Built for Good

What would it take for the people doing good in every community to have the tools, the support, and the benefits they deserve?

On this episode of Built for Good, Mazlo CEO and Founder Kian Alavi sits down with Stephanie Levin, Mazlo's Founding Head of Customer Success. Before joining Mazlo, Stephanie spent her career in the nonprofit sector, from youth programming in the San Francisco Bay Area to leadership roles at large nonprofits to consulting for a national fiscal sponsor.

Stephanie shares how she helped a growing fiscal sponsor go from 5 projects on Mazlo to 40, then work through a waiting list of 50 more, doubling the number of projects it served in about a year without adding staff. She and Kian talk about what real-time financial visibility means for frontline program staff, why fiscal sponsorship is a powerful way to connect people doing similar work, and why funders should be sending unrestricted capacity-building dollars to fiscal sponsors. They also discuss upcoming legislation, the case for sponsors setting their own standards, and why nonprofit software should be as beautiful and responsive as any other product.

IN THIS EPISODE

- From customer to colleague How Stephanie went from evaluating Mazlo as a consultant to leading its customer success team.

- Scaling without adding staff A fiscal sponsor doubled the number of projects it served in about a year by systematizing its operations.

- Real-time data for program staff No more waiting 30 to 60 days for financial reports to know what you can spend.

- Fiscal sponsorship as community Group onboarding helps solo project leaders find peers doing similar work. 

- A call to funders Capacity-building grants to fiscal sponsors could fund healthcare, retirement, and training for project leaders.

- Preparing for legislation Why fiscal sponsors should help set the standards for their own field.

- Software as a relationship Why nonprofit tools should be intuitive, responsive, and built with customers.

- Fiscal sponsorship equalizes access Sponsorship opens the door for leaders who lack the money or connections to start their own nonprofit.

- How donors can find fiscally sponsored projects Add "fiscal sponsor" to your search on any cause you care about.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

- With the right systems, fiscal sponsors can grow on purpose instead of reacting while overwhelmed.

- Fiscal sponsors already carry a heavier compliance burden than most nonprofits and should help shape the rules.

- Investing in fiscal sponsors gives funders leverage, lowering costs and reaching communities they might never see.

Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/

What if you could try being a nonprofit before you become one? On this episode of Built for Good, Mazlo CEO and Founder Kian Alavi sits down with Katy Calloway, Founder & Executive Director of People in Partnership SC, the only nonprofit in South Carolina practicing fiscal sponsorship exclusively. 

Since 2018, Katy has helped community leaders, event organizers, and small business owners launch charitable programs without filing for their own 501(c)(3). Katy explains why so many well-intentioned nonprofits never get off the ground, and why her board counts it as a win when a project decides to shut down. She describes how People in Partnership mentors projects toward independence, and how fiscal sponsorship can bring community events, business-led charitable programs, and large grants under responsible oversight. She also talks about the Calloway Stern Group, her project management firm that pairs small nonprofits with vetted, practicing nonprofit professionals who actually do the work instead of handing over a strategic plan that sits on a shelf.

IN THIS EPISODE 

- Why there are more nonprofits than communities can sustain Filings rise every year, but many organizations never get moving. 

- Fiscal sponsorship as "try before you buy" Test your program under an established sponsor before filing for a 501(c)(3). 

- Why half of sponsored projects never take off, and why that's a win Founders avoid the paperwork and burden of a struggling organization. 

- Bringing community events under a charitable umbrella Events like the Park Circle Art Walk can now offer sponsors tax-deductible giving. 

- How businesses can run charitable programs Owners can offer programs or scholarships without starting a separate nonprofit. 

- The education gap With no legal definition of fiscal sponsorship, Katy educates funders and legislators one conversation at a time. 

- Helping small nonprofits manage large grants A sponsor provides the oversight and reporting capacity small teams lack. 

- Rethinking nonprofit consulting The Calloway Stern Group delivers actionable plans plus the people to carry them out. 

- "Collaboration is my love language" Connecting projects with resources and peers to move faster together.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

- Running a nonprofit is harder than running a for-profit business. Fiscal sponsorship lets you test the idea first. 

- Winding down under a sponsor spares founders the cost and long-term burden of a dormant 501(c)(3). 

- Most nonprofit leaders know what they need. What they lack is the capacity to do it.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Katy Calloway is the Founder & Executive Director of People in Partnership SC, a Charleston-based nonprofit providing fiscal sponsorship exclusively for South Carolina projects. 

She is also the founder of the Calloway Stern Group, which provides project-based support to nonprofits with budgets under $2 million. 

ABOUT THE HOST Kian Alavi is the CEO and Founder of Mazlo and host of Built for Good, a podcast about the people and organizations reshaping how good work gets done. 

LINKS
People in Partnership SC: https://www.peopleinpartnershipsc.org/

Calloway Stern Group: https://www.callowaysterngroup.com/

Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/  

 #FiscalSponsorship #Nonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #SouthCarolina #Charleston #SocialImpact #BuiltForGood #Mazlo

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Dr. Jason Clay, Senior Vice President, Markets & Food and Executive Director of the Markets Institute at the World Wildlife Fund, to explore how food systems impact climate change and biodiversity, and what we can do to create a more sustainable future.

Dr. Clay shares insights on sustainable agriculture, innovation, consumer choices, and the systemic changes needed to build healthier and more resilient food systems. 

In this episode, we explore:

• The global impact of food production on climate, biodiversity, and water use
• Innovations in sustainable farming and supply chain efficiency
• The idea of “producing more with less” by improving efficiency and reducing waste
• The role of technology, small-scale processing, and localized food systems
• How consumer choices and market signals can accelerate change
• Policy and systemic approaches to transforming agriculture
• The importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services for food security
• Practical steps we can take, including supporting local farmers, buying seasonal food, reducing waste, and staying informed

Explore World Wildlife Fund: https://www.worldwildlife.org/
Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/  

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Dr. Jason Clay

00:37 - Overview of the food system's impact on climate and biodiversity

02:09 - The challenge of feeding a growing population sustainably

03:52 - Growing up on a Missouri farm and early decision-making skills

06:29 - How farm life teaches responsibility and responsibility in food choices

08:46 - The urgency of systemic change in agriculture and food production

10:56 - Addressing global water and land challenges through regional solutions

13:14 - The importance of biodiversity for crop pollination and climate resilience

15:17 - Food's dual role as a greenhouse gas emitter and sink

17:03 - How nature-based solutions can sequester carbon

18:04 - California's water crisis and implications for agriculture

20:46 - When might a global food crisis emerge without intervention?

22:29 - Innovations: regional food hubs, local processing, and crop diversification

25:28 - Supporting local and seasonal foods in American diets

28:12 - The importance of transparency in food production and supply chains

31:49 - Tackling food waste and improving storage practices

35:40 - The influence of policy, education, and systemic change

40:35 - Strategies for individual consumers to support sustainable food systems

44:36 - The role of corporations and incentives in transforming agriculture

50:04 - Infrastructure investments and smallholder inclusion

55:18 - The importance of data, collaboration, and shared learning across sectors

59:37 - Creating community and cooperative models for equipment and labor sharing

62:53 - Viewing food production through a kaleidoscope of possibilities

65:09 - How to start becoming informed and involved as consumers

66:36 - Final messages: supporting local, seasonal choices, and staying informed

Summary

(If you want to hear Part 1 of Kian Alavi’s conversation with Oliver Hack, be sure to check out the previous episode.)

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi continues his conversation with Oliver Hack, Director of Fiscal Sponsorship at Social Good Fund, for a conversation about creativity, leadership, innovation, and the realities of building sustainable organizations in the nonprofit sector.

Oliver shares his perspective on creating space for creativity, encouraging courageous leadership, and building systems that allow teams and mission-driven leaders to thrive. He explores the role of fiscal sponsorship in helping people turn their ideas into meaningful work while emphasizing the importance of studying the problem, understanding the business and revenue model, and making thoughtful decisions before starting a nonprofit.

The conversation also dives into the importance of community and collaboration within the fiscal sponsorship field, the value of saying “yes” more often, and how leaders can balance passion with risk, sustainability, and long-term impact. Oliver discusses why organizations sometimes need to adapt their strategies without losing sight of their core purpose, and why courage, flexibility, and resilience are essential for navigating challenging times.

From fostering innovation to making smart strategic choices, Oliver offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders and community builders looking to create lasting impact.

Soundbites:

"Innovation in the nonprofit sector is rare, but it's crucial to push beyond what's there and above where you think you can."

"Leadership requires earning the right and having the courage to make hard choices in a highly regulated environment."

"Institutional funders need to seed nonprofit endowments to ensure long-term sustainability and allow for strategic decisions."

"The nonprofit sector is about community coming together to solve community issues, and trust is essential."

"Encouraging an environment of creativity and rewarding it is key to solving problems in innovative ways.

Links:

Get the book "The Jewish Gospels": https://www.amazon.com/Miles-Davis-Autobiography-Orange-Press/dp/1595584684
Explore Social Impact Commons: https://www.socialimpactcommons.org/

Explore Schulman Consulting: https://schulmanconsulting.com/

Explore Social Good Fund: https://www.socialgoodfund.org/
Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/

Timestamps:

0:00 - Hook

0:16 - Introduction To Built To Good

0:47 - Introduction To Oliver Hack

02:20 - Funding Creativity 

03:44 - Navigating Nonprofit Funding and Creativity

06:46 - The Importance of Rest and Creative Thinking

09:40 - The Four-Day Work Week: A New Perspective

12:17 - Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship and Its Challenges

16:58 - Building Community in Fiscal Sponsorship

20:22 - Innovation in Nonprofit Sector: Saying Yes More

23:19 - The Role of Passion in Nonprofit Leadership

26:48 - Evaluating Nonprofit Ideas: The Importance of Research

32:09 - The Reality of Nonprofit Startups

37:41 - Strategic Decision Making in Nonprofits

47:39 - Courage and Adaptability in Nonprofit Leadership

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Oliver Hack, Director of Fiscal Sponsorship at Social Good Fund, for a powerful conversation about nonprofit leadership, financial sustainability, innovation, and the courage required to lead through challenging times.

Drawing from decades of experience across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and fiscal sponsorship, Oliver shares practical insights on building strong teams, understanding your organization’s financial position, and creating systems that allow organizations to grow beyond any one individual.

Kian and Oliver also explore the unique challenges of the nonprofit business model, the responsibility of nonprofit boards, the importance of investing in people, and why organizations need more flexibility and financial reserves to navigate difficult moments. The conversation closes with a powerful discussion about creativity, experimentation, and pushing beyond what already exists to create meaningful innovation in the nonprofit sector.

Get the book "The Jewish Gospels": https://www.amazon.com/Miles-Davis-Autobiography-Orange-Press/dp/1595584684
Explore Social Impact Commons: https://www.socialimpactcommons.org/

Explore Schulman Consulting: https://schulmanconsulting.com/

Explore Social Good Fund: https://www.socialgoodfund.org/
Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/

Soundbites:

Soundbite 1: Nonprofit Leadership Insight: Highlight a moment where the speaker discusses the importance of mentorship and leadership qualities.

Soundbite 2: Challenges in Nonprofit Sector: Focus on a segment discussing financial challenges and the need for sustainable business models.

Soundbite 3: Innovation and Creativity: Capture a part where the speaker talks about fostering creativity within constraints.

Soundbite 4: Role of Boards: Select a portion discussing the responsibilities and impact of effective board members.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Hook

00:22 - Introduction to Built For Good

00:53 - Introduction to Oliver Hack and the episode's theme

02:30 - History between Oliver and Kian

04:10 - The importance of organizational legacy and culture

7:15 - Financial literacy as a cornerstone of nonprofit leadership

9:16 - Challenges faced by nonprofits in a turbulent economy

12:16 - Rethinking revenue models and the irrational nonprofit business

15:16 - The critical role of business background in social sector success

18:15 - The capacity of boards and how to improve their impact

21:16 - Using endowments and reserves to weather financial crises

24:20 - The power of giving nonprofits more room to innovate

27:16 - Courage and confidence for nonprofit leaders

30:15 - Managing the human side: relational work and dealing with friction

33:00 - The importance of intentional onboarding and continuous learning

37:16 - The value of creative experimentation and learning from constraints

41:16 - Supporting staff well-being through rest and intentional time off

46:15 - Ending

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Gene Takagi, Principal of NEO Law Group. Gene Takagi shares deep insights into fiscal sponsorship, its models, challenges, and the future of nonprofit governance. This conversation explores how to standardize understanding, improve advocacy, and build a resilient sector.

Key discussion topics include the importance of Models of fiscal sponsorship (Model A and C), Legal and ethical considerations in fiscal sponsorship, and Strategies for sector organization and advocacy.

Explore New Law Group: https://www.neolawgroup.com
Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/

Sound Bites

"We need a common language to avoid confusion."

"Community building is the future of sector resilience."

"Are we a Starbucks or McDonald's model?"

"Funders should invest more in sector education."

"Public trust and legal compliance are vital."

Disclaimer

This topic may contain legal materials and information intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing contained herein constitutes legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney.

Chapters

00:00 Listen First Then Come Up With A Solution

0:20 Built For Good Introduction

0:51 Gene Introduction And Background

1:40 Acknowledging Each Other Work

2:43 Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship

7:27 Challenges and Misunderstandings in Fiscal Sponsorship

13:24 The Need for Stronger Advocacy and Education

21:23 Language and Communication in Fiscal Sponsorship

31:16 Funding and Support for Fiscal Sponsorship

34:18 The Evolution of Fiscal Sponsorship Guidelines

38:40 Community Engagement in Fiscal Sponsorship

40:48 Understanding Fiscal Sponsorship Models

48:52 Innovations in Fiscal Sponsorship

53:22 Legal and Compliance Challenges

59:17 Building Public Trust and Accountability

01:06:01 Legal Support for Nonprofits

01:13:29 The Future of Nonprofits and Community Building

1:18:38 Ending

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Shannon Moe, founder of SMC Scribes. Shannon shares the evolution of SMC Scribes, a nonprofit consulting and grant writing organization focused on social justice nonprofits. The organization helps teams strengthen funding strategies, improve storytelling, and build sustainable infrastructure so they can better serve their communities.

She discusses her background in frontline community work, including early experience with Haight-Ashbury Free Medical Clinics and later work in nonprofit leadership, activism, and hospitality through Revolution Cafe in San Francisco. These experiences shaped her approach to social impact work and her belief in grassroots, place-based organizing.

A key focus of the conversation is how SMC Scribes operates as a team-based grant writing and strategy organization rather than a single consultant model. Shannon explains how the team breaks down RFPs, conducts research, performs equity reviews, and ensures that nonprofit language reflects the authentic voices of staff and program participants.

The discussion also explores the growing crisis in nonprofit funding. With federal cuts, increased competition for foundation grants, and the rise of AI-generated applications, nonprofits are facing increasingly low success rates. Shannon emphasizes the importance of authenticity, relationships with funders, and leading with success rather than deficit-based narratives.

A major theme is the disconnect between frontline staff and executive-level decision-making in nonprofits. Shannon highlights how misalignment often leads to unrealistic grant deliverables and operational strain, especially when program teams are not involved in funding design and proposals.

The episode also covers the increasing importance of data infrastructure in nonprofits. Shannon discusses how many organizations struggle with fragmented spreadsheets, manual reporting systems, and lack of capacity for data management. She advocates for funders to invest in administrative infrastructure, not just program costs, to ensure real impact measurement is possible.

Another key topic is collaboration within the nonprofit ecosystem. Shannon encourages organizations to move away from competition and instead form partnerships, co-apply for funding, and build shared strategies to strengthen collective impact.
The episode closes with reflections on leadership, sustainability, and purpose. Shannon emphasizes the importance of staying mission-aligned, listening to communities, and building systems that center frontline knowledge and lived experience.

This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, grant writers, and anyone interested in building stronger, more collaborative systems for social impact.

Explore SMC Scribes: https://smcscribes.com/
Explore Mazlo: https://mazlo.com
About Mazlo: Mazlo helps fiscal sponsors automate fund management, enforce compliance, and reduce financial risk, all without disrupting your existing systems or workflows.

Timestamped Overview
00:00:29 Why moment and early work in frontline nonprofits
00:01:25 Activism culture and San Francisco influence
00:04:16 Revolution Cafe and transition into nonprofit work
00:05:27 Founding and evolution of SMC Scribes
00:05:54 Team-based grant writing model explained
00:08:13 Using authentic nonprofit voice in storytelling
00:10:01 Assessing funding history and donor ecosystems
00:11:55 Crisis in nonprofit funding and 2% success rates
00:12:50 Leading with success instead of deficit framing
00:14:04 Humanizing homelessness and lived experience stories
00:17:15 AI and the flood of grant applications
00:18:16 Rethinking grantmaking through relationships
00:19:27 Infrastructure gaps in nonprofit operations
00:21:47 Collaboration vs competition in nonprofit sector
00:23:00 “No systemic change without the frontline”
00:24:09 Disconnect between leadership and program staff
00:28:59 Executive director isolation and burnout
00:31:12 Why nonprofits are harder than traditional businesses
00:31:49 Importance of better data systems
00:33:16 AI tools for nonprofit reporting and operations
00:34:36 Funders need to support administrative costs
00:36:26 What separates thriving vs surviving nonprofits
00:37:31 Relationship building with funders
00:39:56 Reducing fear around AI in nonprofits
00:41:24 Advice to younger self
00:42:06 Community, purpose, and long-term fulfillment

#nonprofit #socialimpact #fundraising #leadership #grantwriting #communitybuilding #philanthropy #socialjustice #impact #collaboration

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Manny Hernandez, CEO of The Diabetes Link. Manny shares the evolution of The Diabetes Link, a nonprofit focused exclusively on young adults living with diabetes. The Diabetes Link provides community, clinically validated guidance, and culturally relevant resources so that no young adult living with diabetes has to face these transitions alone.

He discusses how the organization has expanded across major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, while also growing internationally through online communities and university chapters in Canada. A key focus of the conversation is how The Diabetes Link empowers young adults to connect with peers facing similar challenges, reducing isolation and creating long-term advocacy leaders within the community.

A central theme throughout the episode is disciplined focus in nonprofit leadership. Manny explains why organizations must clearly define their core strengths, avoid mission drift, and intentionally partner with specialized organizations—particularly in policy advocacy. Rather than expanding into adjacent areas like obesity, The Diabetes Link prioritizes staying within its expertise while collaborating with external partners who bring deeper domain knowledge.

The conversation also explores the shifting funding landscape for nonprofits. With reductions in federal funding, increased competition for foundation grants, and the rise of AI-assisted grant writing, Manny highlights the growing importance of trust, transparency, and long-term relationships with funders. He also outlines how The Diabetes Link diversifies its funding through corporate partnerships, foundation grants, individual giving, and emerging earned-income strategies such as content licensing and referral-based revenue models.

A powerful story from the episode centers on a student-founded chapter at Columbia University. A young woman living with diabetes builds a campus community from the ground up, which later becomes a lifeline for another student recently diagnosed. Their connection transforms both of their lives and ultimately leads them into advocacy roles within the broader diabetes community.

The episode closes with reflections on leadership and personal growth, emphasizing humility, clarity, and the importance of listening more than speaking. Manny underscores that sustainable impact comes from staying aligned with mission, building strong relationships, and being willing to say no to opportunities that pull organizations off course.

This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, funders, and anyone interested in building mission-driven organizations grounded in clarity, collaboration, and community empowerment.

Explore The Diabetes Link: https://thediabeteslink.org/
Explore Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC): https://www.diabetespac.org/

Timestamped Overview
00:25:03 Building youth communities across cities and universities
00:25:31 Expansion into Canada and global online community
00:26:23 Expanding into community colleges and trade schools
00:27:09 Workforce readiness and long-term youth impact
00:28:20 Collaboration as the foundation of nonprofit success
00:29:02 Staying in your lane and recognizing core strengths
00:30:21 Partnering for policy advocacy impact
00:31:43 Example: connecting youth to insulin policy advocacy partners
00:33:19 Columbia University student-led chapter story begins
00:35:05 Newly diagnosed student finds community support
00:36:14 “Life is never going to be the same for them”
00:37:00 Funding mix: corporate, foundations, and industry support
00:40:49 Nonprofit funding pressures and increasing competition
00:42:09 Earned income: licensing and referral models
00:45:09 Expense discipline and mission focus
00:47:42 Relationships as the core of fundraising success
00:50:49 The importance of saying no to misaligned funding
00:53:16 Advice to younger self: listen more, speak less

#nonprofit #socialimpact #leadership #fundraising #communitybuilding #healthcare #diabetesawareness #youthdevelopment #collaboration #impact

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with Michael Sheldrick, Co-founder of Global Citizen. Michael shares his journey from a struggling student in Australia to leading one of the world’s most impactful advocacy organizations focused on ending extreme poverty.

The conversation explores how Global Citizen was built by turning awareness into action—mobilizing millions of people through campaigns, partnerships, and cultural moments like large-scale concerts. Michael breaks down the power of bold, audacious goals and why clarity of mission, not perfection, is what drives momentum.

Key themes include overcoming apathy, the importance of taking action without having all the answers, and the concept of “policy entrepreneurship”—how individuals outside of government can influence real policy change. Michael also discusses the growing challenges of loneliness, declining civic engagement, and the need for “radical connection” to rebuild trust and collective action.

The episode also dives into how Global Citizen is evolving—leveraging technology, AI, and new funding models to increase transparency and efficiency in philanthropy. Michael shares insights into their latest global campaign tied to the World Cup, aiming to raise $100 million for education and literacy initiatives.

This episode offers actionable insights for community builders, nonprofit leaders, and anyone looking to create meaningful impact—showing that change starts with small actions, clear goals, and the willingness to begin.

Explore Global Citizen: https://www.globalcitizen.org/

Get the book From Ideas to Impact by Michael Sheldrick: https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-Impact-Playbook-Influencing-Implementing/dp/1394202342
 
Explore the World Happiness Report 2025
https://worldhappiness.report/news/world-happiness-report-2025-people-are-much-kinder-than-we-expect-research-shows

Donate to the Global Citizen Education Fund: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/projects/fifa-global-citizen-education-fund/

Timestamped Overview
00:00 The importance of meaningful action and living with purpose
01:16 Introduction to Michael Sheldrick and Global Citizen
02:30 Early life, academic struggles, and a pivotal turning point
05:03 First exposure to global inequality and desire to create impact
05:38 Founding Global Citizen and early campaign experiments
07:17 The power of ambitious goals and taking action without certainty
09:10 Clarity over perfection: why bold ideas attract support
10:47 Early campaigns and mobilizing support through storytelling
12:42 Overcoming paralysis and the importance of simply starting
14:51 Understanding “policy entrepreneurship” and influencing change
18:46 How individuals can shape policy outside of government
20:06 Apathy, youth disengagement, and the loneliness epidemic
24:58 Declining civic engagement and the need for community spaces
27:04 Radical connection and making generosity visible
29:02 Building community to move from despair to hope
30:25 Global Citizen’s World Cup campaign and $100M education goal
33:58 Ensuring transparency and impact in philanthropy
36:29 Using AI and technology to scale funding and accountability
39:25 Building trust and reducing friction in nonprofit funding
40:19 Navigating stakeholder alignment and managing trade-offs
41:38 “Pragmatic idealism” and creating change through collaboration

In this episode of Built for Good, host Kian Alavi sits down with John Roussel, Co-founder and CEO of Colorwave. John shares the founding story of Colorwave, launched during the uncertainty of 2020 with a mission to close the wealth gap by connecting underrepresented professionals to opportunities within venture-backed startups.

Key discussion topics include the importance of networks in accessing startup careers, how storytelling and positioning impact hiring outcomes, and the structure of Colorwave’s fellowship model. John explains how the program equips participants with startup literacy, relationship-building skills, and direct exposure to hiring companies. He also discusses evaluating risk tolerance when transitioning into early-stage companies and the differences between startup environments.

The conversation also touches on adapting to changes in DEI funding, shifts in the venture ecosystem, and the growing influence of AI on hiring and workforce development. John highlights Colorwave’s focus on alumni leadership, partnerships, and upskilling initiatives to expand economic mobility. This episode provides actionable insights for professionals looking to break into startups, nonprofit leaders, and organizations focused on inclusive talent pipelines.

Explore Colorwave: https://www.thecolorwave.org/
Explore Mazlo: https://www.mazlo.com/

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Founding Colorwave during 2020
05:02 Launching the first fellowship cohort
06:05 Scaling nationally through remote programming
10:21 The power of relationships in startup hiring
14:11 How the Colorwave fellowship works
17:52 Economic mobility and compensation outcomes
20:53 Storytelling and positioning for startup roles
22:03 Evaluating risk tolerance in career moves
24:38 Adapting to changes in tech and funding
26:43 Community-led growth and alumni leadership
29:17 AI upskilling and future workforce strategy
#leadership #networking #network #socialimpact #founders #nonprofit #venturecapital