Catalyst 4 Change
28 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsCatalyst 4 Change, a podcast created by Tom Raffa and Rich Tafel, is meant to help bridge good intentions to real impact. They’ll be speaking about the obstacles to success in the social sector; the common problems we all see that don’t get discussed, or addressed. They plan to go where most others are afraid to go.
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Episodes
To Be a Hero, Be a Sidekick
December 15, 2021 16:16 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MBTom interviews Dr. Kirk Bowman, author of Reimagining Global Philanthropy,to explore why many international projects are ineffective and how good intentions of Westerners may even cause more harm than good. http://riseup.care/
The Power and Potential of Fiscal Sponsorship
June 18, 2021 17:45 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this episode, Rich interviews Tom on the topic of fiscal sponsorship, an underutilized, misunderstood secret weapon in the battle for social change. Whether you are thinking about setting up a nonprofit or for-profit with a social mission, knowing the facts about fiscal sponsorship is essential.
A Look at America’s Higher Ed Time of Reckoning & Transformation
March 28, 2021 04:56 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBIn this episode, Tom talks to Lyn Chamberlin, a respected communications and reputation advisor to higher education colleges and universities, to explore how, in this ever changing landscape of seismic disruption, they are rising to the challenge of moving their institutions and brand promise to higher ground.
Beyond the Pivot – What Nonprofits Can Do To Move Mission Forward
December 08, 2020 20:40 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBIn this episode, Tom interviews Dr. Rob Sheehan, a leading nonprofit consultant, blogger and academic director/advisor to the Robert H Smith School of Business at University of Maryland to explore what nonprofits can do in these challenging times to stay strong in the moment and also future focused. Resource Link: Insightwithimpact.org
What One Social Impact Leader is Doing to End Racism and Promote Wellness For All
October 13, 2020 11:55 - 38 minutes - 31.2 MBIn this episode, Tom and Rich explore the important topic of racial equity and what social impact leaders can do to end racism. Their guest, Abner Mason brings a deep perspective on the subject; sharing his personal experiences and thoughts on racism in the system and particularly how it affects healthcare. As CEO of ConsejoSano, a company founded on the issue of discrimination around healthcare, Abner has been a fierce advocate of wellness for all and equitable investment practices, providi...
Beyond Bracing for the Worst to Aspiring Higher
June 17, 2020 13:55 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBIn this episode Rich interviews Tom to get his thoughts on how nonprofits can leverage their natural strengths and optimize their ability to think long-term, rising above a “survival mentality” to come out better following the current pandemic and economic crisis.
Learning the Dance Moves to Create Change in the World
May 31, 2020 13:50 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBIn this episode, Tom interviews Aaron Hurst, creator of Taproot Foundation and founder of Imperative to unpack the essence of psychological safety, purpose and fulfillment in the workplace and beyond. https://www.imperative.com/post/aaron-hurst-on-the-purpose-economy
How Listening Is the Key to Changing Hearts and Minds
March 30, 2020 12:03 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBIn this episode, Tom interviews Doug Hattaway, President of Hattaway Communications, to explore how Aspirational Communication can be used to transform public attitudes and help visionary leaders and organizations achieve ambitious goals for people and the planet.
When Your Best Mentors Look Like You
March 17, 2020 14:18 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBIn this episode, Rich explores Social Impact 360 (SI360) the first and largest mentorship based training organization for social entrepreneurs on college campuses nationwide, gleaning perspective from a founding board member ( Tom Raffa) , its Executive Director ( Allison Alt) and three alumni who have put what they learned as members to work in order to change the world. Allison Alt, Executive Director, Social Impact 360 - https://socialimpact360.org Gio Sordoni, Chief Operating Officer, ...
The Kenneth Cole Brand - Where Passion for Fashion and Social Conscious Merge for Good
March 11, 2020 19:16 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIn this episode Tom interviews iconic fashion designer and social activist pioneer, Kenneth Cole, to uncover how enduring brand success is built more on what you stand for than what you stand in. The Shift Series conference mentioned in this podcast has been postponed due to concerns about the Covid-19 virus.
Paving the Road to Goodness and How Out of Crisis Comes Great Opportunity!
January 14, 2020 05:00 - 46 minutes - 37.5 MBIn this episode, Tom goes deep with Tom Sheridan, the top progressive white hat lobbyist in Washington and author of a new book, HELPLING THE GOOD DO BETTER. This interview illuminates why great work without great policy is not enough and serves as a roadmap and inspiration for both nonprofits and for profits who are serious about solving problems and catalyzing meaningful positive change. https://www.sheridangroupdc.com
To Change the World for Better – Be at the Table, Not on the Menu!
January 02, 2020 17:03 - 30 minutes - 21 MBIn this episode, Rich interviews Tom to explore the role nonprofits can play and the tactics they can use to change the rules in the public policy arena, including clarifying the rules of the game surrounding the H election and C4 decision making. https://nonprofitquarterly.org/advocacy-lobbying-501c3-charitable
Betting On How Underdogs in Underdog Places will Change the World
November 06, 2019 19:05 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBBitwise uses three tools to activate human potential and the technology industry in cities the world has forgotten about. In this fascinating episode, Tom interviews founder, Irma Olguin, to learn how Bitwise Industries is providing individuals in distressed communities the tools to change their own lives, and in the process fix their city.
On Becoming the Largest Socially Responsible Bank
September 30, 2019 19:44 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, Tom interviews Amalgamated Bank’s CEO, Keith Mestrich, to explore what embracing a stakeholder-first business model really means. Meet a leader and a bank who walk the talk; using business as a force for good.
On Becoming the Largest Socially Responsible Bank
September 30, 2019 19:44 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, Tom interviews Amalgamated Bank’s CEO, Keith Mestrich, to explore what embracing a stakeholder-first business model really means. Meet a leader and a bank who walk the talk; using business as a force for good.
Measuring Impact at TechnoServe
September 12, 2019 13:15 - 8 minutes - 8.04 MBIn this mini episode, Jason digs into the metrics that TechnoServe uses to assess their work and results toward alleviating global poverty. https://www.technoserve.org
The Secret Sauce of Social Impact Investing: Keeping It Real!
August 07, 2019 15:24 - 31 minutes - 29 MBIn this episode, Rich interviews Tom around the topic of social impact investing to explore how and why it’s becoming so popular, the metrics investors expect and value, and how philanthropy and investment is blending to effect social change.
FOCUS ON Upswing to End College Attrition
July 19, 2019 12:23 - 7 minutes - 6.8 MBIn this mini-episode, Jason Henham calls out Upswing’s effectiveness in program design and measurement of outcomes. Upswing was referenced in a previous interview with Elizabeth Garlow as an organization doing great work to end college attrition. For more information visit www.upswing.io
Investing for Impact in “Hire” Education
July 16, 2019 01:20 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this episode, Tom interviews Elizabeth Garlow, Impact Investment Officer for Lumina Foundation to explore Lumina’s vision and strategy to help prepare and transition America’s future workforce for the global economy. How must the narrative change to meet the nation’s demand for talent in coming decades? Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
Meet our newest co-host Jason Henham!
June 24, 2019 15:13 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode, Tom interviews Jason Henham who joins the team of co-hosts every other week to highlight case studies which illustrate the topics explored; giving people practical examples of the good work nonprofits/social enterprises are doing from around the world.
Hybrid Models for Social Impact
June 03, 2019 17:34 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBAs the wall separating purpose from profit becomes a thing of the past, more nuanced organizational models are combining mission with market returns. In this episode, Tom and Rich take a dive into hybrids which aim to blend the best of both worlds for social impact and return.
Hybrid Models for Social Impact
June 03, 2019 17:34 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBAs the wall separating purpose from profit becomes a thing of the past, more nuanced organizational models are combining mission with market returns. In this episode, Tom and Rich take a dive into hybrids which aim to blend the best of both worlds for social impact and return.
Legal and Corporate Structures to Change the World
May 21, 2019 19:19 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Rich taps Tom’s expertise around legal structures for social impact organizations. Whether charitable, social enterprise or a combination of both, there are many factors to consider in deciding which legal type entity makes most sense for your mission, your people, and those who will support your work. https://nonprofitquarterly.org
Savvy Strategies for Social Impact Investing Success
May 20, 2019 10:34 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBIn this episode, Tom interviews Jenna Nicholas, Founder/CEO of Impact Experience to explore collaborative strategies and business models that today’s sophisticated investors are tending toward to achieve social impact. www.impact-experience.com
How Talent Begets Diversity
April 26, 2019 14:46 - 10 minutes - 9.21 MBManaging diversity in organizations is one of the defining issues of our time. In this episode, Tom shares his insights and experience around the process of organically growing a diverse enterprise by paying less attention to diversity per se and focusing exclusively on talent and contribution.
The Truth About Money & Talent
March 15, 2019 19:50 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this episode, Tom and Rich discuss both the financial and hiring challenges facing Social Sector Organizations. How do non-profits attract both the funding and the talent to execute their vision for change? What do impact investors look for as they target their funding to areas of critical need that align their vision? What do these influencers look for in organizations they fund? Likewise, the social sector is challenged with bringing top talent into their organizations? How can non-...
In the Zone with the Good Guys!
March 08, 2019 15:33 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBHaving overcome enormous childhood obstacles including poverty, the early death of parents and being told they wouldn't amount to anything, three charismatic Good Guys manage to leverage their intellectual and athletic abilities to pave their way into Georgetown University. Never forgetting where they came from, they forego Wall Street career offers and unite to serve as catalysts for systemic change in underserved communities. GOODProject is a community-based organization which aims to show...
Meet the Catalyst Co-Hosts
March 07, 2019 23:56 - 30 minutes - 28 MBSo what happens when you bring Tom, a nice Italian, Catholic-raised, Georgetown-educated, progressive, non-traditional philanthropic CPA, who’s turned-successful social entrepreneur by helping nonprofits and social businesses thrive together with Rich, a Harvard-educated pastor, nationally-known gay and AIDS advocate turned social change activist/public policy expert and give them each a microphone? Well, it won’t be sugar coated or avoiding the elephant in the room. Becoming an effective C...