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The podcast currently has 181 episodes available.
This week on the show, Carrie sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tina Rosenberg for a third time – a Mission Forward first! – to assess the surprising power of solutions journalism. Of course, it wouldn't be a conversation about the news media if it didn't discuss the curious patterns of polarization, exploring how our perceptions of division might be more amplified than reality indicates. Tina, co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network, argues that the news, in its relentless focus on the negative, can actually distort our understanding of the world. It's a paradox: the very medium meant to inform us contributes directly to our skewed perspectives.
Through her own work, Tina is actively reshaping the narrative. With tens of thousands of journalists now trained in solutions reporting, she and her colleagues are pioneering a new approach – one that investigates what works rather than solely focusing on what's broken. It's not about Pollyannaish optimism or ignoring bad news; it's about rigorous reporting on solutions, examining their effectiveness with the same scrutiny typically reserved for exposing flaws.
Carrie and Tina discuss the unexpected ripple effects of this shift, from happier journalists to a renewed sense of purpose in the newsroom. They explore the subtle art of listening, the power of asset-based framing (championed by Solutions Journalism Network board chair, Trabian Shorters), and the vital role of community engagement. This isn't just about journalism; it's about how we understand and address the challenges facing our society. Tune in to discover how a different kind of storytelling can lead to a more nuanced, and ultimately more hopeful, view of the world.
Links & Notes:
Two builders walk into a podcast studio… no, seriously. This isn’t the start of a joke, but the beginning of a deeply fascinating exploration into the very architecture of social change. We’re talking about the kind of change that doesn’t just rearrange the furniture, but rebuilds the house from the foundation up. And that, my friends, is a far more intricate and precarious undertaking.
This week on Mission Forward, we’re joined by not one, but two remarkable individuals who embody this spirit of courageous construction. Stacey Palmer, editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, sets the stage introducing Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith America, and Iara Peng, the visionary behind JustFund.
Together, Eboo and Iara paint a vivid picture of what it truly means to build a more just and equitable world. They share their hard-won wisdom, gleaned from years of experience battling bureaucratic inertia and challenging deeply ingrained biases. Eboo recounts his early struggles navigating the labyrinthine world of philanthropic gatekeepers, a story that resonates with anyone who’s ever dared to dream big. Iara, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into the future of giving, where technology empowers donors to align their actions with their values, transforming philanthropy from a passive act of charity into a dynamic force for change.
This episode is a call to action, a reminder that we all have a role to play in building the world we want to see. Grab your metaphorical hardhat and join us as we architect social innovation with two of the most inspiring builders of our time.
Links & Notes
This episode is brought to you by Reconsidered Change Hub. You don't have to go it alone.
It's election season. The air crackles – a strange cocktail of anticipation and apprehension. We’re drowning in pronouncements, predictions, and the ever-present din of commentary. But what if the key to navigating this volatile landscape isn’t about shouting louder but listening deeper?
On this episode of Mission Forward, we explore that very question with Jennifer Brandel, a process innovator and co-founder of Hearken. Hearken helps institutions truly hear their audiences. Brandel's background, spanning from NPR to the New York Times, gives her a unique vantage point. She’s not just a theorist; she’s wrestled with these challenges in both her professional and deeply personal life. Our host this week is our own Brian Fox, chief strategy officer at Mission Partners, a native at navigating volatile landscapes himself.
Together, they unpack the surprising power of curiosity and deep listening, especially when the stakes are high. Think of a surgeon in the operating room: skilled hands guided by intense focus and precise observation. Or a negotiator: not bulldozing, but listening, seeking the subtle cues that can de-escalate a challenging conversation. In the chaotic aftermath of a natural disaster, it's the quiet acts of empathy and connection that rebuild shattered communities.
So why, when it comes to the equally turbulent terrain of politics, do we so often resort to the verbal equivalent of a sledgehammer?
Brandel and Fox share how we can move beyond the echo chambers and engage in meaningful dialogue, even – perhaps especially – with those with whom we vehemently disagree. They explore the difference between listening to respond and listening to understand. They shine a light on the subtle art of “looping,” a technique that can transform heated debates into opportunities for genuine connection, and reveal how organizational values, when they’re more than just empty slogans, can serve as a compass in moments of uncertainty.
This isn’t just about surviving the election; it’s about building a more resilient, empathetic, and ultimately, more democratic society. Join us as we uncover the hidden power of listening in a world that desperately needs to hear.
Links & Notes
In a world grappling with declining trust in institutions, businesses face increasing pressure to become agents of societal change. This episode of Mission Forward explores this evolving dynamic with Sarah Schwimmer, co-lead executive at B Lab Global, the non-profit behind the B Corp movement. Host Carrie Fox cedes the interviewing chair to her colleague, Bridget Pooley, Mission Partners' chief operating officer, for a deep dive into the forces reshaping corporate responsibility.
They explore the Edelman Trust Barometer’s findings, revealing a fascinating dynamic: as trust in traditional institutions wanes, the pressure mounts on businesses to step up. Sarah highlights the B Corp movement's explosive growth as evidence of this trend, with thousands of companies seeking ways to balance purpose and profit. She shares compelling examples of B Corps actively engaging in their communities, like Legacy Vacation Resorts' efforts to empower employee voting.
The conversation also touches on the crucial issue of shareholder vs. stakeholder capitalism. Is simply declaring a commitment to all stakeholders enough? Sarah and Bridget discuss the importance of accountability and the role of B Lab's rigorous B Impact Assessment in driving real change.
Finally, they explore the age-old tension between mission and profit. Can businesses truly prioritize both? Sarah showcases Patagonia as a shining example of a company successfully integrating purpose and profitability, highlighting innovative ownership models that prioritize long-term mission. The landscape for businesses is complex, but there is always room to become true forces for good.
As Election Day looms, anxieties run high. How can we navigate the uncertainty and potential chaos surrounding this pivotal moment for American democracy? Carrie Fox, CEO of Mission Partners, sits down with Joe Goldman, president of Democracy Fund, and Crystal Hayling, Democracy Fund board member, to explore these critical questions.
Drawing on their recent paper, "On Black Swans, Gray Rhinos and the 2024 Election," Joe and Crystal offer a framework for resilience in the face of unpredictable events. They emphasize the importance of listening to frontline communities, who often recognize the warning signs of looming threats – the "gray rhinos" – long before they reach the mainstream, highlighting the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a prime example, noting that activists on the ground had foreseen the danger and stressed the critical link between voting rights and reproductive rights.
The conversation turns toward the concerning rise of political violence, a potential gray rhino demanding attention. Joe and Crystal underscore the importance of heeding the alarms raised by those most vulnerable to such threats, emphasizing that preparedness is not about predicting the future, but about empowering communities to respond effectively.
They discuss the crucial role of philanthropic funding in supporting these efforts. Crystal advocates for general operating support, giving organizations the flexibility to adapt to evolving challenges. They champion the "All By April" campaign, which encourages early funding disbursements to maximize impact, and introduce a new initiative, "Election Day to Every Day," aimed at providing sustained support beyond the election cycle. This sustained support is vital, they argue, particularly given the possibility of delayed election results and the need for ongoing work to protect democratic integrity.
Finally, the fundamental question: Is American democracy possible? They agree that its survival depends on active engagement and a commitment to building a more inclusive and just system and urge listeners to join the fight. The responsibility for safeguarding democracy rests with all of us.
Links & Notes
The Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action sent shockwaves through institutions across America, leaving many wondering about the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Is DEI dead? Or is it simply evolving?
On this episode of Mission Forward, Carrie Fox dives into this complex landscape with communications experts Nimra Haroon and Faith MacIver. Nimra, a cultural strategist and communications manager for Mission Partners, and Faith, Senior DEI Manager at Edelman, unpack the nuances of recent legislation and its impact on the workplace. They dissect the tension between a widespread commitment to DEI values and the growing anxieties around legal risks.
This isn't just a legal issue; it's a communication challenge. Carrie, Nimra, and Faith explore how companies are responding to criticism and offer actionable strategies for moving forward. They delve into the critical distinction between "risky" and "safe" DEI practices, providing a framework for organizations to navigate this uncertain terrain.
This conversation goes beyond buzzwords and platitudes. It's a pragmatic and insightful discussion about building truly inclusive workplaces that benefit everyone. Tune in to discover how to keep DEI initiatives alive and thriving in a post-affirmative action world.
Links & Notes
In a world increasingly fractured, whispers of civil unrest grow louder. Dr. John Paul Lederach, a veteran peacebuilder with decades of experience in global conflict zones, offers a stark yet hopeful message: the antidote to escalating tensions lies not in grand pronouncements but in the quiet power of human connection. This week on Mission Forward, Lederach shares insights from his new book, Pocket Guide for Facing Down a Civil War, a timely and urgent call to action for a nation teetering on the edge.
Lederach's work isn't about predicting the future; it's about recognizing the patterns of the past. He draws parallels between the volatile political climate in the US and the conflicts he's witnessed around the world, highlighting the insidious nature of dehumanization and the urgent need for rehumanization. He argues that we must move beyond "listening with our eyes," judging individuals based on their affiliations, and instead engage in deep, radical listening that acknowledges the shared humanity beneath the surface of disagreement.
Lederach introduces the concept of "watching our pockets," a metaphor for cultivating local, grassroots movements for peace. He argues that lasting change emerges not from top-down decrees but from the interconnected web of relationships within our communities. He challenges listeners to consider: who do we know? How can we connect with those just outside our comfort zones? How can we build alliances around shared values and goals?
The conversation isn't about finding easy answers or quick fixes. It's about cultivating the courage to start, the willingness to listen deeply, and the perseverance to stay engaged, even when the path forward seems uncertain. Lederach’s message is a potent reminder that the future of our democracy rests not in the hands of politicians or pundits, but in our own capacity for empathy, connection, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a more peaceful future. In a world where division seems inevitable, Lederach offers a powerful alternative: the possibility of building peace, one conversation, one relationship, one pocket at a time.
Don’t forget, you can download Pocket Guide for Facing Down a Civil War free on his site, or pick it up on Amazon right here.
Last week, I joined dozens of university leaders as they honed skills to navigate political conflict on campus. It was a preventative measure, really, to support their soon-to-return students through the remainder of this election season, and to help one another maintain open and peaceful dialogue across contested issues.
We learned a very powerful lesson.
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.
In a world drowning in information, where every click and scroll can lead us further down a rabbit hole of misinformation, what is our cultural and intellectual lifeline?
This week on Mission Forward, Carrie Fox swims the turbulent waters of local news with Michael D. Bolden. He serves as the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at the American Press Institute, and he's not here to talk about headlines and deadlines. He’s here to talk about the very oxygen of democracy – the free flow of information and how we've let ours become polluted.
Bolden shares his deeply personal journey, from a childhood steeped in the wisdom of diverse media sources to his current mission of rescuing local journalism from the clutches of apathy and distrust. But this isn't just another lament for the dying days of print. This is a call to arms. Bolden throws down a gauntlet, challenging the very notion of "audience." He speaks of forging genuine connections, of weaving newsrooms into the very fabric of the communities they serve. He paints a picture of journalists not as detached observers but as engaged citizens, listening intently to the whispers and shouts of the people they represent. It's a radical shift, reimagining the relationship between the informed and the informers.
The American Press Institute, under Bolden's leadership, isn't just patching up the cracks in the foundation of local news; they're rebuilding it from the ground up. He reveals their secret weapon: a laser-focused mission to create news organizations that are not just surviving but thriving. He speaks of resilience, of adaptability, of the courage to pivot in the face of relentless change. Along the way, he hints at exciting new initiatives, veiled in a touch of journalistic mystery, promising a future where local news is not just relevant but essential.
As the looming shadow of a pivotal election descends, Bolden offers a glimmer of hope. He sees newsrooms embracing flexibility, thinking beyond the immediate frenzy, and laying the groundwork for a future where trust is not a luxury but the bedrock of our democracy. He reminds us that the work doesn't end on election night; it's a continuous conversation, a constant striving to build bridges and illuminate the path forward. This episode is a stark reminder: we cannot afford to be passive consumers of information. The future of our communities—and our democracy itself—depends on it.
We are grateful to Michael and the American Press Institute for their generosity in making this conversation possible.
This week, Carrie Fox sits down with Jim Link, Chief Human Resources Officer for SHRM, to discuss the growing issue of workplace incivility and how to foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
Link shares startling statistics from SHRM's research, revealing that two-thirds of employees have witnessed acts of incivility in the workplace within the last six months, with 50% experiencing it in the last week alone. He emphasizes the importance of creating a balanced "four-legged stool" of workplace cultures: collaboration, learning, innovation, and inclusion.
To combat the rise of incivility, SHRM has launched the "1 Million Civil Conversations" initiative, aimed at encouraging respectful dialogue and interactions among colleagues. Link discusses the overwhelmingly positive response to the campaign and the creative ways organizations are implementing the "Cards Against Incivility" toolkit to promote civility.
Tune in to learn more about how you can contribute to a more civil and inclusive workplace, one conversation at a time. SHRM's resources and toolkits are available for download at SHRM.org. Join the movement by using the hashtag #CivilityAtWork.
The podcast currently has 181 episodes available.
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