Right. For sure. Well and, Betsy, I think too, once you do a few of these things, and I always say you you'll do it and you'll be like, okay. I did not die. I did not die doing this. It gives you the confidence, right, to and the courage, I think, to go try something else. So you know? But don't make no mistake. I mean, I'm sure Betsy's had times in her life where you're I know I have, where I've said, I don't know if I can do this or not. You know? What if I can't? You know, when we started our podcast in twenty eighteen, none of us knew what we were doing, seriously, but we just jumped in there. And, again, surrounded by really smart people like Jenny and, you know, our editor and, you know, people like that, it's like, no. We'll figure it out together. And, you know, so, yeah, don't be don't be afraid to live in the land of the uncomfortable. And I've got a good friend, Dan Roberts, who says, you know, growth never happens there. It never happens in the land of the comfortable. Right? So

Yes. And I also think that, you know, we other people really don't think about us like we think, oh, what are people gonna think? And the answer is they don't. Everyone is absorbed in their own worlds. And so, you know, if you take a risk or a chance, if it works out, that's great. And if you pivot and it doesn't exactly work out the way you thought it would, that's okay. You dust yourself off and you find the next path, and the rest of the world keeps going. And, everyone's trying to find their way with lots of unknowns.

That's so true. That is so true. And listen, I always say in technology too, without experiment, you're gonna fail, fail forward. When you fail, learn something from it, pick yourself up, and keep going. Right? So, I think anybody that you would talk to would say, hey. I've had a lot of those times in my life. You know, I used to tell when I taught JA junior achievement because I sat on that board for many years and loved teaching, junior achievement. But the whole story about Walt Disney, you know, when he had this idea, this harebrained idea for an amusement park, I think he went to five hundred over five hundred banks, Betsy, before he found a bank that said, okay. Yeah. I'll give you the capital to start this. Right? Can you imagine if he'd stopped at four hundred and ninety nine? We wouldn't have Disney World. Right? So, I mean, just do it afraid. Do it afraid. Well, now you like to say that time is precious, and it is you know, how did that awareness change the way you make decisions? When we think time is precious, time is you know? I mean, there's a limited amount of it. Right? How does that change how we make decisions?

I think being mindful of what your values are and what are the things that you want to be accountable for to yourself and to your family and to those close to you. I make a list every year, like for twenty twenty six. I have twenty six things, large and small, from personal health to time spent with family, friends, trips, community. And so, you know, I look at my list of things that I want to do, which are, you know, it's not the biggest buckets, but there's a number of things that I want to make sure I do that I focus on. So I remind myself one of them has to do with, you know, I have several friends that are facing some personal challenges and they're listed there is, you know, I want to make sure that I, you know, pay attention to them.

I don't

let that fall by the wayside. So, I try to think and be thoughtful about the way I spend my time for my work, for my family, for my friends, for the community. And, don't let it escape. I you know, I'm really mindful about it because, you know, I don't want to have regrets where I say to myself, oh, I wish I had focused on something different. But, I feel and partly, you know, when you, you know, lose your father very young, it makes you very aware that time is a gift and you wanna use it wisely. So I think about that a lot.

Yeah. Yeah. I was gonna ask you that. So thank you for bringing that up. That was one of my questions for you. I love this idea that you you work on your life plan every year. And you said you don't put it in a drawer. You keep it right there next to you, and you you review it. Right?

Yeah. Yeah.

There's such intentionality there, Betsy, living with intentionality. Because here's the thing. You know, if you don't if you're not intentional about that, it's kinda like what you said. Things are just gonna fall by the wayside. You don't wanna be on autopilot. You don't wanna be you want to be intentional. And and, obviously, sometimes, maybe the things that we put down don't happen because there's extenuating circumstances and things that come in our life that we can't control. Right? Maybe like a a sick loved one or something like that. But at least you have been intentional, you know, in in the beginning, I'm sure some of those things you're gonna be able to accomplish. So I love that. I'm so glad, to know that you do that. Well, we do need to take a quick break, and we'll be right back with Betsy Cohen on Something Extra podcast.

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Alright. Welcome back, everyone, to the Something Extra podcast with my friend, Betsy Cohen. So, Betsy, you you kinda talked to us a little bit. You left at Mosaic. You were there for twelve years, did incredible work. But in twenty twenty five, you became a philanthropic futurist, and you've been doing this since, March of twenty twenty five. You're the second in the country. Right? Trista is the first, and Betsy's the second. So tell our listeners about, what a philanthropic futurist, what do you do, and tell us more about future of good. You've got or future, future good. You've got the book behind you. I wanna hear more about that. And then we've got a lot more questions.

So as a philanthropic futurist, I work with visionary leaders of nonprofits and foundations, family offices, and financial advisors about several different issues. One is visioning for their strategic plans and having really a long term vision of where are they going? And then what does that mean in terms of an operating plan for the next three years? We do scenario planning, thinking about what are several of the possible scenarios that a foundation and their grantees or a nonprofit is going to be facing? And then how do they prepare themselves for a different future so they can continue to serve the people that they serve going forward? Another part of that is being hired to speak on the future of philanthropy. What is happening with people who have money and what they're giving to and why are they giving and how are they giving? Are they using technology now to do their giving? Are they doing more online? Are they doing more with certain kinds of vehicles for their financial future? But also, if you're a nonprofit or a foundation, what does that mean in terms of how are you receiving money? How are you deploying your money? What are those future trends? So, for example, as technology changes, what does that mean for nonprofits? What does it mean for foundations? How are they going to have to change their operations and maybe even change their staffing? What is AI going to mean as they incorporate this into areas such as developing grants, evaluating grants, applying for grants, spending the money for grants? So we bring forward what are these trends in the future? And then what is that going to mean today for how an organization is going to operate. The other thing is working with the financial advising firms. Many of them understand that they have wealthy clients. Some of them who may or may not be really understanding fully how they could have both pleasure and impact if they give more of their money to nonprofits or universities or other charities that they believe in. Sometimes they just aren't, as thoughtful as they might be if they had some more education or motivation or conversations about how they could do that, both for tax benefit and then for the emotional and the dopamine pleasure of actually giving to causes that they care about.

Mhmm. Oh, that's so good. Now what what are some of the trends that you're seeing? I mean, you already mentioned AI definitely with technology, but, you know, I mean, hey. You've been studying this. You've been doing this. I mean, are there trends that you're seeing? And then also, like yeah. Betsy, how do you think about generational generosity?

Yeah. So there is a shift of generational generosity as we look toward, those that are more mature, and the kinds of areas that they have traditionally given to. Bank of America has done a big study, and some of the information talks about the fact that the older generation has tended to favor, giving their money to, larger institutions, faith based universities, culture, some of the environmental larger traditional recipients, Younger donors that are kind of the under forty five year old donors, they really view it differently. They are looking at more of sustainability, sometimes social justice. They're looking at the world differently. They often maybe give to global issues for women. They're looking at giving money toward digital equity, digital access. They also the, under fifty year old donors, they're more likely now leaning toward donor advised funds that they can give money to and then designate it later. They wanna volunteer first often before they give money. They wanna give money with their friends, and they're more likely to do, a trivia night or a group activity where they give money toward something they care about and they're less likely to go to galas. They want smaller projects that they can see more impact. They want scoreboards and scorecards and dashboards. And then the older generation is more trusting and will give to a bigger legacy organization. So having conversations with organizations about how do you lean into these trends is something important. And foundations have a lot to do with that too, because they are looking now some of them are doing what's called trust based philanthropy where they're trusting more in the leaders of the nonprofits that they give to. And so they're requiring less, reporting, let's say, because reporting takes a lot of time and energy. They're all considering multiyear gifts to these organizations because if you start giving a one year gift and then immediately they've gotta reapply again and they don't even have results. So there are these trends that foundations and family offices and donors are considering, And it's important to think about the trends and whether they are something that can impact how both the recipients and the donors think about their generosity going forward and the kind of impact they wanna make.

Mhmm. Yeah. No. That's that's good. It's it's important for us to understand on both sides, right, kind of what those trends are. You know, is there a weak signal that you are seeing at all that leaders are ignoring, that we shouldn't be ignoring and giving?

No. I don't think there's a weak signal. I I think that a lot of people have the means to do more, but they get busy with everything else. And so they just don't take the moments they could or they keep giving to the groups they give to, and they don't think about how they could maybe add a few other maybe smaller organizations where their money would make a huge impact. Yeah. And they might have more personal pride and feeling of connection if they added to their current giving with some maybe local smaller organizations where it would make a world of difference to, have that impact. So I think it's just encouraging people to, be more thoughtful and understand. The needs are so great and are you know, there's a lot of needs. There's a lot of, uncertainty right now by some of the traditional funders, governmental and others. So, if you care about an issue, think about how you could continue to do maybe a little bit more than you did in the past. Often, people's portfolios have grown greatly over the last few years, but maybe their giving hasn't kept up.

Mhmm. Yeah. That's those are really good points. You know, to your it just reminded me, Betsy. So we have our corporate social responsibility program. It's called LIFT. I'm kind of a big acronym person. I love acronyms, and it stands for Lives Impacted Futures Transformed. And I can remember, a few years ago, there was an amazing organization that was serving children in undeserved areas. So, like, because their parents, a lot of times, would have two and three jobs. And it was, you know, this this this school basically would stay open, like, from six AM to midnight. And think about it. Right? You know, when, when somebody's working two shifts, they what do you do? Right? When that second shift starts. And so, anyway, we just we love the the the founders and the leaders of this and just love their mission. And we gave a little gift, a little gift, and I just remember them coming back to us later and saying how meaningful that little gift was to them. Because if it had not have been if we had not given that gift, they would not have been able to keep the lights on.

Yes. You know, large organizations are extremely important Yeah. For the communities. But for a small organization, it can mean all the difference in the world and your personal gift and personal connection to that can be even more meaningful. But it doesn't mean that there's any less need for the large legacy institutions. They certainly, are so worthy and need the continued support as well. And that's critical as they keep finding ways to show their impact as well. But you're right. When you get touched, when your heart is touched by a certain need, or a certain organization or a leader that you really feel inspired by, it's such a gift to be able to give a gift and help them be successful because, you know, your job is to do the things you do. But when you give money, it allows others to do things that we are not equipped to do, but they can do.

For sure. Absolutely. And that is a reason Greg and I have always said if we can just you know, we work to do better as a company. Right? Because the better we do as a company, the more we're able to help. Right? So, it all works together. It's all all the different components are really important. So, you know, let me ask you this, and I I could I could put I don't wanna put words in your mouth. I can just surmise what you're gonna say, though. When you were working with, Mosaic, in Mosaic can you just tell our listeners real quickly? Because you guys really went through and said, you know, you're very intentional about naming it Mosaic. And I've Betsy had mentioned earlier that she's done a TEDx talk. I would highly encourage you to go Google that. Go watch her, because I remember you explaining it and having the beautiful mosaic. But tell a little bit about where that name came from, and then I've got another question for you about your work in a mosaic.

Well, what was important for the community as we look to be a more welcoming, attractive place so that we could encourage and attract more international people to come here, I wanted to find a word or a concept as a marketing person that was welcoming and something that is listed as an immigrant initiative makes it sound like it's about other people, but not about you or me. And we actually did a brainstorming session, Kitty Radcliffe, who was handy heading up explore Saint Louis. Roslyn, who was the head of the International Institute, and we were looking at the research, and we were actually sitting under a poster of the new cathedral, and it has these beautiful mosaics. And so the word mosaic came up in our discussion and we said Saint Louis Mosaic Project that that has a nice ring to it because a mosaic is a beautiful, colorful combination for all of us and that we all make up a mosaic. And that is something. And for me as a marketing person, a mosaic is a welcoming, positive word that would be inspiring because mosaic is something that's positive. And, you know, for the Saint Louis Mosaic Project, when we are working with international students, corporations like Bayer and Nestle that are bringing international people here, international institute that is bringing, legally authorized refugees from around the world, all the groups, families that are reuniting. We wanted to be welcoming. And so the Saint Louis Mosaic Project had a nice ring to it. And so we felt inspired by that language. And that's why we called it that. And I think it was also a way I wanted to make sure that we had a name that when we were highlighted in news articles around the country and around the world, it would be very clear it was our work and not just kind of vague words. But if it's that St Louis Mosaic and Mosaic Project, we knew that was us.

Sure. Well and, Betsy, as you're talking, I'm just thinking that those end I've done a mosaic. I've done a couple mosaics before, and put them together. And you've got those individual pieces, But when all those individual pieces are put together, it makes a beautiful picture, a more beautiful picture. Right? Maybe that individual piece is beautiful in and of itself, but, boy, when you put the whole thing together, you know, that's when it really, takes on a whole new life. Right? So I just love that. Well, I mean, you your work there, I mean, how do you really what do you really teach you, Betsy, about the word belonging? Because we we love that word.

Yeah. Belonging is so important. And I think the programs that we created, we had programs for helping international students connect with employers for their visas. We have programs that are for work authorized international people to connect with people in similar work fields in this city, in this region to network toward jobs. We had programs so immigrant entrepreneurs could have more support for their businesses. So but in each case, when someone who is international connects with local people who have expertise, they also form a personal connection. And that's where that belonging piece because no longer is it a matter of you or the other, but we are in something together. And even, for example, when I would, you know, refer someone to technology partners, it's someone who had work authorization, had technical skills, and we just wanna start having people feel they're connecting to their own people and that we as a region have a lot of resources and people who care.

Mhmm. Yeah. That's so beautiful. We've already talked a little bit about this, but I just I wanna drive this home, a little bit more, on this. But you're really known, and if people and we've already talked about it, but you're a very authentic person. I call you what's called a go giver. You give first without expecting anything. You know, showing up as your authentic self. What do you what do you believe, Betsy, that's showing up? What is showing up? Or, you know, the vernacular I use a lot is I'm for you, f o r u. What does that really mean to you?

I think that's a great concept, Lisa. And I think, you know, right now, technology can make it easy for people to connect, but in some ways, it can be distant versus being in person.

Yes.

And, you know, ideally, we have both in person and virtual ways that we can be there for each other. I think it involves listening and seeing and hearing where someone really is in their life and in their journey and being thoughtful about what does someone need. Do they need empathy? Do they need a connection? Do they need a follow-up call? And listening clearly so you can follow-up in the way that is most meaningful for somebody else. Not not what I need, but what do they need and when do they need it? And and how can I make a note on my calendar so that I can do that? Write a card, make a call, send an email, follow-up. But it's being focused on the other in a way that is, truthful and genuine because I do care.

Right.

Right. Care. Many people care. And I think when we all feel that there are others out there, we don't feel alone and, you know, we know that physical health and now more than ever, mental health, behavioral health is so important that we all feel connected and feel that there are people who care about our well-being. And that's just it it can only happen with a personal connection.

Mhmm. Yeah. I mean, you just you just reminded me, Betsy, a couple things. One is in your TED Talk, you talk about the starfish story. You know? So we may have listeners that are sitting there and thinking, well, yeah, I don't even know how to help. Right? But I think we all have the ability to do something. Like you said, send a card, send a text. You know? I'm thinking about you. I know that you're whatever it is. You've got this big, issue at work right now. Just telling you that I'm thinking about you. If you wanna bounce anything off. I mean, can you imagine, Betsy, how much better the world would be if we would each just do a little bit? I mean, it's you know, do a little bit. But the starfish story that you told, I love I've heard that story before, and I love that story. You know? Because the the guy was standing there throwing them back in. Right? And then somebody said, what are you doing? You can't help all these starfish. And he said, well, it's gonna help the one that that I threw back in. Right? So,

I think the power of one is really important. And it's a word. It's a text. It's an arm on someone's shoulder, that when you reach out to one person, it makes a difference. And I think we can often be overwhelmed by the global issues, national issues, the things that are all so big. But I think, I'm a fan of Stephen Covey and seven and eight Habits of Highly Effective People. And one of the really important concepts is the the beginning, which is, you know, what is my circle that I can make a difference? And then, you know, you can have a circle of concern beyond that. But, you know, what can I control? And whenever I feel overwhelmed, I go back down to what is in my circle of control. Mhmm. I go back to what can I control then that grounds me? And, yes, maybe I have a little more circle of influence. But when there's things that are beyond that, some days I just have to bring myself back down to what is very basic with what I can control with what I do, what I say, who I interact with, what can I do for myself, what can I do for for one other person? Yeah. But go back down what's in your control, what's in my control, and make that one gesture.

Yeah. So good. That is just gold. That's gold. Well, I have to ask you this, Betsy. The common three line is what is the something extra that you believe every leader needs?

I think every leader leader needs to be caring. I think they need to be caring for the people that they have the responsibility, for supervising, working with, leading, and as colleagues. And so I think if there's empathy and care, you can have a core connection. And through that, you will have wonderful results for the goals that you are working on together.

Mhmm. I love that. And you know what? Here's the other thing is there's there's always a multiplication factor, isn't there, Betsy? You know, and a a ripple effect because you affect one, and then what if that one gets inspired to go affect another? I mean, there truly is a multiplication factor there. So I just love that, and I completely one hundred percent agree with you. And so I just wanna say thank you for showing up for me today and for our listeners and being for for us and just sharing all your amazing wisdom. I really, really appreciate it.

Thank you, Lisa. This has been a wonderful opportunity to, share our thoughts together, and I'm very appreciative.

Something extra with Lisa Nichols is a Technology Partners production. Copyright Technology Partners Inc twenty nineteen. To learn more about this week's guest, check out the show notes at tpi dot co slash podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review. Thank you for listening to Something Extra.