Kandice Henning – Alive Center
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kandice Henning, Founder and Executive Director of the Alive Center in Naperville, about teens leading change and her blueprint for youth empowerment. Kandice delves into the inception of the Alive Center, shares her career trajectory that led to an unexpected calling, and her dedication to teen empowerment — emphasizing confidence building, leadership skills, and the freedom to fail — underpinning the center’s success in nurturing the next generation of compassionate leaders.
Rebecca Malotke-Meslin: Developing and Retaining Women Leaders
In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Paul Feith interviews Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, Owner and Coach at Pleasantly Aggressive, about empowering women to lead with confidence, authenticity, and conviction. Rebecca explores the common challenges women leaders encounter, the disparity between women in staff versus head roles, and strategies for gaining clarity in leadership to unleash potential beyond conventional titles.
The Eco-Friendly Mobile Farm Stand Project
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Bob Kopach, Founder and Executive Director of the Eco-friendly Mobile Farmstand Project, about how electric mobile farm stands are revolutionizing the urban farming approach to food insecurity. Bob articulates the issue of food deserts in low-income neighborhoods, the benefits of electric mobile farm stands and fresh produce delivery, and the significance of community involvement in the project’s success.
Love-Led Leadership
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith hosts Nicki Anderson to discuss the power of leading with love. Nicki explains how she navigated leadership challenges early in her career, how to build a company around love, and the difference between service and love-led leadership.
Dylan Ladd of Illinois Conservatory for the Arts
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Dylan Ladd, the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, to discuss his journey as an educator and leader in the arts community. Dylan shares his experiences as a mission-driven leader, the roadblocks faced by a new nonprofit in fundraising, and insights into his creative process for maintaining effective operations despite the challenges of leading a startup.
Janell Robinson – Hope’s Front Door
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Janell Robinson, the Executive Director of Hope’s Front Door, to talk about how everyone can contribute to society through nonprofit organizations. She explains how small actions can make significant differences, Hope’s Front Door’s service offerings and programs, and how generational philanthropy has influenced her career.
A Philanthropic Guide to the Gems of Aurora
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith chats with Joel Friend, the Director of Corporate Giving and Sponsorships at Paramount Theatre, about forming partnerships that serve both business objectives and nonprofit goals. He provides insights into corporate giving, the comprehensive offerings of the Paramount enterprise, and his journey in performing arts management.
Cultural Integration for Children and Families
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith hosts Andrea Ingram, the President and CEO of DuPage Children’s Museum, to discuss her role in fostering cultural engagement in her community. Andrea talks about the museum’s programs, how she overcame challenges during her professional development, and why she joined the organization.
Disrupting the Charitable Giving Space
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Chase Harmer, the Founder of Wishes Inc, about his mission to reinvent charitable giving. Chase describes the Wishes Inc platform, its revenue model, and his inspiration to build it.
Reinventing a Nonprofit Organization
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith sits down with the Executive Director of the Catalyst for Educational Change, Shelley Taylor, to discuss how she rebuilt a nonprofit organization. Shelley describes the CEC’s mission, her educational journey inside and out of the nonprofit space, and the organizations she trusts.
Dorri McWhorter – Social Enterprise With the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Paul Feith hosts Dorri McWhorter, the President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, to talk about social enterprise with the Chicago YMCA. Dorri discusses what a social venture entails, the different services offered by the YMCA, and how the YMCA is embracing the digital landscape.
Living With Purpose
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Clara Lucia Jaramillo-Carrier, a renowned speaker and Brand Strategist at Paul Gregory Media, for a conversation about embracing purposeful living and leadership. Clara shares insights on overcoming fear, understanding personal yearnings, and making intentional choices aligned with one’s deepest desires. Her leadership style emphasizes humility, continual learning, and personal development as keys to influence.
Good Shepherd Church – A New Leader
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast with Paul Feith, he hosts Tara Beth Leach, Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd Church, for a candid discussion about women in ministry. Tara reflects on her calling to serve as a pastor, how she pursued her passion without a roadmap, her multifaceted roles in ministry, and her background in writing.
Educare West DuPage: Early Learning Matters With Marcela Sweeney
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith engages in an enlightening conversation with Marcela Sweeney, the Executive Director of Educare West DuPage, exploring the significance of early learning. Marcela shares her journey in education, discussing her motivations and the allure of Educare compared to traditional daycare centers. Through her perspective, listeners gain valuable insights into the distinctive features and benefits of Educare’s approach to early childhood education.
Megan Pennington of CASA of River Valley
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast with Paul Feith, Megan Pennington, Advocate Supervisor at CASA of River Valley, shares the role of a CASA advocate. Megan explains CASA’s mission in supporting foster children, explores the reasons behind children entering foster care, and provides insights on how listeners can become CASA volunteers.
Amy Van Polen of Bridge Communities
In this recent episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, host Paul Feith sits down with Amy Van Polen, CEO of Bridge Communities. Amy delves into the organization’s mission to end homelessness, highlighting Bridge Communities’ programs and efforts to empower families facing homelessness. Additionally, Amy shares her insights on effective leadership strategies and techniques for successful fund development.
Nancy Wiersum of Loaves & Fishes Community Services
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith hosts Nancy Wiersum, Executive Vice President of Advancement for Loaves & Fishes Community Services, to explore the profound impact of food pantries on communities. Nancy delves into the mission of Loaves & Fishes, highlighting its services and CARES programs. She also shares valuable insights gained from navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, highlighting the organization’s resilience and adaptability.
Mike Briggs of Little Friends
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith sits down with Mike Briggs, President and CEO of Little Friends, delving into the organization’s profound impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities. Mike navigates through his career trajectory and transition into the nonprofit sector, shedding light on Little Friends’ mission, its extensive range of services, and the pivotal role of the family care team and additional support groups.
Jung Family Painting: A Community Partner
On today’s episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith engages in a dynamic conversation with Bob and Judy Jung, the Founders and Co-owners of Jung Family Painting. Beyond the strokes of paint, the Jungs unravel the art of community engagement, discussing their philanthropic endeavors, leadership triumphs, and the transformative role of a business coach in the entrepreneurial journey.
Ride Assist Naperville
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Ashley Abraham, the Executive Director of Ride Assist Naperville, to delve into the program’s mission, services, target audience, and future goals.
NAMI DuPage – A Leader in Mental Health Support
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Geri Kerger, Executive Director of NAMI DuPage, for an in-depth conversation about the organization. Geri provides valuable insights into the diverse range of programs NAMI offers and sheds light on DuPage County’s impactful role as an advocate and support system for mental health initiatives.
The DuPage Foundation: DuPage County’s Philanthropic Leader
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Michael Sitrick, President and CEO of the DuPage Foundation, for an in-depth conversation about the foundation. In addition to sharing the foundation’s mission and its growth over the years, Michael expounds on the DuPage Community Transformation Project and the challenges of implementing year-end giving initiatives.
Serenity House Programs and Leadership
On today’s episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith converses with Mark Buschbacher, the President and CEO of Serenity House Counseling Services. Mark delves into Serenity’s dedication to aiding long-term substance abusers to achieve and maintain sobriety through a holistic approach. He also shares what attracted him to joining Serenity House’s team, the facility’s services and programs, and how they differentiate themselves from other recovery programs.
The American Hearing Research Foundation
Join Paul Feith on today’s episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, where Joan Wincentsen, Executive Director of the American Hearing Research Foundation, joins the show. Joan shares her inspiration for joining AHRF, the organization’s mission, and why research and funding are imperative to curing and treating hearing loss.
Thinking Like a 21st-Century Non-Profit Leader
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith once again welcomes Rick Lochner, President and Head Coach at RPC Leadership Associates, to discuss the five pillars of thinking like a 21st-century non-profit leader. Rick explains the difference between thinking versus doing, the social enterprise model, and why storytelling is essential to a nonprofit’s mission.
Healthy Aging and Ageism
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Suzanne Kinsey, Executive Director of Fox Valley Community Services, to talk about ageism and how it affects individuals’ abilities to age healthily. Suzanne shares what leadership represents, contributing factors to aging positively and negatively, and the resources Fox Valley Community Services provides.
Leadership in Rotary
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Rich Tatara, President of the Rotary Club of Naperville, to discuss the organization and its mission. Rich also shares the Rotary Club’s contributions to society, the challenges of leading Rotary, and how people can benefit as members of the organization.
Processes in Leadership
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Adam Russo, Founder of Reliable Coaching and Strategy, to discuss a purposeful people-process strategy. Adam shares his career trajectory and what inspired him to start his coaching consultancy. He also talks about work ethic, employee motivation, and compensation in the wake of inflation, and how workplace culture and operations impact business growth.
Thinking Differently About Non-Profit Leadership
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast with Paul Feith, Rick Lochner, President and Head Coach at RPC Leadership Associates, discusses alternative methods to lead nonprofit organizations. Rick shares his leadership background and how he became involved in nonprofits, the differences between social enterprises and traditional charities, and why nonprofits should operate like conventional businesses.
Pillar-Based Marketing
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Chad Franzen of Rise25 once again flips the script to interview host Paul Feith about pillar-based marketing. Paul discusses the costs of using pillar-based marketing, how AI enhances marketing research, and how companies can benefit from pillar-based marketing.
Upcoming Guests:
Kara Murphy
DuPage Health Coalition
Jennifer Brasfield
Riverwalk Adult Day Center
Nina Menis
KidsMatter
Teri Wood
The GardenWorks Project
