Giving Back Podcast

Asheesh Advani is the President & CEO of JA Worldwide, a global nonprofit providing fundamental education for youth in three critical areas: Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness, and Financial Literacy. Located in over 100 countries, JA Worldwide is educating more than 10 million young people every year. Having been in existence for over 100 years, they are one of the largest global NGOs around. How have they been able to reach out on such a global level through the decades? Tune in to find out on today's show!

Key Takeaways:

[3:00] What is JA Worldwide and what do they do?

[6:10] JA Worldwide is located in over 100 countries. How do they define what youth unemployment is?

[8:15] How have the changes in economy and technology helped JA Worldwide with their mission?

[10:35] JA Worldwide is organized in three pillars: Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness, and Financial Literacy.

[10:50] When Asheesh was in his teens, he went through the entrepreneurship program.

[14:25] Teachers love what JA is doing, because they're bringing real-world experience to their students.

[16:50] JA mentors and educates over 10 million young people a year.

[17:20] There's no shortage of motivation from Asheesh's volunteers.

[17:35] Asheesh shares an important story about the time he visited Gabon and the impact his company made on the children there.

[22:20] Asheesh went to the JA competition in Romania three weeks ago with his family, and talks about the entrepreneurial spirit over there.

[25:35] Every parent sees the benefit of teaching these three important pillars of information.

[28:45] How has JA been able to reach so many people? What is their model?

[31:00] Asheesh shares his thoughts on why most non-profits fail, especially on a global scale.

[32:45] How can you volunteer? JA has chapters all over the world.

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.jaworldwide.org

The Future of Work - Journey to 2022

Josh Coombes is a hairdresser that could no longer turn a blind eye to the homeless in his city. He knew giving spare change and ignoring them for the rest of his day was not the best way to uplift and help them. Josh did what he knew he could do best and began giving homeless people in his area free haircuts. He started the hashtag #DoSomethingForNothing on social media, a movement born from the idea that we are all able to do something for someone―

for nothing. In turn, Josh has inspired people all over the world to give back for absolutely nothing.

Key Takeaways:

[2:30] How did Josh get into cutting hair? Did he always want to be a hairdresser?

[4:10] Rob talks about his personal hairdresser.

[7:10] You can really take a load off someone by just listening.

[8:20] Josh wanted to help homeless individuals in a bigger way than just giving spare change.

[11:40] Josh travels all over to give homeless people haircuts.

[21:05] There are many ways you can give back. Josh talks about a lady who is giving zumba classes to the local rehab clinic. Simple acts like this can go a long way.

[24:35] What Josh is doing has inspired people all over the world to give back.

[31:05] Josh is doing this to bring awareness as well as to bring comparison to those who are less fortunate.

[34:55] Rob talks about John Lee Dumas's Freedom Journal.

[37:10] What is Rob currently doing with #DoSomethingforNothing?

[42:25] Josh talks on why he posts his good deeds on social media. It's not for his ego!

[46:00] You have a lot of influence on social media.

[50:30] Josh hasn't been happier since he started helping others.

[52:20] What are Rob's plans for the future?

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.dosomethingfornothing.net/

www.bigissue.org.uk

The Freedom Journal

Melissa Dawn is a life and business coach and a big supporter of Kiva, a non-profit organization that allows people to lend money to low-income entrepreneurs in over 80 countries. You can lend as little as $25 to these entrepreneurs, but the value extends way beyond that amount because you're believing in someone to achieve their dreams. You can support a wide variety of people on Kiva! Be sure to check them out and give back today.

Key Takeaways:

[2:30] Who is Melissa?

[6:05] What's the difference between a therapist and a coach?

[8:30] Melissa started coaching three years ago.

[9:35] Everybody needs a coach. Everybody needs help getting to where they want to be.

[10:30] Melissa shares an example of how she's helped her clients.

[14:55] Melissa asks powerful questions like, 'what do you really want?'

[17:25] Although Melissa is located in Canada, she works with clients all over the world.

[22:00] Where do you start? So many people don't know.

[24:30] What is Kiva?

[25:35] You can donate as little as $25 to help those who want to grow their businesses.

[25:45] When Melissa first started, she was a single mom and it was not easy.

[28:35] You are giving more than just money. You are also giving people from different cultures all over the world hope.

[31:55] Why does Kiva resonate so strongly with Melissa?

[40:45] Be the change that you want to see.

[41:20] Rob will be taking action and you should too!

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.ceoofyour.life

www.kiva.org

www.grameen.com

Allison Maslan is the CEO of Allison Maslan International, a global business mentoring company. She was recently named "One of the Top Women Entrepreneurs Who Inspire" by Self Made Magazine and is a No. 1 Best Selling Author of the book, Blast Off! Today, Allison talks about her two favorite charities, Just Like My Child and Habitat for Humanity. As a single mother with a highly successful business, Allison firmly believes that you always have time to give back and be kind to someone else in need.

Key Takeaways:

[3:55] Who is Allison?

[5:40] Why did Just Like My Child foundation resonate so strongly with Allison?

[10:20] How has Allison's involvement increased over the years?

[14:15] Giving back your time can make such a difference in people's lives.

[16:25] There's so much value to being a giver.

[17:05] Despite the fact that Allison was making more money, she wasn't necessarily becoming more happy. She knew she had to make a greater impact.

[19:00] Allison talks about her company, Allison Maslan International.

[25:15] A portion of the proceeds to Allison's book, Blast Off, goes to Habitat for Humanity.

[27:45] Sometimes you might feel like you're not making an impact, but if you have helped just one person, you've done something huge!

[28:15] Allison has a hugely successful business and she's also a single mom. She always finds time to give back! Busy is just an excuse.

[29:40] You can be the example for your family and the community around you.

[30:30] Don't give back 'some day', give back today!

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.allisonmaslan.com

Blast Off by Allison Maslan

www.justlikemychild.org

Vivian Glyck

www.habitat.org/

Mike Muhney is the CEO and Co-Founder of VIPorbit Software International. He is also the Co-Founder and Co-inventor of ACT!™. Mike is a big supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project because he believes our servicemen and women have made the ultimate contribution by volunteering their lives, not their money, for this country. There is no other charitable contribution that can top the willingness to give up your own life for a safer future.

Key Takeaways:

[3:55] How did the idea for VIPorbit Software International first come about?

[7:15] What is the company's mission statement/relations statement?

[10:00] No matter what, people matter.

[14:15] Rob is shy on social media because he wants to be sure the right message gets out there.
[16:25] How does Mike think about his 'people matter' statement outside of a work environment?

[17:20] Why is Mike so passionate about supporting the Wounded Warrior Project?

[27:05] Servicemen and women who have volunteered and served our country have made the ultimate contribution.

[29:55] Mike shares a personal story he experienced about a dead solider traveling back to Chicago.

[36:35] When we act purposely, that act, no matter how small, turns into a big gesture.

[41:00] At the end of the day, it's not abut the organization, it's about how you're leading your life.

[43:25] Mike breaks down the three Ps on how to view relationships.

[47:20] Feel free to reach out to Mike!

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.viporbit.com

www.mikemuhney.com

www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Mass Influence by Teresa de Grosbois

Joe Rawlins is the author of the controversial book The Korihor Argument, where he discusses his journey out of Mormonism.  A portion of the proceeds of each copy go to improving access to education for the children of Peru. Joe came to the conclusion that you do not need to be a member of a particular religion to give back to those in need. You can act and give on your own accord, even if you're not associated with a huge non-profit or foundation.

Key Takeaways:

[2:50] Why did Joe lose his faith?

[5:20] In 2013, Joe decided he was an atheist.

[6:05] When Joe went to volunteer in Peru on behalf of the church, he felt a conflict between serving the people vs. serving the church.

[7:35] Joe understands that faith has a huge part in our lives. It gives us answers, it comforts us, and it holds us up when there's chaos or turmoil in our lives.

[8:05] Religious people believe atheists are selfish, but this is a misconception.

[10:55] A majority of Peruvians are Catholic, so what were the Catholic missionaries doing? They were approaching how to serve Peruvians very differently compared to the Mormon church.

[16:35] Joe is focused on working with Peruvian children between the ages of 3-6.

[17:45] Joe talks about Sumiko and her situation.

[22:55] Why did Joe reach out to his old Mormon community to help with Sumiko's cause?

[26:50] Joe wanted to see if he could give back directly to somebody in Peru without needing a big organization behind it.

[30:15] Buying local is key. Joe shares an example of how big NGOs do it wrong. 

[36:10] Teaching these young kids how to use technology also gives them a new way to contribute to the global economy.

[41:00] What is Joe up to now?

[46:00] There's a lot of power to just having access to technology. You don't necessarily need a computer per child.

[47:50] Did you know $1 US dollar can feed 10 hungry children?

[49:35] We don't think about how important shoes really are.

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.joerawlins.com/

Peru Project

The Korihor Argument by Joseph L. Rawlins

www.ffrf.org

www.openstoriesfoundation.org

www.cesletter.com/

The World Is Flat by Thomas Friedman

Teresa de Grosbois is the author of Mass Influence and a firm believer that influence is the force for change in the world. With a little bit of influence, you can make big, big changes and make an important cause go viral. Teresa explains why she loves Mully Children's Foundation and their message to help educate the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

[2:50] Influence in the name of the game. Teresa explains further.

[6:20] Passion is infectious!

[11:50] Often times the biggest tragedy you've lived through becomes your biggest opportunity.

[12:35] What are some of your biggest challenges that you've lived through?

[15:00] Teresa talks about the Mully Children's Foundation.

[19:05] Poverty is born through lack of education.

[21:25] Teresa is also involved with Project Forgive.

[21:40] Forgiveness is one of the key principles of success in life.

[24:50] Influence can be much more powerful than opening your wallet.

[30:15] The ones who help the most people become the most influential.

[33:25] Do Teresa's 30 day challenge!

[37:25] It's not hard to get in bed with an influencer person, you just need to understand their etiquette.

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

Mully Children's Foundation Canada Branch

Mully Children's Foundation US Branch

www.projectforgive.com/

www.teresadegrosbois.com/

Mass Influence by Teresa de Grosbois

Abundance by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler

Fanny Slater is a plate licker, storyteller, and winner of Rachael Ray's Great American Cookbook Competition.  Fanny has appeared regularly on the Rachael Ray show and has her own cookbook titled, Orange, Lavender & Figs.  Her mission is to feed starving children. Through Rachael Ray's charity, Yum-O, Fanny talks about how the smallest contributions can make the biggest of differences.

Key Takeaways:

[3:05] Fanny talks about how she started giving back.

[6:55] What is Yum-o?

[8:35] Did you know that $1 dollar can feed 10 hungry kids?

[10:20] Rob talks about Tony Robbin's goal to deliver 100 million meals.

[11:50] Fanny feels honored that she was able to work with Rachael Ray on this charity.

[17:05] How has Fanny's family values shaped her as a person?

[20:15] What's next for Fanny?

[23:10] A common misconception is that you're feeding people bad food that you couldn't sell to customers, but that's not true at all.

[25:35] Simple acts of giving back every day does build your character.

[27:25] How can people get in touch with Fanny?

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.fannyslater.com/

Orange, Lavender & Figs by Fanny Slater

www.yum-o.org/

www.teespring.com

Michael Goncalves is a fitness coach and the founder of The Wellness Bucket. At a very young age, Michael discovered the power of giving back and has been hooked ever since. A big supporter of the Jimmy V Foundation, Michael shares his background story which led him to believe so passionately about eradicating cancer for good. You don't have to move a mountain overnight, but giving small amounts of charity does go a long, long way to making an impact.

Key Takeaways:

[4:20] How did Michael get started in charity?

[5:40] You don't have to give money in order to make an impact. You can donate your time.

[5:55] Giving has always fulfilled Michael.

[7:25] Giving your time to someone else in need is not just a mental thing; it also provides benefits to you physically.

[10:05] Michael firmly believes there's a higher power at play when you give.

[12:30] How did Michael get involved with the Jimmy V foundation?

[18:15] When Michael lost his dad to cancer, he was angry for a while.

[19:05] It's not the amount of money you give, it's often just the gesture.

[23:25] What's next for Michael?

[28:15] Keep believing in people, because if you can change one life, there's a good chance you'll impact another one.

[33:00] You don't need to have big goals in order to give back. Start small! Every little bit helps.

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.thewellnessbucket.com

Email: [email protected]

www.thewellnessbucket.com/givingback

www.jimmyv.org

Jimmy V's 1993 ESPY Speech

Ryan Wilaby volunteers his time to care for hospice patients who might not have family or the finances to support their passing over. Ryan talks on how he got into hospice care and why he does what he does. If you're looking to give back but feel as though watching those pass over is too overwhelming, don't worry, there are other ways you can give back within the Avow hospice organization―so that you can still care for people passing from behind-the-scenes.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Since Rob is a nurse, he helps people with their living wills, but Ryan is doing a little bit more than that.

[3:00] Who is Ryan Wilaby?

[6:00] Hospice is emotionally draining for the family members. Ryan helps give them a break.

[8:00] Ryan has a lot of respect for the nurses who do this day-in and day-out.

[9:35] What is hospice about?

[12:25] It's an extreme honor to be with someone when they are passing over.

[14:25] Ryan provides unconditional love to everyone who is about to pass over. There is no point to judge or speculate why they are alone and without family members.

[16:35] What does Ryan talk to his patients about? How does he calm or soothe them?

[20:15] How does this line of volunteer work extend into Ryan's personal or business life?

[21:00] Ryan believes the lessons he has learned in hospice care have greatly helped his coaching clients as well. They both go hand-in-hand with one another.

[22:15] How and Why did Ryan get started in hospice care?

[26:25] How can someone help? You don't have to be in the trenches to help. There are administration needs anybody can volunteer to do.

[28:35] Ryan talks about releasing butterflies in Florida to remember those who have passed away.

[31:50] Have questions? Feel free to email Ryan.

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.givingbackpodcast.com

www.avowcares.org/

www.ryanwilaby.me/

Email: [email protected]