Ecosystems For Change Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/ecosystems-for-change Transforming communities is hard work. That may go without saying, but when your job is about helping your neighborhood, city or region thrive, talking about being underpaid, burnt out and frustrated with the slow pace of change is kind of frowned upon. As ecosystem builders, we amplify the work of local makers, doers and innovators by championing their efforts and rallying support around them. And maybe most importantly, we build a culture of trust and collaboration among all stakeholders, so that the doers and innovators among us have equal access to information, talent and resources when they need them. On Ecosystems for Change we'll explore how ecosystem building can help us unleash the full potential of the makers, doers, innovators and visionaries in our communities. And I’ll be talking with my guests about the tactics and practical skills they use in their everyday work and what they do to prevent burning the candle at both ends. © 2025 Anika Horn, Social Venturers ea40a52a-28ec-5073-86e2-3e2704cbb478 no Introducing Ecosystems For Change en Tue, 19 Aug 2025 03:00:35 -0400 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:28:19 -0500 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ https://img.transistor.fm/0Ikf72zhs7tmlfti9vDmACInW8BWVUXERFj7tughWg4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzI2Nzk1LzE2NzUx/OTQ4NjUtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg Ecosystems For Change https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ serial Anika Horn, Social Venturers Transforming communities is hard work. That may go without saying, but when your job is about helping your neighborhood, city or region thrive, talking about being underpaid, burnt out and frustrated with the slow pace of change is kind of frowned upon. As ecosystem builders, we amplify the work of local makers, doers and innovators by championing their efforts and rallying support around them. And maybe most importantly, we build a culture of trust and collaboration among all stakeholders, so that the doers and innovators among us have equal access to information, talent and resources when they need them. On Ecosystems for Change we'll explore how ecosystem building can help us unleash the full potential of the makers, doers, innovators and visionaries in our communities. And I’ll be talking with my guests about the tactics and practical skills they use in their everyday work and what they do to prevent burning the candle at both ends. Transforming communities is hard work. Systems, Ecosystem Building Anika Horn No No Introducing Ecosystems For Change 1 1 Introducing Ecosystems For Change trailer 79b7ea0f-1436-42b8-9eaf-c637b8f62c4d https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Changing the world is hard work. And if world-changing is in your job description, it’s easy to get burnt out. Ecosystem-building is all about gathering the support you need to make your job more sustainable and maybe even easier, too. Instead of exhausted and overworked, you’re supported and well-resourced. Ecosystems For Change is the podcast about caring for yourself as you care for others and your community. Together with Social Venturers founder Anika Horn, you’ll explore building supportive ecosystems, learn how to make your work more sustainable, and impact that world in powerful ways. Our first season is all about what ecosystem-building is and how it's used in the field.

Learn More About Anika Horn:


]]> Changing the world is hard work. And if world-changing is in your job description, it’s easy to get burnt out. Ecosystem-building is all about gathering the support you need to make your job more sustainable and maybe even easier, too. Instead of exhausted and overworked, you’re supported and well-resourced. Ecosystems For Change is the podcast about caring for yourself as you care for others and your community. Together with Social Venturers founder Anika Horn, you’ll explore building supportive ecosystems, learn how to make your work more sustainable, and impact that world in powerful ways. Our first season is all about what ecosystem-building is and how it's used in the field.

Learn More About Anika Horn:


]]> Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:05:57 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 170 Welcome to the Ecosystems For Change podcast with Anika Horn! Welcome to the Ecosystems For Change podcast with Anika Horn! Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 1.1 - My Journey From Social Enterprise Enthusiast to Ecosystem Builder 1 1 1 1 E. 1.1 - My Journey From Social Enterprise Enthusiast to Ecosystem Builder full 8a1fc13b-9744-4820-9681-a62a279054d9 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Over the last three years, I’ve talked to more than one hundred and fifty champions, cheerleaders and advocates for entrepreneurs in their communities.

Some of them work at startup accelerators and small business incubators. Others operate coworking spaces. Yet others are economic developers, investors, community builders, policymakers, academics, mentors, advisors, and service providers to emerging small business and startup founders.

While they work in different official capacities, they all have one thing in common: they want to see their communities thrive, and they believe that entrepreneurship is one viable vehicle to achieve that.

In those conversations, we talked about the mindsets and professional skills we need to be effective in our efforts. With many of them, I’ve talked at length about the personal and emotional toll that this work takes.

Many of them admitted that they had brushed shoulders with burnout and came close to quitting. Some of them did.

What is it about this kind of work that makes it so hard and yet so rewarding?

If ecosystem builders lose steam and burn out because they’re unsupported and exhausted, then who’s going to support the changemakers at the front line?

Who is going to help us tilt the playing field in favor of ALL entrepreneurs and who will continue to work behind the scenes to re-envision our future, and actively work towards it?

In this first episode, I want to share with you how I transformed from social enterprise enthusiast to ecosystem builder. Join me as we zoom out of your role as a lone wolf and together, take a systems view of supporting entrepreneurs of ALL backgrounds.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the nonprofit and social enterprise worlds silo information to the detriment of their stated missions
  • How the dominant scarcity mindset pits do-good organizations against each other
  • The trip that made me realize that scarcity thinking and lack of collaboration were a systemic issue
  • The power we unleash when breaking silos and focusing on the needs of entrepreneurs
  • What ecosystem building looks like in practice

Fellow Ecosystem Builders:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

]]> Over the last three years, I’ve talked to more than one hundred and fifty champions, cheerleaders and advocates for entrepreneurs in their communities.

Some of them work at startup accelerators and small business incubators. Others operate coworking spaces. Yet others are economic developers, investors, community builders, policymakers, academics, mentors, advisors, and service providers to emerging small business and startup founders.

While they work in different official capacities, they all have one thing in common: they want to see their communities thrive, and they believe that entrepreneurship is one viable vehicle to achieve that.

In those conversations, we talked about the mindsets and professional skills we need to be effective in our efforts. With many of them, I’ve talked at length about the personal and emotional toll that this work takes.

Many of them admitted that they had brushed shoulders with burnout and came close to quitting. Some of them did.

What is it about this kind of work that makes it so hard and yet so rewarding?

If ecosystem builders lose steam and burn out because they’re unsupported and exhausted, then who’s going to support the changemakers at the front line?

Who is going to help us tilt the playing field in favor of ALL entrepreneurs and who will continue to work behind the scenes to re-envision our future, and actively work towards it?

In this first episode, I want to share with you how I transformed from social enterprise enthusiast to ecosystem builder. Join me as we zoom out of your role as a lone wolf and together, take a systems view of supporting entrepreneurs of ALL backgrounds.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the nonprofit and social enterprise worlds silo information to the detriment of their stated missions
  • How the dominant scarcity mindset pits do-good organizations against each other
  • The trip that made me realize that scarcity thinking and lack of collaboration were a systemic issue
  • The power we unleash when breaking silos and focusing on the needs of entrepreneurs
  • What ecosystem building looks like in practice

Fellow Ecosystem Builders:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1284 In this first episode, I want to share with you how I transformed from social enterprise enthusiast to ecosystem builder. Join me as we zoom out of your role as a lone wolf and together, take a systems view of supporting entrepreneurs of ALL backgrounds. In this first episode, I want to share with you how I transformed from social enterprise enthusiast to ecosystem builder. Join me as we zoom out of your role as a lone wolf and together, take a systems view of supporting entrepreneurs of ALL backgrounds. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 1.2 - How to Build Up Community Capital to Nurture Your Ecosystem with Debbie Irwin 1 1 2 2 E. 1.2 - How to Build Up Community Capital to Nurture Your Ecosystem with Debbie Irwin full b1fe0e5a-1366-40f6-ade0-dfe580a2a4a7 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, we’re headed to Staunton, VA, to talk with Debbie Irwin about how she became an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder.

With her background in digital marketing and a deep-seated passion for rural communities, Debbie became Executive Director of Shenandoah Community Capital Fund in 2019. As you’ll learn in this episode, the term “community capital” is about a lot more than investing money.

In our conversation, we talked about how important it is to fully see people when building an ecosystem. We talked about how to be a convener in an ecosystem without becoming a bottleneck and who took Debbie under their wings when she first started out as an ecosystem builder.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How we can amplify community capital and how we build on-ramps for other supporters, without being the ecosystem leader
  • Why collaboration and coalition-building among organizations requires a mindset shift out of scarcity thinking
  • Why it’s important to build WITH, not FOR our communities
  • Why Debbie and SCCF undertook listening tours around the region and how they implemented them to make communities feel seen and heard
  • Who you need in your corner to weather tough times

Learn more about Debbie Irwin:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, we’re headed to Staunton, VA, to talk with Debbie Irwin about how she became an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder.

With her background in digital marketing and a deep-seated passion for rural communities, Debbie became Executive Director of Shenandoah Community Capital Fund in 2019. As you’ll learn in this episode, the term “community capital” is about a lot more than investing money.

In our conversation, we talked about how important it is to fully see people when building an ecosystem. We talked about how to be a convener in an ecosystem without becoming a bottleneck and who took Debbie under their wings when she first started out as an ecosystem builder.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How we can amplify community capital and how we build on-ramps for other supporters, without being the ecosystem leader
  • Why collaboration and coalition-building among organizations requires a mindset shift out of scarcity thinking
  • Why it’s important to build WITH, not FOR our communities
  • Why Debbie and SCCF undertook listening tours around the region and how they implemented them to make communities feel seen and heard
  • Who you need in your corner to weather tough times

Learn more about Debbie Irwin:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2022 03:05:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2642 In today’s episode, we’re headed to Staunton, VA, to talk with Debbie Irwin about how she became an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder. In today’s episode, we’re headed to Staunton, VA, to talk with Debbie Irwin about how she became an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 1.3 - How to Build Trust Within an Ecosystem with Charlton Cunningham 1 1 3 3 E. 1.3 - How to Build Trust Within an Ecosystem with Charlton Cunningham full bbec451e-1d9b-4a4c-af1a-7bd78374761b https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today's episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Charlton Cunningham during his recent visit to Mexico City. Charlton used to be based in Atlanta, GA, but has been living a nomad life since the pandemic began.

In our conversation, Charlton talks about how to build trust in an ecosystem. He also shares some insights into the role that Venture Capitalists can play in an ecosystem and why community can be so relevant within a VC firm when it’s built and nurtured the right way.

Find out how Charlton builds networks in different parts of the US and beyond and how–as a traveling nomad–he manages to stay grounded.

Charlton Cunningham is a failed architect who jumped into the startup space by creating an intentional community for aspiring entrepreneurs called, HiveATL. As a military brat growing up he learned to make friends quickly out of necessity and grew to appreciate how it helps in his work today, developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders. He is a community builder and connector at heart, with a strong passion for serving entrepreneurs at the earliest stages and founders growing their business. Charlton's experience includes roles across non-profit, venture capital, co-working spaces, and accelerator programs.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the iterative process of developing physical architecture informs Charlton’s community building
  • How to build trust with organizations within your ecosystem through direct contact and volunteering resources
  • Why Venture Capitalists have to think become connectors in order to be good actors within ecosystems
  • How small rituals keep Charlton grounded as he travels

Learn more about Charlton Cunningham:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> In today's episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Charlton Cunningham during his recent visit to Mexico City. Charlton used to be based in Atlanta, GA, but has been living a nomad life since the pandemic began.

In our conversation, Charlton talks about how to build trust in an ecosystem. He also shares some insights into the role that Venture Capitalists can play in an ecosystem and why community can be so relevant within a VC firm when it’s built and nurtured the right way.

Find out how Charlton builds networks in different parts of the US and beyond and how–as a traveling nomad–he manages to stay grounded.

Charlton Cunningham is a failed architect who jumped into the startup space by creating an intentional community for aspiring entrepreneurs called, HiveATL. As a military brat growing up he learned to make friends quickly out of necessity and grew to appreciate how it helps in his work today, developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders. He is a community builder and connector at heart, with a strong passion for serving entrepreneurs at the earliest stages and founders growing their business. Charlton's experience includes roles across non-profit, venture capital, co-working spaces, and accelerator programs.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the iterative process of developing physical architecture informs Charlton’s community building
  • How to build trust with organizations within your ecosystem through direct contact and volunteering resources
  • Why Venture Capitalists have to think become connectors in order to be good actors within ecosystems
  • How small rituals keep Charlton grounded as he travels

Learn more about Charlton Cunningham:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2022 03:10:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2400 In today's episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Charlton Cunningham during his recent visit to Mexico City. Charlton used to be based in Atlanta, GA but has been living a nomad life since the pandemic began. In today's episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Charlton Cunningham during his recent visit to Mexico City. Charlton used to be based in Atlanta, GA but has been living a nomad life since the pandemic began. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 1.4 - How to Build an Island-wide Ecosystem with Denisse Rodríguez 1 1 4 4 E. 1.4 - How to Build an Island-wide Ecosystem with Denisse Rodríguez full 02c2628e-9049-417e-871f-465c6c36b476 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, we’re headed to Puerto Rico to talk with Denisse Rodríguez. Denisse left her high-flying career on Wall Street to return to her home country where she’s now dedicated to making entrepreneurship more accessible for founders all across the island.

Against the background of the bustling streets of San Juan, Denisse shares which champions helped her launch an island-wide ecosystem and she talks about the opportunities that come with a population of three million, and a diaspora of 5 million Puerto Ricans around the world.

Denisse has a big vision for making this US territory not just a place from which top talent graduates, but a place where top talent stays to build and work at startups that have the potential to transform the island state.

Denisse Rodríguez is an ecosystem builder and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of economic and community development. As Executive Director at the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust, she founded and leads Colmena66, an award-winning program which makes entrepreneurship easier by connecting entrepreneurs with the vital, just-in-time, on-the-ground resources they need to accelerate their ideas and turn those into sustainable businesses that create jobs. Through entrepreneur-led economic development strategies, Denisse works to strengthen a cohesive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Puerto Rico.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why buy-in and support from individual players is key to building an ecosystem
  • How Denisse and Colemena66 are bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and support organizations in Puerto Rico
  • The challenges of tracking data on entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico and how that has a ripple effect on grants and lending
  • How a strong team helps Denisse stave off burnout

Learn more about Denisse Rodríguez:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, we’re headed to Puerto Rico to talk with Denisse Rodríguez. Denisse left her high-flying career on Wall Street to return to her home country where she’s now dedicated to making entrepreneurship more accessible for founders all across the island.

Against the background of the bustling streets of San Juan, Denisse shares which champions helped her launch an island-wide ecosystem and she talks about the opportunities that come with a population of three million, and a diaspora of 5 million Puerto Ricans around the world.

Denisse has a big vision for making this US territory not just a place from which top talent graduates, but a place where top talent stays to build and work at startups that have the potential to transform the island state.

Denisse Rodríguez is an ecosystem builder and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of economic and community development. As Executive Director at the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust, she founded and leads Colmena66, an award-winning program which makes entrepreneurship easier by connecting entrepreneurs with the vital, just-in-time, on-the-ground resources they need to accelerate their ideas and turn those into sustainable businesses that create jobs. Through entrepreneur-led economic development strategies, Denisse works to strengthen a cohesive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Puerto Rico.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why buy-in and support from individual players is key to building an ecosystem
  • How Denisse and Colemena66 are bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and support organizations in Puerto Rico
  • The challenges of tracking data on entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico and how that has a ripple effect on grants and lending
  • How a strong team helps Denisse stave off burnout

Learn more about Denisse Rodríguez:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2022 03:15:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2630 In today’s episode, we’re headed to Puerto Rico to talk with Denisse Rodríguez. Denisse left her high-flying career on Wall Street to return to her home country where she’s now dedicated to making entrepreneurship more accessible for founders all across the island. In today’s episode, we’re headed to Puerto Rico to talk with Denisse Rodríguez. Denisse left her high-flying career on Wall Street to return to her home country where she’s now dedicated to making entrepreneurship more accessible for founders all across t Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 1.5 - How to Manage Copycats and Grow Ecosystems Together with Darlisa Diltz 1 1 5 5 E. 1.5 - How to Manage Copycats and Grow Ecosystems Together with Darlisa Diltz full bed04944-af57-4077-b1e3-9eac750c3b71 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today, we’re going on a trip to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in Texas.

I want you to meet Darlisa Diltz who runs the North Texas Entrepreneur Education and Training Center.

Darlisa shares what happens when the work you’ve been doing for years suddenly becomes all the rage, but powerful players don’t take the time to truly understand their communities’ needs.

Darlisa also talks openly about bad actors in the ecosystem who–instead of partnering with her–outright copied her programs. And she shares with us how she unwinds after just one of those days.

Hear what advice Darlisa has about nurturing community and becoming a truly inclusive ecosystem builder.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Darlisa and NEETC focus efforts on “wannapreneurs” and early stage entrepreneurs by building connections and community
  • How Darlisa copes with having her work replicated by other organizations
  • Why ecosystems builders need to focus on inclusivity over influence
  • What major players get wrong about building truly inclusive ecosystems

Learn more about Darlisa Diltz:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Today, we’re going on a trip to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in Texas.

I want you to meet Darlisa Diltz who runs the North Texas Entrepreneur Education and Training Center.

Darlisa shares what happens when the work you’ve been doing for years suddenly becomes all the rage, but powerful players don’t take the time to truly understand their communities’ needs.

Darlisa also talks openly about bad actors in the ecosystem who–instead of partnering with her–outright copied her programs. And she shares with us how she unwinds after just one of those days.

Hear what advice Darlisa has about nurturing community and becoming a truly inclusive ecosystem builder.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Darlisa and NEETC focus efforts on “wannapreneurs” and early stage entrepreneurs by building connections and community
  • How Darlisa copes with having her work replicated by other organizations
  • Why ecosystems builders need to focus on inclusivity over influence
  • What major players get wrong about building truly inclusive ecosystems

Learn more about Darlisa Diltz:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 18 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2247 Darlisa shares what happens when the work you’ve been doing for years suddenly becomes all the rage, but powerful players don’t take the time to truly understand their communities’ needs, about bad actors in the ecosystem who outright copied her programs. And what advice Darlisa has about nurturing community and becoming a truly inclusive ecosystem builder. Darlisa shares what happens when the work you’ve been doing for years suddenly becomes all the rage, but powerful players don’t take the time to truly understand their communities’ needs, about bad actors in the ecosystem who outright copied her programs. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 1.6 - How to Approach Economic Development Through an Ecosystem Mindset with Christina Oldfather 1 1 6 6 E. 1.6 - How to Approach Economic Development Through an Ecosystem Mindset with Christina Oldfather full fbe4b2ca-49cd-4f37-b23d-4d83feb590c0 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, I’m taking you to Lincoln, Nebraska, to meet Christina Oldfather.

Christina is a seasoned ecosystem builder and economic developer.

We talk about the shared objectives and differences between economic development and ecosystem building as approaches to fostering entrepreneurship. And Christina spills the beans on how her ecosystem convenes and how they support founders post-acceleration.

We also discuss the power of small communities and taking a mindset of giving before you get. And hey, if you’re looking for a new exercise regimen this year, we got that covered too!

Christina Oldfather is the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. In her time at LPED, Christina has created and built a wide variety of entrepreneurial support programs, including the LaunchLNK program, a grant program for early- stage startups, and StartupLNK, a digital platform to help people navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lincoln.

She also is the lead organizer for 1 Million Cups Lincoln and Techstars Startup Week Lincoln. Christina also serves on the NMotion Board of Directors and has helped bring the NMotion Accelerator to its current status as an investment-based studio accelerator. In addition to NMotion, Christina serves on the Board of Directors of Startup Champions Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurial ecosystem builders, the Child Advocacy Center, and Rabble Mill.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How economic development, ecosystem building, and legislative action have influenced Lincoln’s entrepreneurial culture
  • Why Christina developed the LaunchLNK program specifically to support early-stage entrepreneurs
  • Why building trust and listening to the community’s needs have been key for building Lincoln’s ecosystem
  • How Christina uses her Jazzercise classes to carve out time for herself


Learn more about Christina Oldfather:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, I’m taking you to Lincoln, Nebraska, to meet Christina Oldfather.

Christina is a seasoned ecosystem builder and economic developer.

We talk about the shared objectives and differences between economic development and ecosystem building as approaches to fostering entrepreneurship. And Christina spills the beans on how her ecosystem convenes and how they support founders post-acceleration.

We also discuss the power of small communities and taking a mindset of giving before you get. And hey, if you’re looking for a new exercise regimen this year, we got that covered too!

Christina Oldfather is the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. In her time at LPED, Christina has created and built a wide variety of entrepreneurial support programs, including the LaunchLNK program, a grant program for early- stage startups, and StartupLNK, a digital platform to help people navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lincoln.

She also is the lead organizer for 1 Million Cups Lincoln and Techstars Startup Week Lincoln. Christina also serves on the NMotion Board of Directors and has helped bring the NMotion Accelerator to its current status as an investment-based studio accelerator. In addition to NMotion, Christina serves on the Board of Directors of Startup Champions Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurial ecosystem builders, the Child Advocacy Center, and Rabble Mill.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How economic development, ecosystem building, and legislative action have influenced Lincoln’s entrepreneurial culture
  • Why Christina developed the LaunchLNK program specifically to support early-stage entrepreneurs
  • Why building trust and listening to the community’s needs have been key for building Lincoln’s ecosystem
  • How Christina uses her Jazzercise classes to carve out time for herself


Learn more about Christina Oldfather:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2142 Christina Oldfather is a seasoned ecosystem builder and economic developer. We talk about the shared objectives and differences between economic development and ecosystem building as approaches to fostering entrepreneurship. And Christina spills the beans on how her ecosystem convenes and how they support founders post-acceleration. Christina Oldfather is a seasoned ecosystem builder and economic developer. We talk about the shared objectives and differences between economic development and ecosystem building as approaches to fostering entrepreneurship. And Christina spills the beans Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 1.7 - How to Build a Full-Service Ecosystem Support Organization with Michelle Arévalo-Carpenter 1 1 7 7 E. 1.7 - How to Build a Full-Service Ecosystem Support Organization with Michelle Arévalo-Carpenter full e72dcd4f-3952-4d37-a686-3ffb1bfb4599 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, we’re headed to Quito, Ecuador, to sit down with Michelle Arévalo-Carpenter.

When season 1 took shape I knew I had to have Michelle on the show so it’s only suitable that she is closing out the conversation series of this pilot season!

Michelle talks about how she left her career and professional identity as a human rights lawyer in Geneva, Switzerland, to return to Latin America. About 8 years ago, Michelle set out to fight loneliness for changemakers in Ecuador and ended up building Ecuador's first coworking space for Impact entrepreneurs with her co-founder Daniela Peralvo. Since then, Impaqto has become Ecuador’s first B Corp, expanded to five locations, and has grown into much more than a coworking space.

Today, Impaqto works regionally in 17 countries through their consulting services; Michelle and her team also provide entrepreneurial education and are building their first impact investing fund.

I’m so excited for you all to meet Michelle and learn about her holistic approach to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Latin America.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why being an introvert is an asset to Michelle as an ecosystem builder
  • How the loneliness among changemakers led Michelle to a systems approach and the creation of Impaqto
  • How the business has evolved from a co-working space into a full-fledged support system for impact-entrepreneurs in Ecuador
  • Why ecosystem builders need multilingual resources
  • How becoming a parent has taught Michelle to say no as a founder

Learn more about Michelle Arévalo-Carpenter:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, we’re headed to Quito, Ecuador, to sit down with Michelle Arévalo-Carpenter.

When season 1 took shape I knew I had to have Michelle on the show so it’s only suitable that she is closing out the conversation series of this pilot season!

Michelle talks about how she left her career and professional identity as a human rights lawyer in Geneva, Switzerland, to return to Latin America. About 8 years ago, Michelle set out to fight loneliness for changemakers in Ecuador and ended up building Ecuador's first coworking space for Impact entrepreneurs with her co-founder Daniela Peralvo. Since then, Impaqto has become Ecuador’s first B Corp, expanded to five locations, and has grown into much more than a coworking space.

Today, Impaqto works regionally in 17 countries through their consulting services; Michelle and her team also provide entrepreneurial education and are building their first impact investing fund.

I’m so excited for you all to meet Michelle and learn about her holistic approach to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Latin America.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why being an introvert is an asset to Michelle as an ecosystem builder
  • How the loneliness among changemakers led Michelle to a systems approach and the creation of Impaqto
  • How the business has evolved from a co-working space into a full-fledged support system for impact-entrepreneurs in Ecuador
  • Why ecosystem builders need multilingual resources
  • How becoming a parent has taught Michelle to say no as a founder

Learn more about Michelle Arévalo-Carpenter:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2508 We are talking with Michelle Arévalo-Carpenter about how she set out to fight loneliness for changemakers in Ecuador and ended up building Ecuador's first coworking space for Impact entrepreneurs with her co-founder Daniela Peralvo. Since then, Impaqto has become Ecuador’s first B Corp, expanded to five locations, and has grown into much more than a coworking space. We are talking with Michelle Arévalo-Carpenter about how she set out to fight loneliness for changemakers in Ecuador and ended up building Ecuador's first coworking space for Impact entrepreneurs with her co-founder Daniela Peralvo. Since then, Impaqto ha Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 1.8 - Season 01 Review: Co-writing the Playbook on Ecosystem Building 1 1 8 8 E. 1.8 - Season 01 Review: Co-writing the Playbook on Ecosystem Building full e2b3ca3c-855a-4418-89af-2da4fabf46c5 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ If there is one takeaway running through each episode of season one it’s this: Ecosystem building is a mindset.

Almost all of the six ecosystem builders I spoke with this season professed to be introverts or having been shy as children, yet they are out there every day building relationships and communities.

But, as Charlton Cunningham noted in Episode 3, the introvert-extrovert continuum is really about where you get your energy and how you recharge, and many ecosystem builders I know are excellent at building and nurturing genuine, meaningful relationships, regardless of whether they get energy from working a room full of people or prefer to converse one on one.

All six interviews showcased what it means to put the needs of entrepreneurs at the forefront of their work and what we’re up against when building for the greater good.

But there were three main themes that really stood out to me and today, I’m revisiting my conversations from season one to illustrate those essential points.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why customer discovery is as essential for ecosystem builders as it is for business owners
  • How an abundance mindset opens the door to building with and not for your community but has its drawbacks and heartbreaks
  • Why building trust in your community is the best place to start
  • How to define entrepreneurial ecosystems

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> If there is one takeaway running through each episode of season one it’s this: Ecosystem building is a mindset.

Almost all of the six ecosystem builders I spoke with this season professed to be introverts or having been shy as children, yet they are out there every day building relationships and communities.

But, as Charlton Cunningham noted in Episode 3, the introvert-extrovert continuum is really about where you get your energy and how you recharge, and many ecosystem builders I know are excellent at building and nurturing genuine, meaningful relationships, regardless of whether they get energy from working a room full of people or prefer to converse one on one.

All six interviews showcased what it means to put the needs of entrepreneurs at the forefront of their work and what we’re up against when building for the greater good.

But there were three main themes that really stood out to me and today, I’m revisiting my conversations from season one to illustrate those essential points.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why customer discovery is as essential for ecosystem builders as it is for business owners
  • How an abundance mindset opens the door to building with and not for your community but has its drawbacks and heartbreaks
  • Why building trust in your community is the best place to start
  • How to define entrepreneurial ecosystems

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 08 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1215 As I look back at Season 1, there were three main themes that really stood out to me, and today, I’m revisiting my conversations from the season to illustrate those essential points. As I look back at Season 1, there were three main themes that really stood out to me, and today, I’m revisiting my conversations from the season to illustrate those essential points. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Ecosystems For Change: Logbook #1 2 2 Ecosystems For Change: Logbook #1 bonus ccb6f711-f150-4704-b642-5ef6bfb67cc9 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ I have been writing monthly Logbooks ever since I started Social Venturers.


It’s been my way of keeping myself accountable and sharing with other people what I’ve been working on the month before, what I was planning, and how people could get involved.


So I’m continuing that tradition here on the podcast.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Three big projects that are wrapping up
  • Professional shifts and my role at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
  • What’s coming up in Season Two of Ecosystems for Change
  • An invitation for a community conversation and to be co-creators of the podcast

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> I have been writing monthly Logbooks ever since I started Social Venturers.


It’s been my way of keeping myself accountable and sharing with other people what I’ve been working on the month before, what I was planning, and how people could get involved.


So I’m continuing that tradition here on the podcast.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Three big projects that are wrapping up
  • Professional shifts and my role at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
  • What’s coming up in Season Two of Ecosystems for Change
  • An invitation for a community conversation and to be co-creators of the podcast

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 982 I have been writing monthly Logbooks ever since I started Social Venturers. It’s been my way of keeping myself accountable and sharing with other people what I’ve been working on the month before, what I was planning, and how people could get involved. So I’m continuing that tradition here on the podcast. I have been writing monthly Logbooks ever since I started Social Venturers. It’s been my way of keeping myself accountable and sharing with other people what I’ve been working on the month before, what I was planning, and how people could get involved. S Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.1 - The Slow and Complex Nature of Systems Change 2 2 1 1 E. 2.1 - The Slow and Complex Nature of Systems Change full 930961b0-e868-4be5-959c-535162ad6e4d https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In season two of Ecosystems for Change, we’re talking about the slow and complex nature of our work.


For the longest time, I didn’t understand this concept. 


I just knew I was banging my head against the wall. It felt like nothing ever changed and like I was constantly running uphill, trying support entrepreneurs in my community and nobody would see it the way I saw it.


Today, I know that’s because I had no idea how complex adaptive systems really work.

I know “complex adaptive systems” sounds highly conceptual, theoretical or hard to access. That’s probably why I didn’t dive into it until years into being an ecosystem builder.


But that’s exactly why I’m dedicating season two to this topic.


My goal is to break open “complex adaptive systems,” and to talk to practitioners who can help us all understand how we can think and act more in these systems in order to support entrepreneurs and build thriving ecosystems in our communities.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Defining complex adaptive systems
  • The 4 early lessons about thinking and acting in systems
  • Why entrepreneurial ecosystems resist orderly hierarchies
  • The elements of culture, temperament, and personality that impact how systems interconnect


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In season two of Ecosystems for Change, we’re talking about the slow and complex nature of our work.


For the longest time, I didn’t understand this concept. 


I just knew I was banging my head against the wall. It felt like nothing ever changed and like I was constantly running uphill, trying support entrepreneurs in my community and nobody would see it the way I saw it.


Today, I know that’s because I had no idea how complex adaptive systems really work.

I know “complex adaptive systems” sounds highly conceptual, theoretical or hard to access. That’s probably why I didn’t dive into it until years into being an ecosystem builder.


But that’s exactly why I’m dedicating season two to this topic.


My goal is to break open “complex adaptive systems,” and to talk to practitioners who can help us all understand how we can think and act more in these systems in order to support entrepreneurs and build thriving ecosystems in our communities.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Defining complex adaptive systems
  • The 4 early lessons about thinking and acting in systems
  • Why entrepreneurial ecosystems resist orderly hierarchies
  • The elements of culture, temperament, and personality that impact how systems interconnect


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1490 In season two of Ecosystems for Change, we’re talking about the slow and complex nature of our work. My goal is to break open “complex adaptive systems,” and to talk to practitioners who can help us all understand how we can think and act more in these systems in order to support entrepreneurs and build thriving ecosystems in our communities. In season two of Ecosystems for Change, we’re talking about the slow and complex nature of our work. My goal is to break open “complex adaptive systems,” and to talk to practitioners who can help us all understand how we can think and act more in these sy Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.2 - Humanity-Focused Systems Design with Madelynn Martiniere 2 2 2 2 E. 2.2 - Humanity-Focused Systems Design with Madelynn Martiniere full 8b183286-ab5c-44c2-980d-2d050e9bd6ae https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today, we are headed to a small village in the south of France to talk to Madelynn Martiniere about her work in designing, activating, and scaling open innovation ecosystems for a more equitable and sustainable future.


In our conversation Madelynn and I talk about the importance of finding community and belonging, what role technology can play in driving systemic change and what it means to design an ideal world.


Madelynn Martiniere is a global strategist and facilitator working with innovators, entrepreneurs and executives to design, activate, and scale open innovation ecosystems for a more equitable and sustainable future. She is currently Managing Partner at Armillaria, an ecosystems design lab working to co-create critical digital infrastructure for a more thriving world. An avid permaculturist, when not working on systems change, she can be found working in the garden.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How technology’s desire to simplify concepts impacts our ability to see interconnection and complexity
  • Why we can’t enter a community looking to validate a hypothesis
  • The tension in recognizing our locus of control
  •  The challenges in wanting it done and wanting to be the one to do it


Learn More About ​​Madelynn Martiniere:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today, we are headed to a small village in the south of France to talk to Madelynn Martiniere about her work in designing, activating, and scaling open innovation ecosystems for a more equitable and sustainable future.


In our conversation Madelynn and I talk about the importance of finding community and belonging, what role technology can play in driving systemic change and what it means to design an ideal world.


Madelynn Martiniere is a global strategist and facilitator working with innovators, entrepreneurs and executives to design, activate, and scale open innovation ecosystems for a more equitable and sustainable future. She is currently Managing Partner at Armillaria, an ecosystems design lab working to co-create critical digital infrastructure for a more thriving world. An avid permaculturist, when not working on systems change, she can be found working in the garden.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How technology’s desire to simplify concepts impacts our ability to see interconnection and complexity
  • Why we can’t enter a community looking to validate a hypothesis
  • The tension in recognizing our locus of control
  •  The challenges in wanting it done and wanting to be the one to do it


Learn More About ​​Madelynn Martiniere:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3401 Madelynn Martiniere and I talk about the importance of finding community and belonging, what role technology can play in driving systemic change and what it means to design an ideal world. Madelynn Martiniere and I talk about the importance of finding community and belonging, what role technology can play in driving systemic change and what it means to design an ideal world. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.3 - The Slow Dance of Change: Emergence and Systems Thinking with Lauren Higgins 2 2 3 3 E. 2.3 - The Slow Dance of Change: Emergence and Systems Thinking with Lauren Higgins full 13abb2df-db47-4287-aafc-ef404cf9ac86 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, we’re headed to Kansas City, Missouri, to talk to Lauren Higgins.


Lauren has been working with systems thinking for more than half her life and today she shares her journey to becoming a systems thinker and talks about how she remains anchored and sane in the wild dance with systems. 


Lauren Higgins, co-director of Democracy Together, is active in civic conflict resolution and restorative justice efforts in her current home of Kansas City, Missouri. For 10+ years she has facilitated multi-stakeholder projects and produced large scale events focused on social innovation, public imagination, and the new economy. As senior staff at the Impact Hub Network, she developed democratic governance convenings to help 100 communities align their collective impact. Currently, at the Kauffman Foundation, she designs innovation and capacity building programs to advance systemic approaches to inclusive prosperity.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The relationship between linear thinking, urgency, and reactivity
  • Why systems change requires a foundation of genuine relationships based on curiosity, mutual, respect and trust
  • How the concept of emergence helps us think about complex adaptive systems and nurtures change
  • How systems thinking can get tangled with mechanistic models, and why it won’t actually help you predict and control outcomes 
  • How de-centering herself helps Lauren balance awareness of pressing global issues with what she is capable of contributing


Learn More About ​​Lauren Higgins:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, we’re headed to Kansas City, Missouri, to talk to Lauren Higgins.


Lauren has been working with systems thinking for more than half her life and today she shares her journey to becoming a systems thinker and talks about how she remains anchored and sane in the wild dance with systems. 


Lauren Higgins, co-director of Democracy Together, is active in civic conflict resolution and restorative justice efforts in her current home of Kansas City, Missouri. For 10+ years she has facilitated multi-stakeholder projects and produced large scale events focused on social innovation, public imagination, and the new economy. As senior staff at the Impact Hub Network, she developed democratic governance convenings to help 100 communities align their collective impact. Currently, at the Kauffman Foundation, she designs innovation and capacity building programs to advance systemic approaches to inclusive prosperity.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The relationship between linear thinking, urgency, and reactivity
  • Why systems change requires a foundation of genuine relationships based on curiosity, mutual, respect and trust
  • How the concept of emergence helps us think about complex adaptive systems and nurtures change
  • How systems thinking can get tangled with mechanistic models, and why it won’t actually help you predict and control outcomes 
  • How de-centering herself helps Lauren balance awareness of pressing global issues with what she is capable of contributing


Learn More About ​​Lauren Higgins:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3156 Lauren Higgins has been working with systems thinking for more than half her life and today she shares her journey to becoming a systems thinker and talks about how she remains anchored and sane in the wild dance with systems. Lauren Higgins has been working with systems thinking for more than half her life and today she shares her journey to becoming a systems thinker and talks about how she remains anchored and sane in the wild dance with systems. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.4 - Servant Leadership, Co-writing New Narratives and Burnout in Ecosystem Building with Jeff Bennett 2 2 4 4 E. 2.4 - Servant Leadership, Co-writing New Narratives and Burnout in Ecosystem Building with Jeff Bennett full 5e628930-4659-44f9-820b-d40c8b2d1763 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today's episode, we make our way to Sacramento, California to hear from Jeff Bennett.


Jeff talks about servant leadership, the importance of co-writing a new narrative with our communities and the frustrations that come with shifting a system.


I don't know many people who have worked so tirelessly to move our field of ecosystem building forward and Jeff talks openly about the toll that this work has taken on him. 


Jeff Bennett has been working to build ecosystems at both the local level and the field level. He is the co-founder and president of StartupSac, a small, scrappy nonprofit in Sacramento, California that informs, educates, and connects founders and innovators. He also works to connect and inform ecosystem builders and advance the field across the nation as the co-founder of Ecosystem Builder Hub, an online resource for ecosystem building news and stories. He has written extensively on the topic of ecosystem building and has worked with the Kauffman Foundation, helping to advance the work of ecosystem builders.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why short-term solutions are like playing Whack-A-Mole with the news cycle and why we need education and awareness of systems thinking
  • The kind of leadership required in a systems-focused world
  • The power of storytelling and narrative to help catalyze systemic change in our communities 
  • How we got stuck in a reductionist paradigm and how we can begin to think in complex adaptive systems
  • Why cultivating patience, equanimity, and realistic expectations is necessary for ecosystem builders


Learn More About ​​Jeff Bennett:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In today's episode, we make our way to Sacramento, California to hear from Jeff Bennett.


Jeff talks about servant leadership, the importance of co-writing a new narrative with our communities and the frustrations that come with shifting a system.


I don't know many people who have worked so tirelessly to move our field of ecosystem building forward and Jeff talks openly about the toll that this work has taken on him. 


Jeff Bennett has been working to build ecosystems at both the local level and the field level. He is the co-founder and president of StartupSac, a small, scrappy nonprofit in Sacramento, California that informs, educates, and connects founders and innovators. He also works to connect and inform ecosystem builders and advance the field across the nation as the co-founder of Ecosystem Builder Hub, an online resource for ecosystem building news and stories. He has written extensively on the topic of ecosystem building and has worked with the Kauffman Foundation, helping to advance the work of ecosystem builders.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why short-term solutions are like playing Whack-A-Mole with the news cycle and why we need education and awareness of systems thinking
  • The kind of leadership required in a systems-focused world
  • The power of storytelling and narrative to help catalyze systemic change in our communities 
  • How we got stuck in a reductionist paradigm and how we can begin to think in complex adaptive systems
  • Why cultivating patience, equanimity, and realistic expectations is necessary for ecosystem builders


Learn More About ​​Jeff Bennett:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2147 Jeff Bennett talks about servant leadership, the importance of co-writing a new narrative with our communities and the frustrations that come with shifting a system. Jeff Bennett talks about servant leadership, the importance of co-writing a new narrative with our communities and the frustrations that come with shifting a system. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.5 - Thriving In a World of Ambiguity, Uncertainty, and Constant Change with April Rinne 2 2 5 5 E. 2.5 - Thriving In a World of Ambiguity, Uncertainty, and Constant Change with April Rinne full 416014af-f3cd-4a55-91f0-5a368f826f5f https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today I’m catching up with April Rinne in Portland, OR.


I wanted to have a conversation with April because her book, Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change is exactly the kind of thinking that changemakers and systems thinkers need to not only keep their heads above water, but to actually thrive in our constantly changing circumstances.


A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and ranked one of the “50 Leading Female Futurists” in the world by Forbes, April Rinne is a change navigator: she helps individuals and organizations rethink and reshape their relationship with change, uncertainty, and a world in flux. 


She is a trusted advisor to well-known startups, companies, financial institutions, nonprofits, and think tanks worldwide, including Airbnb, Nike, Intuit, theWorld Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, NESTA, Trōv, AnyRoad, and Unsettled, as well as governments ranging from Singapore to South Africa, Canada to Colombia, Italy to India. April is the author of Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The challenges and opportunities of having outdated scripts why our new scripts have to account for a world in flux
  • How technology can actually make us less adaptable to change 
  • How scripts for a world in flux layer up from the individual to the systemic
  • Two different aspects of trust and why they are critical for navigating change 


Learn More About ​​April Rinne:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today I’m catching up with April Rinne in Portland, OR.


I wanted to have a conversation with April because her book, Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change is exactly the kind of thinking that changemakers and systems thinkers need to not only keep their heads above water, but to actually thrive in our constantly changing circumstances.


A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and ranked one of the “50 Leading Female Futurists” in the world by Forbes, April Rinne is a change navigator: she helps individuals and organizations rethink and reshape their relationship with change, uncertainty, and a world in flux. 


She is a trusted advisor to well-known startups, companies, financial institutions, nonprofits, and think tanks worldwide, including Airbnb, Nike, Intuit, theWorld Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, NESTA, Trōv, AnyRoad, and Unsettled, as well as governments ranging from Singapore to South Africa, Canada to Colombia, Italy to India. April is the author of Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The challenges and opportunities of having outdated scripts why our new scripts have to account for a world in flux
  • How technology can actually make us less adaptable to change 
  • How scripts for a world in flux layer up from the individual to the systemic
  • Two different aspects of trust and why they are critical for navigating change 


Learn More About ​​April Rinne:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3887 I wanted to have a conversation with April Rinne because her book, Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change is exactly the kind of thinking that changemakers and systems thinkers need to not only keep their heads above water, but to actually thrive in our constantly changing circumstances. I wanted to have a conversation with April Rinne because her book, Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change is exactly the kind of thinking that changemakers and systems thinkers need to not only keep their heads above water, but to actually th Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.6 - Sitting in the Fire: Giving Birth to New Systems with Lana Kristine Jelenjev 2 2 6 6 E. 2.6 - Sitting in the Fire: Giving Birth to New Systems with Lana Kristine Jelenjev full 31880957-4248-459f-b853-1dfac1e258e0 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today’s conversation takes place in a small town north of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. 


I sat down with Lana Jelenjev, community alchemist, hospice worker for dying systems and midwife for new emerging systems. Lana introduces the two-loop model that explains her work and shares how she sets and upholds boundaries when helping others cross over from old to new. 


Lana is an avid fire starter, systems thinker and lifelong learner. She is an advocate of “self-full centric living” - a set of practices that you can use to help you live a legacy of connection, presence and fullness.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why systems stay stagnant and mechanistic 
  • How the two loops model illustrates compassionate, sustainable systems change
  • How to help people move from old to new systems
  • How Lana’s practice of checking in with herself helps her set and maintain boundaries

Learn More About ​​Lana Jelenjev:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Today’s conversation takes place in a small town north of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. 


I sat down with Lana Jelenjev, community alchemist, hospice worker for dying systems and midwife for new emerging systems. Lana introduces the two-loop model that explains her work and shares how she sets and upholds boundaries when helping others cross over from old to new. 


Lana is an avid fire starter, systems thinker and lifelong learner. She is an advocate of “self-full centric living” - a set of practices that you can use to help you live a legacy of connection, presence and fullness.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why systems stay stagnant and mechanistic 
  • How the two loops model illustrates compassionate, sustainable systems change
  • How to help people move from old to new systems
  • How Lana’s practice of checking in with herself helps her set and maintain boundaries

Learn More About ​​Lana Jelenjev:

Learn More About Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2195 I sat down with Lana Jelenjev, community alchemist, hospice worker for dying systems and midwife for new emerging systems. Lana introduces the two-loop model that explains her work and shares how she sets and upholds boundaries when helping others cross over from old to new. I sat down with Lana Jelenjev, community alchemist, hospice worker for dying systems and midwife for new emerging systems. Lana introduces the two-loop model that explains her work and shares how she sets and upholds boundaries when helping others cross o Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.7 - Good trouble: Stakeholder Capitalism & Global Cooperativism with Kate "Sassy" Sassoon 2 2 7 7 E. 2.7 - Good trouble: Stakeholder Capitalism & Global Cooperativism with Kate "Sassy" Sassoon full 48e11a8b-2ffa-46de-ad50-f274279abf27 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today, we’re taking a trip to Berkeley, California, to talk to my favorite kind of trouble: Kate Sassoon, or as we call her: Sassy. 


Sassy has spent most of her life living in or working with co-ops. We talked about the role of stakeholder capitalism and global cooperativism and how both models help us rethink the current system. Sassy also shares what she learned from going undercover in Silicon Valley and what’s going on under the hood of cooperatives.


Kate “Sassy" Sassoon has spent over 20 years turning her passion for efficiency, effectiveness, and equity into a thriving consultancy offering facilitation, training, and organizational design to social enterprise organizations. She develops inclusive collaboration frameworks, energetic dialogue spaces, and authentic connections. Her work is known for being joyous, empowering, and deeply caring. She brings all that energy and a lifetime of experience with co-ops to the role of Director of Cooperative Membership at Zebras Unite Co-op. She holds 2 degrees from UC Berkeley - one in art and one in science, and approaches the world (and the work) with one foot firmly in each. She delights in deep questions, unexpected connections, and doing well by doing good.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why our capitalist norms of extraction and power concentration hinder our ability to imagine new mutualistic systems
  • How stakeholder capitalism helps us bring more people to the table and recenter those who are most impacted
  • What Silicon Valley can teach us about the power of narrative
  • How the challenges in building cooperative companies that can make them more sustainable in the long-term
  • Steps to take to actively engage with cooperatives in your sphere


Learn More About Kate "Sassy" Sassoon:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today, we’re taking a trip to Berkeley, California, to talk to my favorite kind of trouble: Kate Sassoon, or as we call her: Sassy. 


Sassy has spent most of her life living in or working with co-ops. We talked about the role of stakeholder capitalism and global cooperativism and how both models help us rethink the current system. Sassy also shares what she learned from going undercover in Silicon Valley and what’s going on under the hood of cooperatives.


Kate “Sassy" Sassoon has spent over 20 years turning her passion for efficiency, effectiveness, and equity into a thriving consultancy offering facilitation, training, and organizational design to social enterprise organizations. She develops inclusive collaboration frameworks, energetic dialogue spaces, and authentic connections. Her work is known for being joyous, empowering, and deeply caring. She brings all that energy and a lifetime of experience with co-ops to the role of Director of Cooperative Membership at Zebras Unite Co-op. She holds 2 degrees from UC Berkeley - one in art and one in science, and approaches the world (and the work) with one foot firmly in each. She delights in deep questions, unexpected connections, and doing well by doing good.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why our capitalist norms of extraction and power concentration hinder our ability to imagine new mutualistic systems
  • How stakeholder capitalism helps us bring more people to the table and recenter those who are most impacted
  • What Silicon Valley can teach us about the power of narrative
  • How the challenges in building cooperative companies that can make them more sustainable in the long-term
  • Steps to take to actively engage with cooperatives in your sphere


Learn More About Kate "Sassy" Sassoon:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3630 I talked with Kate "Sassy" Sassoon about the role of stakeholder capitalism and global cooperativism and how both models help us rethink the current system. I talked with Kate "Sassy" Sassoon about the role of stakeholder capitalism and global cooperativism and how both models help us rethink the current system. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.8 - Building The Future With An Indigenous Worldview with Vanessa Roanhorse 2 2 8 8 E. 2.8 - Building The Future With An Indigenous Worldview with Vanessa Roanhorse full 26e77b51-2474-454e-857c-6cf9903631b0 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, join me on a trip to the unceded territory of the Sandia Pueblos in New Mexico. I’m sitting down with Vanessa Roanhorse to talk about the Indigenous worldview, how it might inform our approach to thinking in systems, and what exhausts her about being asked to show up as an Indigenous female entrepreneur and educator.


Vanessa Roanhorse (Diné) is the CEO of Roanhorse Consulting, an Indigenous woman-owned company that co-designs wealth and power-building efforts that invests in thoughtful community-led efforts that put people back in the center.


Vanessa is a co-founder of Native Women Lead, a national organization that lifts Indigenous women in business. She sits on the boards of Groundworks NM, Delta Institute, Zebras Unite and is an advisor to Angels of Impact Fund. She is a 2021 Paypal Maggie Lena Walker’s Emerging Leader Awardee and a 2020 Conscious Company Media’s World Changing Women in Sustainable Business Awardee. She is a 2021 Purpose Fund Building Fellow and a 2020 Boston Impact Initiative Fund-Building fellow.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why systems work needs to reimagine capitalism and resource management entirely
  • How a worldview that includes a plurality of truths and experiences informs Vanessa’s approach to systems change
  • Why individuals need to decenter themselves and work towards community impact
  • The basic groundwork and education non-Indigenous people in America need to do
  • What morning practice keeps Vanessa grounded


Learn More About Vanessa Roanhorse:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, join me on a trip to the unceded territory of the Sandia Pueblos in New Mexico. I’m sitting down with Vanessa Roanhorse to talk about the Indigenous worldview, how it might inform our approach to thinking in systems, and what exhausts her about being asked to show up as an Indigenous female entrepreneur and educator.


Vanessa Roanhorse (Diné) is the CEO of Roanhorse Consulting, an Indigenous woman-owned company that co-designs wealth and power-building efforts that invests in thoughtful community-led efforts that put people back in the center.


Vanessa is a co-founder of Native Women Lead, a national organization that lifts Indigenous women in business. She sits on the boards of Groundworks NM, Delta Institute, Zebras Unite and is an advisor to Angels of Impact Fund. She is a 2021 Paypal Maggie Lena Walker’s Emerging Leader Awardee and a 2020 Conscious Company Media’s World Changing Women in Sustainable Business Awardee. She is a 2021 Purpose Fund Building Fellow and a 2020 Boston Impact Initiative Fund-Building fellow.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why systems work needs to reimagine capitalism and resource management entirely
  • How a worldview that includes a plurality of truths and experiences informs Vanessa’s approach to systems change
  • Why individuals need to decenter themselves and work towards community impact
  • The basic groundwork and education non-Indigenous people in America need to do
  • What morning practice keeps Vanessa grounded


Learn More About Vanessa Roanhorse:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 03 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2562 I’m sitting down with Vanessa Roanhorse to talk about the Indigenous worldview, how it might inform our approach to thinking in systems, and what exhausts her about being asked to show up as an Indigenous female entrepreneur and educator. I’m sitting down with Vanessa Roanhorse to talk about the Indigenous worldview, how it might inform our approach to thinking in systems, and what exhausts her about being asked to show up as an Indigenous female entrepreneur and educator. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 2.9 - Season 02 Review: Models of Leadership in Systems Change 2 2 9 9 E. 2.9 - Season 02 Review: Models of Leadership in Systems Change full 51a675bc-21a8-4f85-98a6-bb5e2f44b197 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ When we set out on this season, it was all about the great unknown of complex, adaptive systems. Scary, right?


I’ll admit, I was a little unsure myself whether we would be able to make systems thinking a little less intimidating and ultimately helpful to how we foster, build, and nourish ecosystems for change in our communities.


After hearing from our seven guests, I hope that things are a little less unknown. 


Let’s break it down and see what we can take away from this season.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How thinking and acting in complex, adaptive systems actually come naturally to humans, if we let it
  • Why we need to let go of the illusion of control and linear thinking in order to take on the challenges we face
  • How interconnectivity and mutualism are essential to social change
  • Why we need to slow down in order to build meaningful solutions in community
  • What kind of mindset shifts are required for leaders in complex, adaptive systems


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> When we set out on this season, it was all about the great unknown of complex, adaptive systems. Scary, right?


I’ll admit, I was a little unsure myself whether we would be able to make systems thinking a little less intimidating and ultimately helpful to how we foster, build, and nourish ecosystems for change in our communities.


After hearing from our seven guests, I hope that things are a little less unknown. 


Let’s break it down and see what we can take away from this season.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How thinking and acting in complex, adaptive systems actually come naturally to humans, if we let it
  • Why we need to let go of the illusion of control and linear thinking in order to take on the challenges we face
  • How interconnectivity and mutualism are essential to social change
  • Why we need to slow down in order to build meaningful solutions in community
  • What kind of mindset shifts are required for leaders in complex, adaptive systems


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 10 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1896 When we set out on this season, it was all about the great unknown of complex, adaptive systems. Scary, right? After hearing from our seven guests, I hope that things are a little less unknown. When we set out on this season, it was all about the great unknown of complex, adaptive systems. Scary, right? After hearing from our seven guests, I hope that things are a little less unknown. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Ecosystems for Change: Logbook #2 3 3 Ecosystems for Change: Logbook #2 bonus 2a7bfb49-3c1f-4602-8849-f31de02d670e https://share.transistor.fm/s/25a70d37 Welcome to my second logbook, an in-between-seasons update on what’s been going on behind the scenes of this show and in my work in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, paired with a few observations from the field of ecosystem building here in the US.


In between seasons, I love giving you a little sneak peek into what I have planned over the coming weeks and how YOU can get involved! Let’s do it!


Thank you to my special guests Dr. Amy Beaird, TJ Wright and Lauren Mathena

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • What I’ve been working on at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF)
  • Conversations from the 2022 Startup Champions Network Summit
  • What I’m working on for the fall at SCCF
  • What’s coming in Season 3 of Ecosystems for Change and a way for you to get involved


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Welcome to my second logbook, an in-between-seasons update on what’s been going on behind the scenes of this show and in my work in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, paired with a few observations from the field of ecosystem building here in the US.


In between seasons, I love giving you a little sneak peek into what I have planned over the coming weeks and how YOU can get involved! Let’s do it!


Thank you to my special guests Dr. Amy Beaird, TJ Wright and Lauren Mathena

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • What I’ve been working on at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF)
  • Conversations from the 2022 Startup Champions Network Summit
  • What I’m working on for the fall at SCCF
  • What’s coming in Season 3 of Ecosystems for Change and a way for you to get involved


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 24 May 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1594 Welcome to my second logbook, an in-between-seasons update on what’s been going on behind the scenes of this show and in my work in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, paired with a few observations from the field of ecosystem building here in the US. Welcome to my second logbook, an in-between-seasons update on what’s been going on behind the scenes of this show and in my work in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, paired with a few observations from the field of ecosystem building here in the US. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 3.1 - Burn Both Ends: The Mental, Physical, and Emotional Toll of Ecosystem Building 3 3 1 1 E. 3.1 - Burn Both Ends: The Mental, Physical, and Emotional Toll of Ecosystem Building full 8d5c2321-3796-43a2-be49-22f15cd06ddb https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ If you listened to the first two seasons of this show, you may have noticed that I ask each guest how they’re handling the demands of the work as systemic thinkers and doers.


Having worked in this space for years, I know that many of us idealists and hopeless optimists come dangerously close to burning the candle on both ends on a regular basis. 


And this is why we need to talk about burnout friends.


We cannot afford for any of us to break down, to quit. Who is going to change the world if all the changemakers are depleted and exhausted?


And what’s more, we’re not interchangeable. One ecosystem builder or social impact enthusiast lost is a huge cost. I firmly believe that we all have a unique gift that we bring into this world and when we lose someone to burnout, that gift will forever be lost to our community.


In season 3, I talk to practitioners who can help us build a solid foundation of physical, mental and emotional health so that we can stay in this game of ecosystem building for a long time to come!


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How I grappled with exhaustion and burning the candle at both ends
  • Why just working harder isn’t the answer
  • The systemic issues that leave so many ecosystem builders feeling spent and exhausted


Learn more about the contributors to the episode:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> If you listened to the first two seasons of this show, you may have noticed that I ask each guest how they’re handling the demands of the work as systemic thinkers and doers.


Having worked in this space for years, I know that many of us idealists and hopeless optimists come dangerously close to burning the candle on both ends on a regular basis. 


And this is why we need to talk about burnout friends.


We cannot afford for any of us to break down, to quit. Who is going to change the world if all the changemakers are depleted and exhausted?


And what’s more, we’re not interchangeable. One ecosystem builder or social impact enthusiast lost is a huge cost. I firmly believe that we all have a unique gift that we bring into this world and when we lose someone to burnout, that gift will forever be lost to our community.


In season 3, I talk to practitioners who can help us build a solid foundation of physical, mental and emotional health so that we can stay in this game of ecosystem building for a long time to come!


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How I grappled with exhaustion and burning the candle at both ends
  • Why just working harder isn’t the answer
  • The systemic issues that leave so many ecosystem builders feeling spent and exhausted


Learn more about the contributors to the episode:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1090 In season 3, I talk to practitioners who can help us build a solid foundation of physical, mental and emotional health so that we can stay in this game of ecosystem building for a long time to come! In season 3, I talk to practitioners who can help us build a solid foundation of physical, mental and emotional health so that we can stay in this game of ecosystem building for a long time to come! Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 3.2 - Creativity, Reputation and Boundaries in the Social Impact Space with Isaac Jeffries 3 3 2 2 E. 3.2 - Creativity, Reputation and Boundaries in the Social Impact Space with Isaac Jeffries full d30be488-5a84-4976-8b13-b8e580deeb6c https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today, we’re headed to Melbourne, Australia, to talk to my good friend Isaac Jeffries.


He was kind enough to sit down after a late-night game of Aussie rules to talk to me about his experience working in the Australian and South Pacific social enterprise space.


We chatted about setting and upholding boundaries to ensure we don’t disappoint ourselves or the people around us who matter. We also talked about having the guts to share your work, managing your energy, and staying true to your ethical compass.


Isaac Jeffries works with people who want to do good and make money at the same time. He runs accelerator programs and coaching sessions with social entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses and stay financially sustainable.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How feeling responsible for something greater than ourselves can fuel action and burning the candle at both ends
  • How Isaac now balances work that is energizing and work that is draining
  • Why setting and keeping boundaries means getting comfortable with disappointing people
  • Why your ethical reputation is far more important than your output reputation
  • How making progress in secret can create longevity in your creativity


Learn more about Isaac Jeffries:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today, we’re headed to Melbourne, Australia, to talk to my good friend Isaac Jeffries.


He was kind enough to sit down after a late-night game of Aussie rules to talk to me about his experience working in the Australian and South Pacific social enterprise space.


We chatted about setting and upholding boundaries to ensure we don’t disappoint ourselves or the people around us who matter. We also talked about having the guts to share your work, managing your energy, and staying true to your ethical compass.


Isaac Jeffries works with people who want to do good and make money at the same time. He runs accelerator programs and coaching sessions with social entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses and stay financially sustainable.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How feeling responsible for something greater than ourselves can fuel action and burning the candle at both ends
  • How Isaac now balances work that is energizing and work that is draining
  • Why setting and keeping boundaries means getting comfortable with disappointing people
  • Why your ethical reputation is far more important than your output reputation
  • How making progress in secret can create longevity in your creativity


Learn more about Isaac Jeffries:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 21 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3065 Isaac Jeffries and I chatted about setting and upholding boundaries to ensure we don’t disappoint ourselves or the people around us who matter. We also talked about having the guts to share your work, managing your energy, and staying true to your ethical compass. Isaac Jeffries and I chatted about setting and upholding boundaries to ensure we don’t disappoint ourselves or the people around us who matter. We also talked about having the guts to share your work, managing your energy, and staying true to your ethical Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 3.3 - Redefining Fitness: The Ebb and Flow of Self-Acceptance and Mental Health with Alex Boross-Harmer 3 3 3 3 E. 3.3 - Redefining Fitness: The Ebb and Flow of Self-Acceptance and Mental Health with Alex Boross-Harmer full 00373995-3830-4534-99c8-735133e0a8bf https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today, I want you to meet Alex Boross-Harmer.


Alex used to be my Crossfit Coach and has since taken a completely new, holistic and empathetic approach to helping others move their body. Think sweating and panting, but fun.


From the 15th floor of their condo in Toronto, Canada, Alex talks about their transition from Barbie to Ken with an ink sleeve, making the fitness industry more human and honoring their own needs.


Alex Boross-Harmer is an activist, coach, teacher, social-worker-in-training, and communication-obsessed human. Equal parts rebel, academic, and want-to-be Ted Lasso, Alex uses mental-health-focused fitness as a vehicle to heal our collective oppression in a capitalist, patriarchal society. Alex's mission is to create spaces for others who, like them, felt like they "never quite fit in" in the world around them and want to feel not only safe but powerful expressing their full, unapologetically unique selves.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How pivoting to online classes as the pandemic started gave Alex the freedom to re-envision how they approach fitness
  • How to find movement that brings you joy
  • Why fitness professionals need to approach their clients as whole humans who don’t have to leave their feelings at the door
  • How Alex prioritizes self care and rest, while working to let go of the shame or productivity culture


Learn more about Alex Boross-Harmer:


Learn more about Anika Horn:

Resources:

Brené Brown: Dare to Lead podcast

]]> Today, I want you to meet Alex Boross-Harmer.


Alex used to be my Crossfit Coach and has since taken a completely new, holistic and empathetic approach to helping others move their body. Think sweating and panting, but fun.


From the 15th floor of their condo in Toronto, Canada, Alex talks about their transition from Barbie to Ken with an ink sleeve, making the fitness industry more human and honoring their own needs.


Alex Boross-Harmer is an activist, coach, teacher, social-worker-in-training, and communication-obsessed human. Equal parts rebel, academic, and want-to-be Ted Lasso, Alex uses mental-health-focused fitness as a vehicle to heal our collective oppression in a capitalist, patriarchal society. Alex's mission is to create spaces for others who, like them, felt like they "never quite fit in" in the world around them and want to feel not only safe but powerful expressing their full, unapologetically unique selves.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How pivoting to online classes as the pandemic started gave Alex the freedom to re-envision how they approach fitness
  • How to find movement that brings you joy
  • Why fitness professionals need to approach their clients as whole humans who don’t have to leave their feelings at the door
  • How Alex prioritizes self care and rest, while working to let go of the shame or productivity culture


Learn more about Alex Boross-Harmer:


Learn more about Anika Horn:

Resources:

Brené Brown: Dare to Lead podcast

]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2351 Alex Boross-Harmer has taken a holistic and empathetic approach to helping others move their body. Alex talks about their transition from Barbie to Ken with an ink sleeve, making the fitness industry more human and honoring their own needs. Alex Boross-Harmer has taken a holistic and empathetic approach to helping others move their body. Alex talks about their transition from Barbie to Ken with an ink sleeve, making the fitness industry more human and honoring their own needs. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E. 3.4 - Honoring Life's Ups and Downs with Candace Dalmagne-Rouge 3 3 4 4 E. 3.4 - Honoring Life's Ups and Downs with Candace Dalmagne-Rouge full d7aa2023-2f16-46de-9fe6-74c0e0e638a3 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today’s conversation takes place in Dayton, Ohio, where I caught up with Candace Dalmagne-Rouge, social entrepreneur, Zebra and mother of twin girls.


I wanted you all to meet Candace because she has lived the startup life of acceleration, ecosystem building, and Silicon Valley and has come out the other end intact to start a business that is deeply aligned with her personal experience and purpose.


I so enjoyed talking to her about spirituality, trusting your intuition and acknowledging the important transitions in life. 


Candace Dalmagne-Rouge is the Founder of Ceremony - helping people honor, heal and celebrate life. Through DIY ceremony kits, events and eventually retreats, her intention is to cultivate sacred, inspired space and bring people into power, presence and reverence for life.


With nearly a decade of experience supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startup ecosystems both locally and internationally, Candace combines her knowledge in entrepreneurship with her passion for holistic wellbeing in this latest venture. 


Content note: This episode discusses miscarriage and child loss.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Candace realized she needed a change from the hustle of working for Silicon Valley
  • The practices that Candace uses to keep herself balanced and grounded 
  • How creating space for ceremony has played an important role in Candace’s life and why she wants to bring that to others
  • Why Candace says it’s critical to develop a relationship with your intuition for when things get tough


Learn more about Candace Dalmagne-Rouge:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today’s conversation takes place in Dayton, Ohio, where I caught up with Candace Dalmagne-Rouge, social entrepreneur, Zebra and mother of twin girls.


I wanted you all to meet Candace because she has lived the startup life of acceleration, ecosystem building, and Silicon Valley and has come out the other end intact to start a business that is deeply aligned with her personal experience and purpose.


I so enjoyed talking to her about spirituality, trusting your intuition and acknowledging the important transitions in life. 


Candace Dalmagne-Rouge is the Founder of Ceremony - helping people honor, heal and celebrate life. Through DIY ceremony kits, events and eventually retreats, her intention is to cultivate sacred, inspired space and bring people into power, presence and reverence for life.


With nearly a decade of experience supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startup ecosystems both locally and internationally, Candace combines her knowledge in entrepreneurship with her passion for holistic wellbeing in this latest venture. 


Content note: This episode discusses miscarriage and child loss.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Candace realized she needed a change from the hustle of working for Silicon Valley
  • The practices that Candace uses to keep herself balanced and grounded 
  • How creating space for ceremony has played an important role in Candace’s life and why she wants to bring that to others
  • Why Candace says it’s critical to develop a relationship with your intuition for when things get tough


Learn more about Candace Dalmagne-Rouge:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2563 I wanted you all to meet Candace because she has lived the startup life of acceleration, ecosystem building, and Silicon Valley and has come out the other end intact to start a business that is deeply aligned with her personal experience and purpose. I wanted you all to meet Candace because she has lived the startup life of acceleration, ecosystem building, and Silicon Valley and has come out the other end intact to start a business that is deeply aligned with her personal experience and purpose. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 3.5 - The Value of Therapy and Building Your Own Support Network with David Hirsch 3 3 5 5 E 3.5 - The Value of Therapy and Building Your Own Support Network with David Hirsch full 88d0a751-d98d-4c42-9895-4e84baade8c2 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, you’ll meet my friend David Hirsch.


David is one of those rare people who–within two minutes of talking to you–makes you feel completely seen, heard, understood, and valued. I hope you get some of that in this conversation. 


From his office in Chattanooga, TN, he shares with us his experience with burnout as a community builder. David talks about not only the mental and emotional toll, but the physical manifestations of his work-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Grounded in his experience as a youth worker, David has developed a unique approach to taking care of himself and others by deeply engaging our own support networks as an active selfcare practice. 


A full stack community builder who can't help but see the best in people, David Hirsch has sought to improve the lives of others by creating sustainability in their lives. This work spans personal, professional, spiritual, and familial considerations. Drawing from a varied background, and many wise friends/mentors/books, he is occasionally able to bring the right resource to the right person at the right time for the right reason... when he is paying attention, listens, and is not being a narcissist.



Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How ecosystem builders unconsciously push each other toward burnout
  • Why ecosystem builders and the people in their lives need community support, not self care
  • How asking for help builds stronger communities
  • Why ecosystem builders need to work toward transfers of trust in their projects


Learn more about David Hirsch:


Learn more about Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, you’ll meet my friend David Hirsch.


David is one of those rare people who–within two minutes of talking to you–makes you feel completely seen, heard, understood, and valued. I hope you get some of that in this conversation. 


From his office in Chattanooga, TN, he shares with us his experience with burnout as a community builder. David talks about not only the mental and emotional toll, but the physical manifestations of his work-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Grounded in his experience as a youth worker, David has developed a unique approach to taking care of himself and others by deeply engaging our own support networks as an active selfcare practice. 


A full stack community builder who can't help but see the best in people, David Hirsch has sought to improve the lives of others by creating sustainability in their lives. This work spans personal, professional, spiritual, and familial considerations. Drawing from a varied background, and many wise friends/mentors/books, he is occasionally able to bring the right resource to the right person at the right time for the right reason... when he is paying attention, listens, and is not being a narcissist.



Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How ecosystem builders unconsciously push each other toward burnout
  • Why ecosystem builders and the people in their lives need community support, not self care
  • How asking for help builds stronger communities
  • Why ecosystem builders need to work toward transfers of trust in their projects


Learn more about David Hirsch:


Learn more about Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3052 David Hirsch shares with us his experience with burnout as a community builder. David talks about not only the mental and emotional toll, but the physical manifestations of his work-related post-traumatic stress disorder. David Hirsch shares with us his experience with burnout as a community builder. David talks about not only the mental and emotional toll, but the physical manifestations of his work-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 3.6 - Slow Your Roll: Creating a Healthy Lifestyle with Shelly Rose 3 3 6 6 E 3.6 - Slow Your Roll: Creating a Healthy Lifestyle with Shelly Rose full 6ed9905b-dda1-46eb-abf5-6896b9f3b1b5 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, you’ll meet Shelly Rose, a natural foods chef and one of my favorite people on this Earth!


In my humble opinion, Shelly is a gift to humanity because she is deeply invested in helping others–irrespective of age, background and current lifestyle–lead a healthy life.


In this conversation, we talk about sleep, nutrition, staying hydrated, taking good care of your nervous system - which I think we could all use some advice on. Shelly also shares how she is moving your body regularly, what she does to prepare her body for aging, and how we can integrate healthier habits into our day-to-day life. 


But rest assured, we don’t talk about raw kale or celery juice - Shelly enjoys pastries and the occasional treat like we all do. She is human after all! 


Shelly Rose founded Pure Roots Nutrition in 2011, a company dedicated to helping people implement a more joyful and peace-filled life through real food, movement, stress relief, meaningful connection, purpose, time spent in nature, and a good night’s sleep.


She has worked in medical practices alongside Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) specializing in food sensitivities, chronic conditions, and incorporating meal plans, culinary skills, and lifestyle changes into patient care plans. While working independently as an educator and consultant today, Shelly still actively partners in client/patient care with like-minded integrative, functional and naturopathic medicine healthcare providers.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Shelly learned to connect how her body felt with what she was eating
  • Why sleep is the foundation for a healthier lifestyle
  • How to recognize when your nervous system is dysregulated
  • How to evaluate and set priorities when it comes to making sustainable changes for your health


Learn more about Shelly Rose:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, James Clear

]]> In today’s episode, you’ll meet Shelly Rose, a natural foods chef and one of my favorite people on this Earth!


In my humble opinion, Shelly is a gift to humanity because she is deeply invested in helping others–irrespective of age, background and current lifestyle–lead a healthy life.


In this conversation, we talk about sleep, nutrition, staying hydrated, taking good care of your nervous system - which I think we could all use some advice on. Shelly also shares how she is moving your body regularly, what she does to prepare her body for aging, and how we can integrate healthier habits into our day-to-day life. 


But rest assured, we don’t talk about raw kale or celery juice - Shelly enjoys pastries and the occasional treat like we all do. She is human after all! 


Shelly Rose founded Pure Roots Nutrition in 2011, a company dedicated to helping people implement a more joyful and peace-filled life through real food, movement, stress relief, meaningful connection, purpose, time spent in nature, and a good night’s sleep.


She has worked in medical practices alongside Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) specializing in food sensitivities, chronic conditions, and incorporating meal plans, culinary skills, and lifestyle changes into patient care plans. While working independently as an educator and consultant today, Shelly still actively partners in client/patient care with like-minded integrative, functional and naturopathic medicine healthcare providers.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Shelly learned to connect how her body felt with what she was eating
  • Why sleep is the foundation for a healthier lifestyle
  • How to recognize when your nervous system is dysregulated
  • How to evaluate and set priorities when it comes to making sustainable changes for your health


Learn more about Shelly Rose:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, James Clear

]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2368 Shelly Rose and I talk about sleep, nutrition, staying hydrated, taking good care of your nervous system - which I think we could all use some advice on. Shelly Rose and I talk about sleep, nutrition, staying hydrated, taking good care of your nervous system - which I think we could all use some advice on. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 3.7 - Season 03 Review: Constant Work in Progress 3 3 7 7 E 3.7 - Season 03 Review: Constant Work in Progress full df7c1b90-eb1b-487d-8a8d-b4a47b327317 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ I set out on this season assuming that we all want to lead happier and healthier lives in which we don’t fall victim to burnout, stress and overwhelm.


And this, by the way, does not just concern ecosystem builders and do-gooders.


Most of us look for purpose in our lives, for work that fulfills us, for time and resources to spend on things we enjoy. Don’t we all dream of having meaningful, trusting relationships with our friends and families?


Am I the only one who fantasizes about an ideal version of myself as a healthy, strong, resilient, equanimous and happy person?


Some days, I still fantasize about the Anika who has her manageable workload under control, who breezes through her to-do list, resolves conflict and wakes up bursting with energy each day ready to make a difference in her community.


And then I remember that she is a product of my imagination.


This season confirmed that there is no magic formula, no secret ingredient. It all comes down to priorities, to looking at the big picture and deciding what kind of life we want to live, and making changes to our lifestyle accordingly. 


None of my guests revealed a secret that will magically prevent us from burnout. But each of them brought several pieces of advice that work for THEM and that hopefully can work for us, too. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why we have to learn to listen to our bodies and run slower
  • How holding on to your boundaries and your ethics can help prevent you from burning the candle at both ends 
  • Why we need to learn how to press pause on the to-do list
  • The benefits of reaching out for help when we’re stuck
  • Why entrepreneurship is always personal


Learn more about Anika Horn:

]]> I set out on this season assuming that we all want to lead happier and healthier lives in which we don’t fall victim to burnout, stress and overwhelm.


And this, by the way, does not just concern ecosystem builders and do-gooders.


Most of us look for purpose in our lives, for work that fulfills us, for time and resources to spend on things we enjoy. Don’t we all dream of having meaningful, trusting relationships with our friends and families?


Am I the only one who fantasizes about an ideal version of myself as a healthy, strong, resilient, equanimous and happy person?


Some days, I still fantasize about the Anika who has her manageable workload under control, who breezes through her to-do list, resolves conflict and wakes up bursting with energy each day ready to make a difference in her community.


And then I remember that she is a product of my imagination.


This season confirmed that there is no magic formula, no secret ingredient. It all comes down to priorities, to looking at the big picture and deciding what kind of life we want to live, and making changes to our lifestyle accordingly. 


None of my guests revealed a secret that will magically prevent us from burnout. But each of them brought several pieces of advice that work for THEM and that hopefully can work for us, too. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why we have to learn to listen to our bodies and run slower
  • How holding on to your boundaries and your ethics can help prevent you from burning the candle at both ends 
  • Why we need to learn how to press pause on the to-do list
  • The benefits of reaching out for help when we’re stuck
  • Why entrepreneurship is always personal


Learn more about Anika Horn:

]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1792 This season confirmed that there is no magic formula, no secret ingredient. It all comes down to priorities, to looking at the big picture and deciding what kind of life we want to live, and making changes to our lifestyle accordingly. This season confirmed that there is no magic formula, no secret ingredient. It all comes down to priorities, to looking at the big picture and deciding what kind of life we want to live, and making changes to our lifestyle accordingly. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Ecosystems for Change: Logbook #3 3 3 Ecosystems for Change: Logbook #3 bonus 22de1373-cebc-4c11-9d67-148d970c4065 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Welcome, friends, to my third logbook, the in-between seasons update where I share what’s going on behind the scenes of the show in my day job as an ecosystem builder in the Shenandoah Valley, in the field of ecosystem building in general, and in my personal life.


I will also give you a little sneak peek of what lies ahead and how you can get involved.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • We bought a house!
  • Embarking on a listening tour and hosting the inaugural Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit with SCCF
  • Fall conference season is almost here
  • Coming up in season four: social capital, conflict management, and collaboration


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Welcome, friends, to my third logbook, the in-between seasons update where I share what’s going on behind the scenes of the show in my day job as an ecosystem builder in the Shenandoah Valley, in the field of ecosystem building in general, and in my personal life.


I will also give you a little sneak peek of what lies ahead and how you can get involved.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • We bought a house!
  • Embarking on a listening tour and hosting the inaugural Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit with SCCF
  • Fall conference season is almost here
  • Coming up in season four: social capital, conflict management, and collaboration


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1037 Welcome, friends, to my third logbook, the in-between seasons update where I share what’s going on behind the scenes of the show. Welcome, friends, to my third logbook, the in-between seasons update where I share what’s going on behind the scenes of the show. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Summer Skill Sessions: Ecosystem Mapping 3 3 Summer Skill Sessions: Ecosystem Mapping bonus d405d86b-84c1-462d-84b0-129bb044f9c6 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ I don’t know about you, but every time I go on social media, I see people vacationing in the Greek isles or somewhere on Bermuda, and while I’m stuck here in my lovely home office in my new hometown of Stanton, Virginia, I feel like summer as well.


So instead of a fully produced season that is a chapter in our playbook of ecosystem building, I am bringing you the Summer Skill Sessions.


I imagine you lying on a beach somewhere, kicking it with a cocktail or mocktail in hand, trying to keep cool and wondering how to become a better ecosystem building. Isn’t that what we all think about all the time?


The idea behind these Summer Skill Sessions is to bring you short snippets of episodes that introduce you to a very practical skill for ecosystem builders and walk you through some of the steps that you need to take to master that skill, and leave you with a lot of resources to dive a little bit deeper and become an expert on this skill.


 In our first Summer Skills Session, we are going to talk about ecosystem mapping.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Four key reasons why we map ecosystems
  • Why you need to engage collaborators as soon as possible
  • How defining the ecosystem, target audience, scope, and the question you’re answering shape the map you’re making
  • How making sure you collect qualitative data makes your map more than just a directory
  • How your research question will guide your data analysis and the way you present your findings

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

DIY Resources


Selected Service Providers


Articles

]]> I don’t know about you, but every time I go on social media, I see people vacationing in the Greek isles or somewhere on Bermuda, and while I’m stuck here in my lovely home office in my new hometown of Stanton, Virginia, I feel like summer as well.


So instead of a fully produced season that is a chapter in our playbook of ecosystem building, I am bringing you the Summer Skill Sessions.


I imagine you lying on a beach somewhere, kicking it with a cocktail or mocktail in hand, trying to keep cool and wondering how to become a better ecosystem building. Isn’t that what we all think about all the time?


The idea behind these Summer Skill Sessions is to bring you short snippets of episodes that introduce you to a very practical skill for ecosystem builders and walk you through some of the steps that you need to take to master that skill, and leave you with a lot of resources to dive a little bit deeper and become an expert on this skill.


 In our first Summer Skills Session, we are going to talk about ecosystem mapping.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Four key reasons why we map ecosystems
  • Why you need to engage collaborators as soon as possible
  • How defining the ecosystem, target audience, scope, and the question you’re answering shape the map you’re making
  • How making sure you collect qualitative data makes your map more than just a directory
  • How your research question will guide your data analysis and the way you present your findings

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

DIY Resources


Selected Service Providers


Articles

]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1937 The idea behind these Summer Skill Sessions is to bring you short snippets of episodes that introduce you to a very practical skill for ecosystem builders. In our first Summer Skills Session, we are going to talk about ecosystem mapping. The idea behind these Summer Skill Sessions is to bring you short snippets of episodes that introduce you to a very practical skill for ecosystem builders. In our first Summer Skills Session, we are going to talk about ecosystem mapping. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Summer Skill Sessions: Outreach 3 3 Summer Skill Sessions: Outreach bonus e612ce5b-50af-4b8e-b1fb-c76078ebd1b3 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Welcome to our second Summer Skill Session. 


I hope you’re kicking it by the pool, popsicle in hand, your headphones on, eager to add another skill to your toolbox as an ecosystem builder.


Today, we’re talking about entrepreneurial outreach.


Tell me if this sounds familiar:


We're launching a support program for entrepreneurs, but how do we make them aware of it?


Hey, I'm hosting this workshop conference event for entrepreneurs. Can you help me get the word out?


Or one of my favorites, there just are no entrepreneurs in our community.


If you've heard one or several of these statements in your ecosystem, today's episode is for you.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why listening deeply is the first step of outreach, especially if you want to connect to entrepreneurs from backgrounds different than yours
  • Why an open door isn’t enough, you have to go out into the community you want to serve
  • How to shift your language to make your outreach more specifically and intentionally inclusive
  • The difference between short-term tactics that build awareness and long-term tactics that build relationships and trust


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Welcome to our second Summer Skill Session. 


I hope you’re kicking it by the pool, popsicle in hand, your headphones on, eager to add another skill to your toolbox as an ecosystem builder.


Today, we’re talking about entrepreneurial outreach.


Tell me if this sounds familiar:


We're launching a support program for entrepreneurs, but how do we make them aware of it?


Hey, I'm hosting this workshop conference event for entrepreneurs. Can you help me get the word out?


Or one of my favorites, there just are no entrepreneurs in our community.


If you've heard one or several of these statements in your ecosystem, today's episode is for you.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why listening deeply is the first step of outreach, especially if you want to connect to entrepreneurs from backgrounds different than yours
  • Why an open door isn’t enough, you have to go out into the community you want to serve
  • How to shift your language to make your outreach more specifically and intentionally inclusive
  • The difference between short-term tactics that build awareness and long-term tactics that build relationships and trust


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1328 Welcome to our second Summer Skill Session. I hope you’re kicking it by the pool, popsicle in hand, your headphones on, eager to add another skill to your toolbox as an ecosystem builder. Today, we’re talking about entrepreneurial outreach. Welcome to our second Summer Skill Session. I hope you’re kicking it by the pool, popsicle in hand, your headphones on, eager to add another skill to your toolbox as an ecosystem builder. Today, we’re talking about entrepreneurial outreach. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Summer Skill Sessions: Storytelling 3 3 Summer Skill Sessions: Storytelling bonus 3228e786-ff45-4793-b74b-fc2455ecfb33 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ I came to storytelling from a love of local business and their owners in Richmond, Virginia. 


First, I loved their products, from biscuits to T-shirts to local moonshine. And once I got to know these businesses and their owners, I wanted to shout their stories from the rooftops. I wanted the whole world, or at least the people in my city, to know about them and spend their dollars there.


These startups and small businesses made me proud of my community. So I told their stories in every way I could. I posted about them on social media. I told my friends about them. I wrote blog posts and articles.


I was celebrating these small businesses in every possible way, but I never called it storytelling. It was just something I did.


So let this be the first rule of storytelling and ecosystem building: It doesn’t have to be hard.


If you tell your friends about your favorite local businesses or you post about them on social media, you are already telling their stories; you’re just not thinking about it that way.


In today’s Summer Skill Session, I want to introduce you to my five-step approach to telling meaningful stories about your ecosystem.


If you tell your friends about your favorite local businesses or you post about them on social media, you are already telling their stories.  You're just not thinking about it that way. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Five key aspects to consider when building your storytelling strategy
  • Why keeping it simple will help you keep it consistent
  • How to set the tone for your stories so that they acknowledge what’s hard, while staying hopeful
  • Five tips for successful storytelling


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> I came to storytelling from a love of local business and their owners in Richmond, Virginia. 


First, I loved their products, from biscuits to T-shirts to local moonshine. And once I got to know these businesses and their owners, I wanted to shout their stories from the rooftops. I wanted the whole world, or at least the people in my city, to know about them and spend their dollars there.


These startups and small businesses made me proud of my community. So I told their stories in every way I could. I posted about them on social media. I told my friends about them. I wrote blog posts and articles.


I was celebrating these small businesses in every possible way, but I never called it storytelling. It was just something I did.


So let this be the first rule of storytelling and ecosystem building: It doesn’t have to be hard.


If you tell your friends about your favorite local businesses or you post about them on social media, you are already telling their stories; you’re just not thinking about it that way.


In today’s Summer Skill Session, I want to introduce you to my five-step approach to telling meaningful stories about your ecosystem.


If you tell your friends about your favorite local businesses or you post about them on social media, you are already telling their stories.  You're just not thinking about it that way. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Five key aspects to consider when building your storytelling strategy
  • Why keeping it simple will help you keep it consistent
  • How to set the tone for your stories so that they acknowledge what’s hard, while staying hopeful
  • Five tips for successful storytelling


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 06 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 911 In today’s Summer Skill Session, I want to introduce you to my five-step approach to telling meaningful stories about your ecosystem. In today’s Summer Skill Session, I want to introduce you to my five-step approach to telling meaningful stories about your ecosystem. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Summer Skill Sessions: Productivity 3 3 Summer Skill Sessions: Productivity bonus 50b5502f-a5eb-46dc-b377-4161811e3fb5 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/
Welcome to the last Summer Skill Session of 2022.


I hope that you’ve gotten a fair amount of vitamin D and you were able to take some time off this summer to relax. And, of course, I hope that you found this series helpful.


Summer is winding down and we’re getting in those last ice creams, popsicles, and cold drinks, squeezing out the last of the sunscreen from the bottle, and starting to put away bathing suits and beach towels. But we’ve still got fall and winter ahead.


I don’t know about you, but the start of fall usually leaves me feeling super recharged and ready to tackle the rest of the year with a lot of enthusiasm and really, really big plans.


If you feel that way too, this episode might be super relevant for you and hopefully just what you need to get back into the swing of things.


Today, we’re talking about productivity.


But first, a confession. I may not be the best person to talk about productivity. 


I do think I am very productive! But I haven’t quite figured out how to be productive without also working myself into the ground. And admittedly, I’m not always the best at taking my own advice when it comes to how to be productive.


Which is to say, I need this episode as much as you do.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why I always put the personal stuff first when I’m building my calendar
  • How to use each quarter to get more detailed with your plans and reflect on what you can realistically accomplish in 30, 60, and 90 days
  • How to cluster your week to avoid bouncing between tasks and projects all day
  • Why you should leave your emails for later in the day
  • My best advice for taking breaks, creating rituals, and making your to-do list work for you


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]>
Welcome to the last Summer Skill Session of 2022.


I hope that you’ve gotten a fair amount of vitamin D and you were able to take some time off this summer to relax. And, of course, I hope that you found this series helpful.


Summer is winding down and we’re getting in those last ice creams, popsicles, and cold drinks, squeezing out the last of the sunscreen from the bottle, and starting to put away bathing suits and beach towels. But we’ve still got fall and winter ahead.


I don’t know about you, but the start of fall usually leaves me feeling super recharged and ready to tackle the rest of the year with a lot of enthusiasm and really, really big plans.


If you feel that way too, this episode might be super relevant for you and hopefully just what you need to get back into the swing of things.


Today, we’re talking about productivity.


But first, a confession. I may not be the best person to talk about productivity. 


I do think I am very productive! But I haven’t quite figured out how to be productive without also working myself into the ground. And admittedly, I’m not always the best at taking my own advice when it comes to how to be productive.


Which is to say, I need this episode as much as you do.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why I always put the personal stuff first when I’m building my calendar
  • How to use each quarter to get more detailed with your plans and reflect on what you can realistically accomplish in 30, 60, and 90 days
  • How to cluster your week to avoid bouncing between tasks and projects all day
  • Why you should leave your emails for later in the day
  • My best advice for taking breaks, creating rituals, and making your to-do list work for you


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1519 Today, we’re talking about productivity. But first, a confession. I may not be the best person to talk about productivity. Today, we’re talking about productivity. But first, a confession. I may not be the best person to talk about productivity. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Ecosystems for Change: Logbook #4 3 3 Ecosystems for Change: Logbook #4 bonus 0eb85600-e578-41a1-aeb9-4afd1292864e https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Welcome to my fourth logbook, an in-between season update on all things ecosystem building.


I share with you what is going on in the field of ecosystem building here in the US, give you an insight into what I’m working on in my day job as Director of Ecosystem Building at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, and share some behind the scenes details of the show.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • A recap of our listening tours and inaugural Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit
  • Why I probably need to relisten to season 3 as I’m entering into a very busy season of my personal and professional life
  • Details from the organizers of two exciting upcoming conferences
  • What’s coming up in season 4


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Welcome to my fourth logbook, an in-between season update on all things ecosystem building.


I share with you what is going on in the field of ecosystem building here in the US, give you an insight into what I’m working on in my day job as Director of Ecosystem Building at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, and share some behind the scenes details of the show.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • A recap of our listening tours and inaugural Shenandoah Valley Entrepreneurship Summit
  • Why I probably need to relisten to season 3 as I’m entering into a very busy season of my personal and professional life
  • Details from the organizers of two exciting upcoming conferences
  • What’s coming up in season 4


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1068 Welcome to my fourth logbook, an in-between season update on all things ecosystem building. Welcome to my fourth logbook, an in-between season update on all things ecosystem building. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.1 Social Capital: Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration 4 4 1 1 E 4.1 Social Capital: Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration full 83ee78e3-d9e1-48ec-96b6-25d8ada87686 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Earlier this year, I was chatting with a fellow ecosystem builder who had just been hired to convene an entrepreneurial ecosystem. From the outside, it looked pretty mature. They had the right institutions, programs, a digital map, co-working spaces, an active angel network, and an active entrepreneurial community.


But when he got there, it quickly became clear that while the stakeholders wanted to see the ecosystem thrive, they all had vastly different ideas of what that journey should look like.


When I facilitated a session with that group, the tension in the room made my hands sweat. It felt like everyone was trying to defend their territory, even though, in principle, they all wanted the same thing.


Is this uncommon when diverse stakeholders come together? No.


Does this type of tension or conflict have the potential to break apart an ecosystem and stall all progress? Hell yes.


So, how do we build a culture of trust and collaboration within our ecosystems so that we might look beyond individual agendas and focus on what is best for entrepreneurs?


In short, how do we build social capital?


That’s what we’re digging into this season.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why trust and collaboration are essential to navigating complex adaptive systems
  • Why we (myself included!) need to learn conflict management skills
  • How the kinds of networks we’re naturally inclined to build influence our work as ecosystem builders


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Earlier this year, I was chatting with a fellow ecosystem builder who had just been hired to convene an entrepreneurial ecosystem. From the outside, it looked pretty mature. They had the right institutions, programs, a digital map, co-working spaces, an active angel network, and an active entrepreneurial community.


But when he got there, it quickly became clear that while the stakeholders wanted to see the ecosystem thrive, they all had vastly different ideas of what that journey should look like.


When I facilitated a session with that group, the tension in the room made my hands sweat. It felt like everyone was trying to defend their territory, even though, in principle, they all wanted the same thing.


Is this uncommon when diverse stakeholders come together? No.


Does this type of tension or conflict have the potential to break apart an ecosystem and stall all progress? Hell yes.


So, how do we build a culture of trust and collaboration within our ecosystems so that we might look beyond individual agendas and focus on what is best for entrepreneurs?


In short, how do we build social capital?


That’s what we’re digging into this season.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why trust and collaboration are essential to navigating complex adaptive systems
  • Why we (myself included!) need to learn conflict management skills
  • How the kinds of networks we’re naturally inclined to build influence our work as ecosystem builders


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 794 How do we build a culture of trust and collaboration within our ecosystems so that we might look beyond individual agendas and focus on what is best for entrepreneurs? In short, how do we build social capital? How do we build a culture of trust and collaboration within our ecosystems so that we might look beyond individual agendas and focus on what is best for entrepreneurs? In short, how do we build social capital? Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.2 - Equitable Ecosystem Building: Speaking Your Truth with Fay Horwitt 4 4 2 2 E 4.2 - Equitable Ecosystem Building: Speaking Your Truth with Fay Horwitt full f19c9e5b-8031-476c-adc7-422fe87d4f48 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ My first guest this season is Fay Horwitt who joined me from the Forward Cities headquarters in Durham, NC.


Since 2014, Forward Cities has worked in more than 50 communities around the US and has a deep organizational well of knowledge that they share generously.


I invited Fay on the show to share some of her hardest-won lessons when it comes to managing conflict in ecosystems and to tell us more about how she builds trust every time Forward Cities shows up in a new community.


Fay Horwitt serves as the President & CEO of Forward Cities, where she oversees organizational and programmatic strategy and design. She specializes in the development of equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems as a catalyst for systems change. Fay is a sought after presenter, trainer, and thought leader on the topic of ecosystem building and inclusive entrepreneurship.


Her current thought leadership efforts prioritizes the reimagining of Black Wall Street in a post-pandemic economy. Fay has a passion for entrepreneurial program development and adult education and curriculum design. She has a passion to empower and uplift innovators from all walks of life and believes that entrepreneurial mindsets have the power to transform our society for good.


Let’s go on a tour of the U.S. through the lens of Forward Cities! 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How fear – of not getting funding, recognition, being heard – can drive conflicts in ecosystems
  • How addressing fears with honest communication bursts the conflict bubble
  • Why emails are the worst way to communicate about a conflict, and what to do instead
  • How bringing in a third party facilitator can actually help build trust and social capital between local organizations
  • Why stakeholders need to acknowledge and address the power dynamics at play as soon as possible


Learn More About Fay Horwitt:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> My first guest this season is Fay Horwitt who joined me from the Forward Cities headquarters in Durham, NC.


Since 2014, Forward Cities has worked in more than 50 communities around the US and has a deep organizational well of knowledge that they share generously.


I invited Fay on the show to share some of her hardest-won lessons when it comes to managing conflict in ecosystems and to tell us more about how she builds trust every time Forward Cities shows up in a new community.


Fay Horwitt serves as the President & CEO of Forward Cities, where she oversees organizational and programmatic strategy and design. She specializes in the development of equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems as a catalyst for systems change. Fay is a sought after presenter, trainer, and thought leader on the topic of ecosystem building and inclusive entrepreneurship.


Her current thought leadership efforts prioritizes the reimagining of Black Wall Street in a post-pandemic economy. Fay has a passion for entrepreneurial program development and adult education and curriculum design. She has a passion to empower and uplift innovators from all walks of life and believes that entrepreneurial mindsets have the power to transform our society for good.


Let’s go on a tour of the U.S. through the lens of Forward Cities! 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How fear – of not getting funding, recognition, being heard – can drive conflicts in ecosystems
  • How addressing fears with honest communication bursts the conflict bubble
  • Why emails are the worst way to communicate about a conflict, and what to do instead
  • How bringing in a third party facilitator can actually help build trust and social capital between local organizations
  • Why stakeholders need to acknowledge and address the power dynamics at play as soon as possible


Learn More About Fay Horwitt:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3392 I invited Fay Horwitt to share some of her hardest-won lessons when it comes to managing conflict in ecosystems and to tell us more about how she builds trust every time Forward Cities shows up in a new community. I invited Fay Horwitt to share some of her hardest-won lessons when it comes to managing conflict in ecosystems and to tell us more about how she builds trust every time Forward Cities shows up in a new community. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.3 - The Power of Positive Social Capital with Jess Edwards 4 4 3 3 E 4.3 - The Power of Positive Social Capital with Jess Edwards full c3ffaa48-e3dc-4db9-ab7c-c0cc0c1e0585 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today’s conversation did not take me far from home because my guest, Jess Edwards, is in the midst of wrapping up a project in Danville, VA.


Jess is a project-based ecosystem builder who has done this work in her hometown of Buffalo, NY, in Dubai as well as in Alaska and - most recently - in the South of Virginia.

Jess spilled the beans on how she builds and leverages her social capital when she parachutes into a community and explains why ecosystem projects are very much like going on a roadtrip to Florida.


Jess Edwards is a systems leader that can quickly identify talent and resources from various industries and mobilize them. She has an exceptional ability to maintain a bigger picture mission while developing a comprehensive implementation plan. Jess has a vast ability to help people, organizations and communities reach their greatest potential.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why some measure of conflict is inherent in the work of ecosystem building
  • How Jess defines social capital and why it’s not just about how big your network is
  • The three groups ecosystem builders need to have positive social capital with
  • The number one conflict Jess sees across ecosystems, and three key ways to manage it
  • How ecosystem builders can use their social capital to navigate interpersonal conflicts among stakeholders
  • Three ways that proving your credibility in a new environment builds trust


Learn More About Jess Edwards:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today’s conversation did not take me far from home because my guest, Jess Edwards, is in the midst of wrapping up a project in Danville, VA.


Jess is a project-based ecosystem builder who has done this work in her hometown of Buffalo, NY, in Dubai as well as in Alaska and - most recently - in the South of Virginia.

Jess spilled the beans on how she builds and leverages her social capital when she parachutes into a community and explains why ecosystem projects are very much like going on a roadtrip to Florida.


Jess Edwards is a systems leader that can quickly identify talent and resources from various industries and mobilize them. She has an exceptional ability to maintain a bigger picture mission while developing a comprehensive implementation plan. Jess has a vast ability to help people, organizations and communities reach their greatest potential.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why some measure of conflict is inherent in the work of ecosystem building
  • How Jess defines social capital and why it’s not just about how big your network is
  • The three groups ecosystem builders need to have positive social capital with
  • The number one conflict Jess sees across ecosystems, and three key ways to manage it
  • How ecosystem builders can use their social capital to navigate interpersonal conflicts among stakeholders
  • Three ways that proving your credibility in a new environment builds trust


Learn More About Jess Edwards:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3341 Jess Edwards spilled the beans on how she builds and leverages her social capital when she parachutes into a community and explains why ecosystem projects are very much like going on a roadtrip to Florida. Jess Edwards spilled the beans on how she builds and leverages her social capital when she parachutes into a community and explains why ecosystem projects are very much like going on a roadtrip to Florida. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.4 - Dissent, Trust and Conflict with Cecilia Wessinger 4 4 4 4 E 4.4 - Dissent, Trust and Conflict with Cecilia Wessinger full 4ec759d4-22c0-4897-bc7d-35bd6725ab3a https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today, I want you to meet Cecilia Wessinger, who I’ve known for several years through her work as a community activator with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and her role at Startup Champions Network.


Cecilia shares what types of conflict she has encountered in helping convene an ecosystem of ecosystem builders. Cecilia also talks about how she approaches trust building among diverse parties.


Find out why we shouldn’t quiet but encourage dissent and what places you need to check out if you ever make it to Tulsa, Oklahoma. 


Cecilia Wessinger is an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and founder of Mass Collaboration. She is also the Director for Global Community with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN).  Prior to joining GEN, Cecilia was a consultant with the Kauffman Foundation, Future Agro Challenge and has led small group mastermind workshops and cohorts around the world. She has extensive experience mentoring and advising startup founders, ecosystem builders and organizations.


Cecilia has served as a speaker, facilitator and panelist at innovation- and entrepreneurship-focused events such as Shift, Tom-Tom Festival and ESHIP Summit. She has judged and supported pitch competitions for SXSW, U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of State's Global Innovation through Science and Technology program. She currently serves on the executive board(s) of the Institute for Work and the Economy and Startup Champions Network, and has served on over a dozen non-profit boards in her local community ranging from the arts to education and entrepreneurship.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Cecilia’s role as an ecosystem builder of ecosystem builders brought her close to being “collateral damage” when navigating conflict
  • Why Cecilia says that cooperation can actually get in the way of real progress, and why dissent is necessary to problem-solving and innovation
  • The lessons Cecilia has learned about transparency and relationships
  • Why Cecilia defines trust in terms of hope, consistency, and honesty


Learn More About Cecilia Wessinger:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today, I want you to meet Cecilia Wessinger, who I’ve known for several years through her work as a community activator with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and her role at Startup Champions Network.


Cecilia shares what types of conflict she has encountered in helping convene an ecosystem of ecosystem builders. Cecilia also talks about how she approaches trust building among diverse parties.


Find out why we shouldn’t quiet but encourage dissent and what places you need to check out if you ever make it to Tulsa, Oklahoma. 


Cecilia Wessinger is an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and founder of Mass Collaboration. She is also the Director for Global Community with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN).  Prior to joining GEN, Cecilia was a consultant with the Kauffman Foundation, Future Agro Challenge and has led small group mastermind workshops and cohorts around the world. She has extensive experience mentoring and advising startup founders, ecosystem builders and organizations.


Cecilia has served as a speaker, facilitator and panelist at innovation- and entrepreneurship-focused events such as Shift, Tom-Tom Festival and ESHIP Summit. She has judged and supported pitch competitions for SXSW, U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of State's Global Innovation through Science and Technology program. She currently serves on the executive board(s) of the Institute for Work and the Economy and Startup Champions Network, and has served on over a dozen non-profit boards in her local community ranging from the arts to education and entrepreneurship.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Cecilia’s role as an ecosystem builder of ecosystem builders brought her close to being “collateral damage” when navigating conflict
  • Why Cecilia says that cooperation can actually get in the way of real progress, and why dissent is necessary to problem-solving and innovation
  • The lessons Cecilia has learned about transparency and relationships
  • Why Cecilia defines trust in terms of hope, consistency, and honesty


Learn More About Cecilia Wessinger:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 01 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1941 Cecilia Wessinger shares what types of conflict she has encountered in helping convene an ecosystem of ecosystem builders and how she approaches trust building among diverse parties. Cecilia Wessinger shares what types of conflict she has encountered in helping convene an ecosystem of ecosystem builders and how she approaches trust building among diverse parties. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.5 - Communities of Practice: Taking the Time to Build Trust with Margo Fliss 4 4 5 5 E 4.5 - Communities of Practice: Taking the Time to Build Trust with Margo Fliss full 057239a7-a33d-42ff-a77b-c1872e57ac91 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ For today’s episode, we’re headed to Anchorage, Alaska to sit down with Margo Fliss.


Margo is a lifelong and proud Alaskan; when she’s not building the entrepreneurial ecosystem for the state of Alaska, you can find her fishing salmon in the Kenai river during the summer and raising her newborn daughter.


In this conversation, Margo talks about an ecosystem convening that went terribly sideways and talks about how she moved through this experience with a lot of grace and professionalism if you ask me. But I’ll let you judge for yourself. 


Tallyho to Anchorage, Alaska!


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How a lack of consensus among stakeholders derailed an event Margo facilitated
  • What Margo would do differently to establish common ground, communication, and expectations prior to getting everyone in the room
  • How to approach “soreheads” who have lost hope in the project
  • How showing up with support – even when the project isn’t yours – builds trust and rapport in the community
  • Why building trust and social capital is like putting money in a piggy bank


Learn More About Margo Fliss:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> For today’s episode, we’re headed to Anchorage, Alaska to sit down with Margo Fliss.


Margo is a lifelong and proud Alaskan; when she’s not building the entrepreneurial ecosystem for the state of Alaska, you can find her fishing salmon in the Kenai river during the summer and raising her newborn daughter.


In this conversation, Margo talks about an ecosystem convening that went terribly sideways and talks about how she moved through this experience with a lot of grace and professionalism if you ask me. But I’ll let you judge for yourself. 


Tallyho to Anchorage, Alaska!


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How a lack of consensus among stakeholders derailed an event Margo facilitated
  • What Margo would do differently to establish common ground, communication, and expectations prior to getting everyone in the room
  • How to approach “soreheads” who have lost hope in the project
  • How showing up with support – even when the project isn’t yours – builds trust and rapport in the community
  • Why building trust and social capital is like putting money in a piggy bank


Learn More About Margo Fliss:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 08 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3214 Margo Fliss talks about an ecosystem convening that went terribly sideways and talks about how she moved through this experience with a lot of grace and professionalism. Margo Fliss talks about an ecosystem convening that went terribly sideways and talks about how she moved through this experience with a lot of grace and professionalism. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.6 - Investing in the Lives of Founders with Todd Nuckols 4 4 6 6 E 4.6 - Investing in the Lives of Founders with Todd Nuckols full 511ffb95-4622-4cf8-bc22-c3cc4eef8fee https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ If you listened to the very first episode of this show, the name Todd Nuckols and part of the following story might sound familiar.


When I first moved to the US eight years ago, Todd was one of the very first people I met. We met up at a coworking space called 804 RVA and I asked him how to get involved in Richmond’s entrepreneurship scene. Without hesitation, he pulled out his metaphorical Rolodex and generously opened up his network. To top it all off, he invited me to attend a conference in New York City with him that got me in the same room for two days with some of the world’s most renowned startup accelerators.


Todd’s rich social capital and the generosity with which he meets people are only two of the reasons I knew I couldn’t produce this season without him on the show. Todd, like me, is not keen on confrontation and conflict, yet he has managed it masterfully as a keystone in RVA’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.


A career technologist and committed dad, Todd Nuckols is passionate about advancing access to capital to fuel founders and community growth. Driven by faith and seeking to be part of the conversation wherever he finds himself, he wants to be known for leaving an impact on those around him for the better!


Let’s talk to Todd and find out how he invests in the lives of founders.


Disclaimer: We had audio issues with this episode but trust me that the content is worth suffering through some of the distortions.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How clarity and simplicity of mission turned one of Lighthouse’s initial opponents into a supporter
  • Why Todd says it’s so important to focus on common ground when there’s conflict
  • How to compromise while maintaining the integrity of your mission and purpose
  • How Todd says establishing a framework where everyone gets a win builds trust
  • Why owning your failures is also key to earning trust


Learn More About Todd Nuckols:


Learn More About Anika Horn:

]]> If you listened to the very first episode of this show, the name Todd Nuckols and part of the following story might sound familiar.


When I first moved to the US eight years ago, Todd was one of the very first people I met. We met up at a coworking space called 804 RVA and I asked him how to get involved in Richmond’s entrepreneurship scene. Without hesitation, he pulled out his metaphorical Rolodex and generously opened up his network. To top it all off, he invited me to attend a conference in New York City with him that got me in the same room for two days with some of the world’s most renowned startup accelerators.


Todd’s rich social capital and the generosity with which he meets people are only two of the reasons I knew I couldn’t produce this season without him on the show. Todd, like me, is not keen on confrontation and conflict, yet he has managed it masterfully as a keystone in RVA’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.


A career technologist and committed dad, Todd Nuckols is passionate about advancing access to capital to fuel founders and community growth. Driven by faith and seeking to be part of the conversation wherever he finds himself, he wants to be known for leaving an impact on those around him for the better!


Let’s talk to Todd and find out how he invests in the lives of founders.


Disclaimer: We had audio issues with this episode but trust me that the content is worth suffering through some of the distortions.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How clarity and simplicity of mission turned one of Lighthouse’s initial opponents into a supporter
  • Why Todd says it’s so important to focus on common ground when there’s conflict
  • How to compromise while maintaining the integrity of your mission and purpose
  • How Todd says establishing a framework where everyone gets a win builds trust
  • Why owning your failures is also key to earning trust


Learn More About Todd Nuckols:


Learn More About Anika Horn:

]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2010 Todd Nuckols's rich social capital and the generosity with which he meets people are only two of the reasons I knew I couldn’t produce this season without him on the show. Todd Nuckols's rich social capital and the generosity with which he meets people are only two of the reasons I knew I couldn’t produce this season without him on the show. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.7 - The Know-How via Know-Who of Social Capital with Julie Heath 4 4 7 7 E 4.7 - The Know-How via Know-Who of Social Capital with Julie Heath full e2ce12fb-634e-4f83-9bca-9d9ad92b87f8 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ For today’s episode, we make our way to Indianapolis, Indiana, to talk to Julie Heath, Vice President of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.


Julie was the first employee at a startup, then executive director at Indiana’s first collaborative workspace, the Speak Easy, and now serves as a statewide ecosystem builder under the Secretary of Commerce of Indiana.


Julie shares how she and her team spread the ecosystem gospel among economic developers and gives us a new way to think about social capital that the Indianapolis ecosystem has embraced: Know How via Know Who.


Let’s go to Indianapolis.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Julie says “know-how via know-who” is the secret sauce of building healthy ecosystems
  • How a personal conflict with her husband challenged Julie’s vision
  • The challenges of scale in distributing game-changing smaller sums to founders
  • How distilling problem sets helps resolve conflict
  • How Julie has leveraged old trust networks to build new trust in her various roles


Learn More About Julie Heath:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> For today’s episode, we make our way to Indianapolis, Indiana, to talk to Julie Heath, Vice President of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.


Julie was the first employee at a startup, then executive director at Indiana’s first collaborative workspace, the Speak Easy, and now serves as a statewide ecosystem builder under the Secretary of Commerce of Indiana.


Julie shares how she and her team spread the ecosystem gospel among economic developers and gives us a new way to think about social capital that the Indianapolis ecosystem has embraced: Know How via Know Who.


Let’s go to Indianapolis.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Julie says “know-how via know-who” is the secret sauce of building healthy ecosystems
  • How a personal conflict with her husband challenged Julie’s vision
  • The challenges of scale in distributing game-changing smaller sums to founders
  • How distilling problem sets helps resolve conflict
  • How Julie has leveraged old trust networks to build new trust in her various roles


Learn More About Julie Heath:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 22 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2555 Julie Heath shares how she and her team spread the ecosystem gospel among economic developers and gives us a new way to think about social capital. Julie Heath shares how she and her team spread the ecosystem gospel among economic developers and gives us a new way to think about social capital. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.8 - Succession Planning: Transferring Social Capital To The Next Generation with Rick Turoczy 4 4 8 8 E 4.8 - Succession Planning: Transferring Social Capital To The Next Generation with Rick Turoczy full 8479a7df-facd-4253-876b-2270f3544528 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ For our last interview of the season, we’re headed to Portland, Oregon, to chat with Rick Turoczy.


As Silicon Florist and co-founder and general manager of the Portland Incubator Experiment, or PIE, Rick has been supporting founders in the Portland startup community for fifteen years. 


We talked about how you might plan for succession as a keystone in your community, how you transfer social capital, and how you might leverage your social capital to put the next generation of ecosystem builders in place.


Even though he will never say so himself, Rick is an institution in the Portland startup community and I couldn’t think of a better guest to close out this season.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Rick believes in being place-motivated and focusing on a community
  • The unique challenges of building community in a city with a small-town feel
  • Why ecosystem builders need to be wary of nostalgia for what used to work
  • Why ecosystem builders need to think more like entrepreneurs when it comes to scarcity and abundance
  • Why Rick says the first step to building trust is showing up


Learn More About Rick Turoczy:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> For our last interview of the season, we’re headed to Portland, Oregon, to chat with Rick Turoczy.


As Silicon Florist and co-founder and general manager of the Portland Incubator Experiment, or PIE, Rick has been supporting founders in the Portland startup community for fifteen years. 


We talked about how you might plan for succession as a keystone in your community, how you transfer social capital, and how you might leverage your social capital to put the next generation of ecosystem builders in place.


Even though he will never say so himself, Rick is an institution in the Portland startup community and I couldn’t think of a better guest to close out this season.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Rick believes in being place-motivated and focusing on a community
  • The unique challenges of building community in a city with a small-town feel
  • Why ecosystem builders need to be wary of nostalgia for what used to work
  • Why ecosystem builders need to think more like entrepreneurs when it comes to scarcity and abundance
  • Why Rick says the first step to building trust is showing up


Learn More About Rick Turoczy:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3417 Rick Turoczy talks about how you might plan for succession as a keystone in your community, how you transfer social capital, and how you might leverage your social capital to put the next generation of ecosystem builders in place. Rick Turoczy talks about how you might plan for succession as a keystone in your community, how you transfer social capital, and how you might leverage your social capital to put the next generation of ecosystem builders in place. Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 4.9 - Season 04 Review: Conflict, Trust, and Social Capital 4 4 9 9 E 4.9 - Season 04 Review: Conflict, Trust, and Social Capital full 1233a6d4-dfca-42a7-85ca-58ccf5ca4811 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Throughout this season, we really traveled through the lowest valleys and highest mountaintops of ecosystem building.


My guests shared some of their hardest experiences of facing and trying to navigate conflict.  We heard some pretty hairy tales about naysayers and saboteurs and how even seasoned ecosystem builders struggle to keep their call and move their communities forward regardless.


But then we also talked about the magic that is social capital and all the things we can get done almost effortlessly when people within the ecosystem trust each other and are willing to pursue opportunities that are best for entrepreneurs in their ecosystem. 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The power of introductions and what social capital looks like in action
  • Why conflict is inevitable in ecosystem building, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing
  • Five key aspects of managing conflict in ecosystems
  • How to mitigate  conflict before it arises
  • Six ways to build trust and credibility within your ecosystem

Learn More About Anika Horn:

]]> Throughout this season, we really traveled through the lowest valleys and highest mountaintops of ecosystem building.


My guests shared some of their hardest experiences of facing and trying to navigate conflict.  We heard some pretty hairy tales about naysayers and saboteurs and how even seasoned ecosystem builders struggle to keep their call and move their communities forward regardless.


But then we also talked about the magic that is social capital and all the things we can get done almost effortlessly when people within the ecosystem trust each other and are willing to pursue opportunities that are best for entrepreneurs in their ecosystem. 

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The power of introductions and what social capital looks like in action
  • Why conflict is inevitable in ecosystem building, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing
  • Five key aspects of managing conflict in ecosystems
  • How to mitigate  conflict before it arises
  • Six ways to build trust and credibility within your ecosystem

Learn More About Anika Horn:

]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2262 Throughout this season, we really traveled through the lowest valleys and highest mountaintops of ecosystem building. Throughout this season, we really traveled through the lowest valleys and highest mountaintops of ecosystem building. Systems, Ecosystem Building No Ecosystems For Change: Logbook #5 4 4 Ecosystems For Change: Logbook #5 bonus 0bc00f6a-bda9-4252-bda0-8c85a8becf7c https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Welcome to my fifth logbook, an in-between-seasons update on what’s happening in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystem building, what’s going on behind the scenes of the show, and what is happening in my day job as Director of Ecosystem Building at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund.


In this quarterly format, I love sharing with you what I’ve learned over the previous months and what I have planned for the next quarter.


Today’s logbook also marks the one-year anniversary of this show, so I’m taking stock of the first year of this podcast and filling you in on what I have planned for 2023!


Last but not least we’ll get to my favorite part: I’ll invite you to join me! I’m sharing several opportunities in which you - my dear listeners and raving fans - can get involved in what I’m doing!


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Highlights from the last few months at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
  • Looking back at the first year of Ecosystems for Change
  • What’s ahead for the show in 2023
  • An interview with Neil Mylet, founder of the RuralUrban Center in Camden, Indiana
  • Three ways you can get involved in & support this show in 2023


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:


How you can help:

]]> Welcome to my fifth logbook, an in-between-seasons update on what’s happening in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystem building, what’s going on behind the scenes of the show, and what is happening in my day job as Director of Ecosystem Building at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund.


In this quarterly format, I love sharing with you what I’ve learned over the previous months and what I have planned for the next quarter.


Today’s logbook also marks the one-year anniversary of this show, so I’m taking stock of the first year of this podcast and filling you in on what I have planned for 2023!


Last but not least we’ll get to my favorite part: I’ll invite you to join me! I’m sharing several opportunities in which you - my dear listeners and raving fans - can get involved in what I’m doing!


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Highlights from the last few months at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
  • Looking back at the first year of Ecosystems for Change
  • What’s ahead for the show in 2023
  • An interview with Neil Mylet, founder of the RuralUrban Center in Camden, Indiana
  • Three ways you can get involved in & support this show in 2023


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:


How you can help:

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1713 Welcome to my fifth logbook, an in-between-seasons update on what’s happening in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystem building, what’s going on behind the scenes of the show, and what is happening in my day job as Director of Ecosystem Building at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund. Welcome to my fifth logbook, an in-between-seasons update on what’s happening in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystem building, what’s going on behind the scenes of the show, and what is happening in my day job as Director of Ecosystem Building at the S Systems, Ecosystem Building No Federal Funding for Ecosystem Builders with Melissa Roberts Chapman 4 4 Federal Funding for Ecosystem Builders with Melissa Roberts Chapman bonus 27f49bb0-95a2-4e15-8258-6abd99ea654f https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Before we kick off the next season, I have a very special episode for you today. 


At the end of 2022, I found out that there are several federal funding opportunities for entrepreneurial ecosystem builders here in the US. The US government is starting to see the effectiveness of an ecosystem approach and has started recruiting some of their programs accordingly, which is a great opportunity for grassroots ecosystem builders to finally get their work funded.


The downside is, they’re not really called entrepreneurial ecosystem building, so I knew I had to find someone who could help us translate these opportunities. 


In this episode, I am excited to introduce you to Melissa Roberts Chapman at the Federation of American Scientists who took the time to break down these funding opportunities for ecosystem builders here in the US. Meet Melissa Roberts Chapman. 


Melissa Roberts Chapman has worked at the nexus of policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development throughout her career. She identifies as an ecosystem builder and entrepreneur, and is a proud native of Kansas City.


Prior to joining the Federation of American Scientists, Melissa was a Senior Program Officer at the Kauffman Foundation, where she led a grantmaking team focused on building more inclusive, collaborative, and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Heartland. Previously, she held leadership roles in entrepreneurship support organizations, started her own business, led coalition-building efforts, and managed political campaigns.


Melissa is deeply involved in her community, working both “in” and “on” Kansas City, where she is based. She is passionate about centering equity in her work, and building a future in which geography has no impact on the opportunities folks can access. In her free time, she and her husband Brad enjoy watching the Royals, perfecting brisket smoking techniques, and throwing dinner parties.


Melissa earned an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management with a certificate in Business Analytics, and a bachelor’s degree in History from Boston College.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why ecosystem builders should keep paying attention to and partnering with legacy sources of funding and support
  • How to bridge the language gaps between ecosystem builders and potential investors
  • Why there is a place for all kinds of entrepreneurs in innovation ecosystems

Learn More About Melissa Roberts Chapman:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Before we kick off the next season, I have a very special episode for you today. 


At the end of 2022, I found out that there are several federal funding opportunities for entrepreneurial ecosystem builders here in the US. The US government is starting to see the effectiveness of an ecosystem approach and has started recruiting some of their programs accordingly, which is a great opportunity for grassroots ecosystem builders to finally get their work funded.


The downside is, they’re not really called entrepreneurial ecosystem building, so I knew I had to find someone who could help us translate these opportunities. 


In this episode, I am excited to introduce you to Melissa Roberts Chapman at the Federation of American Scientists who took the time to break down these funding opportunities for ecosystem builders here in the US. Meet Melissa Roberts Chapman. 


Melissa Roberts Chapman has worked at the nexus of policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development throughout her career. She identifies as an ecosystem builder and entrepreneur, and is a proud native of Kansas City.


Prior to joining the Federation of American Scientists, Melissa was a Senior Program Officer at the Kauffman Foundation, where she led a grantmaking team focused on building more inclusive, collaborative, and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Heartland. Previously, she held leadership roles in entrepreneurship support organizations, started her own business, led coalition-building efforts, and managed political campaigns.


Melissa is deeply involved in her community, working both “in” and “on” Kansas City, where she is based. She is passionate about centering equity in her work, and building a future in which geography has no impact on the opportunities folks can access. In her free time, she and her husband Brad enjoy watching the Royals, perfecting brisket smoking techniques, and throwing dinner parties.


Melissa earned an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management with a certificate in Business Analytics, and a bachelor’s degree in History from Boston College.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why ecosystem builders should keep paying attention to and partnering with legacy sources of funding and support
  • How to bridge the language gaps between ecosystem builders and potential investors
  • Why there is a place for all kinds of entrepreneurs in innovation ecosystems

Learn More About Melissa Roberts Chapman:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3262 I am excited to introduce you to Melissa Roberts Chapman at the Federation of American Scientists who took the time to break down funding opportunities for ecosystem builders here in the US. I am excited to introduce you to Melissa Roberts Chapman at the Federation of American Scientists who took the time to break down funding opportunities for ecosystem builders here in the US. Systems, Ecosystem Building No The Ecosystem Builders: Where Are They Now?  4 4 The Ecosystem Builders: Where Are They Now?  bonus 5eade4f1-8ace-46a1-b7cf-875e4884213c https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ As I was wrapping up the first year of the show, I found myself wondering what had come of all those great plans and even greater unknowns that many of my guests had shared with me when they were on the show. And selfishly I wanted to catch up with some of my previous guests to hear what they are working on these days.


So I invited a handful of them to come back and let us know how their world has evolved since we last heard from them.


You will hear stories about leaving corporate, entering corporate, hosting large events, and leading teams. We talked about the Lord of the Rings and weeding out hegemonic systems. We also talked about grief and fear and becoming parents.


And throughout all of it, there runs a beautiful thread of building and nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems and communities throughout the Americas.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

How Charlton Cunningham is bringing intentionality in his relationships to his new, more settled role in Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Why Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter says it was important for her to model planning for transitions and stepping down as CEO of Impaqto
  • How Shelly Rose moved past her fears, left her corporate job, started grad school, and went all-in on her business
  • Why Denisse Rodriguez and Colmena66 brought in a DEI expert to kickstart a conversation about diversity and inclusion in Puerto Rico and how that impacted their reporting and events in 2022
  • How Sassy Sassoon’s journey to parenthood has expanded her understanding of systemic barriers and injustice and how that parallelled her experiences at Zebras Unite in 2022


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:


Charlton Cunningham:


Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter:


Shelly Rose:


Denisse Rodriguez:


Sassy Sassoon:

]]> As I was wrapping up the first year of the show, I found myself wondering what had come of all those great plans and even greater unknowns that many of my guests had shared with me when they were on the show. And selfishly I wanted to catch up with some of my previous guests to hear what they are working on these days.


So I invited a handful of them to come back and let us know how their world has evolved since we last heard from them.


You will hear stories about leaving corporate, entering corporate, hosting large events, and leading teams. We talked about the Lord of the Rings and weeding out hegemonic systems. We also talked about grief and fear and becoming parents.


And throughout all of it, there runs a beautiful thread of building and nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems and communities throughout the Americas.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

How Charlton Cunningham is bringing intentionality in his relationships to his new, more settled role in Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Why Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter says it was important for her to model planning for transitions and stepping down as CEO of Impaqto
  • How Shelly Rose moved past her fears, left her corporate job, started grad school, and went all-in on her business
  • Why Denisse Rodriguez and Colmena66 brought in a DEI expert to kickstart a conversation about diversity and inclusion in Puerto Rico and how that impacted their reporting and events in 2022
  • How Sassy Sassoon’s journey to parenthood has expanded her understanding of systemic barriers and injustice and how that parallelled her experiences at Zebras Unite in 2022


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:


Charlton Cunningham:


Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter:


Shelly Rose:


Denisse Rodriguez:


Sassy Sassoon:

]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 5015 As I was wrapping up the first year of the show, I found myself wondering what had come of all those great plans and even greater unknowns that many of my guests had shared with me when they were on the show. And selfishly I wanted to catch up with some of my previous guests to hear what they are working on these days. As I was wrapping up the first year of the show, I found myself wondering what had come of all those great plans and even greater unknowns that many of my guests had shared with me when they were on the show. And selfishly I wanted to catch up with some o Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 5.1 - The Quitters: Quitting the Infinite Game of Ecosystem Building 5 5 1 1 E 5.1 - The Quitters: Quitting the Infinite Game of Ecosystem Building full a153ef19-a9ea-46eb-a093-a628e5847be8 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In this season of Ecosystems for Change, I’m talking to my guests about their experience with quitting.


As much as I dislike quitting–I really do–I understand it is part of life. We evolve and so do the circumstances, organizations and people around us.


As we uncovered in season two, ecosystems are complex, adaptive systems; they are constantly shifting and changing and as a result, people move in and out of them at different times. 


As builders who like to start new things, it’s only logical that everytime we start one thing we technically have to quit something else to create the space for this new thing to flourish and thrive. In season three, we heard first-hand accounts of what happens when we keep piling on, trying to squeeze one more ounce of productivity out of ourselves because we somehow feel like we want to do it all.


I have come to believe that quitting is normal, healthy, and simply part of the natural cycle of progress. And yet, it is still somehow taboo. The idea that quitting somehow is a sign of failure, of suddenly not caring about the cause anymore, means that many of us passionate change makers hang in there longer than we should or want to.


That’s what I want to talk about in Season 5. I’m sitting down with ecosystem builders who stopped playing–either temporarily or for good. I want to find out what led to the depletion of their resources–either internal or external–and if there’s anything we can do to change course and stop that depletion. 


What happens when you decide or you’re forced to step away from your life’s work? We’ll get a little closer to an answer in this season.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • What complex adaptive systems can teach us about quitting
  • Why ecosystem building is like an infinite game with shifting rules, tactics, players, and timelines
  • Three perspectives on stepping away from the game of ecosystem building


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In this season of Ecosystems for Change, I’m talking to my guests about their experience with quitting.


As much as I dislike quitting–I really do–I understand it is part of life. We evolve and so do the circumstances, organizations and people around us.


As we uncovered in season two, ecosystems are complex, adaptive systems; they are constantly shifting and changing and as a result, people move in and out of them at different times. 


As builders who like to start new things, it’s only logical that everytime we start one thing we technically have to quit something else to create the space for this new thing to flourish and thrive. In season three, we heard first-hand accounts of what happens when we keep piling on, trying to squeeze one more ounce of productivity out of ourselves because we somehow feel like we want to do it all.


I have come to believe that quitting is normal, healthy, and simply part of the natural cycle of progress. And yet, it is still somehow taboo. The idea that quitting somehow is a sign of failure, of suddenly not caring about the cause anymore, means that many of us passionate change makers hang in there longer than we should or want to.


That’s what I want to talk about in Season 5. I’m sitting down with ecosystem builders who stopped playing–either temporarily or for good. I want to find out what led to the depletion of their resources–either internal or external–and if there’s anything we can do to change course and stop that depletion. 


What happens when you decide or you’re forced to step away from your life’s work? We’ll get a little closer to an answer in this season.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • What complex adaptive systems can teach us about quitting
  • Why ecosystem building is like an infinite game with shifting rules, tactics, players, and timelines
  • Three perspectives on stepping away from the game of ecosystem building


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 971 I’m sitting down with ecosystem builders who stopped playing–either temporarily or for good. I want to find out what led to the depletion of their resources–either internal or external–and if there’s anything we can do to change course and stop that depletion. I’m sitting down with ecosystem builders who stopped playing–either temporarily or for good. I want to find out what led to the depletion of their resources–either internal or external–and if there’s anything we can do to change course and stop that deple Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 5.2 - Recognizing Your Strengths and When It's Time to Sail On with Joe Maruschak 5 5 2 2 E 5.2 - Recognizing Your Strengths and When It's Time to Sail On with Joe Maruschak full b8982f07-45c4-4b7e-99bf-afadd23f41f3 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ When Joe Maruschak left his home ecosystem of Eugene, Oregon, it sent ripples through our community of ecosystem builders.


In the public farewell letter that he wrote in July 2021, he voiced what so many of us had been struggling with and discussing behind closed doors. 


A year and a half after this letter, I invited Joe onto the show to share his journey and talk to us about what life is like after the big Quit.


We talked about self-financing your work as an ecosystem builder, managing different stakeholders with very different expectations, and about the importance of doing over talking. 


Joe Maruschak is a twice-exited startup founder, Startup Accelerator Managing Director, and Fund GP, who spent the better part of a decade building the startup community in Eugene, Oregon. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:


  • Why Joe believes in connecting with newcomers to a community about more than just their startups
  • The slow process of realizing that he had done all that he could in Eugene
  • The psychological toll of being a recognizable leader in an ecosystem grappling with serious issues beyond funding
  • Why Joe wouldn’t change much about how he approached his time in Eugene, but he would trust his gut and take action more


Learn more about Joe Maruschak:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> When Joe Maruschak left his home ecosystem of Eugene, Oregon, it sent ripples through our community of ecosystem builders.


In the public farewell letter that he wrote in July 2021, he voiced what so many of us had been struggling with and discussing behind closed doors. 


A year and a half after this letter, I invited Joe onto the show to share his journey and talk to us about what life is like after the big Quit.


We talked about self-financing your work as an ecosystem builder, managing different stakeholders with very different expectations, and about the importance of doing over talking. 


Joe Maruschak is a twice-exited startup founder, Startup Accelerator Managing Director, and Fund GP, who spent the better part of a decade building the startup community in Eugene, Oregon. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:


  • Why Joe believes in connecting with newcomers to a community about more than just their startups
  • The slow process of realizing that he had done all that he could in Eugene
  • The psychological toll of being a recognizable leader in an ecosystem grappling with serious issues beyond funding
  • Why Joe wouldn’t change much about how he approached his time in Eugene, but he would trust his gut and take action more


Learn more about Joe Maruschak:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2582 When Joe Maruschak left his home ecosystem of Eugene, Oregon, it sent ripples through our community of ecosystem builders. In the public farewell letter that he wrote in July 2021, he voiced what so many of us had been struggling with and discussing behind closed doors. When Joe Maruschak left his home ecosystem of Eugene, Oregon, it sent ripples through our community of ecosystem builders. In the public farewell letter that he wrote in July 2021, he voiced what so many of us had been struggling with and discussing be Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 5.3 - Self-Trust and Curating Impactful Community with Julia Firestone 5 5 3 3 E 5.3 - Self-Trust and Curating Impactful Community with Julia Firestone full 3fc5a447-a127-47f6-b354-8f31782e4f9a https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today, I want you to meet Julia Firestone.


Julia is a transformational leadership and career coach who serves experienced social impact professionals to help them unleash their biggest positive impact in the world while living their most fulfilling life.


Julia has worked in corporate innovation and strategy, global NGOs, scrappy startups, and corporate social impact. Bringing all of these experiences together, Julia loves applying innovative methodologies to solve the biggest social impact challenges of our time. 


In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about Julia’s first Big Quit and how she built a network of impact professionals like no other that not only helped her land her next gig, but has become a rich community of changemakers who show up for each other.


If you think networking is so early 2000s, I bet you’ll think differently after this conversation.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Julia structures her monthly online meetups for changemakers to get beyond “what do you do” to building real relationships
  • How Julia’s experience at a small nonprofit highlights many of the systemic issues in impact and nonprofit work
  • The strategies Julia used to build a large network of impact professionals before she quit her nonprofit job
  • How Julia learned to trust her gut and listen to her body when it comes to big decisions


Learn more about Julia Firestone:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today, I want you to meet Julia Firestone.


Julia is a transformational leadership and career coach who serves experienced social impact professionals to help them unleash their biggest positive impact in the world while living their most fulfilling life.


Julia has worked in corporate innovation and strategy, global NGOs, scrappy startups, and corporate social impact. Bringing all of these experiences together, Julia loves applying innovative methodologies to solve the biggest social impact challenges of our time. 


In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about Julia’s first Big Quit and how she built a network of impact professionals like no other that not only helped her land her next gig, but has become a rich community of changemakers who show up for each other.


If you think networking is so early 2000s, I bet you’ll think differently after this conversation.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Julia structures her monthly online meetups for changemakers to get beyond “what do you do” to building real relationships
  • How Julia’s experience at a small nonprofit highlights many of the systemic issues in impact and nonprofit work
  • The strategies Julia used to build a large network of impact professionals before she quit her nonprofit job
  • How Julia learned to trust her gut and listen to her body when it comes to big decisions


Learn more about Julia Firestone:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3285 Today, I want you to meet Julia Firestone.


Julia is a transformational leadership and career coach who serves experienced social impact professionals to help them unleash their biggest positive impact in the world while living their most fulfilling life.


Julia has worked in corporate innovation and strategy, global NGOs, scrappy startups, and corporate social impact. Bringing all of these experiences together, Julia loves applying innovative methodologies to solve the biggest social impact challenges of our time. 


In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about Julia’s first Big Quit and how she built a network of impact professionals like no other that not only helped her land her next gig, but has become a rich community of changemakers who show up for each other.


If you think networking is so early 2000s, I bet you’ll think differently after this conversation.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Julia structures her monthly online meetups for changemakers to get beyond “what do you do” to building real relationships
  • How Julia’s experience at a small nonprofit highlights many of the systemic issues in impact and nonprofit work
  • The strategies Julia used to build a large network of impact professionals before she quit her nonprofit job
  • How Julia learned to trust her gut and listen to her body when it comes to big decisions


Learn more about Julia Firestone:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 5.4 - Grief, Quitting, and Listening to the Your Heart with Annie Wood 5 5 4 4 E 5.4 - Grief, Quitting, and Listening to the Your Heart with Annie Wood full 029ed136-7d34-4bc3-9b3a-4cf30a0c550e https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, we’re making our way to Fargo, North Dakota to talk to Annie Wood.


I first met Annie through Startup Champions Network and was fortunate enough to visit her community during our Fall Summit in 2018.


Shortly thereafter, Annie left the host organization and started a new chapter of her life.


Today, she shares what was going on behind the scenes at the time, how she regrouped after leaving the profession as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, and what this next chapter looks like.


We talked about the grief of letting go of what could have been, and how to find your way back to yourself when you’re letting go of a part of your professional identity.


Annie Wood thinks of herself as a combination of life experiences - she’s a learning facilitator, an experiential educator, and a community builder. Her day-to-day work in student life on a college campus is really the perfect mash-up to use the skills she’s developed. In her role, she helps folks explore who they are and where they want to go - through formal programs, mentorship, and encouraging them to follow their curiosities.


Annie is a believer in lifelong learning and aims to live with a growth mindset. She is passionate about providing opportunities for folks at any stage of life to explore who they are and how to live a life that matches their values. She believes that each day, we make choices about how we’ll contribute to our communities - and that is a reflection of our values. So Annie chooses to have a positive outlook and to validate people for who they are. Outside of her daily work and facilitating trainings, Annie especially loves creating or attending community events with a hint of whimsy and being part of groups that are just a little bit quirky, because the people with the wildest ideas are usually the most fun to be around. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Annie used counseling to help her come to terms with needing to quit and how to let go and process grief
  • Why she took a month for Annie-tober, and why she still does it to this day
  • Why Annie believes in having a personal manifesto of her values
  • How Annie used her network to remind her of what kind of work brings her joy as she looked for the next thing
  • How Annie’s current role allows her to empower students to create community


Learn more about Annie Wood:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, we’re making our way to Fargo, North Dakota to talk to Annie Wood.


I first met Annie through Startup Champions Network and was fortunate enough to visit her community during our Fall Summit in 2018.


Shortly thereafter, Annie left the host organization and started a new chapter of her life.


Today, she shares what was going on behind the scenes at the time, how she regrouped after leaving the profession as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, and what this next chapter looks like.


We talked about the grief of letting go of what could have been, and how to find your way back to yourself when you’re letting go of a part of your professional identity.


Annie Wood thinks of herself as a combination of life experiences - she’s a learning facilitator, an experiential educator, and a community builder. Her day-to-day work in student life on a college campus is really the perfect mash-up to use the skills she’s developed. In her role, she helps folks explore who they are and where they want to go - through formal programs, mentorship, and encouraging them to follow their curiosities.


Annie is a believer in lifelong learning and aims to live with a growth mindset. She is passionate about providing opportunities for folks at any stage of life to explore who they are and how to live a life that matches their values. She believes that each day, we make choices about how we’ll contribute to our communities - and that is a reflection of our values. So Annie chooses to have a positive outlook and to validate people for who they are. Outside of her daily work and facilitating trainings, Annie especially loves creating or attending community events with a hint of whimsy and being part of groups that are just a little bit quirky, because the people with the wildest ideas are usually the most fun to be around. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Annie used counseling to help her come to terms with needing to quit and how to let go and process grief
  • Why she took a month for Annie-tober, and why she still does it to this day
  • Why Annie believes in having a personal manifesto of her values
  • How Annie used her network to remind her of what kind of work brings her joy as she looked for the next thing
  • How Annie’s current role allows her to empower students to create community


Learn more about Annie Wood:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2861 In today’s episode, we’re making our way to Fargo, North Dakota to talk to Annie Wood.


I first met Annie through Startup Champions Network and was fortunate enough to visit her community during our Fall Summit in 2018.


Shortly thereafter, Annie left the host organization and started a new chapter of her life.


Today, she shares what was going on behind the scenes at the time, how she regrouped after leaving the profession as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, and what this next chapter looks like.


We talked about the grief of letting go of what could have been, and how to find your way back to yourself when you’re letting go of a part of your professional identity.


Annie Wood thinks of herself as a combination of life experiences - she’s a learning facilitator, an experiential educator, and a community builder. Her day-to-day work in student life on a college campus is really the perfect mash-up to use the skills she’s developed. In her role, she helps folks explore who they are and where they want to go - through formal programs, mentorship, and encouraging them to follow their curiosities.


Annie is a believer in lifelong learning and aims to live with a growth mindset. She is passionate about providing opportunities for folks at any stage of life to explore who they are and how to live a life that matches their values. She believes that each day, we make choices about how we’ll contribute to our communities - and that is a reflection of our values. So Annie chooses to have a positive outlook and to validate people for who they are. Outside of her daily work and facilitating trainings, Annie especially loves creating or attending community events with a hint of whimsy and being part of groups that are just a little bit quirky, because the people with the wildest ideas are usually the most fun to be around. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Annie used counseling to help her come to terms with needing to quit and how to let go and process grief
  • Why she took a month for Annie-tober, and why she still does it to this day
  • Why Annie believes in having a personal manifesto of her values
  • How Annie used her network to remind her of what kind of work brings her joy as she looked for the next thing
  • How Annie’s current role allows her to empower students to create community


Learn more about Annie Wood:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 5.5 - Start. Hand over. Repeat. The Cycles of Ecosystem Building with Larkin Garbee 5 5 5 5 E 5.5 - Start. Hand over. Repeat. The Cycles of Ecosystem Building with Larkin Garbee full 2e6b97d9-4f83-4e61-8a8a-9dae34ff2e0b https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today's episode, I want to introduce you to my longtime friend and OG ecosystem builder, Larkin Garbee.


Larkin has put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into jumpstarting entrepreneurial support initiatives, both in Richmond, Virginia, as well as nationally.


In this conversation, we talk about handing initiatives over to people who can carry them forward, and the upside of spending over a decade in an ecosystem.


Join me on a trip back home to Richmond.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Larkin has shifted gears between local and national ecosystem building work
  • Why Larkin chose to step away from formal ecosystem building as COVID took hold
  • How real estate and ecosystem building scratch a similar itch for Larkin
  • How Larkin approaches being a serial “starter” of organizations and initiatives


Learn more about Larkin Garbee:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In today's episode, I want to introduce you to my longtime friend and OG ecosystem builder, Larkin Garbee.


Larkin has put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into jumpstarting entrepreneurial support initiatives, both in Richmond, Virginia, as well as nationally.


In this conversation, we talk about handing initiatives over to people who can carry them forward, and the upside of spending over a decade in an ecosystem.


Join me on a trip back home to Richmond.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Larkin has shifted gears between local and national ecosystem building work
  • Why Larkin chose to step away from formal ecosystem building as COVID took hold
  • How real estate and ecosystem building scratch a similar itch for Larkin
  • How Larkin approaches being a serial “starter” of organizations and initiatives


Learn more about Larkin Garbee:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 14 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2133 In today's episode, I want to introduce you to my longtime friend and OG ecosystem builder, Larkin Garbee.


Larkin has put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into jumpstarting entrepreneurial support initiatives, both in Richmond, Virginia, as well as nationally.


In this conversation, we talk about handing initiatives over to people who can carry them forward, and the upside of spending over a decade in an ecosystem.


Join me on a trip back home to Richmond.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Larkin has shifted gears between local and national ecosystem building work
  • Why Larkin chose to step away from formal ecosystem building as COVID took hold
  • How real estate and ecosystem building scratch a similar itch for Larkin
  • How Larkin approaches being a serial “starter” of organizations and initiatives


Learn more about Larkin Garbee:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 5.6 - The Art of Quitting: Gracefully Navigating the Responsibility of Change with Lucas Lindsey 5 5 6 6 E 5.6 - The Art of Quitting: Gracefully Navigating the Responsibility of Change with Lucas Lindsey full 9eebd3cf-cece-407c-83be-7c2cc1e9e886 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today's episode, we're traveling to Phoenix, Arizona to chat with Lucas Lindsey.


Lucas is an ecosystem builder turned real estate developer. We talked about planning for succession and the importance of the built environment for entrepreneurial ecosystem building.


Lucas Lindsey is a Michigan kid on a long hiatus to the American Southwest. He is a big fan of new ideas and old buildings who has always worked in a combination of ecosystem building, real estate development, and construction. He believes in empowering change from the bottom up and working hard to improve whatever community you call home. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The road trip that prompted Lucas’s shift away from ecosystem building
  • The challenges Lucas faced in leaving an identity-defining career
  • How Lucas’s organization handled the delicate work of succession planning


Learn more about Lucas Lindsey:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In today's episode, we're traveling to Phoenix, Arizona to chat with Lucas Lindsey.


Lucas is an ecosystem builder turned real estate developer. We talked about planning for succession and the importance of the built environment for entrepreneurial ecosystem building.


Lucas Lindsey is a Michigan kid on a long hiatus to the American Southwest. He is a big fan of new ideas and old buildings who has always worked in a combination of ecosystem building, real estate development, and construction. He believes in empowering change from the bottom up and working hard to improve whatever community you call home. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The road trip that prompted Lucas’s shift away from ecosystem building
  • The challenges Lucas faced in leaving an identity-defining career
  • How Lucas’s organization handled the delicate work of succession planning


Learn more about Lucas Lindsey:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2262 In today's episode, we're traveling to Phoenix, Arizona to chat with Lucas Lindsey.


Lucas is an ecosystem builder turned real estate developer. We talked about planning for succession and the importance of the built environment for entrepreneurial ecosystem building.


Lucas Lindsey is a Michigan kid on a long hiatus to the American Southwest. He is a big fan of new ideas and old buildings who has always worked in a combination of ecosystem building, real estate development, and construction. He believes in empowering change from the bottom up and working hard to improve whatever community you call home. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The road trip that prompted Lucas’s shift away from ecosystem building
  • The challenges Lucas faced in leaving an identity-defining career
  • How Lucas’s organization handled the delicate work of succession planning


Learn more about Lucas Lindsey:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 5.7 - Unlearning Systems, Sharing Power, and Stepping Back From Your Startup with Naomi Ryland 5 5 7 7 E 5.7 - Unlearning Systems, Sharing Power, and Stepping Back From Your Startup with Naomi Ryland full 834f3f7f-11ab-43be-8974-849336cfbc05 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In our last conversation of this season, we’re traveling to Berlin, Germany. I’m sitting down with Naomi Ryland, systemic change maker, social entrepreneur, bestselling author and overall insightful person.


We talked about the last ten years in the German social impact space, how to turn your organization from a hierarchical to a self-organized one, and how to shift and share power as a person with privilege. We also talk about burnout from the Unicorn-startup culture and raising anti-racist, feminist children.


​​Naomi is an entrepreneur, author, and activist with a keen interest in feminist economics, diversity and belonging, power and privilege, and post-capitalist utopias. She founded tbd*, the go-to platform for jobs with purpose, and SEND e.V., the political representative body for social entrepreneurship in Germany. She co-authored Starting a Revolution and co-edited and co-authored Unlearn Patriarchy.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Naomi’s realization that she was following a playbook that wasn’t written by or for people like her led her to Starting a Revolution
  • How principles of self-organizing and competency-based hierarchy at tbd* impacted Naomi’s slow transition out of her role as founder
  • Why Naomi says it’s important for people with privilege to take risks towards systemic change
  • Why Naomi’s next big project is about unlearning business


Learn more about Naomi Ryland:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In our last conversation of this season, we’re traveling to Berlin, Germany. I’m sitting down with Naomi Ryland, systemic change maker, social entrepreneur, bestselling author and overall insightful person.


We talked about the last ten years in the German social impact space, how to turn your organization from a hierarchical to a self-organized one, and how to shift and share power as a person with privilege. We also talk about burnout from the Unicorn-startup culture and raising anti-racist, feminist children.


​​Naomi is an entrepreneur, author, and activist with a keen interest in feminist economics, diversity and belonging, power and privilege, and post-capitalist utopias. She founded tbd*, the go-to platform for jobs with purpose, and SEND e.V., the political representative body for social entrepreneurship in Germany. She co-authored Starting a Revolution and co-edited and co-authored Unlearn Patriarchy.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Naomi’s realization that she was following a playbook that wasn’t written by or for people like her led her to Starting a Revolution
  • How principles of self-organizing and competency-based hierarchy at tbd* impacted Naomi’s slow transition out of her role as founder
  • Why Naomi says it’s important for people with privilege to take risks towards systemic change
  • Why Naomi’s next big project is about unlearning business


Learn more about Naomi Ryland:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 28 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2242 In our last conversation of this season, we’re traveling to Berlin, Germany. I’m sitting down with Naomi Ryland, systemic change maker, social entrepreneur, bestselling author and overall insightful person.


We talked about the last ten years in the German social impact space, how to turn your organization from a hierarchical to a self-organized one, and how to shift and share power as a person with privilege. We also talk about burnout from the Unicorn-startup culture and raising anti-racist, feminist children.


​​Naomi is an entrepreneur, author, and activist with a keen interest in feminist economics, diversity and belonging, power and privilege, and post-capitalist utopias. She founded tbd*, the go-to platform for jobs with purpose, and SEND e.V., the political representative body for social entrepreneurship in Germany. She co-authored Starting a Revolution and co-edited and co-authored Unlearn Patriarchy.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Naomi’s realization that she was following a playbook that wasn’t written by or for people like her led her to Starting a Revolution
  • How principles of self-organizing and competency-based hierarchy at tbd* impacted Naomi’s slow transition out of her role as founder
  • Why Naomi says it’s important for people with privilege to take risks towards systemic change
  • Why Naomi’s next big project is about unlearning business


Learn more about Naomi Ryland:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 5.8 - What We Learned: Knowing When and How to Move On as an Ecosystem Builder 5 5 8 8 E 5.8 - What We Learned: Knowing When and How to Move On as an Ecosystem Builder full 30b17930-18ce-4ec0-b7dc-3db40ff78162 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Over the course of this season, quitting became a constant topic in my life.


One of my team members quit to take on a new role closer to home. A new friend talked to me about quitting her job to spend more time enjoying her family and less time worrying about making it all fit in her schedule. A partner quit because he had done what he came to do and was ready to move on to something else.


With the perspective I’ve gained through the Quitter conversations in season 5, I was able to view these Quits within my sphere as something rich and endlessly fascinating. 


When I started out with this season, I referred to The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. InThe Infinite Game, players stop playing for two reasons: 


  1. They lack the external resources to keep playing, such as the remuneration or the job to build an ecosystem, or
  2. Their internal resources - such as will and motivation - are depleted causing them to step out.


With each conversation in this season, I was trying to sort my guest into one of these two boxes only to be reminded that people can’t be sorted into boxes. I found instead that quitting a purpose-driven role is much more complex than that.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How a lack of internal and external resources leads changemakers to quit
  • How this season’s quitters found new ways to build ecosystems
  • The importance of how you leave - for yourself and your ecosystem
  • The relationship of the long-term work of ecosystem building and the modern realities of shifting careers and roles

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Over the course of this season, quitting became a constant topic in my life.


One of my team members quit to take on a new role closer to home. A new friend talked to me about quitting her job to spend more time enjoying her family and less time worrying about making it all fit in her schedule. A partner quit because he had done what he came to do and was ready to move on to something else.


With the perspective I’ve gained through the Quitter conversations in season 5, I was able to view these Quits within my sphere as something rich and endlessly fascinating. 


When I started out with this season, I referred to The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. InThe Infinite Game, players stop playing for two reasons: 


  1. They lack the external resources to keep playing, such as the remuneration or the job to build an ecosystem, or
  2. Their internal resources - such as will and motivation - are depleted causing them to step out.


With each conversation in this season, I was trying to sort my guest into one of these two boxes only to be reminded that people can’t be sorted into boxes. I found instead that quitting a purpose-driven role is much more complex than that.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How a lack of internal and external resources leads changemakers to quit
  • How this season’s quitters found new ways to build ecosystems
  • The importance of how you leave - for yourself and your ecosystem
  • The relationship of the long-term work of ecosystem building and the modern realities of shifting careers and roles

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 04 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1060 Over the course of this season, quitting became a constant topic in my life.


One of my team members quit to take on a new role closer to home. A new friend talked to me about quitting her job to spend more time enjoying her family and less time worrying about making it all fit in her schedule. A partner quit because he had done what he came to do and was ready to move on to something else.


With the perspective I’ve gained through the Quitter conversations in season 5, I was able to view these Quits within my sphere as something rich and endlessly fascinating. 


When I started out with this season, I referred to The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. InThe Infinite Game, players stop playing for two reasons: 


  1. They lack the external resources to keep playing, such as the remuneration or the job to build an ecosystem, or
  2. Their internal resources - such as will and motivation - are depleted causing them to step out.


With each conversation in this season, I was trying to sort my guest into one of these two boxes only to be reminded that people can’t be sorted into boxes. I found instead that quitting a purpose-driven role is much more complex than that.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How a lack of internal and external resources leads changemakers to quit
  • How this season’s quitters found new ways to build ecosystems
  • The importance of how you leave - for yourself and your ecosystem
  • The relationship of the long-term work of ecosystem building and the modern realities of shifting careers and roles

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No Ecosystems For Change: Logbook #6 5 5 Ecosystems For Change: Logbook #6 bonus 8844b885-b4c5-4839-b519-24922f336e31 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Welcome to my 6th logbook where I give a little insight into what’s happening behind and beyond the scenes of this show.


And I’m switching up the format a little bit! I’ve been meeting so many incredible ecosystem builders, and while I can’t have them all on the show, that’s not going to stop me from trying!


I’m super excited to introduce a new quarterly segment called the Unsung Heroes of Ecosystem Building.


I ran this campaign back in 2020 alongside two fellow ecosystem builders, Jeff Bennet and Jess Edwards, both of whom you’ve met on this show.


I often meet really brilliant ecosystem builders–online and in-person–and I want to be able to share their awesomeness with all of you! 


But before we go deep into meeting two Unsung Heroes, I’ll share what’s been going on in the Shenandoah Valley and behind the scenes of the show.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Two ways we’re engaging with the entrepreneur communities in the Shenandoah Valley
  • What’s coming up on Season Six of Ecosystems for Change
  • Unsung Hero Why Nida Ansari goes all-in on making Indianapolis her new hometown, and how she went about integrating herself into the ecosystem
  • How Unsung Hero Sammy Popat builds bridges within the university and out into the wider ecosystem in Maryland

Learn More About Nida Ansari:


Learn More About Sammy Popat:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Welcome to my 6th logbook where I give a little insight into what’s happening behind and beyond the scenes of this show.


And I’m switching up the format a little bit! I’ve been meeting so many incredible ecosystem builders, and while I can’t have them all on the show, that’s not going to stop me from trying!


I’m super excited to introduce a new quarterly segment called the Unsung Heroes of Ecosystem Building.


I ran this campaign back in 2020 alongside two fellow ecosystem builders, Jeff Bennet and Jess Edwards, both of whom you’ve met on this show.


I often meet really brilliant ecosystem builders–online and in-person–and I want to be able to share their awesomeness with all of you! 


But before we go deep into meeting two Unsung Heroes, I’ll share what’s been going on in the Shenandoah Valley and behind the scenes of the show.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Two ways we’re engaging with the entrepreneur communities in the Shenandoah Valley
  • What’s coming up on Season Six of Ecosystems for Change
  • Unsung Hero Why Nida Ansari goes all-in on making Indianapolis her new hometown, and how she went about integrating herself into the ecosystem
  • How Unsung Hero Sammy Popat builds bridges within the university and out into the wider ecosystem in Maryland

Learn More About Nida Ansari:


Learn More About Sammy Popat:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 09 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1962 Welcome to my 6th logbook where I give a little insight into what’s happening behind and beyond the scenes of this show.


And I’m switching up the format a little bit! I’ve been meeting so many incredible ecosystem builders, and while I can’t have them all on the show, that’s not going to stop me from trying!


I’m super excited to introduce a new quarterly segment called the Unsung Heroes of Ecosystem Building.


I ran this campaign back in 2020 alongside two fellow ecosystem builders, Jeff Bennet and Jess Edwards, both of whom you’ve met on this show.


I often meet really brilliant ecosystem builders–online and in-person–and I want to be able to share their awesomeness with all of you! 


But before we go deep into meeting two Unsung Heroes, I’ll share what’s been going on in the Shenandoah Valley and behind the scenes of the show.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Two ways we’re engaging with the entrepreneur communities in the Shenandoah Valley
  • What’s coming up on Season Six of Ecosystems for Change
  • Unsung Hero Why Nida Ansari goes all-in on making Indianapolis her new hometown, and how she went about integrating herself into the ecosystem
  • How Unsung Hero Sammy Popat builds bridges within the university and out into the wider ecosystem in Maryland

Learn More About Nida Ansari:


Learn More About Sammy Popat:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 6.1 - The Power of Storytelling in Ecosystem Building 6 6 1 1 E 6.1 - The Power of Storytelling in Ecosystem Building full d4aac338-c9e8-490d-aa39-215f9561911e https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In season 6 of Ecosystems for Change, we are going to explore the art, craft, and science of telling meaningful stories that have the power to affect change in our communities.


I’ve always enjoyed hearing other people’s stories, reading about them, and eventually telling these stories. As I started out helping to develop the ecosystem in Richmond, VA, I also began to understand that storytelling is a powerful tool in any ecosystem builder’s toolbox.


But once I picked up Peter Block’s book, “Community: The Structure of Belonging,” I understood that storytelling could be much more and that it’s actually a tool that helps a community create a vision for itself, to dream of a future that might be possible. 


To me, this following quote sums up his work beautifully:


“Stories can give us a narrative to guide and instruct us. They are crucial to our knowing who we are; they provide a sense of identity. […] We need to distinguish between the stories that give meaning to our lives and help us find our voice, and those that limit our possibility.”


This season, I’m speaking with other storytellers to learn their tips and tricks of the trade. I hope to uncover how others go about finding and telling meaningful stories that give hope and propel their communities forward. 


I want to find out exactly what intentions these storytellers have, how they approach storytelling, what their process looks like from beginning to end, and how they make the finances work.


As always on this show, my hope is that we can learn from each other, avoid the obvious pitfalls, and as a result become better at what we do: Transform our communities by supporting the changemakers within them.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Two examples of the impact of storytelling from my own life
  • Why we need to focus on telling stories of possibility instead of railing against problems
  • How negative narratives keep us stuck
  • The power of positive storytelling to propel change in our communities

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In season 6 of Ecosystems for Change, we are going to explore the art, craft, and science of telling meaningful stories that have the power to affect change in our communities.


I’ve always enjoyed hearing other people’s stories, reading about them, and eventually telling these stories. As I started out helping to develop the ecosystem in Richmond, VA, I also began to understand that storytelling is a powerful tool in any ecosystem builder’s toolbox.


But once I picked up Peter Block’s book, “Community: The Structure of Belonging,” I understood that storytelling could be much more and that it’s actually a tool that helps a community create a vision for itself, to dream of a future that might be possible. 


To me, this following quote sums up his work beautifully:


“Stories can give us a narrative to guide and instruct us. They are crucial to our knowing who we are; they provide a sense of identity. […] We need to distinguish between the stories that give meaning to our lives and help us find our voice, and those that limit our possibility.”


This season, I’m speaking with other storytellers to learn their tips and tricks of the trade. I hope to uncover how others go about finding and telling meaningful stories that give hope and propel their communities forward. 


I want to find out exactly what intentions these storytellers have, how they approach storytelling, what their process looks like from beginning to end, and how they make the finances work.


As always on this show, my hope is that we can learn from each other, avoid the obvious pitfalls, and as a result become better at what we do: Transform our communities by supporting the changemakers within them.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Two examples of the impact of storytelling from my own life
  • Why we need to focus on telling stories of possibility instead of railing against problems
  • How negative narratives keep us stuck
  • The power of positive storytelling to propel change in our communities

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 23 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1521 In season 6 of Ecosystems for Change, we are going to explore the art, craft, and science of telling meaningful stories that have the power to affect change in our communities.


I’ve always enjoyed hearing other people’s stories, reading about them, and eventually telling these stories. As I started out helping to develop the ecosystem in Richmond, VA, I also began to understand that storytelling is a powerful tool in any ecosystem builder’s toolbox.


But once I picked up Peter Block’s book, “Community: The Structure of Belonging,” I understood that storytelling could be much more and that it’s actually a tool that helps a community create a vision for itself, to dream of a future that might be possible. 


To me, this following quote sums up his work beautifully:


“Stories can give us a narrative to guide and instruct us. They are crucial to our knowing who we are; they provide a sense of identity. […] We need to distinguish between the stories that give meaning to our lives and help us find our voice, and those that limit our possibility.”


This season, I’m speaking with other storytellers to learn their tips and tricks of the trade. I hope to uncover how others go about finding and telling meaningful stories that give hope and propel their communities forward. 


I want to find out exactly what intentions these storytellers have, how they approach storytelling, what their process looks like from beginning to end, and how they make the finances work.


As always on this show, my hope is that we can learn from each other, avoid the obvious pitfalls, and as a result become better at what we do: Transform our communities by supporting the changemakers within them.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Two examples of the impact of storytelling from my own life
  • Why we need to focus on telling stories of possibility instead of railing against problems
  • How negative narratives keep us stuck
  • The power of positive storytelling to propel change in our communities

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 6.2 - A Global Storyteller: Solutions-Based Journalism with Eva-Maria Verfürth 6 6 2 2 E 6.2 - A Global Storyteller: Solutions-Based Journalism with Eva-Maria Verfürth full d1ffe428-6f50-47ac-961f-b7ea2b395f21 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Welcome to my first interview of season 6.


I sat down with none other than Eva-Maria Verfürth, Publisher and Editor in Chief of Tea After Twelve.


While based in Frankfurt, Germany, Eva’s storytelling spans around the globe to talk about new solutions to old problems to create a better world.


As you’ll see in this conversation, Eva is driven by a deep desire to transform journalism in a way that moves beyond mere disaster reporting and emphasizes inspiration and progress, which is why I’m so excited to kick off season 6 with her.


Let’s go to Frankfurt!


Eva-Maria Verfürth is a journalist and entrepreneur with a keen interest in international perspectives and social change. Her career has been driven by the wish to transform journalism in a way that moves beyond mere disaster reporting and emphasizes inspiration and progress. In 2014, Eva and her teammate Sarah Klein founded Tea After Twelve, an international online magazine on impact innovation, technological inventions, and social change. The idea in a nutshell: reporting about what is working instead of only telling what’s going wrong. Tea after Twelve wants to connect creative minds around the world, the entrepreneurs, inventors, thinkers, and makers who have convincing ideas for social change and ecological transformation. It features projects and actions that have had an impact in their communities and have the potential to make a difference elsewhere as well.


Eva is also co-founder and managing director of Bunny Island, a German communications agency offering content production and design services, and a coach and trainer for (solutions) storytelling and communications strategy. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she worked as an editor and writer for several magazines with international audiences and in public relations for German development cooperation organizations.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Eva and her co-founder developed Tea After Twelve to be an solutions-based antidote to negative news coverage of social and environmental impact issues
  • How Tea After Twelve translates impactful stories from around the world for a global audience
  • How Tea After Twelve has developed a global network of storytellers outside the journalistic mainstream
  • Why Eva says it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of the solution in a story

Learn More About Eva-Maria Verfürth:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Welcome to my first interview of season 6.


I sat down with none other than Eva-Maria Verfürth, Publisher and Editor in Chief of Tea After Twelve.


While based in Frankfurt, Germany, Eva’s storytelling spans around the globe to talk about new solutions to old problems to create a better world.


As you’ll see in this conversation, Eva is driven by a deep desire to transform journalism in a way that moves beyond mere disaster reporting and emphasizes inspiration and progress, which is why I’m so excited to kick off season 6 with her.


Let’s go to Frankfurt!


Eva-Maria Verfürth is a journalist and entrepreneur with a keen interest in international perspectives and social change. Her career has been driven by the wish to transform journalism in a way that moves beyond mere disaster reporting and emphasizes inspiration and progress. In 2014, Eva and her teammate Sarah Klein founded Tea After Twelve, an international online magazine on impact innovation, technological inventions, and social change. The idea in a nutshell: reporting about what is working instead of only telling what’s going wrong. Tea after Twelve wants to connect creative minds around the world, the entrepreneurs, inventors, thinkers, and makers who have convincing ideas for social change and ecological transformation. It features projects and actions that have had an impact in their communities and have the potential to make a difference elsewhere as well.


Eva is also co-founder and managing director of Bunny Island, a German communications agency offering content production and design services, and a coach and trainer for (solutions) storytelling and communications strategy. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she worked as an editor and writer for several magazines with international audiences and in public relations for German development cooperation organizations.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Eva and her co-founder developed Tea After Twelve to be an solutions-based antidote to negative news coverage of social and environmental impact issues
  • How Tea After Twelve translates impactful stories from around the world for a global audience
  • How Tea After Twelve has developed a global network of storytellers outside the journalistic mainstream
  • Why Eva says it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of the solution in a story

Learn More About Eva-Maria Verfürth:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2425 Welcome to my first interview of season 6.


I sat down with none other than Eva-Maria Verfürth, Publisher and Editor in Chief of Tea After Twelve.


While based in Frankfurt, Germany, Eva’s storytelling spans around the globe to talk about new solutions to old problems to create a better world.


As you’ll see in this conversation, Eva is driven by a deep desire to transform journalism in a way that moves beyond mere disaster reporting and emphasizes inspiration and progress, which is why I’m so excited to kick off season 6 with her.


Let’s go to Frankfurt!


Eva-Maria Verfürth is a journalist and entrepreneur with a keen interest in international perspectives and social change. Her career has been driven by the wish to transform journalism in a way that moves beyond mere disaster reporting and emphasizes inspiration and progress. In 2014, Eva and her teammate Sarah Klein founded Tea After Twelve, an international online magazine on impact innovation, technological inventions, and social change. The idea in a nutshell: reporting about what is working instead of only telling what’s going wrong. Tea after Twelve wants to connect creative minds around the world, the entrepreneurs, inventors, thinkers, and makers who have convincing ideas for social change and ecological transformation. It features projects and actions that have had an impact in their communities and have the potential to make a difference elsewhere as well.


Eva is also co-founder and managing director of Bunny Island, a German communications agency offering content production and design services, and a coach and trainer for (solutions) storytelling and communications strategy. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she worked as an editor and writer for several magazines with international audiences and in public relations for German development cooperation organizations.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Eva and her co-founder developed Tea After Twelve to be an solutions-based antidote to negative news coverage of social and environmental impact issues
  • How Tea After Twelve translates impactful stories from around the world for a global audience
  • How Tea After Twelve has developed a global network of storytellers outside the journalistic mainstream
  • Why Eva says it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of the solution in a story

Learn More About Eva-Maria Verfürth:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 6.3 - Changing the Narrative of Rural Entrepreneurship with Natalie Hodge 6 6 3 3 E 6.3 - Changing the Narrative of Rural Entrepreneurship with Natalie Hodge full 82777fae-daf0-41ac-905d-563b9b135a39 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ I’ve been in awe of today’s guest, Natalie Hodge, since I first learned about her show Hometown Hustle.


As of summer 2023, the show is in its second season telling the stories of entrepreneurs building their big business ideas in the small towns of rural America and changing the narrative about rural entrepreneurship.


Today, Natalie shares why she believes it’s so vital to share the stories of rural entrepreneurs, the joys and challenges of producing a web series from scratch on a tight budget, and how we can build buy-in on these stories from community and corporate partners.


Natalie Hodge is the founder and owner of Rudy’s Girl Media, a Martinsville, Virginia-based multimedia content creation company specializing in developing a diverse array of engaging projects ranging from film to literary works. Natalie is a writer, producer, and transformation coach with a background in higher education and workforce development with degrees from Guilford College and Cornell University. She is an authentic and inspiring speaker who focuses her messaging on fearlessness and the power of positive being.


Listen to the full episode to hear:


  • How Natalie went about building her slate of entrepreneur stories
  • Why it’s so important for her to share the positive impact of rural entrepreneurship on local economies
  • How Natalie builds buy-in with partners from community economic development teams to corporate sponsors
  • How telling stories of rural entrepreneurs has the ability to impact local economies


Learn More About Natalie Hodge:

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> I’ve been in awe of today’s guest, Natalie Hodge, since I first learned about her show Hometown Hustle.


As of summer 2023, the show is in its second season telling the stories of entrepreneurs building their big business ideas in the small towns of rural America and changing the narrative about rural entrepreneurship.


Today, Natalie shares why she believes it’s so vital to share the stories of rural entrepreneurs, the joys and challenges of producing a web series from scratch on a tight budget, and how we can build buy-in on these stories from community and corporate partners.


Natalie Hodge is the founder and owner of Rudy’s Girl Media, a Martinsville, Virginia-based multimedia content creation company specializing in developing a diverse array of engaging projects ranging from film to literary works. Natalie is a writer, producer, and transformation coach with a background in higher education and workforce development with degrees from Guilford College and Cornell University. She is an authentic and inspiring speaker who focuses her messaging on fearlessness and the power of positive being.


Listen to the full episode to hear:


  • How Natalie went about building her slate of entrepreneur stories
  • Why it’s so important for her to share the positive impact of rural entrepreneurship on local economies
  • How Natalie builds buy-in with partners from community economic development teams to corporate sponsors
  • How telling stories of rural entrepreneurs has the ability to impact local economies


Learn More About Natalie Hodge:

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2188 I’ve been in awe of today’s guest, Natalie Hodge, since I first learned about her show Hometown Hustle.


As of summer 2023, the show is in its second season telling the stories of entrepreneurs building their big business ideas in the small towns of rural America and changing the narrative about rural entrepreneurship.


Today, Natalie shares why she believes it’s so vital to share the stories of rural entrepreneurs, the joys and challenges of producing a web series from scratch on a tight budget, and how we can build buy-in on these stories from community and corporate partners.


Natalie Hodge is the founder and owner of Rudy’s Girl Media, a Martinsville, Virginia-based multimedia content creation company specializing in developing a diverse array of engaging projects ranging from film to literary works. Natalie is a writer, producer, and transformation coach with a background in higher education and workforce development with degrees from Guilford College and Cornell University. She is an authentic and inspiring speaker who focuses her messaging on fearlessness and the power of positive being.


Listen to the full episode to hear:


  • How Natalie went about building her slate of entrepreneur stories
  • Why it’s so important for her to share the positive impact of rural entrepreneurship on local economies
  • How Natalie builds buy-in with partners from community economic development teams to corporate sponsors
  • How telling stories of rural entrepreneurs has the ability to impact local economies


Learn More About Natalie Hodge:

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 6.4 - Entrepreneurship Indiana: A State-Wide Storytelling Campaign with Julie Heath, Polina Osherov and Morgan Allen Part 1 6 6 4 4 E 6.4 - Entrepreneurship Indiana: A State-Wide Storytelling Campaign with Julie Heath, Polina Osherov and Morgan Allen Part 1 full 7c678566-7797-40be-ba7b-ae9bbb6be616 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In today’s episode, I get to introduce you to a storytelling powerhouse trio.


At every stage of the process, from vision to execution to the final product, I have rarely seen such a well-produced, coherent, and meaningful storytelling campaign as Yearbook Indiana.


The Indiana Economic Development Corporation–IEDC–collaborated with Indiana-based magazine Pattern, to produce a yearbook highlighting the stories of entrepreneurs throughout the state and to highlight the positive impacts of young companies on the state’s economy.


To steer this ambitious undertaking, IEDC and Pattern brought together the three women you’ll hear from today: Polina Osherov, co-founder and executive director of Pattern, Morgan Allen, entrepreneurial ecosystem manager at IEDC, and Julie Heath, who has since moved on from IEDC.


Because there is just so much to absorb in this rich conversation, we’re splitting it into two parts. 


In part one, you’ll hear about how this kind of storytelling became a priority, how the project got underway between IEDC and Pattern, and what makes a physical storytelling product like a yearbook so special and powerful.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Five key milestones to putting the project together
  • How they crafted the narrative arc for the yearbook
  • How they’re fine-tuning the process for the 2023 yearbook

Learn More About Polina Osherov:


Learn More About Morgan Allen:


Learn More About Julie Heath:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In today’s episode, I get to introduce you to a storytelling powerhouse trio.


At every stage of the process, from vision to execution to the final product, I have rarely seen such a well-produced, coherent, and meaningful storytelling campaign as Yearbook Indiana.


The Indiana Economic Development Corporation–IEDC–collaborated with Indiana-based magazine Pattern, to produce a yearbook highlighting the stories of entrepreneurs throughout the state and to highlight the positive impacts of young companies on the state’s economy.


To steer this ambitious undertaking, IEDC and Pattern brought together the three women you’ll hear from today: Polina Osherov, co-founder and executive director of Pattern, Morgan Allen, entrepreneurial ecosystem manager at IEDC, and Julie Heath, who has since moved on from IEDC.


Because there is just so much to absorb in this rich conversation, we’re splitting it into two parts. 


In part one, you’ll hear about how this kind of storytelling became a priority, how the project got underway between IEDC and Pattern, and what makes a physical storytelling product like a yearbook so special and powerful.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Five key milestones to putting the project together
  • How they crafted the narrative arc for the yearbook
  • How they’re fine-tuning the process for the 2023 yearbook

Learn More About Polina Osherov:


Learn More About Morgan Allen:


Learn More About Julie Heath:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 04 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1609 In today’s episode, I get to introduce you to a storytelling powerhouse trio.


At every stage of the process, from vision to execution to the final product, I have rarely seen such a well-produced, coherent, and meaningful storytelling campaign as Yearbook Indiana.


The Indiana Economic Development Corporation–IEDC–collaborated with Indiana-based magazine Pattern, to produce a yearbook highlighting the stories of entrepreneurs throughout the state and to highlight the positive impacts of young companies on the state’s economy.


To steer this ambitious undertaking, IEDC and Pattern brought together the three women you’ll hear from today: Polina Osherov, co-founder and executive director of Pattern, Morgan Allen, entrepreneurial ecosystem manager at IEDC, and Julie Heath, who has since moved on from IEDC.


Because there is just so much to absorb in this rich conversation, we’re splitting it into two parts. 


In part one, you’ll hear about how this kind of storytelling became a priority, how the project got underway between IEDC and Pattern, and what makes a physical storytelling product like a yearbook so special and powerful.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Five key milestones to putting the project together
  • How they crafted the narrative arc for the yearbook
  • How they’re fine-tuning the process for the 2023 yearbook

Learn More About Polina Osherov:


Learn More About Morgan Allen:


Learn More About Julie Heath:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 6.5 - Entrepreneurship Indiana: A State-Wide Storytelling Campaign with Julie Heath, Polina Osherov and Morgan Allen Part 2 6 6 5 5 E 6.5 - Entrepreneurship Indiana: A State-Wide Storytelling Campaign with Julie Heath, Polina Osherov and Morgan Allen Part 2 full 604a7d28-8bc1-43b8-87c2-a12615fd0774 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ In this episode, I’m continuing my conversation about Yearbook Indiana with Polina Osherov of Pattern, Morgan Allen of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Julie Heath, formerly of IEDC.


We’re jumping right back in from the break, so if you haven’t listened to part one, go do that! 


In part two, we’re digging into the nitty-gritty of getting the yearbook into the right hands, how they made the budget work for the project and the state’s strategic goals, and getting community buy-in.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How thoughtful graphic design choices made it easy for founders to participate in sharing the yearbook on social
  • How the team distributed over 3000 copies of the yearbook in just four months
  • Calculating the ROI on getting entrepreneurship stories out into the world
  • The impact of positive storytelling for ecosystem builders


Learn More About Polina Osherov:


Learn More About Morgan Allen:


Learn More About Julie Heath:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In this episode, I’m continuing my conversation about Yearbook Indiana with Polina Osherov of Pattern, Morgan Allen of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Julie Heath, formerly of IEDC.


We’re jumping right back in from the break, so if you haven’t listened to part one, go do that! 


In part two, we’re digging into the nitty-gritty of getting the yearbook into the right hands, how they made the budget work for the project and the state’s strategic goals, and getting community buy-in.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How thoughtful graphic design choices made it easy for founders to participate in sharing the yearbook on social
  • How the team distributed over 3000 copies of the yearbook in just four months
  • Calculating the ROI on getting entrepreneurship stories out into the world
  • The impact of positive storytelling for ecosystem builders


Learn More About Polina Osherov:


Learn More About Morgan Allen:


Learn More About Julie Heath:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 04 Jul 2023 03:05:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1607 In this episode, I’m continuing my conversation about Yearbook Indiana with Polina Osherov of Pattern, Morgan Allen of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Julie Heath, formerly of IEDC.


We’re jumping right back in from the break, so if you haven’t listened to part one, go do that! 


In part two, we’re digging into the nitty-gritty of getting the yearbook into the right hands, how they made the budget work for the project and the state’s strategic goals, and getting community buy-in.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How thoughtful graphic design choices made it easy for founders to participate in sharing the yearbook on social
  • How the team distributed over 3000 copies of the yearbook in just four months
  • Calculating the ROI on getting entrepreneurship stories out into the world
  • The impact of positive storytelling for ecosystem builders


Learn More About Polina Osherov:


Learn More About Morgan Allen:


Learn More About Julie Heath:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 6.6 - Stories of Tech and Innovation in Rural America with Austin Danforth 6 6 6 6 E 6.6 - Stories of Tech and Innovation in Rural America with Austin Danforth full 68aedd53-e726-4a27-a8c0-28bbea7ac86d https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ Today, we’re headed to Vermont to hear stories about extraordinary rural communities throughout the US.


Austin Danforth is the chief storyteller in charge at the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), not that he would call himself that. But I definitely do.


Austin is putting his prior career as a sports reporter and photographer to use to reshape the narrative around tech ecosystems, innovation, and entrepreneurship in rural America.


Austin and the team at CORI have produced the incredible video series The Rural Edge, as well as community case studies, reports, and tools that I, personally, have found super useful in my own work developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Shenandoah Valley.


Naturally, I wanted to get Austin on the show to share with us how CORI does what they do, and how they do it so well. He’s spilling the beans on the process of developing stories, how it differs from his life as a journalist, and how and why CORI has committed funding and resources to telling these vital stories.


Austin Danforth is a native Vermonter who spent more than a decade as a sportswriter and photographer before jumping into nonprofit communications with the Center on Rural Innovation. He's an avid storyteller and connection-maker who loves to experience new places and figure out what makes them tick. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Austin thinks about shaping narratives and making CORI’s work meaningful and accessible 
  • Why it’s been vital for CORI to partner with funders who believe in their mission to change the narrative about rural entrepreneurship
  • The tightrope walk between audience and engagement in storytelling
  • How Austin and CORI think about metrics and return on investment for storytelling work

Learn More About Austin Danforth:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today, we’re headed to Vermont to hear stories about extraordinary rural communities throughout the US.


Austin Danforth is the chief storyteller in charge at the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), not that he would call himself that. But I definitely do.


Austin is putting his prior career as a sports reporter and photographer to use to reshape the narrative around tech ecosystems, innovation, and entrepreneurship in rural America.


Austin and the team at CORI have produced the incredible video series The Rural Edge, as well as community case studies, reports, and tools that I, personally, have found super useful in my own work developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Shenandoah Valley.


Naturally, I wanted to get Austin on the show to share with us how CORI does what they do, and how they do it so well. He’s spilling the beans on the process of developing stories, how it differs from his life as a journalist, and how and why CORI has committed funding and resources to telling these vital stories.


Austin Danforth is a native Vermonter who spent more than a decade as a sportswriter and photographer before jumping into nonprofit communications with the Center on Rural Innovation. He's an avid storyteller and connection-maker who loves to experience new places and figure out what makes them tick. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Austin thinks about shaping narratives and making CORI’s work meaningful and accessible 
  • Why it’s been vital for CORI to partner with funders who believe in their mission to change the narrative about rural entrepreneurship
  • The tightrope walk between audience and engagement in storytelling
  • How Austin and CORI think about metrics and return on investment for storytelling work

Learn More About Austin Danforth:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 18 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2643 Today, we’re headed to Vermont to hear stories about extraordinary rural communities throughout the US.


Austin Danforth is the chief storyteller in charge at the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), not that he would call himself that. But I definitely do.


Austin is putting his prior career as a sports reporter and photographer to use to reshape the narrative around tech ecosystems, innovation, and entrepreneurship in rural America.


Austin and the team at CORI have produced the incredible video series The Rural Edge, as well as community case studies, reports, and tools that I, personally, have found super useful in my own work developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Shenandoah Valley.


Naturally, I wanted to get Austin on the show to share with us how CORI does what they do, and how they do it so well. He’s spilling the beans on the process of developing stories, how it differs from his life as a journalist, and how and why CORI has committed funding and resources to telling these vital stories.


Austin Danforth is a native Vermonter who spent more than a decade as a sportswriter and photographer before jumping into nonprofit communications with the Center on Rural Innovation. He's an avid storyteller and connection-maker who loves to experience new places and figure out what makes them tick. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Austin thinks about shaping narratives and making CORI’s work meaningful and accessible 
  • Why it’s been vital for CORI to partner with funders who believe in their mission to change the narrative about rural entrepreneurship
  • The tightrope walk between audience and engagement in storytelling
  • How Austin and CORI think about metrics and return on investment for storytelling work

Learn More About Austin Danforth:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 6.7 - What We Learned: Stories That Redefine Entrepreneurship In Our Communities 6 6 7 7 E 6.7 - What We Learned: Stories That Redefine Entrepreneurship In Our Communities full b5531784-e629-446a-bb11-1001c5e26d03 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ We started this season by asking how we can tell better stories about what is happening in our ecosystems.


As I reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season, the key piece is that storytelling is not just some fun marketing campaign; it’s a tool to show the community what is possible and what the future might look like.


But most of us–entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners alike–are so bogged down in the day-to-day that we rarely have the chance to envision the bigger picture of where the ecosystem is headed. Storytelling allows us to gather and curate all these different stories of doers, makers, and dreamers into a mosaic that creates a beautiful picture as it comes together.


Once we understand that every story, whether on a blog, in a newsletter, or in a YouTube video, contributes to this greater picture and narrative, we can start chipping away at it. You don’t need a degree in journalism or media production to contribute. You just need a genuine sense of excitement about the entrepreneurs you encounter and the willingness to look for solutions.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How solutions-based storytelling, supported by clear and objective facts, moves the needle
  • How the accessibility of technology creates opportunities for more diverse stories and storytellers
  • Different strategies for leaning on your networks to spread your stories
  • Choosing your format and making the money work
  • How storytelling not only shines light on the doers and makers in your community, but allows the community to shift how they see themselves

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> We started this season by asking how we can tell better stories about what is happening in our ecosystems.


As I reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season, the key piece is that storytelling is not just some fun marketing campaign; it’s a tool to show the community what is possible and what the future might look like.


But most of us–entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners alike–are so bogged down in the day-to-day that we rarely have the chance to envision the bigger picture of where the ecosystem is headed. Storytelling allows us to gather and curate all these different stories of doers, makers, and dreamers into a mosaic that creates a beautiful picture as it comes together.


Once we understand that every story, whether on a blog, in a newsletter, or in a YouTube video, contributes to this greater picture and narrative, we can start chipping away at it. You don’t need a degree in journalism or media production to contribute. You just need a genuine sense of excitement about the entrepreneurs you encounter and the willingness to look for solutions.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How solutions-based storytelling, supported by clear and objective facts, moves the needle
  • How the accessibility of technology creates opportunities for more diverse stories and storytellers
  • Different strategies for leaning on your networks to spread your stories
  • Choosing your format and making the money work
  • How storytelling not only shines light on the doers and makers in your community, but allows the community to shift how they see themselves

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 1308 We started this season by asking how we can tell better stories about what is happening in our ecosystems.


As I reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season, the key piece is that storytelling is not just some fun marketing campaign; it’s a tool to show the community what is possible and what the future might look like.


But most of us–entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners alike–are so bogged down in the day-to-day that we rarely have the chance to envision the bigger picture of where the ecosystem is headed. Storytelling allows us to gather and curate all these different stories of doers, makers, and dreamers into a mosaic that creates a beautiful picture as it comes together.


Once we understand that every story, whether on a blog, in a newsletter, or in a YouTube video, contributes to this greater picture and narrative, we can start chipping away at it. You don’t need a degree in journalism or media production to contribute. You just need a genuine sense of excitement about the entrepreneurs you encounter and the willingness to look for solutions.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How solutions-based storytelling, supported by clear and objective facts, moves the needle
  • How the accessibility of technology creates opportunities for more diverse stories and storytellers
  • Different strategies for leaning on your networks to spread your stories
  • Choosing your format and making the money work
  • How storytelling not only shines light on the doers and makers in your community, but allows the community to shift how they see themselves

Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No Build the Fort: Simplifying Startup Community Building with Chris Heivly 6 6 Build the Fort: Simplifying Startup Community Building with Chris Heivly bonus 398a2620-d5e9-4441-9364-8af184f2cdf8 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/ On today’s bonus episode, I’m speaking with Chris Heivly. 


Chris has over 40 years of experience working as, for, and with entrepreneurs and I was delighted to talk with him about why he wants to see more ecosystem and community builders come together and build a fort.


Chris Heivly is a life-long entrepreneur and multifaceted investor who spent forty years working as, for, and with entrepreneurs. Prior to becoming a successful startup community builder and consultant, Chris co-founded MapQuest—which sold to AOL for $1.2 billion. He currently serves as a managing director of The Startup Factory and is a highly sought-after public speaker. His first book, Build the Fort: Why 5 Simple Lessons You Learned As a 10 Year-Old Can Set You Up for Startup Success, was inspired by his widely acclaimed TEDx talk in 2014.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Chris uses the metaphor of building the fort when addressing ecosystem builders and entrepreneurs
  • How the fluidity of complex adaptive systems benefits entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders
  • Why you have to identify and speak with as many of the actors in your ecosystem as possible
  • Why collaboration and partnerships are vital to creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts
  • How to identify the gaps in your ecosystem and bring the right people together to fill them
  • How adopting a short term mindset can help ecosystem builders dive in, get stuff done, and build momentum
  • Why you can’t wait for a permission slip to get involved
  • How leaders and influencers set the tone for the culture of an ecosystem


Learn More About Chris Heivly:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> On today’s bonus episode, I’m speaking with Chris Heivly. 


Chris has over 40 years of experience working as, for, and with entrepreneurs and I was delighted to talk with him about why he wants to see more ecosystem and community builders come together and build a fort.


Chris Heivly is a life-long entrepreneur and multifaceted investor who spent forty years working as, for, and with entrepreneurs. Prior to becoming a successful startup community builder and consultant, Chris co-founded MapQuest—which sold to AOL for $1.2 billion. He currently serves as a managing director of The Startup Factory and is a highly sought-after public speaker. His first book, Build the Fort: Why 5 Simple Lessons You Learned As a 10 Year-Old Can Set You Up for Startup Success, was inspired by his widely acclaimed TEDx talk in 2014.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Chris uses the metaphor of building the fort when addressing ecosystem builders and entrepreneurs
  • How the fluidity of complex adaptive systems benefits entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders
  • Why you have to identify and speak with as many of the actors in your ecosystem as possible
  • Why collaboration and partnerships are vital to creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts
  • How to identify the gaps in your ecosystem and bring the right people together to fill them
  • How adopting a short term mindset can help ecosystem builders dive in, get stuff done, and build momentum
  • Why you can’t wait for a permission slip to get involved
  • How leaders and influencers set the tone for the culture of an ecosystem


Learn More About Chris Heivly:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3081 On today’s bonus episode, I’m speaking with Chris Heivly. 


Chris has over 40 years of experience working as, for, and with entrepreneurs and I was delighted to talk with him about why he wants to see more ecosystem and community builders come together and build a fort.


Chris Heivly is a life-long entrepreneur and multifaceted investor who spent forty years working as, for, and with entrepreneurs. Prior to becoming a successful startup community builder and consultant, Chris co-founded MapQuest—which sold to AOL for $1.2 billion. He currently serves as a managing director of The Startup Factory and is a highly sought-after public speaker. His first book, Build the Fort: Why 5 Simple Lessons You Learned As a 10 Year-Old Can Set You Up for Startup Success, was inspired by his widely acclaimed TEDx talk in 2014.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why Chris uses the metaphor of building the fort when addressing ecosystem builders and entrepreneurs
  • How the fluidity of complex adaptive systems benefits entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders
  • Why you have to identify and speak with as many of the actors in your ecosystem as possible
  • Why collaboration and partnerships are vital to creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts
  • How to identify the gaps in your ecosystem and bring the right people together to fill them
  • How adopting a short term mindset can help ecosystem builders dive in, get stuff done, and build momentum
  • Why you can’t wait for a permission slip to get involved
  • How leaders and influencers set the tone for the culture of an ecosystem


Learn More About Chris Heivly:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No Ecosystems For Change: Logbook #7 6 6 Ecosystems For Change: Logbook #7 bonus a8961745-4b3c-4861-9bdb-e170060f92a5 https://socialventurers.com/podcast/  Welcome to my seventh logbook, an in between seasons update on Ecosystems for Change. 


In each logbook, I give you a peek behind the scenes of what’s happening in my day job as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder in the Shenandoah Valley, some updates from the field of ecosystem building, an introduction to Unsung Heroes of Ecosystem Building doing amazing work in their communities, and a behind the scenes update about the show itself.


It’s a fun way for me to let you in on my thought processes and an invitation for you to contribute your own thoughts and experiences that make this show what it is.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The event we convened in September that brought together entrepreneurial champions and advocates in the Shenandoah Valley
  • A new advocacy organization with an online community
  • Conference season is upon us! And the events you’ll find me at
  • How Alax Foreman is building a community of tech entrepreneurs in Chicago
  • What Nick Giraldo wants to change about how we think about economic development
  • Why I’ve made the tough decision to put Ecosystems for Change on hiatus


Learn More About Alax Foreman:


Learn More About Nicholas Giraldo:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]>  Welcome to my seventh logbook, an in between seasons update on Ecosystems for Change. 


In each logbook, I give you a peek behind the scenes of what’s happening in my day job as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder in the Shenandoah Valley, some updates from the field of ecosystem building, an introduction to Unsung Heroes of Ecosystem Building doing amazing work in their communities, and a behind the scenes update about the show itself.


It’s a fun way for me to let you in on my thought processes and an invitation for you to contribute your own thoughts and experiences that make this show what it is.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The event we convened in September that brought together entrepreneurial champions and advocates in the Shenandoah Valley
  • A new advocacy organization with an online community
  • Conference season is upon us! And the events you’ll find me at
  • How Alax Foreman is building a community of tech entrepreneurs in Chicago
  • What Nick Giraldo wants to change about how we think about economic development
  • Why I’ve made the tough decision to put Ecosystems for Change on hiatus


Learn More About Alax Foreman:


Learn More About Nicholas Giraldo:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2878  Welcome to my seventh logbook, an in between seasons update on Ecosystems for Change. 


In each logbook, I give you a peek behind the scenes of what’s happening in my day job as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder in the Shenandoah Valley, some updates from the field of ecosystem building, an introduction to Unsung Heroes of Ecosystem Building doing amazing work in their communities, and a behind the scenes update about the show itself.


It’s a fun way for me to let you in on my thought processes and an invitation for you to contribute your own thoughts and experiences that make this show what it is.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The event we convened in September that brought together entrepreneurial champions and advocates in the Shenandoah Valley
  • A new advocacy organization with an online community
  • Conference season is upon us! And the events you’ll find me at
  • How Alax Foreman is building a community of tech entrepreneurs in Chicago
  • What Nick Giraldo wants to change about how we think about economic development
  • Why I’ve made the tough decision to put Ecosystems for Change on hiatus


Learn More About Alax Foreman:


Learn More About Nicholas Giraldo:


Learn More About Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No Season 7 Preview: Resilient Communities, Real Solutions 7 7 Season 7 Preview: Resilient Communities, Real Solutions bonus b30a0a35-5dad-4f49-9aa3-f22cd22f5a08 https://share.transistor.fm/s/670a7613 Water scarcity, food insecurity, and wasteful textile supply chains are major societal challenges with no easy solutions. But some of the nation's leading scientists, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs are committed to tackling these problems.

In Season 7 of Ecosystems for Change, I’m going to introduce you to nine different innovation ecosystems who are solving some of our most pressing societal issues in real-time.

With help from The Builder Platform, I'm taking you inside the ecosystems working to develop real-world solutions to make our communities more resilient, drive regional engagement, and create economic opportunity along the way.

You'll learn how these Regional Innovation Engines build ecosystems grounded in research and innovation. You'll see firsthand how these pioneers help turn ideas into practical applications that can benefit millions of people in the US and beyond.

Innovation in a box doesn’t work. In this season, we’ll find out what does.


Resources:

Learn more about Anika Horn:

]]> Water scarcity, food insecurity, and wasteful textile supply chains are major societal challenges with no easy solutions. But some of the nation's leading scientists, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs are committed to tackling these problems.

In Season 7 of Ecosystems for Change, I’m going to introduce you to nine different innovation ecosystems who are solving some of our most pressing societal issues in real-time.

With help from The Builder Platform, I'm taking you inside the ecosystems working to develop real-world solutions to make our communities more resilient, drive regional engagement, and create economic opportunity along the way.

You'll learn how these Regional Innovation Engines build ecosystems grounded in research and innovation. You'll see firsthand how these pioneers help turn ideas into practical applications that can benefit millions of people in the US and beyond.

Innovation in a box doesn’t work. In this season, we’ll find out what does.


Resources:

Learn more about Anika Horn:

]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 09:39:13 -0500 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 100 Water scarcity, food insecurity, and wasteful textile supply chains are major societal challenges with no easy solutions. But some of the nation's leading scientists, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs are committed to tackling these problems.

In Season 7 of Ecosystems for Change, I’m going to introduce you to nine different innovation ecosystems who are solving some of our most pressing societal issues in real-time.

With help from The Builder Platform, I'm taking you inside the ecosystems working to develop real-world solutions to make our communities more resilient, drive regional engagement, and create economic opportunity along the way.

You'll learn how these Regional Innovation Engines build ecosystems grounded in research and innovation. You'll see firsthand how these pioneers help turn ideas into practical applications that can benefit millions of people in the US and beyond.

Innovation in a box doesn’t work. In this season, we’ll find out what does.


Resources:

Learn more about Anika Horn:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.1 - Innovation Ecosystems: Inside the NSF Regional Innovation Engines 7 7 1 1 E 7.1 - Innovation Ecosystems: Inside the NSF Regional Innovation Engines full db4f3743-9970-4b38-8c94-cc28636e955b https://socialventurers.com/s07e01/ How do we make our communities more resilient to extreme weather events? 


How do we become smarter about using and recycling water, one of the most precious resources on our planet? 


And how can we turn the textile industry into a more circular and sustainable economy that reduces waste and develops new fibers and materials?


Welcome to season seven of Ecosystems for Change, where I’ll be talking with the innovators and changemakers tackling these kinds of complex issues, not just within their own communities, but for the world at large.


Throughout this season, I’m going to introduce you to the Regional Innovation Engines Program, a program funded by the US National Science Foundation. In partnership with the Builder Platform I will highlight nine so-called Engines, and their place-based strategies to these wicked problems.


To start us off, I sat down with three key players in the implementation of this nationwide program: Ben Downing, Patricia Grospiron, and Emily Knight.


Ben Downing is Vice President of Public Affairs at The Engine. Before joining The Engine, Ben was Vice President for New Market Development at Nexamp, a veteran-founded, Boston-based clean energy company. Prior to this, Ben represented the state's largest Senate district while serving as State Senator for 52 communities in Western Massachusetts. 


Patricia Grospiron is the Executive Director of The Builder Platform, where she is responsible for leading the strategic direction to foster the development of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines. Patricia has several decades of experience in innovation ecosystem building thanks to her roles at Avery Dennison, JumpStart, Inc and Ohio Aerospace Institute. 


Emily Knight is the President of The Engine, where she is responsible for shaping the organization's strategic direction and building partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions to foster an environment where Tough Tech teams can thrive and innovate. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the NSF funding is acting as a catalyst for innovative, place-based economic development while tackling some of our thorniest problems
  • Why the program is committed to innovation that supports communities from within
  • How The Builder Platform developed a human-centered approach to engaging with the NSF Engines and providing ongoing partnership and support
  • How The Engine’s experience and history helps them collaborate with the regional Engines
  • Why learning together, collaboration, and flexibility are key to developing in-place innovation


Learn more about Ben Downing:


Learn more about Patricia Grospiron:


Learn more about Emily Knight:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places Are Building the New American Dream, Steve Case

]]> How do we make our communities more resilient to extreme weather events? 


How do we become smarter about using and recycling water, one of the most precious resources on our planet? 


And how can we turn the textile industry into a more circular and sustainable economy that reduces waste and develops new fibers and materials?


Welcome to season seven of Ecosystems for Change, where I’ll be talking with the innovators and changemakers tackling these kinds of complex issues, not just within their own communities, but for the world at large.


Throughout this season, I’m going to introduce you to the Regional Innovation Engines Program, a program funded by the US National Science Foundation. In partnership with the Builder Platform I will highlight nine so-called Engines, and their place-based strategies to these wicked problems.


To start us off, I sat down with three key players in the implementation of this nationwide program: Ben Downing, Patricia Grospiron, and Emily Knight.


Ben Downing is Vice President of Public Affairs at The Engine. Before joining The Engine, Ben was Vice President for New Market Development at Nexamp, a veteran-founded, Boston-based clean energy company. Prior to this, Ben represented the state's largest Senate district while serving as State Senator for 52 communities in Western Massachusetts. 


Patricia Grospiron is the Executive Director of The Builder Platform, where she is responsible for leading the strategic direction to foster the development of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines. Patricia has several decades of experience in innovation ecosystem building thanks to her roles at Avery Dennison, JumpStart, Inc and Ohio Aerospace Institute. 


Emily Knight is the President of The Engine, where she is responsible for shaping the organization's strategic direction and building partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions to foster an environment where Tough Tech teams can thrive and innovate. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the NSF funding is acting as a catalyst for innovative, place-based economic development while tackling some of our thorniest problems
  • Why the program is committed to innovation that supports communities from within
  • How The Builder Platform developed a human-centered approach to engaging with the NSF Engines and providing ongoing partnership and support
  • How The Engine’s experience and history helps them collaborate with the regional Engines
  • Why learning together, collaboration, and flexibility are key to developing in-place innovation


Learn more about Ben Downing:


Learn more about Patricia Grospiron:


Learn more about Emily Knight:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places Are Building the New American Dream, Steve Case

]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3230 How do we make our communities more resilient to extreme weather events? 


How do we become smarter about using and recycling water, one of the most precious resources on our planet? 


And how can we turn the textile industry into a more circular and sustainable economy that reduces waste and develops new fibers and materials?


Welcome to season seven of Ecosystems for Change, where I’ll be talking with the innovators and changemakers tackling these kinds of complex issues, not just within their own communities, but for the world at large.


Throughout this season, I’m going to introduce you to the Regional Innovation Engines Program, a program funded by the US National Science Foundation. In partnership with the Builder Platform I will highlight nine so-called Engines, and their place-based strategies to these wicked problems.


To start us off, I sat down with three key players in the implementation of this nationwide program: Ben Downing, Patricia Grospiron, and Emily Knight.


Ben Downing is Vice President of Public Affairs at The Engine. Before joining The Engine, Ben was Vice President for New Market Development at Nexamp, a veteran-founded, Boston-based clean energy company. Prior to this, Ben represented the state's largest Senate district while serving as State Senator for 52 communities in Western Massachusetts. 


Patricia Grospiron is the Executive Director of The Builder Platform, where she is responsible for leading the strategic direction to foster the development of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines. Patricia has several decades of experience in innovation ecosystem building thanks to her roles at Avery Dennison, JumpStart, Inc and Ohio Aerospace Institute. 


Emily Knight is the President of The Engine, where she is responsible for shaping the organization's strategic direction and building partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions to foster an environment where Tough Tech teams can thrive and innovate. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the NSF funding is acting as a catalyst for innovative, place-based economic development while tackling some of our thorniest problems
  • Why the program is committed to innovation that supports communities from within
  • How The Builder Platform developed a human-centered approach to engaging with the NSF Engines and providing ongoing partnership and support
  • How The Engine’s experience and history helps them collaborate with the regional Engines
  • Why learning together, collaboration, and flexibility are key to developing in-place innovation


Learn more about Ben Downing:


Learn more about Patricia Grospiron:


Learn more about Emily Knight:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places Are Building the New American Dream, Steve Case

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.2 - Solving Global Water Challenges from the Great Lakes Region featuring Alaina Harkness 7 7 2 2 E 7.2 - Solving Global Water Challenges from the Great Lakes Region featuring Alaina Harkness full bd1ace66-a4be-45f7-812f-eee0371b498a https://socialventurers.com/s07e02 Fresh water is a vital resource for life on earth, and it plays an increasingly important role in developing technologies like AI, quantum computing, and the data centers on which both rely.


Managing access, use, and waste will only become more pressing as industry and communities continue to compete for water resources.


So it makes sense that the Great Lakes, which hold 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, are the site of our first Regional Regional Innovation Engine, funded by the National Science Foundation through the NSF Engines Program.


Today, we’re headed to Chicago to talk to Alaina Harkness of Great Lakes ReNEW about how this ecosystem is leading efforts across the Great Lakes region to bring stakeholders together, transition to a circular water economy, and protect and steward the Great Lakes for generations to come. 


Alaina Harkness is the CEO of Chicago-based water innovation hub, Current, and the CEO and Principal Investigator of their NSF-funded Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine: Great Lakes ReNEW. She’s an entrepreneurial leader and lifelong Great Lakes resident who has spent her career seeking ways to build more inclusive economies and resilient communities. Outside the office, you can often find her on or near Lake Michigan, where she enjoys sailing, swimming, and birding in the parks near her South Side home.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How conventional delivery and treatment systems have rendered water usage invisible to too many
  • How developing water reuse systems benefits both the humans and the industry that rely on freshwater
  • How Great Lakes ReNEW is building an extensive coalition to balance economic and environmental factors around water use in the region, develop new circular water technologies
  • The challenges and opportunities of building the “blue economy” and how Great Lakes ReNEW will measure their impact and success


Learn more about Alaina Harkness:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Fresh water is a vital resource for life on earth, and it plays an increasingly important role in developing technologies like AI, quantum computing, and the data centers on which both rely.


Managing access, use, and waste will only become more pressing as industry and communities continue to compete for water resources.


So it makes sense that the Great Lakes, which hold 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, are the site of our first Regional Regional Innovation Engine, funded by the National Science Foundation through the NSF Engines Program.


Today, we’re headed to Chicago to talk to Alaina Harkness of Great Lakes ReNEW about how this ecosystem is leading efforts across the Great Lakes region to bring stakeholders together, transition to a circular water economy, and protect and steward the Great Lakes for generations to come. 


Alaina Harkness is the CEO of Chicago-based water innovation hub, Current, and the CEO and Principal Investigator of their NSF-funded Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine: Great Lakes ReNEW. She’s an entrepreneurial leader and lifelong Great Lakes resident who has spent her career seeking ways to build more inclusive economies and resilient communities. Outside the office, you can often find her on or near Lake Michigan, where she enjoys sailing, swimming, and birding in the parks near her South Side home.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How conventional delivery and treatment systems have rendered water usage invisible to too many
  • How developing water reuse systems benefits both the humans and the industry that rely on freshwater
  • How Great Lakes ReNEW is building an extensive coalition to balance economic and environmental factors around water use in the region, develop new circular water technologies
  • The challenges and opportunities of building the “blue economy” and how Great Lakes ReNEW will measure their impact and success


Learn more about Alaina Harkness:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:01:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2821 Fresh water is a vital resource for life on earth, and it plays an increasingly important role in developing technologies like AI, quantum computing, and the data centers on which both rely.


Managing access, use, and waste will only become more pressing as industry and communities continue to compete for water resources.


So it makes sense that the Great Lakes, which hold 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, are the site of our first Regional Regional Innovation Engine, funded by the National Science Foundation through the NSF Engines Program.


Today, we’re headed to Chicago to talk to Alaina Harkness of Great Lakes ReNEW about how this ecosystem is leading efforts across the Great Lakes region to bring stakeholders together, transition to a circular water economy, and protect and steward the Great Lakes for generations to come. 


Alaina Harkness is the CEO of Chicago-based water innovation hub, Current, and the CEO and Principal Investigator of their NSF-funded Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine: Great Lakes ReNEW. She’s an entrepreneurial leader and lifelong Great Lakes resident who has spent her career seeking ways to build more inclusive economies and resilient communities. Outside the office, you can often find her on or near Lake Michigan, where she enjoys sailing, swimming, and birding in the parks near her South Side home.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How conventional delivery and treatment systems have rendered water usage invisible to too many
  • How developing water reuse systems benefits both the humans and the industry that rely on freshwater
  • How Great Lakes ReNEW is building an extensive coalition to balance economic and environmental factors around water use in the region, develop new circular water technologies
  • The challenges and opportunities of building the “blue economy” and how Great Lakes ReNEW will measure their impact and success


Learn more about Alaina Harkness:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.3 - From NeoCity to National Security: How Florida Is Shaping the Semiconductor Industry with Tawny Olore 7 7 3 3 E 7.3 - From NeoCity to National Security: How Florida Is Shaping the Semiconductor Industry with Tawny Olore full 1bd17131-6398-4a78-ab2a-11f6bbeb31c3 https://socialventurers.com/s07e03 Would you be able to describe what a semiconductor is?


A lot of us probably can’t, but they’re essential to modern life as we know it. 


Today, we’re headed to NeoCity and the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine to talk with CEO Tawny Olore. This Regional Innovation Engine, funded by the US National Science Foundation, is taking on the major project of developing an ecosystem for producing semiconductors in central Florida that can be translated to other regions.


In our conversation, Tawny explains what semiconductors are, how they impact all of our lives, and why building semiconductor ecosystems isn’t just a matter of economics, but one of national security. 


Tawny Olore serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the NSF Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine, where she is responsible for developing a semiconductor ecosystem in Central Florida that can translate to other regions in the United States. Prior to her role, Tawny served as Osceola County’s Deputy County Manager, responsible for the oversight and management of the Transportation and Transit, Public Works, Real Estate and Right of Way, and Information Technology departments. She has also served as Program Manager for the FDOT Rail Transit program for District Five, specifically managing all aspects of SunRail, Central Florida’s Commuter Rail project – a 61-mile system with 12 stations traversing through a multiple of jurisdictions including four counties and 11 cities.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How advanced packaging of semiconductors drives innovation in everything from healthcare to home electronics
  • How the Semiconductor Innovation Engine will bring high-wage jobs to an area historically driven by tourism
  • How the supply chain issues of the pandemic highlighted the need to bring semiconductor production to the US 
  • The key partners across research, education, and economic development that have joined the engine
  • How research and development in partnership with the engine will drive innovation in other sectors like supercomputing and data centers
  • How the engine will measure their success in the region from creating jobs to cutting commute times 


Learn more about Tawny Olore, P.E.:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Would you be able to describe what a semiconductor is?


A lot of us probably can’t, but they’re essential to modern life as we know it. 


Today, we’re headed to NeoCity and the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine to talk with CEO Tawny Olore. This Regional Innovation Engine, funded by the US National Science Foundation, is taking on the major project of developing an ecosystem for producing semiconductors in central Florida that can be translated to other regions.


In our conversation, Tawny explains what semiconductors are, how they impact all of our lives, and why building semiconductor ecosystems isn’t just a matter of economics, but one of national security. 


Tawny Olore serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the NSF Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine, where she is responsible for developing a semiconductor ecosystem in Central Florida that can translate to other regions in the United States. Prior to her role, Tawny served as Osceola County’s Deputy County Manager, responsible for the oversight and management of the Transportation and Transit, Public Works, Real Estate and Right of Way, and Information Technology departments. She has also served as Program Manager for the FDOT Rail Transit program for District Five, specifically managing all aspects of SunRail, Central Florida’s Commuter Rail project – a 61-mile system with 12 stations traversing through a multiple of jurisdictions including four counties and 11 cities.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How advanced packaging of semiconductors drives innovation in everything from healthcare to home electronics
  • How the Semiconductor Innovation Engine will bring high-wage jobs to an area historically driven by tourism
  • How the supply chain issues of the pandemic highlighted the need to bring semiconductor production to the US 
  • The key partners across research, education, and economic development that have joined the engine
  • How research and development in partnership with the engine will drive innovation in other sectors like supercomputing and data centers
  • How the engine will measure their success in the region from creating jobs to cutting commute times 


Learn more about Tawny Olore, P.E.:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2274 Would you be able to describe what a semiconductor is?


A lot of us probably can’t, but they’re essential to modern life as we know it. 


Today, we’re headed to NeoCity and the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine to talk with CEO Tawny Olore. This Regional Innovation Engine, funded by the US National Science Foundation, is taking on the major project of developing an ecosystem for producing semiconductors in central Florida that can be translated to other regions.


In our conversation, Tawny explains what semiconductors are, how they impact all of our lives, and why building semiconductor ecosystems isn’t just a matter of economics, but one of national security. 


Tawny Olore serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the NSF Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine, where she is responsible for developing a semiconductor ecosystem in Central Florida that can translate to other regions in the United States. Prior to her role, Tawny served as Osceola County’s Deputy County Manager, responsible for the oversight and management of the Transportation and Transit, Public Works, Real Estate and Right of Way, and Information Technology departments. She has also served as Program Manager for the FDOT Rail Transit program for District Five, specifically managing all aspects of SunRail, Central Florida’s Commuter Rail project – a 61-mile system with 12 stations traversing through a multiple of jurisdictions including four counties and 11 cities.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How advanced packaging of semiconductors drives innovation in everything from healthcare to home electronics
  • How the Semiconductor Innovation Engine will bring high-wage jobs to an area historically driven by tourism
  • How the supply chain issues of the pandemic highlighted the need to bring semiconductor production to the US 
  • The key partners across research, education, and economic development that have joined the engine
  • How research and development in partnership with the engine will drive innovation in other sectors like supercomputing and data centers
  • How the engine will measure their success in the region from creating jobs to cutting commute times 


Learn more about Tawny Olore, P.E.:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.4 - Building a Climate-Ready Future in Colorado and Wyoming featuring Mike Freeman 7 7 4 4 E 7.4 - Building a Climate-Ready Future in Colorado and Wyoming featuring Mike Freeman full 7df3449b-bac4-41b3-b407-86c84280fb46 https://socialventurers.com/s07e04/ Colorado and Wyoming are famed for their wide open spaces and incredible landscapes. 


They’re also very, very dry.


Changes in rainfall and snowpack are already impacting agriculture, tourism, and the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the western United States. The wicked problem of climate resiliency isn’t one for the future, it’s making itself known in real-time.


Today, we’re headed west to meet our next NSF Engine, the ASCEND Engine in Colorado and Wyoming, in short, the CO-WY Engine, where I’ll be talking to CEO Mike Freeman about the region’s unique resources and how they’re building a community-based commitment to climate resiliency.


Mike Freeman has dedicated the past 15 years to building up the science and technology innovation ecosystems in Colorado and surrounding areas. He brings several decades in public sector leadership, management consulting, non-profit management, and venture capital to his role at the CP-WY Engine.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How developing environmental technologies underpins community resilience and economic opportunity
  • Why climate resilience is about more than just the weather
  • How the CO-WY Engine is building collaborative partnerships with a particularly diverse set of regional stakeholders
  • Why Mike sees differences among partners as ultimately beneficial to the project
  • Measuring the success of the program, from more traditional economic terms to devising a framework to capture a community’s climate resiliency  

Learn more about Mike Freeman:

Learn more about Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Colorado and Wyoming are famed for their wide open spaces and incredible landscapes. 


They’re also very, very dry.


Changes in rainfall and snowpack are already impacting agriculture, tourism, and the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the western United States. The wicked problem of climate resiliency isn’t one for the future, it’s making itself known in real-time.


Today, we’re headed west to meet our next NSF Engine, the ASCEND Engine in Colorado and Wyoming, in short, the CO-WY Engine, where I’ll be talking to CEO Mike Freeman about the region’s unique resources and how they’re building a community-based commitment to climate resiliency.


Mike Freeman has dedicated the past 15 years to building up the science and technology innovation ecosystems in Colorado and surrounding areas. He brings several decades in public sector leadership, management consulting, non-profit management, and venture capital to his role at the CP-WY Engine.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How developing environmental technologies underpins community resilience and economic opportunity
  • Why climate resilience is about more than just the weather
  • How the CO-WY Engine is building collaborative partnerships with a particularly diverse set of regional stakeholders
  • Why Mike sees differences among partners as ultimately beneficial to the project
  • Measuring the success of the program, from more traditional economic terms to devising a framework to capture a community’s climate resiliency  

Learn more about Mike Freeman:

Learn more about Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 09:10:05 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3346 Colorado and Wyoming are famed for their wide open spaces and incredible landscapes. 


They’re also very, very dry.


Changes in rainfall and snowpack are already impacting agriculture, tourism, and the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the western United States. The wicked problem of climate resiliency isn’t one for the future, it’s making itself known in real-time.


Today, we’re headed west to meet our next NSF Engine, the ASCEND Engine in Colorado and Wyoming, in short, the CO-WY Engine, where I’ll be talking to CEO Mike Freeman about the region’s unique resources and how they’re building a community-based commitment to climate resiliency.


Mike Freeman has dedicated the past 15 years to building up the science and technology innovation ecosystems in Colorado and surrounding areas. He brings several decades in public sector leadership, management consulting, non-profit management, and venture capital to his role at the CP-WY Engine.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How developing environmental technologies underpins community resilience and economic opportunity
  • Why climate resilience is about more than just the weather
  • How the CO-WY Engine is building collaborative partnerships with a particularly diverse set of regional stakeholders
  • Why Mike sees differences among partners as ultimately beneficial to the project
  • Measuring the success of the program, from more traditional economic terms to devising a framework to capture a community’s climate resiliency  

Learn more about Mike Freeman:

Learn more about Anika Horn:

Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.5 - Scaling Regenerative Medicine for Global Impact with Tim Bertram and Jesse Thornburg at the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine 7 7 5 5 E 7.5 - Scaling Regenerative Medicine for Global Impact with Tim Bertram and Jesse Thornburg at the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine full afed5597-b1c3-41d1-bdcf-da315a0e1139 https://socialventurers.com/s07e05/ As we continue our tour of the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines, today we’re headed to North Carolina.


Tim Bertram and Jesse Thornburg of the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine are taking us into the lab to give us a crash course in what regenerative medicine is, and how their Engine is helping regenerative medicine companies build, grow, and scale in the Piedmont Triad region through access to world-class resources, expertise, space, and collaboration opportunities to create economic impact.


Tim is currently serving as CEO for the Regenerative Medicine Engine funded by the National Science Foundation, focusing on economic development through translation and commercialization of regenerative medical technologies. He was previously founder and CEO of four biotechnology companies, served on the board of directors of multiple companies, and worked on the development of 8 registered medical products while serving as a scientific leader and senior executive at Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE}, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, and The Procter & Gamble Company {NYSE: PG}. He started his career as a faculty member at the University of Illinois, was a visiting scientist at the National Institutes of Health, authored over 150 publications and invented over 100 patents.


Jesse has worked as a researcher and in operations, building diverse research teams in a Comprehensive Cancer Center and Clinical Translational Science Institute.  His business experience stems from starting and operating a successful business and setting up a trust to provide capital to help growing businesses scale. Dr. Thornburg is passionate about helping businesses and economic ecosystems change lives.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How advances in regenerative medicine can positively impact outcomes for both patients and the healthcare system at large
  • How the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine is working to develop an integrated supply chain for regenerative therapies in order to scale
  • How the regenerative medicine ecosystem encompasses patients, workforce, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and more
  • How the Regenerative Medicine Engine is fostering collaboration among companies that is pushing growth forward
  • What we stand to lose regionally, nationally, and even globally if we don’t continue to invest in regenerative medicine


Learn more about Tim Bertram:


Learn more about Jesse Thornburg:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> As we continue our tour of the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines, today we’re headed to North Carolina.


Tim Bertram and Jesse Thornburg of the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine are taking us into the lab to give us a crash course in what regenerative medicine is, and how their Engine is helping regenerative medicine companies build, grow, and scale in the Piedmont Triad region through access to world-class resources, expertise, space, and collaboration opportunities to create economic impact.


Tim is currently serving as CEO for the Regenerative Medicine Engine funded by the National Science Foundation, focusing on economic development through translation and commercialization of regenerative medical technologies. He was previously founder and CEO of four biotechnology companies, served on the board of directors of multiple companies, and worked on the development of 8 registered medical products while serving as a scientific leader and senior executive at Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE}, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, and The Procter & Gamble Company {NYSE: PG}. He started his career as a faculty member at the University of Illinois, was a visiting scientist at the National Institutes of Health, authored over 150 publications and invented over 100 patents.


Jesse has worked as a researcher and in operations, building diverse research teams in a Comprehensive Cancer Center and Clinical Translational Science Institute.  His business experience stems from starting and operating a successful business and setting up a trust to provide capital to help growing businesses scale. Dr. Thornburg is passionate about helping businesses and economic ecosystems change lives.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How advances in regenerative medicine can positively impact outcomes for both patients and the healthcare system at large
  • How the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine is working to develop an integrated supply chain for regenerative therapies in order to scale
  • How the regenerative medicine ecosystem encompasses patients, workforce, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and more
  • How the Regenerative Medicine Engine is fostering collaboration among companies that is pushing growth forward
  • What we stand to lose regionally, nationally, and even globally if we don’t continue to invest in regenerative medicine


Learn more about Tim Bertram:


Learn more about Jesse Thornburg:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 27 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2788 As we continue our tour of the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines, today we’re headed to North Carolina.


Tim Bertram and Jesse Thornburg of the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine are taking us into the lab to give us a crash course in what regenerative medicine is, and how their Engine is helping regenerative medicine companies build, grow, and scale in the Piedmont Triad region through access to world-class resources, expertise, space, and collaboration opportunities to create economic impact.


Tim is currently serving as CEO for the Regenerative Medicine Engine funded by the National Science Foundation, focusing on economic development through translation and commercialization of regenerative medical technologies. He was previously founder and CEO of four biotechnology companies, served on the board of directors of multiple companies, and worked on the development of 8 registered medical products while serving as a scientific leader and senior executive at Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE}, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, and The Procter & Gamble Company {NYSE: PG}. He started his career as a faculty member at the University of Illinois, was a visiting scientist at the National Institutes of Health, authored over 150 publications and invented over 100 patents.


Jesse has worked as a researcher and in operations, building diverse research teams in a Comprehensive Cancer Center and Clinical Translational Science Institute.  His business experience stems from starting and operating a successful business and setting up a trust to provide capital to help growing businesses scale. Dr. Thornburg is passionate about helping businesses and economic ecosystems change lives.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How advances in regenerative medicine can positively impact outcomes for both patients and the healthcare system at large
  • How the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine is working to develop an integrated supply chain for regenerative therapies in order to scale
  • How the regenerative medicine ecosystem encompasses patients, workforce, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and more
  • How the Regenerative Medicine Engine is fostering collaboration among companies that is pushing growth forward
  • What we stand to lose regionally, nationally, and even globally if we don’t continue to invest in regenerative medicine


Learn more about Tim Bertram:


Learn more about Jesse Thornburg:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.6 - Powering Ideas That Feed The World with FARMS CEO Dr. Hollie Mackey 7 7 6 6 E 7.6 - Powering Ideas That Feed The World with FARMS CEO Dr. Hollie Mackey full 906fcdcf-d284-4b15-a77e-e503737fda8d https://socialventurers.com/s07e06/ Everybody needs to eat, and our food has to come from somewhere. With changing weather patterns and landscapes, ensuring we have secure and resilient agricultural and food systems is crucial to our future.


It’s fitting that our next stop on the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines tour has subtitled themselves the FARMS Engine: Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security.


Officially known as the North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine, FARMS is building an ecosystem to support the agricultural innovations that will feed the world. Today, I’m sitting down with FARMS CEO Dr. Hollie Mackey to get the scoop on how they’re empowering North Dakota’s diverse communities to meet the challenges of creating thriving, resilient food systems for the present and the future.


A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, Dr. Hollie Mackey brings a unique perspective to her work, combining deep expertise in community-driven innovation with a commitment to equity and sustainability. With a distinguished career spanning academia, public policy, and industry leadership, Dr. Mackey has been at the forefront of integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern AgTech solutions. Her leadership at FARMS focuses on empowering Tribal Nations, small farmers, and rural communities by fostering scalable, localized food systems that address both regional and global challenges. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How FARMS is helping researchers and growers connect and collaborate to accelerate the pace of agricultural innovation
  • How they are supporting pathways for the next generation to be able to stay in their communities and continue their agricultural legacies
  • The complex interplay of politics, economics, national security, public health and more that impacts how we interact with food systems
  • Why developing and implementing agricultural technologies also requires investing in social change and community building
  • Why successful innovation in agriculture starts with addressing what growers actually need
  • How FARMS is integrating Indigenous knowledge of the landscapes and facilitating the exchange of ideas and practices across communities


Learn more about Dr. Hollie Mackey:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

Research Is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods, Shawn Wilson

]]> Everybody needs to eat, and our food has to come from somewhere. With changing weather patterns and landscapes, ensuring we have secure and resilient agricultural and food systems is crucial to our future.


It’s fitting that our next stop on the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines tour has subtitled themselves the FARMS Engine: Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security.


Officially known as the North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine, FARMS is building an ecosystem to support the agricultural innovations that will feed the world. Today, I’m sitting down with FARMS CEO Dr. Hollie Mackey to get the scoop on how they’re empowering North Dakota’s diverse communities to meet the challenges of creating thriving, resilient food systems for the present and the future.


A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, Dr. Hollie Mackey brings a unique perspective to her work, combining deep expertise in community-driven innovation with a commitment to equity and sustainability. With a distinguished career spanning academia, public policy, and industry leadership, Dr. Mackey has been at the forefront of integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern AgTech solutions. Her leadership at FARMS focuses on empowering Tribal Nations, small farmers, and rural communities by fostering scalable, localized food systems that address both regional and global challenges. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How FARMS is helping researchers and growers connect and collaborate to accelerate the pace of agricultural innovation
  • How they are supporting pathways for the next generation to be able to stay in their communities and continue their agricultural legacies
  • The complex interplay of politics, economics, national security, public health and more that impacts how we interact with food systems
  • Why developing and implementing agricultural technologies also requires investing in social change and community building
  • Why successful innovation in agriculture starts with addressing what growers actually need
  • How FARMS is integrating Indigenous knowledge of the landscapes and facilitating the exchange of ideas and practices across communities


Learn more about Dr. Hollie Mackey:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

Research Is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods, Shawn Wilson

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2726 Everybody needs to eat, and our food has to come from somewhere. With changing weather patterns and landscapes, ensuring we have secure and resilient agricultural and food systems is crucial to our future.


It’s fitting that our next stop on the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines tour has subtitled themselves the FARMS Engine: Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security.


Officially known as the North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine, FARMS is building an ecosystem to support the agricultural innovations that will feed the world. Today, I’m sitting down with FARMS CEO Dr. Hollie Mackey to get the scoop on how they’re empowering North Dakota’s diverse communities to meet the challenges of creating thriving, resilient food systems for the present and the future.


A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, Dr. Hollie Mackey brings a unique perspective to her work, combining deep expertise in community-driven innovation with a commitment to equity and sustainability. With a distinguished career spanning academia, public policy, and industry leadership, Dr. Mackey has been at the forefront of integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern AgTech solutions. Her leadership at FARMS focuses on empowering Tribal Nations, small farmers, and rural communities by fostering scalable, localized food systems that address both regional and global challenges. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How FARMS is helping researchers and growers connect and collaborate to accelerate the pace of agricultural innovation
  • How they are supporting pathways for the next generation to be able to stay in their communities and continue their agricultural legacies
  • The complex interplay of politics, economics, national security, public health and more that impacts how we interact with food systems
  • Why developing and implementing agricultural technologies also requires investing in social change and community building
  • Why successful innovation in agriculture starts with addressing what growers actually need
  • How FARMS is integrating Indigenous knowledge of the landscapes and facilitating the exchange of ideas and practices across communities


Learn more about Dr. Hollie Mackey:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

Research Is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods, Shawn Wilson

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.7 - The Future of Energy Innovation with Mike Mazzola at the NSF FUEL Engine in Louisiana 7 7 7 7 E 7.7 - The Future of Energy Innovation with Mike Mazzola at the NSF FUEL Engine in Louisiana full 9a48a266-6d56-4056-bd97-d6f2f88feb3f https://socialventurers.com/s07e07/ Our next region has been part of the world’s energy story for over a century. Today, we’re visiting the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine that is aiming to not only be part of the story, but to write it through innovative research, workforce development, and commercialization of new technologies.


I sat down with Michael Mazzola, Executive Director of the NSF FUEL Engine in Louisiana to learn more about how Louisiana’s geology and history make the state uniquely qualified to drive innovation in carbon use, capture, and sequestration. And we’ll talk about how they’re building strategic partnerships to ensure that innovation and commercialization have positive impacts on local economies in Louisiana.


Dr. Michael Mazzola leads FUEL’s activities to position the state of Louisiana as a global energy innovation leader and decarbonize the state’s industrial corridor. Prior to his current position, Dr. Mazzola was the executive director of the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at the University of North Carolina Charlotte and the Duke Energy Distinguished Chair of Power Engineering Systems. He has also served as associate director for advanced vehicle systems at the Mississippi State University Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS). As a tenured professor of electrical and computer engineering, he led research in high-voltage engineering, power systems modeling and simulation, the application of silicon carbide semiconductor devices in power electronics and the control of hybrid electric vehicle power trains. While at MSU, he co-founded SemiSouth Laboratories, a company that commercialized intellectual property originating from his research at the university.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Mike’s background in use-inspired research commercialization gives him perspective on the true scope and impact of the NSF FUEL Engine’s project
  • Three key job categories that are essential to successfully supporting a developing innovation ecosystem
  • How the NSF FUEL Engine is tackling the thorny problem of how we reduce carbon emissions while meeting the world’s energy needs 
  • Why incentivizing innovators and entrepreneurs to stay in or come back to Louisiana is an essential piece of the puzzle
  • How the NSF FUEL Engine is addressing the challenges of cost and scale for research investment within the energy industry


Learn more about Michael S. Mazzola:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Our next region has been part of the world’s energy story for over a century. Today, we’re visiting the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine that is aiming to not only be part of the story, but to write it through innovative research, workforce development, and commercialization of new technologies.


I sat down with Michael Mazzola, Executive Director of the NSF FUEL Engine in Louisiana to learn more about how Louisiana’s geology and history make the state uniquely qualified to drive innovation in carbon use, capture, and sequestration. And we’ll talk about how they’re building strategic partnerships to ensure that innovation and commercialization have positive impacts on local economies in Louisiana.


Dr. Michael Mazzola leads FUEL’s activities to position the state of Louisiana as a global energy innovation leader and decarbonize the state’s industrial corridor. Prior to his current position, Dr. Mazzola was the executive director of the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at the University of North Carolina Charlotte and the Duke Energy Distinguished Chair of Power Engineering Systems. He has also served as associate director for advanced vehicle systems at the Mississippi State University Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS). As a tenured professor of electrical and computer engineering, he led research in high-voltage engineering, power systems modeling and simulation, the application of silicon carbide semiconductor devices in power electronics and the control of hybrid electric vehicle power trains. While at MSU, he co-founded SemiSouth Laboratories, a company that commercialized intellectual property originating from his research at the university.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Mike’s background in use-inspired research commercialization gives him perspective on the true scope and impact of the NSF FUEL Engine’s project
  • Three key job categories that are essential to successfully supporting a developing innovation ecosystem
  • How the NSF FUEL Engine is tackling the thorny problem of how we reduce carbon emissions while meeting the world’s energy needs 
  • Why incentivizing innovators and entrepreneurs to stay in or come back to Louisiana is an essential piece of the puzzle
  • How the NSF FUEL Engine is addressing the challenges of cost and scale for research investment within the energy industry


Learn more about Michael S. Mazzola:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2381 Our next region has been part of the world’s energy story for over a century. Today, we’re visiting the US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine that is aiming to not only be part of the story, but to write it through innovative research, workforce development, and commercialization of new technologies.


I sat down with Michael Mazzola, Executive Director of the NSF FUEL Engine in Louisiana to learn more about how Louisiana’s geology and history make the state uniquely qualified to drive innovation in carbon use, capture, and sequestration. And we’ll talk about how they’re building strategic partnerships to ensure that innovation and commercialization have positive impacts on local economies in Louisiana.


Dr. Michael Mazzola leads FUEL’s activities to position the state of Louisiana as a global energy innovation leader and decarbonize the state’s industrial corridor. Prior to his current position, Dr. Mazzola was the executive director of the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at the University of North Carolina Charlotte and the Duke Energy Distinguished Chair of Power Engineering Systems. He has also served as associate director for advanced vehicle systems at the Mississippi State University Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS). As a tenured professor of electrical and computer engineering, he led research in high-voltage engineering, power systems modeling and simulation, the application of silicon carbide semiconductor devices in power electronics and the control of hybrid electric vehicle power trains. While at MSU, he co-founded SemiSouth Laboratories, a company that commercialized intellectual property originating from his research at the university.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Mike’s background in use-inspired research commercialization gives him perspective on the true scope and impact of the NSF FUEL Engine’s project
  • Three key job categories that are essential to successfully supporting a developing innovation ecosystem
  • How the NSF FUEL Engine is tackling the thorny problem of how we reduce carbon emissions while meeting the world’s energy needs 
  • Why incentivizing innovators and entrepreneurs to stay in or come back to Louisiana is an essential piece of the puzzle
  • How the NSF FUEL Engine is addressing the challenges of cost and scale for research investment within the energy industry


Learn more about Michael S. Mazzola:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.8 - Safeguarding the Fabric of our Nation with Anne Wiper and Molly Hemstreet at the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina 7 7 8 8 E 7.8 - Safeguarding the Fabric of our Nation with Anne Wiper and Molly Hemstreet at the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina full e99f5546-a439-4a72-9d42-fc5a23f33b52 https://socialventurers.com/s07e08 In an industry dominated by fast fashion, our next US National Science Foundation funded Regional Innovation Engine is working to bring sustainability and circularity to the textile industry.


Headquartered in Morganton, the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina –or The Textile Engine–is working to make the Southeast’s Textile Belt a home for innovation and the lifeblood of its communities. I sat down with Co-Deputy CEO Molly Hemstreet and CEO Anne Wiper to talk about the future of textile production, the true cost of fast fashion, and how each of us can reduce and recycle the pounds upon pounds of textile waste Americans produce each year.


Molly Hemstreet is Co-Deputy CEO of the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina, where she leads workforce development and regional engagement initiatives. She is also the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Industrial Commons, which supports over 2,500 workers through its collaborative, member-led network of textile manufacturers and workplace development programs.


Through her experience and leadership, she has organized economic development initiatives across rural Western North Carolina, founded Opportunity Threads, which has grown into the largest U.S.-based worker-owned cut-and-sew facility, and co-founded the Carolina Textile District in 2013, a strategic value chain focused on revitalizing textile manufacturing across the Carolinas.


Anne Wiper is the CEO of the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina, where she leads efforts to strengthen the U.S. textile industry through cutting-edge research, commercialization of circular and regenerative materials, and workforce development. Her work centers on advancing innovation, resilience, and collaboration within the domestic textile supply chain.


Anne brings decades of industry experience to The Textile Engine, drawing on her previous roles as Vice President of Product for Smartwool and Icebreaker, brands under VF Corporation, as well as leadership positions at Salomon Sports and Nike across the U.S. and Europe. In addition, Anne has been a faculty lecturer in the University of Colorado Masters of the Environment program since 2022.  


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How offshoring textile production impacts not only our economy but our emergency preparedness
  • Breaking down the forces that have led to overproduction and offshoring of the vast majority of our textile production
  • Why keeping textile waste management in the US matters 
  • How sustainable systems in textiles can actually lower the cost of goods and positively impact works and their communities
  • How the Textile Engine is addressing their core pillars and building consortia among institutions
  • The challenges to revitalizing an industry in communities that prior downturns have impacted


Learn more about Molly Hemstreet:


Learn more about Anne Wiper:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> In an industry dominated by fast fashion, our next US National Science Foundation funded Regional Innovation Engine is working to bring sustainability and circularity to the textile industry.


Headquartered in Morganton, the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina –or The Textile Engine–is working to make the Southeast’s Textile Belt a home for innovation and the lifeblood of its communities. I sat down with Co-Deputy CEO Molly Hemstreet and CEO Anne Wiper to talk about the future of textile production, the true cost of fast fashion, and how each of us can reduce and recycle the pounds upon pounds of textile waste Americans produce each year.


Molly Hemstreet is Co-Deputy CEO of the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina, where she leads workforce development and regional engagement initiatives. She is also the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Industrial Commons, which supports over 2,500 workers through its collaborative, member-led network of textile manufacturers and workplace development programs.


Through her experience and leadership, she has organized economic development initiatives across rural Western North Carolina, founded Opportunity Threads, which has grown into the largest U.S.-based worker-owned cut-and-sew facility, and co-founded the Carolina Textile District in 2013, a strategic value chain focused on revitalizing textile manufacturing across the Carolinas.


Anne Wiper is the CEO of the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina, where she leads efforts to strengthen the U.S. textile industry through cutting-edge research, commercialization of circular and regenerative materials, and workforce development. Her work centers on advancing innovation, resilience, and collaboration within the domestic textile supply chain.


Anne brings decades of industry experience to The Textile Engine, drawing on her previous roles as Vice President of Product for Smartwool and Icebreaker, brands under VF Corporation, as well as leadership positions at Salomon Sports and Nike across the U.S. and Europe. In addition, Anne has been a faculty lecturer in the University of Colorado Masters of the Environment program since 2022.  


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How offshoring textile production impacts not only our economy but our emergency preparedness
  • Breaking down the forces that have led to overproduction and offshoring of the vast majority of our textile production
  • Why keeping textile waste management in the US matters 
  • How sustainable systems in textiles can actually lower the cost of goods and positively impact works and their communities
  • How the Textile Engine is addressing their core pillars and building consortia among institutions
  • The challenges to revitalizing an industry in communities that prior downturns have impacted


Learn more about Molly Hemstreet:


Learn more about Anne Wiper:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 3069 In an industry dominated by fast fashion, our next US National Science Foundation funded Regional Innovation Engine is working to bring sustainability and circularity to the textile industry.


Headquartered in Morganton, the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina –or The Textile Engine–is working to make the Southeast’s Textile Belt a home for innovation and the lifeblood of its communities. I sat down with Co-Deputy CEO Molly Hemstreet and CEO Anne Wiper to talk about the future of textile production, the true cost of fast fashion, and how each of us can reduce and recycle the pounds upon pounds of textile waste Americans produce each year.


Molly Hemstreet is Co-Deputy CEO of the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina, where she leads workforce development and regional engagement initiatives. She is also the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Industrial Commons, which supports over 2,500 workers through its collaborative, member-led network of textile manufacturers and workplace development programs.


Through her experience and leadership, she has organized economic development initiatives across rural Western North Carolina, founded Opportunity Threads, which has grown into the largest U.S.-based worker-owned cut-and-sew facility, and co-founded the Carolina Textile District in 2013, a strategic value chain focused on revitalizing textile manufacturing across the Carolinas.


Anne Wiper is the CEO of the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina, where she leads efforts to strengthen the U.S. textile industry through cutting-edge research, commercialization of circular and regenerative materials, and workforce development. Her work centers on advancing innovation, resilience, and collaboration within the domestic textile supply chain.


Anne brings decades of industry experience to The Textile Engine, drawing on her previous roles as Vice President of Product for Smartwool and Icebreaker, brands under VF Corporation, as well as leadership positions at Salomon Sports and Nike across the U.S. and Europe. In addition, Anne has been a faculty lecturer in the University of Colorado Masters of the Environment program since 2022.  


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How offshoring textile production impacts not only our economy but our emergency preparedness
  • Breaking down the forces that have led to overproduction and offshoring of the vast majority of our textile production
  • Why keeping textile waste management in the US matters 
  • How sustainable systems in textiles can actually lower the cost of goods and positively impact works and their communities
  • How the Textile Engine is addressing their core pillars and building consortia among institutions
  • The challenges to revitalizing an industry in communities that prior downturns have impacted


Learn more about Molly Hemstreet:


Learn more about Anne Wiper:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.9 - Batteries for America, by America with Meera Sampath at the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York 7 7 9 9 E 7.9 - Batteries for America, by America with Meera Sampath at the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York full eda0b122-f073-4a8a-8649-f510c9d94168 https://socialventurers.com/s07e09 Take a quick look around you. How many things in your field of view run on batteries? Your smartwatch, phone, the earbuds you’re listening to this podcast on, or maybe even the electric vehicle you’re driving–they all use batteries. Batteries also make our electric grids more resilient, enable transportation, and provide backup power to infrastructure such as data centers.


And yet, fewer than 25% of the batteries we use in the US are produced here, which is why our next US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine wants Upstate New York to become America’s Battery Capital.


I sat down with the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York CEO, Meera Sampath, to learn more about why bringing battery and energy storage innovation and production to the US is so important, and how the Engine is building on Upstate New York’s incredible resources and history of tech innovation.


Meera Sampath is a researcher, innovator, and leader with a global perspective. Throughout her 30-year career in industry and academia, Meera’s focus has been on two key areas: driving impact through technology and building purposeful partnerships across organizations, sectors and continents. Meera is deeply connected with and drawn to serving the Upstate NY community, a place she has called home for the past three decades. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Upstate New York’s unique academic and industry resources and infrastructure are helping researchers and startups accelerate use-inspired innovation
  • How the Engine is building partnerships with educational and community institutions that will help develop a battery tech-ready workforce
  • What we risk if we continue to rely on foreign supply chains for battery technology, from grid reliability to defense systems to major economic losses and more

Learn more about Meera Sampath:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Take a quick look around you. How many things in your field of view run on batteries? Your smartwatch, phone, the earbuds you’re listening to this podcast on, or maybe even the electric vehicle you’re driving–they all use batteries. Batteries also make our electric grids more resilient, enable transportation, and provide backup power to infrastructure such as data centers.


And yet, fewer than 25% of the batteries we use in the US are produced here, which is why our next US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine wants Upstate New York to become America’s Battery Capital.


I sat down with the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York CEO, Meera Sampath, to learn more about why bringing battery and energy storage innovation and production to the US is so important, and how the Engine is building on Upstate New York’s incredible resources and history of tech innovation.


Meera Sampath is a researcher, innovator, and leader with a global perspective. Throughout her 30-year career in industry and academia, Meera’s focus has been on two key areas: driving impact through technology and building purposeful partnerships across organizations, sectors and continents. Meera is deeply connected with and drawn to serving the Upstate NY community, a place she has called home for the past three decades. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Upstate New York’s unique academic and industry resources and infrastructure are helping researchers and startups accelerate use-inspired innovation
  • How the Engine is building partnerships with educational and community institutions that will help develop a battery tech-ready workforce
  • What we risk if we continue to rely on foreign supply chains for battery technology, from grid reliability to defense systems to major economic losses and more

Learn more about Meera Sampath:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2554 Take a quick look around you. How many things in your field of view run on batteries? Your smartwatch, phone, the earbuds you’re listening to this podcast on, or maybe even the electric vehicle you’re driving–they all use batteries. Batteries also make our electric grids more resilient, enable transportation, and provide backup power to infrastructure such as data centers.


And yet, fewer than 25% of the batteries we use in the US are produced here, which is why our next US National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine wants Upstate New York to become America’s Battery Capital.


I sat down with the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York CEO, Meera Sampath, to learn more about why bringing battery and energy storage innovation and production to the US is so important, and how the Engine is building on Upstate New York’s incredible resources and history of tech innovation.


Meera Sampath is a researcher, innovator, and leader with a global perspective. Throughout her 30-year career in industry and academia, Meera’s focus has been on two key areas: driving impact through technology and building purposeful partnerships across organizations, sectors and continents. Meera is deeply connected with and drawn to serving the Upstate NY community, a place she has called home for the past three decades. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How Upstate New York’s unique academic and industry resources and infrastructure are helping researchers and startups accelerate use-inspired innovation
  • How the Engine is building partnerships with educational and community institutions that will help develop a battery tech-ready workforce
  • What we risk if we continue to rely on foreign supply chains for battery technology, from grid reliability to defense systems to major economic losses and more

Learn more about Meera Sampath:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.10 - Regenerative Economic Development with Brian Sherman at the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest 7 7 10 10 E 7.10 - Regenerative Economic Development with Brian Sherman at the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest full 126c242e-a818-40b4-a1e7-30b80ca8232c https://socialventurers.com/s07e10 Today marks the final stop on our tour of the US National Science Foundation-funded Regional Innovation Engines. To round out our adventure, we’re headed to Tempe, Arizona to talk with Brian Sherman, CEO of the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest.


The NSF Futures Engine represents three states–Arizona, Nevada, and Utah–with a diverse range of landscapes, a large population that includes fifty-eight tribal nations, and a variety of industries from semiconductors to ski resorts and the entertainment hub of Las Vegas. With its resources and environments, the Southwest has both incredible opportunities for rural and urban regenerative economic development and unique challenges.


Join us as Brian talks us through what the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest is doing to address regional challenges in energy, water, and air systems through building an ecosystem in the American Southwest.


Brian Sherman joined the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest (formerly the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine or SWSIE) as CEO in July 2024. Brian approaches economic development as a social entrepreneur, startup evangelist, and bureaucracy hacker. He believes human-inspired, market-leveraged, data-driven entrepreneurship can create a better world. His work is focused on technology-based economic development, entrepreneurship, early-stage capital formation, technology commercialization, and innovation in public policy, strategy, and finance. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the Futures Engine is building on Arizona’s history of maximizing efficiency and planning in water use and conservation
  • Why the Engine is investing in research on ozone, air quality, and direct air carbon capture
  • How the Futures Engine is collaborating with other Regional Innovation Engines to share information and resources as they address shared challenges
  • Why addressing the region’s environmental constraints is vital to unlocking economic opportunities that benefit both urban and rural populations
  • How the Futures Engine is facilitating market-driven research and capital investment to get innovation out of the lab and into the world 
  • The challenges of aligning workforce development programs with the availability of those job opportunities


Learn more about Brian Sherman:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Today marks the final stop on our tour of the US National Science Foundation-funded Regional Innovation Engines. To round out our adventure, we’re headed to Tempe, Arizona to talk with Brian Sherman, CEO of the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest.


The NSF Futures Engine represents three states–Arizona, Nevada, and Utah–with a diverse range of landscapes, a large population that includes fifty-eight tribal nations, and a variety of industries from semiconductors to ski resorts and the entertainment hub of Las Vegas. With its resources and environments, the Southwest has both incredible opportunities for rural and urban regenerative economic development and unique challenges.


Join us as Brian talks us through what the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest is doing to address regional challenges in energy, water, and air systems through building an ecosystem in the American Southwest.


Brian Sherman joined the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest (formerly the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine or SWSIE) as CEO in July 2024. Brian approaches economic development as a social entrepreneur, startup evangelist, and bureaucracy hacker. He believes human-inspired, market-leveraged, data-driven entrepreneurship can create a better world. His work is focused on technology-based economic development, entrepreneurship, early-stage capital formation, technology commercialization, and innovation in public policy, strategy, and finance. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the Futures Engine is building on Arizona’s history of maximizing efficiency and planning in water use and conservation
  • Why the Engine is investing in research on ozone, air quality, and direct air carbon capture
  • How the Futures Engine is collaborating with other Regional Innovation Engines to share information and resources as they address shared challenges
  • Why addressing the region’s environmental constraints is vital to unlocking economic opportunities that benefit both urban and rural populations
  • How the Futures Engine is facilitating market-driven research and capital investment to get innovation out of the lab and into the world 
  • The challenges of aligning workforce development programs with the availability of those job opportunities


Learn more about Brian Sherman:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2992 Today marks the final stop on our tour of the US National Science Foundation-funded Regional Innovation Engines. To round out our adventure, we’re headed to Tempe, Arizona to talk with Brian Sherman, CEO of the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest.


The NSF Futures Engine represents three states–Arizona, Nevada, and Utah–with a diverse range of landscapes, a large population that includes fifty-eight tribal nations, and a variety of industries from semiconductors to ski resorts and the entertainment hub of Las Vegas. With its resources and environments, the Southwest has both incredible opportunities for rural and urban regenerative economic development and unique challenges.


Join us as Brian talks us through what the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest is doing to address regional challenges in energy, water, and air systems through building an ecosystem in the American Southwest.


Brian Sherman joined the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest (formerly the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine or SWSIE) as CEO in July 2024. Brian approaches economic development as a social entrepreneur, startup evangelist, and bureaucracy hacker. He believes human-inspired, market-leveraged, data-driven entrepreneurship can create a better world. His work is focused on technology-based economic development, entrepreneurship, early-stage capital formation, technology commercialization, and innovation in public policy, strategy, and finance. 


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How the Futures Engine is building on Arizona’s history of maximizing efficiency and planning in water use and conservation
  • Why the Engine is investing in research on ozone, air quality, and direct air carbon capture
  • How the Futures Engine is collaborating with other Regional Innovation Engines to share information and resources as they address shared challenges
  • Why addressing the region’s environmental constraints is vital to unlocking economic opportunities that benefit both urban and rural populations
  • How the Futures Engine is facilitating market-driven research and capital investment to get innovation out of the lab and into the world 
  • The challenges of aligning workforce development programs with the availability of those job opportunities


Learn more about Brian Sherman:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No E 7.11 - Season Finale: Hard-Won Lessons from America's Boldest Innovation Experiment 7 7 11 11 E 7.11 - Season Finale: Hard-Won Lessons from America's Boldest Innovation Experiment full f4e204bf-993c-4436-8152-206418156195 https://socialventurers.com/s07e11 This season, we traveled around the country to take a look under the hood of nine US National Science Foundation-funded Regional Innovation Engines. We learned about pressing issues facing our country, our economy, and the world in sectors as varied as water, energy, semiconductors, textiles, agriculture, biomedical, and climate resiliency. We uncovered how these innovation ecosystems are tackling these wicked problems for their regions and for all of us.


For the final episode of the season, I’m sharing some of my key takeaways from these conversations and I’ll chat with three practitioners from The Engine who’ve been working closely with all of the Innovation Engines over the last year to get their perspective and learn what insights from this massive undertaking we can apply in our own day-to-day ecosystem building.


Dr. Amy Beaird is a Senior Platform Manager at The Engine, where she collaborates with the NSF to catalyze innovation ecosystems across ten U.S. regions. Previously, as Chief Strategy Officer at the Florida High Tech Corridor, she spearheaded transformative initiatives like the award-winning Cenfluence industry clustering initiative. With 20 years of experience, Dr. Beaird has coached and mentored hundreds of startups and is an SBIR/STTR program expert. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a B.S. from the University of Florida.


Elizabeth Patterson is a Platform Manager at The Engine responsible for partnering with NSF's Regional Innovation Engines to identify and deliver solutions based on their unique needs. As an economic development policy strategist and project manager, she has served on applied research teams at the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program and as a freelance project manager providing specialized and locally tailored support for regions building inclusive and innovative economies. Elizabeth received her BA from Rhodes College and lives in New York City.


Dr. Ian Johnston is the Director of Emerging Ecosystem at The Engine where he focuses on innovation ecosystem development. Prior to The Engine, Ian spent time at Engine Ventures as a Sr. Investment Associate and at Putnam Associates as a Life Sciences Consultant. Ian also worked at the Penn Center for Innovation, assessing technologies for their patent and market potential. Ian holds a PhD in Pharmacology from University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Three key lessons about the innovation to market pipeline, getting the right players to an ecosystem, and the impacts of offshoring vital supply chains
  • How the Innovation Engines facilitate use-inspired research and accelerate development of real-world applications
  • The vital role of the Engines in bringing researchers, communities, and industry together for collaboration
  • The obstacles in the road to commercialization and how the Engines help ecosystems navigate them
  • Two major components of workforce development and the challenges of working with unpredictable futures in emerging and legacy industries
  • How the scope of the Engines allows them to build trust, collaboration, and infrastructure for the long haul


Learn more about Dr. Amy Beaird:


Learn more about Elizabeth Patterson:


Learn more about Dr. Ian Johnston:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> This season, we traveled around the country to take a look under the hood of nine US National Science Foundation-funded Regional Innovation Engines. We learned about pressing issues facing our country, our economy, and the world in sectors as varied as water, energy, semiconductors, textiles, agriculture, biomedical, and climate resiliency. We uncovered how these innovation ecosystems are tackling these wicked problems for their regions and for all of us.


For the final episode of the season, I’m sharing some of my key takeaways from these conversations and I’ll chat with three practitioners from The Engine who’ve been working closely with all of the Innovation Engines over the last year to get their perspective and learn what insights from this massive undertaking we can apply in our own day-to-day ecosystem building.


Dr. Amy Beaird is a Senior Platform Manager at The Engine, where she collaborates with the NSF to catalyze innovation ecosystems across ten U.S. regions. Previously, as Chief Strategy Officer at the Florida High Tech Corridor, she spearheaded transformative initiatives like the award-winning Cenfluence industry clustering initiative. With 20 years of experience, Dr. Beaird has coached and mentored hundreds of startups and is an SBIR/STTR program expert. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a B.S. from the University of Florida.


Elizabeth Patterson is a Platform Manager at The Engine responsible for partnering with NSF's Regional Innovation Engines to identify and deliver solutions based on their unique needs. As an economic development policy strategist and project manager, she has served on applied research teams at the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program and as a freelance project manager providing specialized and locally tailored support for regions building inclusive and innovative economies. Elizabeth received her BA from Rhodes College and lives in New York City.


Dr. Ian Johnston is the Director of Emerging Ecosystem at The Engine where he focuses on innovation ecosystem development. Prior to The Engine, Ian spent time at Engine Ventures as a Sr. Investment Associate and at Putnam Associates as a Life Sciences Consultant. Ian also worked at the Penn Center for Innovation, assessing technologies for their patent and market potential. Ian holds a PhD in Pharmacology from University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Three key lessons about the innovation to market pipeline, getting the right players to an ecosystem, and the impacts of offshoring vital supply chains
  • How the Innovation Engines facilitate use-inspired research and accelerate development of real-world applications
  • The vital role of the Engines in bringing researchers, communities, and industry together for collaboration
  • The obstacles in the road to commercialization and how the Engines help ecosystems navigate them
  • Two major components of workforce development and the challenges of working with unpredictable futures in emerging and legacy industries
  • How the scope of the Engines allows them to build trust, collaboration, and infrastructure for the long haul


Learn more about Dr. Amy Beaird:


Learn more about Elizabeth Patterson:


Learn more about Dr. Ian Johnston:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Anika Horn, Social Venturers Anika Horn, Social Venturers 2756 This season, we traveled around the country to take a look under the hood of nine US National Science Foundation-funded Regional Innovation Engines. We learned about pressing issues facing our country, our economy, and the world in sectors as varied as water, energy, semiconductors, textiles, agriculture, biomedical, and climate resiliency. We uncovered how these innovation ecosystems are tackling these wicked problems for their regions and for all of us.


For the final episode of the season, I’m sharing some of my key takeaways from these conversations and I’ll chat with three practitioners from The Engine who’ve been working closely with all of the Innovation Engines over the last year to get their perspective and learn what insights from this massive undertaking we can apply in our own day-to-day ecosystem building.


Dr. Amy Beaird is a Senior Platform Manager at The Engine, where she collaborates with the NSF to catalyze innovation ecosystems across ten U.S. regions. Previously, as Chief Strategy Officer at the Florida High Tech Corridor, she spearheaded transformative initiatives like the award-winning Cenfluence industry clustering initiative. With 20 years of experience, Dr. Beaird has coached and mentored hundreds of startups and is an SBIR/STTR program expert. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a B.S. from the University of Florida.


Elizabeth Patterson is a Platform Manager at The Engine responsible for partnering with NSF's Regional Innovation Engines to identify and deliver solutions based on their unique needs. As an economic development policy strategist and project manager, she has served on applied research teams at the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program and as a freelance project manager providing specialized and locally tailored support for regions building inclusive and innovative economies. Elizabeth received her BA from Rhodes College and lives in New York City.


Dr. Ian Johnston is the Director of Emerging Ecosystem at The Engine where he focuses on innovation ecosystem development. Prior to The Engine, Ian spent time at Engine Ventures as a Sr. Investment Associate and at Putnam Associates as a Life Sciences Consultant. Ian also worked at the Penn Center for Innovation, assessing technologies for their patent and market potential. Ian holds a PhD in Pharmacology from University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University.


Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Three key lessons about the innovation to market pipeline, getting the right players to an ecosystem, and the impacts of offshoring vital supply chains
  • How the Innovation Engines facilitate use-inspired research and accelerate development of real-world applications
  • The vital role of the Engines in bringing researchers, communities, and industry together for collaboration
  • The obstacles in the road to commercialization and how the Engines help ecosystems navigate them
  • Two major components of workforce development and the challenges of working with unpredictable futures in emerging and legacy industries
  • How the scope of the Engines allows them to build trust, collaboration, and infrastructure for the long haul


Learn more about Dr. Amy Beaird:


Learn more about Elizabeth Patterson:


Learn more about Dr. Ian Johnston:


Learn more about Anika Horn:


Resources:

]]> Systems, Ecosystem Building No