Mission Forward with Carrie Fox 25b2b

What if the most powerful lesson of leadership isn’t taught in a seminar, but whispered between breaths of reflection? What if the path forward isn’t paved in bold declarations, but in quieter questions — the kind that disarm the default and ask, instead, “How’s your heart?” This week, we close the chapter that was Season 10 of Mission Forward. And with it, we offer a mosaic — not of data or doctrine, but of moments. Diane’s reframing of curiosity. Mitch’s uncomfortable truths. Leonard’s candlelit resolve. Rob and Mariah’s pivot from righteousness to relationship. Nadine’s open-book approach to trust. Erica’s devotion to the sacred smallness of daily practice. Beneath the jargon of strategy and the armor of professionalism lies a simple human truth: communication is an emotional transaction. This season, that transaction yielded six deposits of wisdom — all interest-bearing, if we’re bold enough to invest. Let this be a lamplight flickering on your path — as a leader, as a communicator, as a human being. A chance to reflect on how we lead, how we relate, and the stories we choose to carry forward. Because leadership isn’t a title. It’s a practice. A practice of showing up. Of listening deeply. Of lighting candles when the power fails. Season 10 has ended. The journey has not. We’ll see you this fall — for another season of listening, learning, and moving the mission forward. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (02:04) - Ask better questions (02:50) - Let go of comforting lies (03:26) - Light candles (03:58) - Move from righteousness to relationships (04:28) - Transparency builds trust (05:00) - Little leadership practices have big impact (05:36) - Protect the truth

What does it mean to lead with conviction in a time of crumbling certainties? This week, Carrie sits down with Dr. Erica Brown, Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University and a scholar whose work resides at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern workplace complexity. At first glance, this conversation seems to orbit around the familiar themes of leadership and purpose—but as with the best questions, the conversation keeps opening, folding in questions of identity, grief, joy, legacy, and resilience. Erica’s latest book, Morning Has Broken: Faith After October 7th, blends the structure of spiritual meditation with the shock of collective trauma. Today, she offers a theory of leadership that begins not with bullet points or quarterly goals, but with the inner life. It’s about leading with a fully intact spiritual core, one that serves as a center of gravity that steadies you when your com fails. And in a world where the com seems to fail more often than not—politically, environmentally, interpersonally—her framework feels not only restorative but essential. Together, they wrestle with one of the most slippery questions of the modern age: What is truth? Not in a postmodern, navel-gazing way—but practically. Tangibly. What truths do we inherit, and which do we on? How do we train ourselves to see the people in our offices, our communities, even our inboxes, not as roles but as souls? And what practices—tiny, daily, almost invisible—actually hold us together? For anyone who has ever asked: am I doing enough—am I doing the right kind of enough—we encourage you to engage in this conversation. Through Erica’s deeply generous lens, we’re reminded that sometimes leadership is not about standing out but standing firm. It's not about clarity but conviction. It is not about knowing the answer but having the courage to ask a better question. Links & Notes Learn more about Dr. Brown and her books (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (01:07) - Introducing Dr. Erica Brown (05:50) - Truth, Trust, and Core Conviction (12:48) - (18:14) - Stamina (22:34) - Morning Has Broken (29:30) - On Practice (31:50) - Voices of Insipiration

Earlier this week, I asked my colleagues at Mission Partners, “What song do you put on repeat when you need some calm, comfort, or renewed energy?” The responses were fabulous and included everything from A to Z—literally, ABBA to The Zombies. I collected the songs into a Spotify Playlist and shared it back with the team, with a simple request: Take 10 minutes today with this playlist. Sit on the ground or get out in the fresh air and find a song that speaks to you. Tune out the chaos of the world if just for a few minutes and let music do what it does best...  Let the music ground you. Let it calm you. Let it meet you wherever you are. Most importantly, let it be your good excuse for a break today. Enjoy the Playlist This short-form episode is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights directly to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (00:53) - On Another Note

Imagine you’re running a nonprofit. You’ve got a mission that matters, a staff that believes in it, and a community that depends on you. And then, without warning, a key piece of funding evaporates. Not because of anything you did—or didn’t do—but because the world shifted, policy changed, or a budget line disappeared in Washington. The grant is gone, the plan is upended, and suddenly the future isn’t just uncertain—it’s fragile. This week, Carrie welcomes back strategist and fundraising expert Nadine Gabai-Botero to sit with the discomfort of our shared reality. Together, they offer a framework, a way to think, respond, and lead in a moment where so many nonprofit leaders are quietly asking themselves: How do I move forward when I can barely hold ground? Nadine shares stories from the field, insights from decades of advising nonprofit leaders, and practical tools for reframing your fundraising case—not just to reflect the urgency of the moment, but to invite donors in as collaborators. From building “resilience funds” to quietly rethinking the purpose of your gala, to using technology to remove friction from giving, Nadine offers a way forward that is both pragmatic and deeply humane. Along the way, they challenge the idea that scarcity must lead to silence. They talk about the courage to be transparent when things aren’t perfect, about engaging lapsed donors as latent allies, and about why resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a posture, a practice, and a way of holding steady in the storm. Somewhere between budget cuts and hopeful pledges, between the noise of a turbulent news cycle and the stillness of a personal letter from a nonprofit director who’s never asked before, this episode becomes what so many leaders are craving: a companion in asking the hardest questions. In the end, this is a conversation about values, vulnerability, and the belief that missions—when stewarded with clarity and courage—do more than survive hard times. They rise to meet them. Links & Notes Focus Fundraising: 15 Years of Collaboration & Impact Connect with Nadine on LinkedIn (00:00) - The Impact on Non-profits (01:21) - Transparency (05:49) - Managing Risk (08:08) - Movements & Pledges Toward Generosity and Action (11:22) - Donor Action (22:14) - Market Impact and Donor Heistance (24:42) - Lessons for your Notes (27:30) - The Mission Partners Commitment to Give

These days are hard, for all of us, in many different ways. The best we can do is hold the light we have up for others. Because I promise you this: when you hold your light up for others, you will also feel the benefit of its glow. This short-form episode is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights directly to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (00:47) - Keep the LIght On

We love sharing good finds with you, our listeners. And today, we’re super excited to bring you this bonus episode from our friends at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, who have just launched their own podcast called Nonprofits Now—Leading Today. We want to give you a listen to their first episode, which features Tim Dixon, co-founder of More in Common, who s our friend and colleague Stacey Palmer, to offer smart and research-based strategies that leaders like you can use to bridge divides in the workplace and in your community. So enjoy this special episode in which Stacey will ask Tim to walk listeners through his approach, and then meet us back here next week for an all-new episode of Mission Forward! Tim Dixon, co-founder of More in Common, s Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer to offer research-based strategies leaders can use to bridge divides in the workplace and in their communities. More in Common helps political leaders and social-change movements strengthen their coalitions by including unlikely allies. Bridging divides is top-of-mind for nonprofit leaders today. Nearly two-thirds of nonprofit executives say the nation’s divisions are making their jobs tougher, according to an exclusive Chronicle of Philanthropy survey. Dixon shared solutions to overcome entrenched division. Among his key points: Coalitions of unlikely partners are a key to success. Leaders must manage divides within their organization — not ignore them. Focus on shared values to build consensus. You can connect with Dixon on LinkedIn. And dig into More in Common’s research here. Further Reading: “Born of Political Violence, This Group Helps Nonpr…” by Drew Lindsay “A Really Tough Job: Nonprofit CEOs Work to Make Th…” by Ben Gose “To Hell and Back: Polarization and the Nonprofit” by Ben Gose “A Polarization Expert on What Nonprofits Need to D…” by Chronicle Staff “‘It’s Hard to Hate Up Close’: Philanthropy, Polariz…” by Eden Stiffman “Leadership at the Crossroads” by George Anders (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward

Let’s begin with a middle school stage play in Detroit. The lights are dim, the demerits are high, and a boy named Leonard has just been kicked off the production. Enter Miss Liggins, a teacher with a different script. She doesn’t erase the consequences—she rewrites the role. “You’ll be our stage manager,” she says. And with that, a seed is planted: that someone’s belief in you, especially when you don’t believe in yourself, can change everything. This is how Leonard Burton’s story begins. But it’s hardly where it ends. This week, Carrie Fox sits down with Leonard—now President and CEO of the Center for the Study of Social Policy—to trace the arc of a life lived in service to justice, from the east side of Detroit to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, from family hardship to national leadership. It’s a story that defies neat narrative structure. Because Leonard’s journey isn’t linear, it’s layered—built on memories, mentors, and moments of moral clarity that refuse to fade. Leonard talks about the indignity of a two-tiered chemotherapy room—one for Medicaid patients, one for the privately insured. He recounts the sounds of Scud missiles in Desert Storm, and the sight of a paraplegic neighbor who gave him his first view of the world outside his block. He shares the transformative experience of sitting in a village in apartheid South Africa, watching democracy unfold not with slogans or soundbites, but with silence, patience, and consensus. And through it all, he makes the case—not with urgency, but with gravity-that that justice is not an abstraction. It is food on the table. It is health care with dignity. It is family autonomy and the freedom to imagine a better future. Now, as the leader of CSSP, Leonard is advancing a bold North Star strategy grounded in three pillars: health justice, economic justice, and family autonomy — all threaded through with racial justice. His is a call to hold fast when others are retreating, to keep the lights on when the grid is under attack. Leonard’s message is clear: This is not the time to shrink. This is not the time to compromise on values in exchange for comfort. This is the time to light candles if the power fails, to widen the circle, and to — in the words of his mentor, Collins Ramusi — “Forward ever, backwards never.” Links & Notes Learn more about the Center for the Study of Social Policy (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (02:36) - Introducing Leonard Burton (12:46) - Center for the Study of Social Policy (17:28) - The Tides of Injustice (23:54) - The Preemptive Pull-back (29:14) - Call to Action

There’s been a lot of talk in recent weeks about cutting costs, building efficiencies, and reducing wasteful spending. Some extreme examples of this are playing out in real-time in the U.S. istration, with the true impact of those actions yet to be realized. Which brings me to an article featured last week in The Guardian. It’s a tale of some eager beavers and the power of listening to those closest to the problems we set out to solve. Because no matter the industry or the discipline, whether you work on issues of healthcare or housing, problem-solving is best done when it involves those closest to the problem. And yes, sometimes, the best action is to simply get out of the “dam” way. This short-form episode is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights directly to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (01:06) - Get Out of the Dam Way

Two daughters. One orange. Conflict. Their mother, seeking peace, cuts it in half — a classic compromise. What mom doesn’t know? One wants the juice, the other the zest. Yet there they are: nobody gets what they need. It’s a parable that is often told in conflict resolution circles. But in the hands of Mariah Levison — CEO and President of the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution — it is an elegant metaphor for the missed opportunities that happen when we rush toward solutions without first understanding our problems. This week, Carrie sits down with Mariah alongside Convergence’s founder and Senior Advisor, Robert J. Fersh. They are collaborators in mission and architects of a process that helps unlikely allies find common ground. Together, they’ve worked across some of the most polarized issues of our time: education, healthcare, criminal justice, and beyond. Their approach isn’t about compromise. It’s about something more ambitious and, paradoxically, more human. It’s about convergence: the point where stories intersect, values overlap, and relationships begin to matter more than ideology. They unpack how durable policy solutions emerge not from debate, but from curiosity. How listening — real, intentional, difficult listening — can transform even the most entrenched opponents into collaborators. And how the secret to solving today’s toughest challenges asks all of us to move away from righteousness, and toward relationship. After all, what divides us often pales in comparison to what we all want — fairness, belonging, safety, and dignity. If you’ve ever wondered what it would take to really change the tone of a divided room—or a divided nation—we want this episode to leave you with more than hope. It will leave you with a blueprint. Links & Notes Learn more about Convergence Center for Policy Resolution Explore the book: From Conflict to Convergence by Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison Read Mariah’s column on 10 Shared Beliefs Most Americans Hold (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (02:37) - Introducing Rob Fersh & Mariah Levison (06:46) - "Confilct to Convergence" (12:08) - Grounding Togetherness (16:36) - Mindset (21:00) - Truth (26:22) - Where do you find Hope?

As my wise teacher Don Foley reminded me this week, learning to be brave isn’t just in what we say; it’s also in how we listen. It's in what we take to heart. This short-form episode is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights directly to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (01:22) - Have Mercy

What if truth could speak? Not metaphorically, not through human interpretation, but as its own entity—indignant, unyielding, and, above all, betrayed? This week on Mission Forward, Carrie Fox sits down with bestselling author Mitch Albom in front of a live audience to examine the anatomy of truth—how it bends, how it breaks, and how, in the hands of history’s most cunning deceivers, it can be weaponized. Mitch, known for Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven, takes us behind the curtain of his latest novel, The Little Liar, a story where truth itself is the narrator. He unpacks the moment of inspiration—standing in Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, listening to a survivor’s voice echo through time. He shares his research journey from the streets of Thessaloniki to the darkest corners of human deception. And he pulls no punches about the world we live in today—where lies are not just believed but preferred. As much as this is a conversation about literature, history, even philosophy, it is just as much a conversation about faith—not the quiet, ive kind, but faith in action. Mitch talks candidly about his work in Haiti, the children he has come to love as his own, and the moral weight of decisions that shape their futures. He even gives us a glimpse into his next book, Twice, a whimsical yet profound meditation on second chances and their unintended consequences. How do we cultivate truth? How do we resist the seduction of comforting lies? And, perhaps most poignantly, what does faith look like when it moves beyond words? In a world where deception is currency, the real question isn’t whether truth exists—it’s whether we have the courage to hear it. Links & Notes Learn more about The Little Liar by Mitch Albom Mitch’s work in Haiti (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward

We like to think of lies as small, inconsequential things. A white lie told to spare someone’s feelings. A harmless exaggeration to make a story more compelling. But what if the smallest lies weren’t so small after all? What if they were the building blocks of something far more dangerous—something that could shape history itself? Regardless of what you believe, where you live, and what you do, you will likely agree that these are tumultuous times in America. Now, more than ever, is the time for Truth. This short-form episode is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights directly to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (01:14) - On Words and Onwards

What happens when a single act of courage alters the trajectory of a life—not just for one person, but for an entire community? What if the stories we tell about ourselves—about our struggles, triumphs, and histories—aren’t just personal narratives but blueprints for something greater? In this, our premiere episode of season 10 of Mission Forward, Carrie sits down with Dianne Myles, a documentarian, storyteller, and the newly appointed Social Entrepreneur in Residence at Mission Partners. But Dianne’s journey is not the one you expect. It’s one of movement—between communities, between identities, between imposed limitations and self-defined futures. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dianne learned early the subtle, unspoken art of code-switching—navigating between affluent white spaces and vibrant Black and Latino communities. But it wasn’t just about survival. It was about adaptation, about connection, about the power of story to bridge divides. At 26, a moment of reckoning: the sudden loss of her mother. A life recalibrated. A decision to abandon a stifling corporate path. A leap into the unknown, driven by an insistence on joy, on purpose, on owning the narrative. Carrie and Dianne are in a conversation that is as much about storytelling as it is about agency. It’s about why AI will never replace the human voice. It’s about the questions we ask—and the ones we don’t. And, ultimately, it’s about what happens when we decide—fully, unapologetically—to take hold of the pen. Links & Notes Explore Human Focused Media (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (01:16) - Introducing Dianne Myles

What does it mean to lead with purpose in a world that feels increasingly divided? How do we stay true to our values while navigating uncertainty? And what if the most pressing questions of our time have answers hidden in the wisdom of those already pushing for change? Welcome to Mission Forward, where each week Carrie Fox brings you into conversation with the thinkers, builders, and changemakers reshaping the way we lead. This season, we explore the deeper questions of leadership—the kind that don’t come with easy answers. We’ll challenge the idea that leadership is about what we achieve, rather than what we give. We’ll ask what tomorrow’s historians might say about the choices we make today. We’ll break down the dangers of working in silos and why collaboration is the key to progress. And we’ll examine why listening—truly listening—is one of the most powerful tools a leader can wield. If you’ve ever felt the weight of responsibility as a leader, if you’ve ever wondered how to turn intention into impact—this is your show. Because leadership isn’t meant to be a solo act. New episodes drop starting March 13. Subscribe now, and let’s move forward—together. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward

In this week’s rebroadcast from Season 8, we ask an important question: How should your organization thoughtfully adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in ways that enhance instead of displace the human workforce? Carrie sits down with SHRM’s George Rivera, a person uniquely qualified to take on these questions as we look out on the horizon toward the future of work. “AI plus HI equals ROI,” says George Rivera, Senior Vice President of SHRM Enterprise Solutions, "The magic lies in working together. And, frankly, it's not just us that believe it. If you really look back at any of the AI advancements we've had over the last 20 or 30 years, that concept has always shined through." Rivera stresses the importance of aligning an organization's AI strategy with its culture. Rather than wholesale technology replacement of workers, Rivera advocates an "augmented intelligence" approach where AI supplements and s employees. "We believe every organization has a unique culture to them and so each organization has to determine how AI is going to play and should play a role within that culture." Key themes discussed in this wide-ranging conversation include using AI ethically, with Rivera noting the risk of perpetuating bias and emphasizing customizing implementation around an organization's unique culture. Rivera also talks about how AI can increase productivity and strengthen relationships by streamlining tedious tasks and providing insights into employee engagement. Additionally, he covers how AI can reinforce skills training and institutional knowledge, acting as a tool to augment human intelligence.  Rivera shares valuable perspective on both the promise and pitfalls of workplace AI. He advocates thoughtful adoption focused on enhancing human potential. Organizations must approach AI as a tool, not a panacea, and remain vigilant about its risks. "Ultimately, we find that it's important for organizations to be good stewards of their capital and make sure that they're getting the best impact or the best out of their employees that they possibly can." This is just part one of Carrie’s conversation with George Rivera. Our great thanks to him, and the SHRM team, for making this set of conversations possible. Sponsor: SHRM SHRM provides solutions for 95% of Fortune 500 companies to transform talent management, accelerate executive development, elevate workplace culture, and build inclusive workplaces. SHRM promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging while advancing women leaders to construct better workplaces. Mission Partners routinely consults SHRM first when facing HR and best practice challenges and we're thrilled to be able to work with SHRM as the sponsor of this week's episode. Learn more at SHRM.org. (00:00) - We're on a break! (00:43) - Welcome to Mission Forward (04:47) - AI in the Workplace (09:43) - SHRM's Latest Research (12:04) - AI, Biases, and Equity (15:37) - Four Ways Companies can Benefit from AI (23:02) - Resources ... and a cinematic call to action

Michael Gordon Voss is publisher at Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR), and in this week’s rebroadcast from Season 6, the conversation is all about trust. See, Micheal has spent the last few decades building relationships of trust between his publications and his reading public. That experience has made him an expert in a few key areas we're eager to explore this week. What is the role of curation when it comes to using news and information in building and maintaining trust with your audience? How does the broader social sharing economy impact our ability to impact change? What is the value of a publication in an information economy that is so challenged for trust between publisher and reader right? We explore those areas and more this week. A little about Michael: before ing SSIR, Michael was Vice President, Associate Publisher, Business Development & Marketing for Scientific American, based in New York City, where he drove commercial marketing and brand strategy, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and new product development. His career in digital and traditional media has spanned nearly two decades and a wide array of titles and companies, including Newsweek, Meredith Corporation, and George magazine. Over the course of the show, we make reference to a few stories that make for appropriate follow-up from the pages of SSIR. "Change is Worth the Risk" by Mauricio Miller "The Four Principles of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership" by Anne Wallestad "The Next 10 Years of Impact Investment" by Yasemin Saltuk Lamy, Christina Leijonhufvud & Nick O'Donohoe "Coming Together from a Place of Strength, Not Weakness" by Carrie Fox If you've never had the opportunity to hear from Michael directly, we're honored and thrilled to bring him to you this week. His work is the foundation for thought-provoking exploration for our growth as communicators while guiding organizations to move their missions forward. Our great thanks to Michael for ing us this week on the show. (00:00) - We're on a break! (00:42) - Sponsor: Unit Of Impact – Promo Code EARLYBIRD2024 (01:23) - Welcome to Mission Forward (02:58) - Introducing Michael Gordon Voss (08:50) - Understanding Social Innovation (11:42) - Weighing in on "Expertise" (14:38) - Innovation Across Communities (21:32) - Communications Challenges (27:21) - Measuring Impact (32:17) - Finding Hope (36:14) - Learn More (37:38) - Special Interview: Unit of Impact

If you’re a regular listener to this show, you know that our conversations run the gamut; from interpersonal communications to corporate communications, we’re interested in communications that change lives. In this rebroadcast from season six, we’re going even bigger. Jeff Caporizzo is Senior Partner and Executive Creative Director at ICF Next, an agency dedicated to “Next-level participation.” That sounds like a big promise in today’s connected communications economy, but take a look at some of their work and you’ll see just how action backs the language.  Jeff s Carrie Fox today to talk about the power of mass communications and advertising to inform viewpoints, behaviors, and narratives, and even disrupt false or negative narratives. No time like the present, right? Jeff is a creative storyteller. He has used his craft for good over the years, and in campaign after campaign, he’s helped his clients grow through challenging — even uncomfortable — lessons about the way they use language, image, and spokesvoices to tell the stories of their brands for the better.  So, welcome to this conversation about message, power, and justice, all seen through the lens of the ad. Thanks to Jeff for his time and contribution to this conversation. We can’t wait to see what he creates next. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (01:11) - Making Time • Finding The Words (07:06) - Introducing Jeff Caporizzo (16:30) - Understanding Design and How it can Change Narrative (19:42) - Deg Across Cultures (23:18) - Finding Your Spokesperson (31:26) - Power of Real Voices (33:26) - Finding Hope

Change. Enigmatic. Unpredictable. These days, it feels like the uninvited guest that overstays its welcome, disrupting our carefully constructed routines. But what if, hidden within the debris of the familiar, lies the seed of something truly remarkable? In this season finale of Mission Forward, Carrie explores the often-uncomfortable reality of transformation. She shares the story of a non-profit CEO whose outward success masked a period of intense internal change, illustrating a powerful truth: sometimes, detours and unexpected roadblocks are precisely what propel us forward. Think of Bob Ross and his "happy accidents"—those unexpected brushstrokes that transform a canvas. It’s this same wisdom that, when applied to organizational change, suggests that seemingly negative events can be remarkable catalysts for growth. So, embrace the fork in the road. Embrace the unknown. The most rewarding journeys are often the ones for which we never prepared a brief. Thank you for ing us this year and this season, and from all of us here on the Mission Forward team we wish you a rich, rewarding, and restful holiday. See you in 2025! (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward

Imagine this: a workplace where every decision is transparent, every policy is fair, and every employee feels like they belong. Sounds utopian, doesn’t it? Yet, this isn’t a fiction—it’s a framework, one that Allison Wyatt is helping organizations build. This week, Carrie sits down with Allison for a journey through the mechanics of equity in the workplace, and the surprising ways clarity, consistency, and inclusion can shape not just organizations, but entire sectors. Allison is co-founder of Edgility Consulting and has spent years unraveling what makes workplaces thrive, and what makes them falter. Her findings? They’re as provocative as they are practical. From the hidden power dynamics of HR to the unspoken biases baked into holiday calendars, Allison reveals what most leaders miss: that equity is a disciplined practice requiring honesty, humility, and a willingness to embrace complexity. Carrie and Allison explore the emotional glue that holds employees to an organization—and the bug repellent that drives them away. Why do compensation policies, even when competitive, often leave staff feeling dissatisfied? How can leaders balance the chaos of today’s world with the need for stability? And what happens when you bring faith into the diversity, equity, and inclusion conversation? So us this week as Carrie and Allison unpack the hidden architecture of equitable workplaces. Whether you’re a CEO, an HR manager, or simply someone who cares about building better organizations, this conversation is important. Because in a world of uncertainty, one truth remains: when you prioritize clarity, fairness, and belonging, you don’t just improve your workplace—you transform it. This episode is sponsored by Edgility Consulting. Learn more about their incredible work in team development, compensation planning, and beyond at EdgilityConsulting.com. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (01:20) - Introducing Allison Wyatt from Edgility Consulting (03:14) - Organizational Trends From Edgility (07:28) - Leadership Responsiveness (10:02) - Best Practices: HR (14:01) - DEI (19:14) - Impact (21:35) - Pillars of Equity (27:25) - What comes in the new year (31:44) - Sponsor: Edgility Consulting

It's the season for gratitude and reflection. But also, a day for taking stock. As we gather with loved ones, it's worth considering the subtle shifts happening beneath the surface of our communities. The connections that bind us, the acts of generosity that fuel positive change—these are the things that deserve our attention. Ten years ago, nonprofits, the tireless champions of our communities, began to sense a change in the air—a moment of pause, a desire to understand the evolving landscape before taking the next step, a perfectly reasonable response to a world in constant flux. This week, Stacy Palmer, CEO of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, sits down with Carrie to explore the evolution of this space. They explore the findings of the Generosity Commission, acknowledging the dip in traditional giving and volunteering while also recognizing the rise of new forms of engagement. The landscape of giving is changing, and that presents both challenges and opportunities. Amidst this evolution, inspiring figures like Melinda Gates and MacKenzie Scott emerge as trailblazers, reshaping the philanthropic landscape with their bold and transformative giving. They shine a light on the often-overlooked, demonstrating that philanthropy can be a powerful catalyst for positive change, especially when it embraces innovation and challenges traditional norms. How do we ensure that positive momentum continues? Stacy offers a balanced perspective. She celebrates the progress made while also encouraging us to remain vigilant and adaptable. The insights from 1989, when the Chronicle of Philanthropy first highlighted the need for philanthropy to embrace a multicultural America, still resonate today. Carrie and Stacy explore the delicate balance between thoughtful planning and decisive action. They discuss the All In By April campaign, a compelling example of how accelerating philanthropic giving can empower positive change, particularly in of democracy. This story of proactive engagement is a testament to the power of foresight and collaboration. This week invites you to reflect on each of our own contributions to the story of generosity. Are we building meaningful connections or simply going through the motions? Are we embracing new approaches or clinging to outdated models? The answer, as Carrie and Stacy reveal, lies in the power of relationships, the courage to speak up, and the unwavering commitment to move missions forward together. Links & Notes The Commons (from the Chronicle of Philanthropy) The Generosity Commission report Giving Tuesday Solutions Journalism Network All In By April campaign (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (01:58) - Introducing Stacy Palmer (04:28) - Journey into Non-Profit (09:51) - The Generosity Crisis (18:04) - Is Philanthropy Ready for Multi-Cultural America?