Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast: Leading Radical Change with Scott Harrison

Release Date: October 3, 2024
Host: Craig Groeschel
Guest: Scott Harrison, Founder and CEO of Charity: water

1. Introduction

In this inspiring episode of the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, host Craig Groeschel welcomes Scott Harrison, a transformative leader who shifted from a prosperous nightlife promoter in New York City to spearheading Charity: water, an organization dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water to over 8 million people worldwide. Scott shares his compelling journey, innovative leadership strategies, and the profound impact of storytelling in driving radical change.

2. Scott Harrison's Early Career

Scott Harrison begins by recounting his early foray into leadership and entrepreneurship. At 19, he managed a struggling rock band, striving to secure a record deal by promoting shows and negotiating with industry players. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on—he borrowed money to buy a leaf blower and started a leaf-blowing business to repay his father (03:31).

Notable Quote:
“At 19, I jumped careers to become a nightclub promoter... working at 40 different clubs in Manhattan.”
— Scott Harrison [04:52]

3. The Turning Point: From Nightlife to Humanitarian Work

After a decade in the nightclub scene, Scott experienced a profound personal crisis. Despite outward success, he felt emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. Seeking redemption, he sold everything he owned to volunteer as a photojournalist with Mercy Ships in Liberia, paying his way at $500 a month (12:09).

Notable Quote:
“I wanted to radically change my life... start trying to find my way back home to this foundation of morality.”
— Scott Harrison [12:09]

4. Founding Charity: water and Innovative Models

Scott's firsthand experiences in Liberia revealed the dire need for clean water. Upon returning to New York, he founded Charity: water with a bold mission: to bring clean water to every person on Earth before he dies. Recognizing the skepticism around charitable donations, Scott innovated by ensuring that 100% of public donations directly funded water projects, separating operational costs into a sustainable funding model (22:53).

Notable Quote:
“What if we could promise the public that 100% of whatever we raised would go directly to the construction of a water project...?”
— Scott Harrison [22:53]

5. The Power of Storytelling

A significant theme in Scott's leadership is the use of powerful storytelling to connect donors with the cause. By sharing authentic, emotional stories of individuals affected by water scarcity, such as the tragic loss of a 13-year-old girl in Ethiopia, Scott transforms abstract statistics into relatable human experiences (29:40).

Notable Quote:
“The story connects... These are real people and you try to bring them to life as a conduit.”
— Scott Harrison [33:08]

6. Leadership and Team Building

Scott emphasizes the importance of building a passionate and skilled team. In the early days, he sought generalists who were deeply committed to the mission. As Charity: water grew, the organization transitioned to hiring specialists who excelled in their fields, ensuring excellence and mastery in every aspect of the operation (38:45).

Notable Quote:
“I was hiring generalists... passionate about the cause, would work really, really hard, and were values aligned.”
— Scott Harrison [38:25]

7. Scaling and Innovation Challenges

Scaling Charity: water presented unique challenges. Scott discusses the necessity of constant innovation to overcome growth ceilings, such as shifting from one-time donations to a subscription-based model. This strategic pivot allowed the organization to achieve sustainable growth and continue expanding its impact (41:53).

Notable Quote:
“70% of Americans believe charities waste their money... So I had this crazy idea.”
— Scott Harrison [22:53]

8. Faith and Secular Nonprofit Leadership

While Scott identifies as a person of faith, he leads a secular nonprofit to ensure inclusivity and broad support. He believes in embodying his values through integrity and service without imposing religious beliefs on others, fostering trust and garnering support from diverse backgrounds (50:45).

Notable Quote:
“I get to live out my theology through my work every day... No one is drinking dirty water.”
— Scott Harrison [51:00]

9. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Scott Harrison's journey from nightclub promoter to humanitarian leader underscores the power of vision, storytelling, and innovative thinking in driving meaningful change. His commitment to transparency, excellence, and inclusive leadership offers valuable lessons for leaders across all sectors.

Final Thoughts from Craig Groeschel:
“I hope you're inspired that there may be something in you that's burning right now... attack it with faith, attack it with vision, tell stories well, lead with integrity, and keep getting better.”

Key Insights:

• Innovative Fundraising: Ensuring 100% of public donations go directly to projects builds trust and reduces donor skepticism.

• Storytelling: Transforming statistics into personal, emotional narratives enhances donor connection and engagement.

• Leadership Style: Balancing visionary ideas with a supportive, values-driven team fosters organizational growth and resilience.

• Faith and Inclusivity: Leading a secular nonprofit while staying true to personal faith can broaden support and impact without alienating stakeholders.

For those inspired by Scott Harrison’s story and eager to make a difference, Charity: water provides avenues to contribute to the mission of providing clean water globally. Learn more and get involved by visiting Charity: water.