We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison (or Dr. J, as many call her) to explore the often unspoken reality of compassion fatigue in human-centered work.

Physical exhaustion? Increased irritability? Social withdrawal? These might be signs of compassion fatigue—and you're not alone. Dr. J connects her personal experience with practical wisdom for creating policies that actually support the humans doing this important work. As she reminds us: "People want to do their best. As a system it's our responsibility to give them all the tools so they can do their best."

You’ll learn:
 • How to recognize compassion fatigue before reaching crisis point
 • Why policies created without input from those most impacted rarely succeed
 • Practical ways to build authentic check-ins into your team culture

Whether you're a teacher, nonprofit leader, or anyone committed to human-centered change, join us for this important conversation. Because naming compassion fatigue is the first step toward healing it. 👊 

Affirmations

• My worth is not measured by my output.
• I lead with compassion, and I extend that same compassion to myself.
• I release the need to carry everything alone.
• I am allowed to need what I give so freely to others.
• Healing is not a destination—it’s a practice. And I am practicing.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding Compassion Fatigue (4:31)
• Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue (11:45)
• The Impact of Compassion Fatigue on Educators (18:46)
• Addressing Compassion Fatigue in the Workplace (23:25)
• Implementing Support Systems for Educators (27:51)
• Success Stories in Addressing Compassion Fatigue (37:03)
• Finding Hope and Resilience in Education (43:00)

Resources Mentioned: 

• Professional quality of life scale 
• 5 Love Languages Book
• Professional Authenticity Episode 
• Dr. J’s Blog
• Dr. J’s TEDx Talk 
• Buy Dr. J’s Book: Addressing Compassion Fatigue in Urban Schools

www.weareforgood.com/episode/understandingandhealingcompassionfatigue

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We’re leaning into the theme Hold Fast—and exploring how community becomes our anchor in the midst of change. 💛

In this heart-filled episode, we’re joined by four of our Impact Up meetup hosts who are building something special in their corners of the world—from Denver to DC, Calgary to Caracas. Together, they’re proving that authentic connection and intentional gatherings can create real, lasting impact.

Through their stories, we explore what it means to lead with love, embrace vulnerability, and foster trust in community spaces. These leaders remind us that gatherings aren’t about numbers—they’re about creating safe, brave spaces where quality conversations can unfold.

You’ll hear from:
Crystal Clark (Washington, DC), on showing up with love, even when the mission is heavy.

Lisa Gareau (Calgary), on designing experiences that invite vulnerability, creativity, and courage.

Bart Lillie (Denver), on how simple acts—like remembering a name—can deepen trust and belonging.

Keicy Cabrera (Caracas), on building global community through WhatsApp and heart-led leadership.

Together, they unpack what it means to hold fast to one another, create intentional gatherings, and fuel a global movement grounded in authenticity and care.

If you’ve ever wondered how real change begins—it starts with community. And this episode is proof. ✨

Episode Highlights

• The Power of Authentic Connections (06:28)
• Embracing Vulnerability in Community (12:45)
• Building Meaningful Relationships (18:09)
• Taking Risks and Finding Safety (30:24)
• One Good Thing: Reflections and Takeaways (34:10)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/624

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Meet Heather, Founder and CEO of Caspian Agency and Impact Lounge. 🤝

She’s the creative mind behind some of the world’s most powerful gatherings. Since launching Caspian in 2005, she has brought a scientifically grounded, strategic approach to high-impact events for organizations like the Skoll World Forum, Rockefeller Foundation, and Dalio Foundation. With roots in film, marketing, and large-scale conference production, she also created the Caspian 10 Essentials, an event methodology now taught in university programs and used by leading global institutions.

In this episode, Heather shares how intentional design, storytelling, and purpose can transform any gathering into a catalyst for change. Whether you're planning a summit, workshop, or community meetup, she reminds us it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it with heart. 💛

This conversation will shift how you think about convening. 🎧 Tune in and walk away ready to gather with more purpose, clarity, and impact.

💡Learn: 

• The Caspian 10 Essentials framework in creating impactful gatherings
• Understanding the ‘why’ behind events is crucial for success
• Events should be designed to foster meaningful connections
• Events can serve as a catalyst for social movements
• Small, intentional touches can make a big impact
• Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential
• Mindset shifts can empower individuals to challenge the status quo

Episode Highlights

• Designing Events fro Impact (11:59)
• Creating Meaningful Connections (24:01)
• Creating Intentional Gatherings on a Budget (29:55)
• The Role of Events in Social Movements (36:12)
• Mindset Shifts: If It's Not Gravity, It Can Be Changed (37:58)
• Heather’s One Good Thing: If it’s not gravity, it can be changed. (37:00)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/623

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Meet Mike, CEO of BuildGood 🤝. He’s here to share a thoughtful, grounded approach to fundraising in uncertain times.

In this episode, we dig into why “Today’s growth comes from today’s donors” isn’t just a clever phrase—it’s a mindset shift. From the game-changing nine-word email to the fundraising flywheel and the power of donor celebration, Mike’s sharing practical strategies that can turn transactional giving into transformational relationships.

Mike shares how to identify multi-year supporters and use donor surveys to uncover major gift potential—reminding us that growth often comes from deepening existing relationships. With 55% of our community citing donor connection as their biggest challenge, his insight couldn’t be more timely.

Tune in for thoughtful insights and practical strategies to deepen donor relationships and fundraise with more intention. 🎧

Episode Highlights

• Navigating uncertainty in Nonprofit Leadership (02:23)
• The Importance of Donor Retention (03:40)
• Strategies for Engaging Existing Donors (05:04)
• Identifying and Prioritizing Donor Relationships (09:12)
• Effective Communication with Donors (12:25)
• Building Consistency in Donor Engagement (19:42)
• The Role of Reporting in Fundraising (23:28)
• Homework for Fundraisers (26:39)
• Mike’s One Good Thing: What is the most human thing you can do right now? (30:00)

Resources Mentioned

• Ringless Voicemails - https://www.slybroadcast.com/
• The Build Good Academy 

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/622

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What if policies could actually feel like care? 💛

In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller invites us to rethink how we show up for our teams. Through the policies we write and live by. Drawing from her own experience, Lindsey unpacks the evolution of her organization’s “corrective progression” policy, showing how even the trickiest processes can be reimagined as tools for growth, not punishment.

With heart and practicality, she introduces a simple but powerful framework that places every policy into one of three buckets: care, conditions, and corrections. You’ll hear why listening deeply, surveying your team, and designing policies rooted in trust can shift your culture from reactive to restorative.

Come for the insights, stay for the breathwork 🧘—this episode is a reminder that policies don’t have to be dusty documents. They can be living, breathing reflections of the kind of workplace we’re all trying to build.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding Corrective Progression (01:21)
• The Importance of Structure in Organizations (04:37)
• Implementing Corrective Progression Policies (10:01)
• Building Resilient Organizations (15:05)
• The Cost of Human-Centered Policies (20:57)
• Categories of Human-Centered Policies: Care, Conditions, and Corrections (25:05)
• Engaging Staff in Policy Development (31:36)

Affirmations: 

1. "One step at a time is enough for me."
2. "I am worthy of healing centered policies."
3. "We deserve policies that help not harm."
4. "I am brilliant."
5. "I can lead this effort."

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/humancenteredauditwhereareyounow

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Meet Obiekwe “Obi” Okolo, storyteller, creative director + culture alchemist. 🤝

In this episode of Hold Fast, we’re slowing down to explore the deep, healing power of story with Obi Okolo—visionary creative and founder of Bittersweet Creative. Born in Lagos, raised in Texas, and rooted in purpose, Obi invites us into a conversation about crafting stories that don’t just meet metrics—but move hearts.

From launching his own coffee brand to championing narratives that center identity, belonging, and truth, Obi reminds us that storytelling isn’t just a strategy. It’s soul work. It’s how we make meaning, deepen connection, and imagine new futures.

Your story isn’t a marketing tool—it’s an invitation to be seen, to feel, and to dream bigger.

🎧 Tune in and join us for one of the most heart-expanding conversations of the season.

You'll hear:

• Storytelling helps nonprofits meet goals and expand community.
• Storytelling should be approached as a practice of reconnection and belonging.
• Nonprofits often struggle with their identity and message during crises.
• Creating for everyone often results in creating for no one.
• Silence can be a powerful form of protest and connection.
• Listening to the wisdom of elders can guide our storytelling journey.

Episode Highlights

• The Importance of Relationships in Storytelling (08:58)
• The Role of Nonprofits in Storytelling (11:50)
• The Process of Ethical Storytelling (15:06)
• The Impact of Community in Storytelling (23:55)
• Understanding Audience and Authenticity (36:02)
• Practical Exercises for Better Storytelling (39:30)
• Listening and Learning from Elders (50:10)
• Obi’s One Good Thing “"Look back and borrow strength from the elders." (50:27)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/621

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Meet Alex, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation. 🤝 100% of profits from Newman’s Own products go toward helping children facing adversity. With over $600 million donated to date, the Foundation continues Paul Newman’s bold vision of business as a force for good. Alex is also the author of The Answer Is You, a guide to living with impact.

In this episode, Alex shares how the 100% for Purpose model is reshaping philanthropy through community-led giving, tackling child food insecurity, and uplifting young changemakers.

Tune in to hear powerful stories of impact and learn how small actions can create real change. It’s a reminder that generosity starts wherever you are—and that we all have a part to play. 

Episode Highlights: 

• The Legacy of Paul Newman and Newman’s Own (06:09)
• The Business Model of Giving 100% Away (09:05)
• The Future of Philanthropy and Community Engagement (11:50)
• Child Nutrition and Food Justice Initiatives (14:54)
• Decentralizing Philanthropy and Inclusive Giving (18:05)
• Alex’s One Good Thing: Create your own rainbows (31:00)

Resources: 

• Episode with FRAC 
• Alex’s TED Talk 
• newmansown.org
• 100forpurpose.org 

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/620

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How do you fund what matters when everything feels urgent—and uncertain? In this episode of our Hold Fast series, we sit down with Hali Lee—philanthropy innovator, author of The Big We, and founding partner of Radiant Strategies—for a candid conversation on funding with heart, courage, and community at the center. 

Hali shares hard-earned wisdom from building collective giving movements like the Asian Women Giving Circle and Donors of Color Network, reminding us that generosity flows through relationships, not just resources. Together, we explore how nonprofits can build trust-based funding relationships, embrace smart shifts toward diversification, and create spaces of belonging that inspire action. ❤️

If you’ve been craving practical strategies and soulful encouragement for navigating power imbalances, donor shifts, and fundraising burnout—this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and root deeper. 

You'll hear:

• Why now is the moment for individuals—and for belonging
• Building trust without losing yourself
• Small teams, smart shifts: diversifying without burning out
• Collective giving models for grassroots growth

Episode Highlights: 

• The Importance of Relationships in Philanthropy (02:55)
• Navigating Urgency and Trust in Nonprofits (05:59)
• The Future of Philanthropy: Inclusivity and Collaboration (09:01)
• Collective Generosity vs Big Philanthropy (12:11)
• Connecting Through Shared Experiences (22:39)
• The Power of Community and Belonging (24:06)
• Grassroots Movement for Collective Action (26:03)
• Finding Joy in Connection (30:43)
• Empowering Individuals to Create Change (32:37)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/619

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Policies aren’t just paperwork—they’re culture in action. 

In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde invite us to rethink how policies are created—and more importantly, who they’re really for.

Together, they pull back the curtain on their own journey from outdated handbooks to building intentional, people-first policies rooted in trust, care, and collaboration. With warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart, they break down a five-step process that transforms policy-making from a check-the-box task into a powerful tool for psychological safety and team well-being.

You’ll hear stories, real talk, and tangible steps to design policies that reflect your values, center lived experience, and actually support the humans behind the work. Whether you're growing a startup, leading a nonprofit, or shaping culture in your school, this convo will leave you equipped—and inspired—to build better, together.

You’ll walk away with:

• A five-step process for policy creation
• How to balance organizational needs with human needs
• Actionable strategies for policy implementation 

Episode Highlights: 

• Defining Human-Centered Policies (02:18)
• The Importance of Policies in Organizations (03:44)
• Identifying Policy Gaps and Needs (06:08)
• Feedback Mechanisms for Policy Development (10:06)
• Challenges in Implementing Policies (13:45)
• Opportunities for Policy Improvement (16:19)
• Accountability and Leadership in Policy (19:31)
• Roadmap to Human-Centered Policy Creation (25:51)

✨ Affirmations:

• I am an attuned listener and a responsive leader.
• When we know better, we do better.
• Even if I feel overwhelmed to tackle policy creation, I can take the first step by noticing what's needed and asking for help.
• I'm not alone. I don't have to do this on my own.
• I honor that feeling. I know it will pass.
• I honor my overwhelm. This moment can pass.
• I honor my self-doubt. This feeling will pass.

👉 Explore the Full Episode Shownotes 

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When strategy feels like a moving target, how do you hold fast to what really matters?

In today’s episode, Ori Carmel shares how to hold fast to your true mission when everything feels uncertain, and how our quick decisions might be holding us back. 👀

Tune in to hear:

🤔 Understanding decision-making systems

📈 How to connect data to meaningful narrative

📍 Defining your unique organizational "why"

This episode is a game-changing eight-step framework for measuring what REALLY matters. We're talking beyond vanity metrics, cutting through the noise, and getting crystal clear on your organization's unique purpose. 🎧

Episode Highlights

• Finding Your True North (04:10)
• Visioning for Nonprofits (06:34)
• Understanding Decision-Making Systems (09:00)
• Navigating Complexity in Nonprofit Decisions (12:40)
• Navigating Crisis in Philanthropy (20:53)
• Metrics that Matter: Impact vs. Activity (24:46)
• Framework for Impact Measurement (26:57)
• The Importance of Organizational Reflection (30:56)
• Resources for Social Impact Success (39:02)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/618

Resources Mentioned:

• "Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl
  “Thinking Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman"
• "Higher Ground" by Allison Taylor (2024)
• Sowen’s Social Impact Report 

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