Storytellers and Changemakers: Storytelling for Nonprofit Fundraising, Growth & Community Impact

-In a world full of noise, connection is the real currency.And storytelling—done right—is how you earn it.What if the real secret to better leadership, stronger teams, and more impact… was simply being more human?In this episode, Leilani Garrett shares her journey from corporate sales into storytelling, empathy, and leadership—and why these “soft skills” are actually your strongest strategic advantage.We explore how storytelling affects the brain, why empathy fuels innovation and revenue, and practical ways you can build deeper human connection in your work and life.🎁 Free Resource: Radical Empathy PlaybookIf you want to go deeper, grab Leilani’s free guide here:👉 https://leilani-garrett.myflodesk.com...The playbook is designed to help you build deeper human connection in leadership, culture, and everyday life, with practical prompts and storytelling strategies you can apply immediately.🔑 What You’ll Learn

• The neuroscience behind storytelling and brain synchronization
• Why empathy isn’t just nice—it’s profitable
• How curiosity unlocks deeper connection and influence
• Practical habits to become a more human, effective leader
• How stories strengthen teams, culture, and organizational growth⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Storytelling and Empathy03:16 Leilani’s Origin Story08:03 The Power of Storytelling10:01 Curiosity and Connection13:53 Understanding Radical Empathy15:21 The Two-Way Nature of Storytelling18:12 The Art of Listening19:26 Connecting Through Stories21:06 Cultural Heritage and Identity22:33 Empathy as a Smart Skill24:34 The People Factor in Organizations25:35 Practical Habits for Connection27:55 Building Cohesive Teams🔗 Resources & LinksLeilani Garrett: https://leilani-garrett.comLeilani on Innstagram:   / lahhnee  Leilani's book: https://www.amazon.com/After-Burn-Lei...
  

In this episode of the Storytellers and Changemakers podcast, Eme Bassey speaks with Tara Talabi, founder of The Widows Walk, a charity dedicated to supporting widows through their grief journey. Tara shares her personal story of loss and how it inspired her to create a community for widows who often feel isolated after the death of their partners. The conversation delves into the importance of hope, the role of community support, and the impact of faith in overcoming adversity. Tara emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion from those around widows, as well as her aspirations to expand her charity and reach more individuals in need.

Takeaways

- The Widows Walk was created to support widows.

- Hope is essential for healing after loss.

- Community support plays a crucial role in recovery.

- Grief is a unique journey for each individual.

- Faith can provide strength during difficult times.

- Widows often feel isolated after the initial support fades.

- Restoration and rebuilding are key tenets of healing.

- Tara's personal experience drives her mission to help others.

- Listening to widows' needs is vital for effective support.

- Future plans include expanding the charity's reach and impact.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of The Widow's Walk

02:45 The Power of Hope

05:07 Tara's Personal Journey of Loss

09:56 Support Systems in Grief

12:23 The Importance of Community

14:44 Starting The Widow's Walk

17:24 Acts of Kindness and Their Impact

19:48 The Long Road to Healing

20:06 Navigating Grief and Vulnerability

22:05 The Importance of Faith in Healing

24:59 Building Community Support for Widows

27:23 Finding Strength in Scripture

32:32 Words of Encouragement for Widows and Supporters

35:16 The Future of Widows Walk

#widows #grief #hope #podcast #interview #communitysupport #charity #resilienceinaction #faith #mentalhealth #widowhood #personalstories #storytelllingfornonprofits

Eme discusses the distinction between knowledge and understanding in storytelling, highlighting the need for personal interaction with the material to truly grasp its essence.

In this rambling unfiltered episode , Eme Bassey shares her journey of discovering the power of storytelling and how it led to the creation of her book, 'The Vivid Story Method.'

She emphasizes the importance of faith in her work and the divine inspiration she feels in her storytelling process. She explains how storytelling can enhance email marketing and the significance of personal stories in connecting with audiences. The conversation culminates in an invitation for listeners to engage with her book and develop their unique storytelling voice.

Takeaways

• Belief in God has been a guiding force in my life.
• Storytelling became an obsession after taking a course.
• Knowledge is different from understanding; interaction is key.
• Teaching storytelling is about teaching humanity.
• The Vivid Story Method simplifies storytelling for marketing.
• Without understanding, storytelling becomes just a tactic.
• Personal stories create deeper connections with audiences.
• The book serves as a foundation for storytelling success.
• Engagement with the material is essential for growth.
• Storytelling transforms marketing into a meaningful connection.

Chapters

00:00 Faith and Inspiration Behind the Book

01:14 The Journey to Storytelling

04:45 Understanding Storytelling in Marketing

08:04 The Vivid Story Method Explained

12:37 Bringing the Vivid Story Method to Life

16:03 Podcast Outro - Olabassey.wav

Find "The Vivid Story Method" on AMAZON

storytelling, email marketing, Vivid Story Method, personal stories, knowledge, understanding, pattern recognition, marketing strategies, connection, faith, fundraising, nonprofit storytelling

Summary

In this episode of the Storytellers and Changemakers podcast, host Eme Bassey interviews Toyin Ogunbanjo, founder of Listening Ears charity. They discuss the origins of the charity, the personal calling that led Toyin to start it at the age of 50, and the various challenges and successes she has encountered along the way. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the impact of isolation on health, and the various initiatives Listening Ears has implemented to help the elderly. Toyin shares inspiring stories of miracles and funding successes, as well as the importance of connection and wellness in combating loneliness. The episode concludes with Toyin's call for support for her charity and her passion for helping others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Listening Ears Charity

02:40 The Calling Behind the Charity

05:08 The Journey of Establishing Listening Ears

07:38 The Impact of Listening Ears

10:19 Feel Good Fridays and Community Engagement

12:36 The Importance of Connection and Support

14:57 Addressing Loneliness and Isolation

17:44 Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

20:27 The Importance of Connection

22:31 Miracles and Funding Stories

32:40 Impact of Listening Ears on Service Users

39:58 Challenges and Fulfillment in Charity Work

41:28 The Pursuit of Excellence in Reporting

45:15 Navigating Burnout in Charity Work

48:57 Managing Expectations and Attitude

51:00 Finding Motivation to Keep Going

53:34 Supporting Community Initiatives

Takeaways

• Listening Ears was founded in 2006, coinciding with Toyin's 50th birthday.

• Toyin felt a calling to comfort the hurting despite her own struggles.

• The charity started with minimal funding and grew through community support.

• Feel Good Fridays aim to reduce isolation among the elderly.

• Isolation has severe health impacts, killing more than smoking.

• Toyin shares miraculous funding stories that helped sustain the charity.

• Connection and community are vital for mental health and wellness.

• Toyin emphasizes the importance of clear vision in overcoming challenges.

• Burnout is a common issue in charity work, but passion drives perseverance.

• Support for Listening Ears can come through donations and community engagement.

Keywords

Listening Ears Charity, Toyin Ogunbanjo, charity, community support, isolation, Loneliness, mental health, wellness, fundraising, elderly care, Feel Good Project, Storytime

Kemi Oyin-Adeniji shares her inspiring journey as the co-founder of House of Wells, a ministry dedicated to helping children in South Africa.

Kemi discusses her early life, her family's faith, and the divine call that led her and her husband to leave their successful careers in the UK to pursue a life of service.

Through dreams and visions, they received guidance on their mission, which focuses on restoring hope and potential in children. Kemi reflects on the challenges they faced, the importance of faith, and the transformative power of following God's calling.

In this enlightening conversation, Eme Bassey and Kemi Oyin-Adeniji explore the profound themes of faith, obedience, and the transformative impact of the House of Wells. Kemi shares her journey of establishing enrichment centers that provide holistic support to children in need, emphasizing the importance of feeding their souls, spirits, and bodies.

The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of fundraising through prayer and faith, showcasing testimonies of God's faithfulness in providing for their mission.

The conversation culminates in a powerful reminder that obedience to God's calling can lead to life-changing impacts for others, reinforcing the idea that every act of kindness and service is a step towards transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kemi Oyin-Adeniji

03:01 The Birth of House of Wells

03:20 Kemi's Early Life and Career Journey

07:55 God's Calling and the Journey into Ministry

12:41 The Impact of Ministry Work

16:37 Navigating Uncertainty and Doubt

23:49 The Vision for South Africa and Children

27:12 The Decision to Move to South Africa

27:31 Navigating Divine Callings and Personal Struggles

32:27 Understanding God's Purpose in Our Lives

38:11 The Weight of Decision-Making and Family Impact

42:34 Faith in Action: Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty

48:38 The Journey of Obedience and God's Provision

54:03 The Journey of Validation and Obedience

56:10 Reflections on Life's Changes and Outlook

58:43 Establishing the Enrichment Centers

01:00:05 Growth and Impact of House of Wales

01:02:06 Transforming Lives Through Education and Faith

01:08:59 Funding and Sustaining the Mission

01:15:10 Stories of Hope and Faith

01:19:24 Faith and Provision

01:21:39 Testimonies of God's Faithfulness

01:24:15 The Logistics of Giving

01:26:34 Miraculous Provision in Times of Need

01:28:27 The Cost of Obedience

01:30:46 The Impact of Obedience on Others

01:33:52 Transformative Power of Faith

01:36:31 The Rewards of Faithfulness

01:39:18 The Journey of Faith and Service

01:43:18 Outro

Takeaways

• Kemi Oyin-Adeniji is the co-founder of House of Wells.
• The journey to starting House of Wells was guided by divine dreams.
• Kemi's husband left his law career to pursue ministry.
• The couple faced challenges in their decision to move to South Africa.
• Kemi initially struggled with the idea of leaving her successful job.
• Their ministry focuses on restoring hope in children.
• Kemi's dream revealed her calling to serve children in need.
• Faith played a crucial role in their journey.
• The couple's story emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's call.
• Kemi believes that God uses those who are purpose-focused. Obedience to God is for our own good.
• Faith is essential in navigating life's challenges.
• House of Wells started with just seven children.
• The enrichment centers provide holistic support.
• Education is a key focus for empowering youth.
• Fundraising is often done through prayer and faith.
• God has never disappointed in providing for needs.
• Transformative work often comes at a cost.
• Every act of service can change lives.
• The journey of faith leads to personal growth.




Please Support the Exciting work of House of Wells, Africa

https://www.houseofwells.org/donations/

PayPal.me/houseofwellsafrica

Summary

Eme Bassey discusses lead magnets, particularly focusing on email mini courses as an effective strategy for building email lists and engaging with potential customers. She emphasizes the importance of providing value upfront, building trust, and creating lasting relationships with subscribers. The discussion covers various benefits of email mini courses, including their ability to attract ideal clients, educate about the business approach, and serve as a long-term marketing tool.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lead Magnets

03:41 Understanding Email Lists and Service Providers

06:22 The Swiss Army Knife of Lead Magnets

09:18 Creating Value with Email Mini Courses

12:41 Building Trust and Authority

15:28 Qualifying Your Audience

18:27 Selling Without Being Pushy

21:20 Long-Term Benefits of Email Mini Courses

24:16 Conclusion and Next Steps

Takeaways

• Lead magnets are essential for building an email list.
• Email lists are more effective than social media for business.
• An email mini course is a versatile lead magnet.
• Providing value upfront builds trust with potential clients.
• Email mini courses can educate subscribers about your approach.
• They help filter out non-ideal clients from your list.
• Creating a mini course allows for ongoing engagement with subscribers.
• Once created, a mini course can be used indefinitely.
• Email courses can nurture leads and convert them into customers.

Building a relationship through email courses is key to long-term success.

Keywords: Keywords

lead magnets, email marketing, email list, mini courses, audience building, online business, trust building, marketing strategies, content marketing, customer engagement

Website:

www.emailwriterslab.com

Book a strategy call: https://tidycal.com/emailwriterslab/20min-strategy

In this conversation, Eme Bassey shares her journey of discovering the power of storytelling and how it led to the creation of her book, 'The Vivid Story Method.' She emphasizes the importance of faith in her work and the divine inspiration she feels in her storytelling process. Bassey discusses the distinction between knowledge and understanding in storytelling, highlighting the need for personal interaction with the material to truly grasp its essence. She explains how storytelling can enhance email marketing and the significance of personal stories in connecting with audiences. The conversation culminates in an invitation for listeners to engage with her book and develop their unique storytelling voice.

Takeaways

Belief in God has been a guiding force in my life.

Storytelling became an obsession after taking a course.

Knowledge is different from understanding; interaction is key.

Teaching storytelling is about teaching humanity.

The Vivid Story Method simplifies storytelling for marketing.

Without understanding, storytelling becomes just a tactic.

Personal stories create deeper connections with audiences.

The book serves as a foundation for storytelling success.

Engagement with the material is essential for growth.

Storytelling transforms marketing into a meaningful connection.

Chapters

00:00 Faith and Inspiration Behind the Book

01:14 The Journey to Storytelling

04:45 Understanding Storytelling in Marketing

08:04 The Vivid Story Method Explained

12:37 Bringing the Vivid Story Method to Life

16:03 Podcast Outro - Olabassey.wav

Eme Bassey shares the profound journey of writing her book, The Vivid Story Method, which took four years to complete. She reflects on the persistence of the idea and how it chose her, emphasizing that some creations are not just about the creator but about serving a greater purpose. The conversation explores the importance of patience in the creative process and the responsibility of bringing valuable ideas into the world.

Eme discusses the three fundamental shifts she is making to rebuild her business: taking full responsibility for her choices, simplifying her niche and messaging, and focusing on actions rather than outcomes. She also shares the tools she is using to support her new direction, emphasizing the importance of starting over with a smarter approach.

This month Neil celebrates 25 years since he made his first online sale!

We talk about his journey and get insight on the opportunities and challenges of being an ambitious online entrepreneur today.

Neil Stafford is The Founder and Creator of The Training Vault and The New Smarter Way for online business.

Neil made his first sale online back in May 1998, launched his first online membership site in 2003 and started helping and training other ambitious Entrepreneurs in December 2000.

As well as his own online sales, he's helped thousands of entrepreneurs around the world sell millions of Dollars of their products, programs and services.

Resources Mentioned

Freelancer to CEO Virtual Summit

Neil Stafford's Website