Willful Impact: Recent Episodes
Todd Youngblood
When individuals and organizations generously set out to make the world a better place, and work hard to accomplish their intended purpose, Willful Impact stands ready to report the results of those community partnerships. Our mission is to tell actual stories to inspire prolific action in all of us for an even more abundant greater good.
Proda Technology is where your business and our team of IT professionals join forces to provide you with the information technology solutions you need. Our consulting firm offers comprehensive advice, design, implementation, training, and IT support. With an extensive background in IT design and a deep understanding of how to optimize your business, we can confidently guarantee an immediate return on investment. We customize our services to fit your goals, budget, and business environment, enabling you to create a more productive tomorrow.
"Peachtree Hearing is Atlanta’s premier audiology practice. Led by Audiologist Dr. Melissa Wikoff, the staff at Peachtree Hearing believe that your hearing care should be a superior experience that offers you the comprehensive treatment required to properly address your specific needs. From testing hearing to treating hearing loss, Peachtree Hearing uses the latest technology, scientifically proven techniques, and compassionate personalized care to treat each of our patients."
"Founded in 1951, *the Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) has engaged audiences through imaginative programming, visionary leadership, and critically acclaimed performances."*
"The mission of the GSO is to enrich our community through accessible, high quality musical and educational experiences that instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts." Their vision is to "continue growing a thriving and innovative cultural organization that enriches, educates, and inspires audiences, students, and musicians in the community."
Today's interview is with Suzanne Tucker, Executive Director of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.
"Veritiv Corporation (NYSE: VRTV), headquartered in Atlanta and a Fortune 500® company, is a full-
service provider of packaging, JanSan and hygiene products, services and solutions. Additionally, Veritiv provides print and publishing products, and logistics and supply chain management solutions. Serving customers in a wide range of industries both in North America and globally, Veritiv has distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Mexico, and team members around the world helping shape the success of its customers."
Kay Reynolds is the Manager of Community Relations for Veritiv...
"Warner Bros. Discovery, a premier global media and entertainment company, offers audiences the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, film, streaming and gaming. The new company combines WarnerMedia's premium entertainment, sports and news assets with Discovery's leading non-fiction and international entertainment and sports businesses."
Delta Community Credit Union is among the top 25 largest credit unions in the United States. Their Vision: “We want to be metro Atlanta’s preferred place to bank, known for providing our members with honest value, superior service and trusted advice.” We have the pleasure of speaking with, once again, Ms. Jai Rogers, Vice President of Business & Community Development for the Delta Community Credit Union.
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.
- “...business-driven solutions to sustainability challenges ...”
- Sustainability is a "mission multiplier" and maximize the value of our mission
- Increase efficiency, reduce/eliminate waste, utilize sustainability to integrate the social and environmental aspects of life
The Posse Foundation might just be the premier networking organization for young adults anywhere. The Posse model works for both students and college campuses and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development. As the United States becomes an increasingly multicultural society, Posse believes that the leaders of the 21st century should reflect the country’s rich demographic mix. The key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop consensus solutions to complex social problems. Posse’s primary aim is to train these leaders of tomorrow.
For over 30 years, Park Pride has engaged communities to activate the power of parks. Parks have the power to increase quality of life. They promote community engagement, health, safety, and revitalization. They make citizens happy, communities strong, and cities sustainable. Park Pride’s programs, leadership, and funding helps communities unlock these benefits in parks across Atlanta.
Since 1858, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been serving the ever-changing needs of our community. As the oldest non-profit in Atlanta, the Y champions communities where everyone belongs, and provides opportunities so that everyone—especially children—can reach their full potential.
We visited with Ms. Lauren Koontz, the President & CEO of YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and discussed a myriad of this organization's incredible contributions.
JJ’s Playhouse provides an avenue for parents, grandparents and caregivers to meet the physical, social and cognitive development needs of children under the age of 12 in Atlanta’s West-Metropolitan communities and beyond.
Thyme 4 Friends provides socialization, stimulation, and support for senior adults who know that life gets better with age. Founder & CEO, Marlene Russell is the brains behind this fascinating organization.
Kristi Porter, Chief Do-Gooder at Signify. With a title like that, you've got to expect some serious commitment to community service!
Enrique Alvarez, Managing Director of Vector Global Logistics, has a unique perspective on the meaning of "Purpose-Driven."
The kids don't want to stop the math lesson??? Huh???
I know... It makes no sense. But listen to the fascinating personal journey of musician/mathemetician/entrepreneur/community servant Marcus Blackwell, CEO & Founder of Make Music Count.
In the words of the Love Not Lost Founder & Executive Director...
"After losing our daughter, Skylar, to a terminal condition, grief and depression hit me hard. The pictures we had of our family created a safe space for me to grieve and gave me permission to be whatever I needed to be in that moment. The tangible prints provided comfort, a way to carry on a relationship with my daughter, and allowed me to hold Skylar when she wasn't here to hold."
A truly powerful & compelling story...
"We believe it’s good business to be good citizens of the communities we serve through volunteerism and financial support. We are committed to helping shape a better world through both responsible company and individual actions.”
For over 100 years, Cox Enterprises has lived up to this ideal.
With compassion, possibility and a champion’s spirit, Inspire Brands is making a difference in the communities they serve.
NCR Foundation exists to be a catalyst of opportunity and change. It is relentlessly focused on advancing STEM education for students, especially in under-served communities. NCR efforts to eliminate poverty and drive economic development include fostering job creation and provident training on critical workforce skills. And NCR steps up in times of crisis through disaster response work.
The Wellstar Foundation supports Wellstar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia. The Foundation reinvests 100% of the donations it receives into delivering world-class care to everyone, everywhere, every minute of every day.
So what if a company publically committed to dedicating 5% of profits to community service? Pretty impactful, right? That's exactly what Gas South does!
Speaking of great corporate perspectives, consider that of the Delta Community Credit Union - "If our community isn’t together, then life can’t fully come together for the people who are a part of it. We believe that the better off everyone is, the better off we all will be, which is why we support so many community programs."
Georgia Natural Gas is a shining example of intentional corporate support of the community. Mo Baker, their Manager, Community Relations shares insights and best practices.
As per Jeri Hadaway, “We believe ART is the connective tissue that builds community!” Hard to argue with that!
Michele Blondheim is Director of Corporate Citizenship for Aprio, a top-rated CPA and advisory firm. Her role in incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility into the organization's overall business strategy is a shining example of "how-to."
Christopher Kunney combines his business focus as Chief of Strategy and Business Development for DSS with his personal belief that “From those to whom much is given, much is expected.“ That means a combination of Information Technology, Health Technology and serving underserved communities.
Not only is Equifax a household word due to its status as a major credit rating company, they are a major force in serving their communities. VP of Marketing, Todd Brown, is a shining example of that commitment.
The mission of GSO Music Works is to blend the power of music into the lives of those who are faced with daunting obstacles. This includes:
- Children With Autism (Sensory Friendly Concerts)
- Youth (GYSO & Marietta Schools Residency)
- Every 3rd, 4th and 5th Grader In Georgia (Carnegie Hall Link Up + GSO Enhancements)
- Veterans (Veterans Empowerment Organization)
- Seniors
GSO will provide:
- A wide variety of customized special performances in many indoor and outdoor venues
- Online, LMS-based and in-person music instruction (Learning Management System)
- Music Therapy in conjunction with certified professionals
The Atlanta Regional Commission is charged with peering into the future and working with our partners across the community to plan for a better, brighter tomorrow. What a challenge... crafting 25-year plans for a region that has added literally millions of new residents with no end to the growth in sight!
The mission of Star-C Programs is to reduce resident transiency in affordable housing communities and nearby schools, provide academic support for children and ultimately improve the quality of life for the individual and the neighborhood.
Going into its 71st season, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to welcome a new Executive Director. Meet Taylor Rambo!
The Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC) delivers business results by supporting members in their strategic commitment to workplace volunteerism and civic engagement. Since 1992, the CVC of Atlanta has been bringing together business professionals who are passionate about volunteerism so that they may share best practices, strengthen community investment strategies, and make a difference through service.
Reflections of Trinity serves to meet the basic needs of those in crisis and facilitates structured opportunities for people to engage in meaningful community service.
The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more!
Debbie McKinley, a 20 year Marine Corps veteran herself, balances her VP-level responsibilities with Home Depot and her family commitments all while serving as Board Chair for the Veterans Empowerment Organization. (I might never complain about being too busy ever again!)
Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) have emerged as significant centers of influence in the Metro Atlanta region. By utilizing self-imposed tax revenues from commercial businesses within their districts they are dramatically changing their communities in many ways.
If you are frustrated with trying to grow your business but don’t know what to focus on first, Kim Ellet understands. Growing a business is hard! With all “the balls in the air,” how do you decide which one is the most important without dropping them all?
The Cobb Collaborative connects community resource leaders together to holistically meet critical needs in our community.
VEO offers a healing campus environment that allows veterans to rebuild their lives. Their mission is to empower veterans along their journey to self-sufficiency.
The culture of Jabian Consulting truly sets it apart. Jabian is a community-, career-, and client-focused organization. They value inclusion, teamwork, intellectual curiosity, and mutual support. While some companies are driven by metrics, they chose to be principle-driven and metrics-aware.
SEAF, the Southeast Association of Facilitators is the premier source in the region for assisting facilitators in developing their skills and promoting facilitation as an essential organizational function. The organization promotes excellence in facilitation through education, networking, and professional development.
It started with a few simple ideas:
- Every vote counts and every voter deserves to be counted
- Employers can play a pivotal role in engaging their employees in Georgia's elections
- Peer-company sharing of ideas and best practices is powerful
- Employees want to engage and are open to options
...and led to a safer, more secure, efficient and accessible election.
The Purpose of Conscious Capitalism Atlanta is to Elevate Humanity Through Business, in Atlanta.
Practitioners of Conscious Capitalism believe that business is good because it creates value, it is ethical because it is based on voluntary exchange, it is noble because it can elevate our existence and it is heroic because it lifts people out of poverty and creates prosperity. Free enterprise capitalism is the most powerful system for social cooperation and human progress ever conceived. It is one of the most compelling ideas we humans have ever had. But we can aspire to even more.
Most of us have a strong feeling that we should be doing something to serve our community, but don't really know how to get started. Karen Hunter, Principal at Whetstone Strategies, has invested a lot of effort into figuring out how to do that effectively.
When businesses thrive, communities flourish. That's the core philosophy of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and its leader, Sharon Mason.
The mission of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits is to build thriving communities by helping nonprofits succeed. Through a powerful mix of advocacy, solutions for nonprofit effectiveness, and insight building tools, GCN provides nonprofits, board members and donors with the tools they need to strengthen organizations that make a difference on important causes throughout Georgia.
liveSAFE Resources provides safety and healing to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse by offering services, creating awareness and fostering support within their community.
Children Helping Children educates and empowers youth philanthropists in Atlanta. An inspiring story about developing a lifelong habit of community service!
Common Ground Solutions is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that helps people become and remain active citizens who work together across party lines. Their goals are to:
- Highlight where common ground exists in our politics and bring it to the attention of policy makers, media and the public
- Educate people so they can advocate for the policies they feel are important
SCORE is a team of over 10,000 volunteer business mentors ready to help your small business survive—and thrive—through any crisis. Barry Coates leads the Georgia contingent that delivers mentoring and workshops throughout the state.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is where grassroots meets science to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. It's an uncomfortable topic, but one we need to address.
North America is home to some of the world’s most impressive art museums showcasing some of the most comprehensive collections and most famous works of art. And which is the best according to USA Today? None other than the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, GA.
Holly Quinlan, as President and CEO of Cobb County Travel & Tourism is laser-beam focused on how to bring people to Cobb and connect them with all the assets within the community. Listen in to learn just how great a job she and her team are doing!
Kim Gresh is a successful business leader and one with a life-long record of serving community, and a list of awards to prove it. Her insights into the value of The Arts to a community are particularly illuminating.
Financial Planning and Community Service. Without the latter, the former is simply not complete. This notion become SO crystal clear during my conversation with Randy Yeomans, CEO of Yeoman’s Consulting Group.
Never go anywhere without your strategic plan. ALWAYS stop and celebrate your successes. Two tips from from someone who has "walked the walked" in non-profit management. Tune in for a wealth of information that can be productively applied by Executive Directors and Board Members alike.
7,200 times per month in Metro Atlanta, a sex trafficking transaction takes place. SEVEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TIMES... It's a horrifying statistic. You, me and everyone needs to become more aware of just how widespread and serious the issue of sex trafficking has become.
Cerebral palsy strikes everywhere, and the work of UCP of Greater Indiana reflects the dedication of community servants across the nation. Their PANDACADEMY Awards program is a glowing example of creativity applied to aid victims of this disease.
"Connecting donors who care with causes that matter." An extraordinary story of making community connections that are truly impactful!
Fascinating insights from a guy who got "run out of town" and morphed from "Obligatory Giver" to "Cheerful Giver."
It's not at all difficult to understand why, while 99% of athlete-funded foundations fail, the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation is still going strong in its 23rd year.
Community Service is "Step 1" in the larger picture of Economic Development. Craig Lesser takes a deep dive into the interplay of Government, Business, Education & Culture. Much to learn!
As one with years of both both community service and public service, Sam Olens brings a unique perspective to the Willful Impact discussion.
Charlie Yates is a long-time fixture as an Atlanta Community Servant. From his stint as Chair of the YMCA (following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, to the 1996 Olympics to the Atlanta Opera. Some serious perspective!
David Bottoms, Principal at The Bottoms Group is also Chair of The Wellstar Foundation board. He shares some fascinating insight into the need for community service and juggling priorities.
The impact of business leaders on both the quality and quantify of Community Service delivered can be profound. Join us for a fascinating conversation about how C-Level executives are making it happen.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. And we never give up.
The mission of PRISM of Georgia is to change the way the community sees people with developmental disabilities and recognizing that every life has a purpose.
- Purpose
- Relationships
- Independence
- Service
- Mentorship
Jim Rhoden is a long time fixture in metro Atlanta community service. He's living his father Lloyd Rhoden's mantra - "Pay Your Civic Rent."
Founding and operating the Atlanta Community Food Bank for 36 years just wasn't enough for Bill Bolling. Now he's the driving force behind the Food Well Alliance.
The mission of Tommy Nobis Center is to empower individuals with disabilities through employment. Not only do the individuals we help to employ gain experience and independence through our programs but they feel a sense of community around them.
The WellStar Foundation acts as a supporting organization to WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia. Through philanthropy, we reinvest 100 percent of the donations received toward achieving its vision of delivering world-class care to everyone, everywhere, every minute of every day.
Rich Cavagnaro, founded AdEdge Water Technologies with an eye toward community service as an integral part of his business strategy. AdEdge, and Rich as its CEO, have maintained that commitment and as a result, have made a whole series of community contributions with lasting global impact.
Aarti is the founder of Synergies Work, an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities earn a livelihood. "It's not charity!"
Next season will be the 70th for the truly extraordinary Georgia Symphony Orchestra. This diverse Arts organization serves the families and communities of Greater North Georgia and Metro Atlanta providing audience members with a memorable experience at each and every one of its more than 20 annual concerts.
The Atlanta Opera’s mission is to build the major international opera company Atlanta deserves, with a vision to reimagine opera.
Founded in 1979, The Atlanta Opera celebrates its 40th anniversary in the 2019-20 season. The Opera works with world-renowned singers, conductors, directors, and designers who seek to enhance the art form.
Under the leadership of internationally recognized stage director and Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, The Atlanta Opera expanded from three to four mainstage productions at Cobb Energy Centre and launched the acclaimed Discoveries series. In recent years, the company was recognized by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as part of its “Best of 2015” awards; it was nominated for an International Opera Award in 2016; and it won ArtsATL’s 2019 Luminary Award for Community Engagement, recognizing its successful Veterans Program in partnership with The Home Depot Foundation.
Our Mission and Purpose Revved Up Kids was founded with a singular purpose: Equip children against predators.
We accomplish this by providing exceptional prevention training programs for children, teens, parents and youth-serving organizations. Each program is designed to teach participants who predators are, how they operate, how to be safer, and how to respond to a predator. Our programs focus on personal safety; many include self-defense for children and teens.
We work with private groups and child-serving organizations in the metro-Atlanta area, training thousands of children every year.
FODAC’s mission is to provide durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs and hospital beds at little or no cost to individuals with disabilities and their families. We seek to enhance the quality of life for people of all ages who have any type of illness or physical disability. Since 1986, FODAC has collected and distributed more than 50,000 wheelchairs!
Giles Barton is CEO of Expeditor Systems and a board member for Revved Up Kids. "You can't be totally dependent on donations."
Gregory Harris is Associate Curator of Photography at the High Museum in Atlanta, GA. Among many other things, we discuss the High, the role of a curator and an innovative, exciting exhibit, the Magnum Live Lab.
When individuals and organizations generously set out to make the world a better place, and work hard to accomplish their intended purpose, Willful Impact stands ready to report the results of those community partnerships. Our mission is to tell actual stories to inspire prolific action in all of us for an even more abundant greater good.