There can be times where we trick ourselves into believing that to make a real impact in the world, we need unlimited resources or a lifetime of experience.
But my guest today proves that the only thing standing between you and a global movement might just be a notebook and the courage to ignore the voice in your head that says, ‘Who am I to do this?’
I think the more important question is ‘Who are you not to?’
Wendy Steele is the visionary founder of Impact100, a global movement that has disrupted traditional philanthropy.
Wendy realized that the old systems of giving were leaving people on the sidelines, specifically women, so she designed a new model. What started as a simple idea she sketched out on a family vacation has now grown into a worldwide movement that has granted over $178 million to local non-profits.
In this episode, we break down the exact process she used to take an idea in her notebook to a scalable, global movement. Wendy shares her journey of pushing past Imposter Syndrome and the remarkable story of how she navigated launching her organization in the shadow of a national crisis.
“Your inner critic can keep you safe, but sometimes is just a party kill. Your idea is worth it. It’s worth your time and your exploration.” – Wendy Steele
In This Episode, You Will Learn
- The benefits of giving yourself space to think and how it’s often the catalyst for your most novel and transformative ideas.
- Why surrounding yourself with smart people who push back is more valuable than those who always say yes.
- How to take a simple concept and scale it into a global movement by focusing on the problem your solving.
- The biology of giving and how it triggers a flood of oxytocin while reducing cortisol, making it a scientifically proven tool for stress reduction.
- Why taking care of yourself is the only sustainable way to have a long-term impact on others.
- Plus much more…
What We Discuss:
- 0:00:00 – Episode Opener
- 0:00:55 – Podcast and Guest Intro
- 0:01:32 – Meet Wendy Steele
- 0:03:17 – Impact 100 Explained
- 0:05:19 – Why Women Opt Out
- 0:08:02 – Democratized Giving Model
- 0:13:04 – Grant Process and Voting
- 0:16:11 – Empowerment Stories
- 0:19:41 – From Fear to Solutions
- 0:25:22 – Notebook Origin Story
- 0:32:06 – Stillness Fuels Creativity
- 0:38:12 – Protect Your Calendar
- 0:48:00 – Idea to Action Steps
- 0:54:35 – Power of Big Numbers
- 0:56:38 – From Idea to Action
- 0:57:12 – Beating Imposter Syndrome
- 0:57:40 – Finding the Right Advisors
- 0:59:42 – Dad’s Hard Questions
- 1:03:19 – Handling Naysayers Wisely
- 1:04:27 – 9/11 and the Go Moment
- 1:07:10 – People Magazine Spark
- 1:08:11 – What She’d Change
- 1:12:08 – Origins of Giving Back
- 1:15:52 – Strategic Philanthropy Lesson
- 1:22:57 – Giving and Receiving Balance
- 1:26:55 – Oxytocin vs Stress
- 1:31:47 – Assuming Positive Intent
- 1:36:19 – Rapid Fire Values
- 1:37:53 – Floating Meditation Ritual
- 1:40:52 – How to Get Involved
- 1:42:20 – Final Thanks and Signoff
About Wendy
A dedicated philanthropist, passionate entrepreneur, and inspiring speaker, Wendy Steele is the founder of Impact100, a grassroots global movement that has given away more than $178 million since its inception in 2001. From a young age, her family instilled in her the value of giving back with the intention of leaving the world a little better than she found it, leading Steele to dedicate much of her adult life to encouraging generosity in all its forms.
Before focusing exclusively on philanthropic work, Wendy enjoyed a successful career in banking, culminating in a Senior Vice President role. Even her decision to pursue this profession was inspired by a desire to give back, after witnessing her grandfather help countless members of his community through his own work as a banker.
In 2023, Wendy released her bestselling book, Invitation to Impact: Lighting the Path to Community Transformation. Filled with personal stories and expert guidance, she shares the origin story of Impact100, including the problem-solving rationale behind this innovative philanthropy model, and why she was ultimately compelled to pivot from a successful banking career into full-time work at Impact100 Global. She observes that there are two kinds of people: those who see the problems in the world and realize they can be a part of the solution and those who still need to be invited to the party. Today, she continues her work with Impact100 Global to invite women across the globe to the party and to empower them to create transformational change in their local communities.
Wendy has received numerous awards for her work in philanthropy, including the honor of being named a 2024 USA TODAY Woman of the Year. Also in 2024, Steele received an Anthem Award for Humanitarian Action & Services, Best Local Community Engagement for her work with Impact100 Global. In 2021, she was named by Forbes as one of fifty women over fifty who are leading the world in impact. In 2020, Wendy was named a Distinguished Honoree of the Jones Prize in Philanthropy, an award which “honors someone who demonstrates the willingness to volunteer time, resources, and talents to improve the human condition, beyond themselves.” Considered the Nobel Prize for community service, Steele was awarded the 2014 Jefferson Award for Public Service for her work with Impact100.
Her work in philanthropy has been featured in several books, including The Transformative Power of Women’s Philanthropy; Women, Wealth and Giving; Creating a Women’s Giving Circle; and The Right Sisters—Women Inventors Tell Their Stories. Steele remains deeply committed to giving back to her community and wholeheartedly believes that each of us has something important to give.
Show Notes
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