most entrepreneurs fail because they are working in their business rather than on their business. 

-  Michael Gerber 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

As you launch and grow your social change work do you often find yourself drowning in all your 'to dos' that are urgent, but rarely being able to work on what is important? When you are launching and operating your work around social change it is easy to get caught up in all the things you need to do.  But it is equally critical for social change leaders to work ‘on’ their business or organization and not only ‘in’ it.   On today’s episode we will give you the nuts and bolts about how you can do this deeper work on your own through the creation of a retreat.  We will give you ideas about how you can create space to think, create and innovate as it pertains to your social change work.  

In our conversation we discuss: 

  • Why social change leaders should schedule time to get away and work ‘on’ their business
  • Some suggestions for planning a retreat for you to focus on your social impact efforts or business including the who, what, when, where, why and how to do this for yourself
  • What elements are needed to make sure your social impact retreat is productive, fun and inspiring. 

In this episode, we reference: 

**********

Traci, Social Motion, and Stephanie, Genuine Impact, have teamed up to bring you an online course - Turn Your Passion Into Impact.

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launched June 29, 2020 but you can join anytime . Learn more here and sign up today!

Supporting and Celebrating Black Male Educators 02 Jul 202000:35:35

If you think you are beaten, you are

If you think you dare not, you don't,

If you like to win, but you think you can't

It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost

For out of the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow's will

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are

You've got to think high to rise,

You've got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.

- Walter D. Wintle

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Across the USA Black Male Educators make up about 2% of all educators despite research indicating the impact educators of color have on all students. Black Male Educators are faced with so many challenges in the field of education. From isolation, racial bias, racial inequities, self hate, tokenism and the simple fact that the system was never designed for people of color let alone black men.  Jonathan C. W. Jones is developing a socially innovative approach to supporting all educators, especially Black male educators, so that they can better serve all students.

Jonathan is a seasoned award winning educator, founder of Ideation4, working with educators, schools, districts, nonprofit professionals and under resourced communities through grant workshops, coaching, consulting and innovation. He believes in the power of ideas and helping others realize they have the power to make their ideas into reality.   

This publication is created in the spirit of decolonizing these educational oppressive challenges and UpLift current Black Male Educators

In this episode with Jonathan we talk about:

  • Jonathan’s unique path to becoming an educator which included mentoring, starting college in his mid-20’s, discovering that he loved research and continuing on to earn a masters in special education.
  • With 94% of teachers spending their own money on classroom expenses and an  average teacher spending $740/year, Jonathan shares how he works with educators to find more funding sources and how this work led him to starting his own business, Ideation4.
  • Jonathan stresses the importance of storytelling in the work he does and shares his belief that while storytelling has caused much harm it is also the way that we will be able to heal.
  • His new philanthropic innovation, UpLIFT, is dedicated to celebrating Black male educators in the USA combining vivid visuals and reflections to combat oppressive experiences.
  • Jonathan shares two of the challenges he faced being a Black male educator, often the only one, in a school.  These experiences fueled him to also nurture a community as part of his UpLIFT project.
  • His opinion of what is missing from current teacher education and the way that professional development should be approached.
  • Jonathan’s opinion about what is working and how to get more Black males into the field of teaching.

Mentioned in this Podcast:

School Leadership Expert, Principal Kafele 

FB: @ideation4

Twitter: @ideation4_sjc

Instagram: @ideation_4

Website: https://www.ideation4.com

Jonathan C.W. Jones - Jonathan has worked in the field of education for over 25 years as an educational aid, special education teacher, instructional coach and administrator. He is an educator and social entrepreneur focused on empowering people to voice their ideas, tell their story and secure resources to do Good for their communities. As an educator he experienced first hand a variety of inequalities in his classrooms, schools  and school districts. He began researching grants to see if he could meet the needs of classroom supplies and materials to implement innovative ideas that would keep students engaged and achieving.  As his grant award portfolio began to grow he started to provide professional development training for he peers so that they could address similar needs. 

  ********

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launch June 29, 2020 and you can join anytime. Learn more here and sign up today!

About Social Motion:  Social Motion helps leaders to have greater impact in their professional and personal lives so they can have greater impact on our community and world.  www.socialmotion.co

About Genuine Impact:  Genuine Impact Consulting and Coaching works with social entrepreneurs and social enterprises to bring clarity and focus so they can make a greater impact.  www.genuineimpact.net

Sustaining Hope and Action for Social Change25 Jun 202000:13:43

“Do we settle for the world as it is, or do we work for the world as it should be?”

- Michelle Obama 

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net

Today we discuss how to social change leaders can sustain hope and action. In our conversation we:

  • Discuss the current social change work that is being done is not just in the margins but the significant changes happening at the micro level and systems being challenged at the macro level. 
  • Discuss active hope vs. passive hope and the importance of social change leaders living with active hope
  • Share the importance of leaders developing an embodied practice for social change
  • Reference the various ways we can engage in activism personally, professionally, and in our communities
  • Talk about our upcoming course, Turning Your Passion into Impact: 5 Steps to Generate Revenue and Make a Difference. This course is a 5-lesson, step-by-step, video-based curriculum that will give you clarity, direction and momentum to turn your passion into social impact and revenue.  

In this episode we reference: 

**********

Traci, Social Motion, and Stephanie, Genuine Impact, have teamed up to bring you an online course - Turn Your Passion Into Impact.

Do you want to live a life of impact that allows your work to align with your values, fit into your lifestyle, generate revenue and create social changes?  But, just like so many people, you struggle with worrying about taking that leap?  Will I have enough time?  Can I make money?  What do I do first?

This is exactly why we created our Turn Your Passion Into Impact course for you. Our passion is supporting social change leaders just like you. We know that unleashing the creativity, skills and talents of people like you we are making our contribution to a better world for our kids. 

The course is designed for you to take at your own pace.  Video lessons and worksheets will be released weekly for the five weeks of the course.  Lessons launch June 29, 2020. Learn more here and sign up today!

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