Social Change Leaders Podcast

More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net     “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”   - Maya Angelou      What do empathy and emotional intelligence have to do with social change leadership?  As we are finding our way to the other side of the COVID pandemic and are in what many call “The Great Resignation,” we look at how empathy and emotional intelligence can be leaders' greatest tools for creating healthy and sustainable workplaces and communities.  While we are not experts on this, we wanted to share a few things we have discovered and share ten habits and actions we can all be doing to build our empathy and emotional intelligence muscles.  Today was talk about: What emotional intelligence and empathy are and  is and why it is important  Some of the benefits to being an empathetic leader Why leaders might want to adopt practices and habits that make them more emotionally intelligent and empathetic  Ten ideas for habits and practices that build our  emotional intelligence and empathy ‘muscles’ Referenced in This Episode:  Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman   Brene Brown Empathy is the Most Important Leadership Skill According to Research  Simon Sinek’s Speech about Empathy To learn more about: Traci Warnberg-Lemm, Social Motion Stephanie Malon-Rufi, Spark Good  

For the final 2021 encore episode, we want to replay another one of our popular episodes with Anna Tsanir.  We  recently attended a Women Biz event in Twin Cities and Anna Tsanir won the Social Enterprise award of the year.  We were so excited for her and were reminded again about what an incredible biz model this is. Two Bettys Cleaning Company translates values into meaningful actions through a business model that goes beyond profit. Two Bettys uses non-toxic and eco-friendly cleansers, strives to take great care of their employees, builds great relationships with customers and advocates fair labor practices.  Anna’s is an amazing entrepreneur and we know you will be inspired by this episode that illustrates the true meaning of a triple bottom line.  Can a cleaning company create social change?  It sure can!  Does being a values-driven, social enterprise increase customer sales and loyalty?  Yes, it does!  Can a business both improve lives and benefit our planet?  You better believe it!  This episode shares an inspiring story of how a residential cleaning business transformed into being a social enterprise that addresses systemic issues for domestic workers in the U.S. and the greenwashing of the cleaning industry.  As we talk with Anna Tsantir of Two Bettys Green Cleaning Company, you will: Hear the story of how the business began and how it quickly shifted to address inequalities in the cleaning industry. Understand the ways Two Bettys is a triple bottom line business and the advantages of this model. Discover the ways in which the company engages with  issues associated with domestic workers in the U.S. both in its employment practices, advocacy and social justice work. Hear about how the company addresses the greenwashing of cleaning supplies and how Two Bettys is leading the way in using and developing non-toxic cleaning supplies and implementing zero waste practices. Learn about the challenging times and dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, how loyal customers stuck with the company and the way that the business is building back stronger. Listen to Anna’s reflection about the lessons she has learned over the years of building this triple bottom line business. Be challenged to think about the layers of social impact you can bring to your operations! More about Anna Tsantir and Two Bettys Anna Tsantir is a business owner and mother of two. In 2007 Anna hung up her teaching and arts non-profit hats when she and her former business partner founded Two Bettys Green Cleaning Company by combining the things she believes in – art, social/eco justice, and supporting the community she lives and works in. Two Bettys disrupts business as usual by paying a living wage with benefits, not polluting and making a profit.   Two Bettys website TwoBettys on Instagram For more about your podcast hosts: What Type of Social Change Leader are You?  (QUIZ) For more information on Traci, visit her company website, Social Motion For more information on Stephanie, visit her company website, Genuine Impact.

"To be successful you have to be dumb enough to think you can change the world and smart enough to know how. - Clint Borgen  More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net Can one social innovator have an impact on global poverty through public policy?   In this episode, we talk with Clint Borgen, Founder of Borgen Project, a non-governmental organization that fights global poverty through advocacy and civic engagement. Clint is one of leading poverty-reduction campaigners in the United States.  In our discussion we talk about the founding of the Borgen Project and how it works to impact policy related to global poverty. In this episode we:  Hear about Clint’s background and the ‘why’ behind creating the Borgen Project Discover how the Borgen Project started from nothing and grew to an organization with volunteers in 50 states and a $1 million budget from small donations Hear Clint discuss his increased awareness of how citizens can have an impact on government policies and political leaders to address social challenges including poverty Listen to Clint describe how many public leaders really care about social issues, but much of policy is driven by constituents Learn how Clint describes the scale of impact working in the political  and public policy realms  Hear how the Borgen Project built an active,  grass-roots effort in all 50 states and the strategy behind that Learn about some of the statistics about global poverty and what it would take to eliminate that Hear Clint’s suggestions for social change leaders    More About Clint Borgen Clint Borgen is the Founder and President of The Borgen Project, an organization working to bring U.S. political attention to global poverty. Borgen works nationally with Congressional leaders to build support for legislation that improves conditions for people in developing nations. He is widely regarded as one of the leading poverty-reduction campaigners in the United States. www.borgenproject.org

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:  Film, The Day My God Died Her Future Coalition Ted Talk, Living Heroically - from slavery to success Book, Standing In the Way  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.

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:  Virtual workshop download Turn Your Passion into Impact Course Stephanie website - Genuine Impact Traci website - Social Motion   

“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   

More information can be found at: www.socialchangeleaders.net/episode/024 ‘Level Up’  Ciara On today’s episode we speak with Elaine Rasmussen, Founder and CEO  of Social Impact Strategies Group, and Stephannie Lewis, their Director of Strategic Partnerships.  Social Impact Strategies Group (SISG) a Black/Native-led certified B-corp social enterprise. SISG provides facilitation and consultation on racial equity and social impact audits, education workshops for investors & underestimated entrepreneurs, and produces the annual ConnectUP! MN Summit which promotes and grows inclusive and equitable entrepreneur ecosystems that drive positive, sustainable social impact grounded in economic justice.   Listen to this lively conversation filled with thoughtful insights and innovative ideas about how to co-design an ecosystem that prioritizes equitable access to resources, capital & networks.  In our conversation, we dive into: Why investors and support systems need to shift to invest in and work with underestimated entrepreneurs (those who are women, people of color and LGBT) also known as the Missing MIddle Entrepreneurs (MME). How authentic relationship building and cross-pollinating networks of investors and businesses are critical to building a better entrepreneurial ecosystem.  The State of the Work Report 2019 published by SISG that proposes a framework and recommendations to addresses these disparities and equity gaps in the Minnesota entrepreneur ecosystem. SISG’s annual ConnectUP! MN conference that supports state-wide black and brown women and underestimated entrepreneurs by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and supporting entities within the ecosystem.  And how this unique 2-day culturally grounded gathering can be replicated in other cities and states. The story of Elaine’s experience in impact investing and how it inspired her to launch SISG and create a space and support for entrepreneurs who have made it to ‘first base’ but need guidance to move forward and scale to make it to ‘third base.’ Elaine and Stephannie’s advice for launching a business and partnering with others to grow it, including the importance of giving yourself grace, why women should raise their prices and embracing the motto “I Don’t Do Favors, I Do BUsiness” How Elaine and Stephannie are working to make Minnesota the best place to have a business, not just start a business, for everyone. In this episode we reference: ConnectUP! MN Conference link here Social Impact Strategies Group: Elaine Rasmussen: elaine@socialimpactnow.com Stephannie Lewis: slewis@socialimpactnow.com Social Handles: @SISG_, @connectupmn, @connectup_, @YERasmus Grab your “I Don’t Do Favors, I Do Business” t-shirts here!