#27: Twelve gifts of knowledge sharing
The Q&A issues you don't want to miss
Pass It On is a bi-weekly newsletter bringing the tech and non-profit sectors closer together through knowledge sharing, written and edited by Lauren Crichton.
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Welcome to the last PiO issue of 2021!
There are now nine remaining days before I close my laptop lid for three whole weeks in a bid to rest, reflect, and recharge my way into the new year. In that spirit, this newsletter will pay tribute to all the insightful Q&A guests we’ve had the pleasure of learning from since January. If you haven’t had the chance to read all the issues yet, I hope these summaries will inspire your holiday reading list. There happens to be one for each of the twelve days of Christmas, so treat them as nuggets of wisdom to hang on your tree of knowledge 😊🎄
The Q&A chronicles - 2021
Running a non-profit like a startup
João Coelho - Data Scientist at Volvo Car Mobility, Co-founder of treetree2 (link in Portuguese)
João is a data scientist and physicist whizz who co-runs an education non-profit in his spare time. Part founder story, part leadership advice, his Q&A is full of practical tips on areas like managing your energy and improving your focus.
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Creating a collaborative culture
Laïla von Alvensleben - Remote work coach, Head of Culture & Collaboration at MURAL
Not so much an interview as a how-to guide on remote working and culture building, Laïla’s in-depth Q&A will teach you everything from how to run a successful online workshop to the importance of self-management.
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Preparing for better, more equitable futures
Vicky Tongue - Head of Futures & Innovation, International Civil Society Centre
Why do the decisions we take today need to withstand the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous contexts of tomorrow? And how do we make sure that these decisions put people and nature first? Vicky unpacks these important questions and more here.
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Becoming your authentic self
Loyce B. Witherspoon - Former Community Engagement Manager at the Internet Society, now Community and Belonging Lead at Your Juno
I was going to give this piece a title about community, but Loyce gives us so much more in this highly personal and honest Q&A. From the fear of being disliked to repressing emotions in front of elders, Loyce shares what she’s been unlearning in a bid to discover who she truly wants to be.
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Achieving the desired outcome
Scott Colfer - Head of Product, Ministry of Justice UK
A thoughtful and down-to-earth leader, Scott maintains a simple message: tech or non-profit, private or public; ultimately, we’re all responsible for finding impactful solutions to problems for users and testing our assumptions along the way.
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Effecting change through lived experience
Judith Potts - Founder of Esme’s Umbrella, former Telegraph columnist
If you don’t know what Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is, you should read this Q&A. CBS is a little-known and highly devastating condition that Judith has fought tirelessly to raise awareness of since discovering it through lived experience.
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Sparking positive change through creativity
James Turner - Co-founder of Glimpse Collective, former Head of Comms at Greenpeace
Why is creativity like a balloon? How can teams create brilliant ideas? What’s the role of positive storytelling in an uncertain world? Ever the pragmatic dreamer, James’ answers will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action.
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Designing with accessibility and community in mind
Will Butler - VP of Community at Be My Eyes
Over 5 million volunteers are registered with the Be My Eyes app to help 360,000 blind and partially-sighted people. The secrets to their success? Drastically lowering the barrier to volunteering and committing to inclusive and accessible product design.
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Building a purpose-driven startup
Candice Hampson - Co-founder and CEO of Kiteline Health
Starting your own company mid-pandemic takes guts, especially when you want it to create both social and financial value. Follow Candice’s journey to learn about the highs and lows of fundraising, the consequences of being purpose-driven, and the importance of maintaining team health.
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Communicating boldly, bravely, and inclusively
Ettie Bailey-King - Writer and inclusive communication consultant at Fighting Talk Communications
Why is sex more like pizza than baseball? How do we give better apologies? How can non-profits and startups avoid using tired jargon? In this exceptional Q&A, Ettie explains why we need new metaphors for persistent social problems and how language can change the world.
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Finding your public policy voice
Camilla de Coverly Veale - Head of Regulation at The Coalition for a Digital Economy
“If you aren’t at the table, you’re on the menu.” Wise words from public affairs expert Camilla as she explains why startups need to speak up to their government. Dip into the rest of her answers for concrete advocacy tips and thought-provoking arguments on the consequences of regulating technology through public policy.
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Putting purpose alongside profit
Nille Skalts, Founder and Executive Director of the Nordic B Corp movement
What happens when companies legally commit to creating value for all shareholders, not just shareholders? They build a strong culture, become more innovative, and shape a better planet. In other words, they become a B Corp.
Huge thanks again to all the above Q&A guests for graciously giving their time, stories, and knowledge over the past year. And thank you, dear Pass It On subscribers, for the time you spend reading these newsletters, sharing them with others, and replying to let me know what you think. It means more than you know.
I’m sending you all the warmest wishes, and I hope your holiday is exactly what you need it to be.
See you in 2022!
Lauren 👋
PS If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge through a Pass It On Q&A or know someone else who would, please reply to this email or ping me on Linkedin, and we’ll make it happen!