632. Making a Movement: How Movements Begin - Spark, Belief + Generosity (Seth Godin)
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Overview
Meet Seth. 🤝
Bestselling author and movement maker Seth Godin joins us to share what it really takes to create meaningful change. From Purple Cow to The Song of Significance, Seth’s work has inspired generations to lead with heart, strategy, and courage.
In this powerful conversation, he unpacks how to build movements through empathy, creativity, and bold action. You’ll learn why the smallest viable audience matters, how to navigate fear and perfectionism, and why doing work that might not work is exactly where the magic happens.
This episode is a rallying cry for nonprofit leaders and changemakers to stop settling—and start leading with intention.
Get ready to think bigger, dig deeper, and reimagine your impact. 💡
Learn:
Building a movement requires a conversation before the conversation.
Strategy is not about tactics; it’s about understanding your values.
Defaulting to familiar practices can hinder progress.
Nonprofits must acknowledge that their problems are not solved yet.
Fear and perfectionism can choke momentum; embrace imperfection.
Empathy is crucial component of effective leadership.
Every movement starts with a few committed individuals.
Today’s Guest:
Seth Godin | Bestselling Author, Marketing Hall of Famer & Founder of altMBA.
“Be enrolled in the journey.”
Episode Transcript
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Episode Highlights
The Importance of Strategy in Nonprofits (02:06)
Understanding Motion and Change (05:07)
Creating Conditions for Generative Work (08:00)
Embracing Tension and Imperfection (10:45)
The Role of Leadership in Nonprofits (13:59)
The Power of Small Movements (16:55)
Empathy and Connection in Action (19:46)
Seth’s One Good Thing (34:52)
Powerful Quotes
“There’s no understanding of strategy or why we are doing things.” - Seth Godin
"What we have to do is have a conversation before the conversation. What would it be like for you to be a maker of a movement—someone who takes initiative?” – Seth Godin
“If you’re doing something important, don’t just do it the same way you did yesterday. The question is: What is important?” – Seth Godin
“Your nonprofit hasn’t solved its problem. If we do what we did yesterday, we won’t get more than we got yesterday. The very reason you are a nonprofit is because you’re doing something that might not work. You’re solving a problem that hasn’t been solved yet.” – Seth Godin
“If you’re trying to raise another $100 million, you’re going to have to change stuff—because the world changed with or without you.” – Seth Godin
“Given the way the world is now, what is our modern strategy? What is our philosophy becoming, based on this world we’re in?” – Seth Godin
“If you’re going to be in the room, we didn’t invite you to defend the status quo.” – Seth Godin
“In times of radical change, why are we here? Do we care enough to fail along the way?” – Seth Godin
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