I So Appreciate You!
38 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsI So Appreciate You! is a sometimes raw, sometimes funny and always uniquely insightful account of two colleagues and friends who dig into myriad issues and opportunities faced by people in values-based work.
Get inspired by guests from a variety of backgrounds and sectors as I So Appreciate You! explores the challenges and triumphs of people shaking up our community for the better — discussing how these leaders got to where they are today and how they continue to move us forward.
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Episodes
The Value of Authenticity
April 16, 2024 11:00 - 38 minutes - 44 MBSheletta Brundidge has done it all - she’s a mom, an autism advocate, a community activist, an award-winning broadcaster, a best-selling author and a business owner. She’s always wanted to be someone who shifts atmospheres, and when she walks into a room, it’s clear that is exactly what’s about to happen. Sheletta lives authentically and unapologetically, but has she always been this way? And how does she do it? Co-hosts Melanie and Nadege dig into how Sheletta taught herself to be confide...
Building Connections in Rural Communities
March 19, 2024 11:00 - 37 minutes - 42.5 MBIn Season 3 Episode 7 of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert discuss with Bethany Lacktorin, executive and artistic director of Little Theatre Auditorium, the opportunities and challenges of running an arts organization in rural Minnesota. Bethany Lacktorin grew up in New London, MN, and her first experience with theater was at the Little Theatre Auditorium. Her career took her in many directions; professional audio engineer, sound designer, performance artist,...
Liminal Space: Balancing Your Succession Plan
February 20, 2024 12:00 - 35 minutes - 40.1 MBIn Season 3 Episode 6 of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert explore why succession planning is so important and what individuals and organizations can do to make leadership transitions successful for everyone involved. Guests Carmen Giménez and Ruby Oluoch are two seasoned nonprofit leaders who share their experiences with leadership transitions. They discuss the role board members play in educating and connecting new leaders and why it takes considerable time...
Designing the Fabric of Community
January 16, 2024 12:00 - 42 minutes - 48.4 MBIn Season 3 Episode 5 of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert talk to Rammy Mohamed, the designer and founder of Ramadhan Designs who is making waves in the Twin Cities fashion industry and beyond. From a young age, Rammy Mohammed showed a predilection for art and to this day, she credits fine art for much of what inspires her designs. Despite always having a clear eye for design, she wasn’t on the path to becoming a fashion designer when she went to school. O...
For Community, By Community
December 12, 2023 13:00 - 41 minutes - 47.7 MBIn Season 3 Episode 4 of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert talk to Andrea Yoch, Co-Founder and Chair of Minnesota Aurora FC, the first women-led and community-owned women’s soccer team in this country. Andrea Yoch spent her entire career in sports mostly working for men. Although she received support from men throughout her career, she was no stranger to the limitations, lack of opportunities, and inequity the industry has historically been known for. When ...
Why Allyship Isn’t Enough
November 14, 2023 13:00 - 40 minutes - 46.6 MBIn Season 3 Episode 3 of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert talk to Seena Hodges, Founder and CEO of The Woke Coach, about why it’s not enough to be an ally and how we go from being allies to being accomplices. Seena Hodges is in the business of discomfort, and she wants people to get comfortable with it. Her company, The Woke Coach, works with businesses ranging from small nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, all of which share a desire to make their workpl...
Investing in Diversity
October 17, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 30.7 MBOn this episode of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert discuss mission-based investing and the values of a diverse team in the investments industry with Chief Investment Officer for the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Shannon O’Leary. In her role, Shannon and her staff help steward the Foundation’s $1.7 billion in assets, ensuring that those dollars aren’t invested and/or supporting any issues or causes that may detour our grantmaking work. Shannon is one o...
Cultivating New Food Entrepreneurs
September 19, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 41.7 MBIn the first episode of Season 3 of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert chat with Allison Hohn, executive director of Naturally Minnesota, about what it takes to establish a thriving and equitable ecosystem for food-based entrepreneurs in our state. Naturally Minnesota is an initiative to support and accelerate Minnesota's ecosystem for food and agriculture entrepreneurship and innovation. Through her work, Allison provides venues for new food and agriculture ...
Season 3 Trailer
September 13, 2023 14:46 - 2 minutes - 3.21 MBI So Appreciate You! is back for its third season starting September 19! Listen along as co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert continue their sometimes raw, sometimes funny and always uniquely insightful discussions with some of today’s changemakers from a variety of industries.
Why Creative People Need Rest
April 24, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 21.2 MBCo-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert take a Seinfeld approach to their final episode of the season by unwinding and talking about nothing; well, nothing in particular and “doing” nothing. Instead of tackling sometimes tough and complex issues that arise in the workplace and philanthropy, they take time to address the commonalities their guests had this season. One theme that emerged is the pressing need for creative people to create time to rest and decompress.
Healing the Harms of Cultural Appropriation
March 13, 2023 12:00 - 46 minutes - 53.1 MBIn this episode of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert discuss cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation with Anishinaabe artist, advocate and cultural educator Adrienne M. Benjamin. In addition to Adrienne, they also take time to discuss this complex topic with another surprise guest, Dr. Eric Jolly, president & CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. As Reconciliation Advisor for Minnetonka, Adrienne is working to bridge the gap between the Indi...
Changing Dominant Media Narratives
February 13, 2023 14:00 - 39 minutes - 45.1 MBIn a time when the information we consume is often curated or reinforced by what we like on social media or the news outlets we follow, Mukhtar Ibrahim is working to shift the narrative by giving immigrants and communities of color the kind of committed, responsive news coverage that we all deserve. In this episode of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert explore the complexities of journalism and the importance of intentionally changing the dominant narrative ...
Finding Balance with Social Media
January 09, 2023 13:00 - 39 minutes - 45.5 MBIn season 2, episode 5 of I So Appreciate You!, we discuss the value social media has as a tool for connection while also having implications on private life. Our special guest is Sarah Edwards, CEO of Some Great People and co-founder/CEO of Fashion Week Minnesota. Sarah is obsessed with the word “sonder” – the profound feeling of realizing that everyone has a life as vivid and complex as one’s own – and it makes sense given that she loves community and bringing people together. As a connec...
The Genius of Black-led Change
December 12, 2022 13:00 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MBLulete Mola’s passion for activism and social justice stems from her love of her family and community. Before co-founding the Black Collective Foundation MN as a result of the pandemic and social uprising in Minnesota, Lulete started her own youth-led organization, worked for the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and participated on many boards including Minnesota Council of Foundations and the VoteRunLead National Advisory. In episode 4 of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and M...
Using Technology for Social Change
November 14, 2022 12:00 - 38 minutes - 43.5 MBWhat makes a brilliant app? Is it entertainment value, offering a critical service or something that has social impact? For Andre Creighton, co-founder and chief financial officer of the groundbreaking app TurnSignl, it’s providing drivers with real-time legal guidance from an attorney during traffic stops while a camera records the interaction. Co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert discuss entrepreneurship and the importance of using technology for social change with the co-founder ...
Intentional Leadership Transitions
October 10, 2022 12:00 - 38 minutes - 49.4 MBMany times, leadership transitions are unexpected, and if a succession plan is in place, the process is handled behind closed doors. In contrast, Jamie Millard, executive director of Pollen Midwest, is leading her own transition out of the organization she has been leading for the last nine years with a years-long, transparent and participatory transition process that can offer many organizations a new way to think about leadership transition. Co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Melanie Hoffert di...
Ep. 1: Lessons in Heart-based Philanthropy
September 12, 2022 13:00 - 30 minutes - 35.1 MBEpisode 1 opens up with an introduction of new co-host, Chief Marketing Officer Melanie Hoffert, before she and co-host Nadege Souvenir dive into the episode’s topic. This week they discuss the importance of a heart-based approach to giving, with special guest Margaret Wurtele. Margaret Wurtele has been giving and raising money for the arts for years. Her parents were also supporters of the arts. Margaret has worked for Walker Art Center, the Saint Paul United Arts Fund and Dayton Hudson Fo...
Lessons in Heart-based Philanthropy
September 12, 2022 13:00 - 30 minutes - 35.1 MBEpisode 1 opens up with an introduction of new co-host, Chief Marketing Officer Melanie Hoffert, before she and co-host Nadege Souvenir dive into the episode’s topic. This week they discuss the importance of a heart-based approach to giving, with special guest Margaret Wurtele. Margaret Wurtele has been giving and raising money for the arts for years. Her parents were also supporters of the arts. Margaret has worked for Walker Art Center, the Saint Paul United Arts Fund and Dayton Hudson Fo...
Ep. 0: Season 2 Preview
August 22, 2022 13:00 - 16 minutes - 18.9 MBNadege Souvenir welcomes new co-host Melanie Hoffert to I So Appreciate You! with a few this or that questions revealing Melanie’s love of black licorice. The pair openly talk about their friendship, Melanie’s writing career and how they are forever bonded by Melanie’s new kitten Lucy Lake. Listen to learn the dual meaning behind Lucy Lake’s name (hint: it also has a connection to Melanie’s new book).
Season 2 Preview
August 22, 2022 13:00 - 16 minutes - 18.9 MBNadege Souvenir welcomes new co-host Melanie Hoffert to I So Appreciate You! with a few this or that questions revealing Melanie’s love of black licorice. The pair openly talk about their friendship, Melanie’s writing career and how they are forever bonded by Melanie’s new kitten Lucy Lake. Listen to learn the dual meaning behind Lucy Lake’s name (hint: it also has a connection to Melanie’s new book).
Bonus: Season 1 Wrap & What’s Ahead
January 31, 2022 13:00 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this bonus episode to close season 1 of I So Appreciate You!, co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Pahoua Yang Hoffman reflect on the season and discuss Pahoua’s upcoming career transition as she leaves the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
Inclusive Workplaces: How Do We Really Get There?
January 24, 2022 13:00 - 40 minutes - 55 MBI So Appreciate You! co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua, along with special guest Christophe Beck, President and CEO of Ecolab, explain the concepts of “mirroring” and “bridging” and discuss how leaders, particularly white leaders, can create more inclusive workplaces.
Ep. 7: Inclusive Workplaces: How Do We Really Get There?
January 24, 2022 13:00 - 40 minutes - 55 MBI So Appreciate You! co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua, along with special guest Christophe Beck, President and CEO of Ecolab, explain the concepts of “mirroring” and “bridging” and discuss how leaders, particularly white leaders, can create more inclusive workplaces.
Creating Space for BIPOC Leaders
January 10, 2022 13:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBI So Appreciate You! co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua explore what happens when organizations transition from white leaders to leaders of color in a thoughtful dialogue with special guest Duchesne Drew, President of Minnesota Public Radio.
Ep. 6: Creating Space for BIPOC Leaders
January 10, 2022 13:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBI So Appreciate You! co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua explore what happens when organizations transition from white leaders to leaders of color in a thoughtful dialogue with special guest Duchesne Drew, President of Minnesota Public Radio.
Ep. 5: Cultivating Your Career Path
December 27, 2021 13:00 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this week’s episode, ISAY co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua discuss the importance of intentionally creating learning opportunities and pathways that allow people to build knowledge and skills for roles that haven't been accessible to everyone. They are joined by Meredith Leigh Moore and Brandon Williams, who share their career journeys and discuss how people can own their career narrative and gain experience to ladder up into new roles.
Cultivating Your Career Path
December 27, 2021 13:00 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this week’s episode, ISAY co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua discuss the importance of intentionally creating learning opportunities and pathways that allow people to build knowledge and skills for roles that haven't been accessible to everyone. They are joined by Meredith Leigh Moore and Brandon Williams, who share their career journeys and discuss how people can own their career narrative and gain experience to ladder up into new roles.
Ep. 4: Creating Workplaces that Value Age
December 13, 2021 14:00 - 33 minutes - 46 MBISAY co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua, along with special guest Philomena Morrissey Satre, Director of Diversity & Inclusion and External Strategic Partnerships at Land O'Lakes, explore aging in the workplace and how this unaddressed diversity and inclusion issue affects employees.
Creating Workplaces that Value Age
December 13, 2021 14:00 - 33 minutes - 46 MBISAY co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua, along with special guest Philomena Morrissey Satre, Director of Diversity & Inclusion and External Strategic Partnerships at Land O'Lakes, explore aging in the workplace and how this unaddressed diversity and inclusion issue affects employees.
Ep. 3: Reimagining The Workplace
November 29, 2021 14:00 - 35 minutes - 49 MBAlex West Steinman, Co-founder and CEO of The Coven, and Melissa Muro LaMere join ISAY co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua to discuss their respective evolving workplaces during the pandemic, some unexpected silver linings, and how showing up as yourself at work is a game-changer.
Reimagining The Workplace
November 29, 2021 14:00 - 35 minutes - 49 MBAlex West Steinman, Co-founder and CEO of The Coven, and Melissa Muro LaMere, Partner at Maslon LLP, join ISAY co-hosts Nadege and Pahoua to discuss their respective evolving workplaces during the pandemic, some unexpected silver linings, and how showing up as yourself at work is a game-changer.
Work + Caregiving: A Balancing Act
November 15, 2021 14:00 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MBCo-hosts Nadege and Pahoua share personal experiences with giving and receiving care, including Nadege’s recent experience with breast cancer. Special guest Liwanag Ojala, former CEO of CaringBridge, joins to discuss the emotional weight of being a caregiver and what employers can do to better support their employees. Episode References: Managing the Future of Work, Harvard Business School Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande
Ep. 2: Work + Caregiving: A Balancing Act
November 15, 2021 14:00 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MBCo-hosts Nadege and Pahoua share personal experiences with giving and receiving care, including Nadege’s recent experience with breast cancer. Special guest Liwanag Ojala, former CEO of CaringBridge, joins to discuss the emotional weight of being a caregiver and what employers can do to better support their employees. Episode References: Managing the Future of Work, Harvard Business School Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande
The Unspoken Rules of Professionalism
November 01, 2021 14:00 - 25 minutes - 34.5 MBCo-hosts Nadege and Pahoua discuss professionalism and its unwritten rules on dress code, hygiene, hairstyles, and why it doesn’t matter that you are wearing sweatpants under your desk right now.
Ep. 1: The Unspoken Rules of Professionalism
November 01, 2021 14:00 - 25 minutes - 34.5 MBCo-hosts Nadege and Pahoua discuss professionalism and its unwritten rules on dress code, hygiene, hairstyles, and why it doesn’t matter that you are wearing sweatpants under your desk right now.
Ep. 0 - Trailer
October 26, 2021 14:53 - 6 minutes - 9.63 MB"I So Appreciate You," an honest, raw and sometimes funny podcast about work, community, life and more.
Season 1 Trailer
October 26, 2021 14:53 - 6 minutes - 9.63 MBIntroducing I So Appreciate You!, an honest, raw and sometimes funny podcast about work, community, life and more. Meet co-hosts Nadege Souvenir and Pahoua Yang Hoffman. Nadege and Pahoua, both transplants to Minnesota, were colleagues at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation from 2020-2022. Whether connecting on a work issue, comparing notes on a new restaurant or discussing pressing issues in our community, they found that they always closed their conversations with, "I so appreciate you....
Episode 0 - Trailer
October 26, 2021 14:53 - 6 minutes - 9.63 MB"I So Appreciate You," an honest, raw and sometimes funny podcast about work, community, life and more.