Success Story Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Lessons - How One Man's Mission Transformed Global Water Access | Scott Harrison - charity: water Founder
Host: Success Story Media (Scott D. Clary)
Guest: Scott Harrison, Founder of charity: water
Release Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Success Story Podcast, host Scott D. Clary delves into the transformative journey of Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water. The discussion highlights Scott's personal evolution from a life immersed in addictive pursuits to dedicating himself to humanitarian efforts that have significantly impacted global water access.

From Addictive Pursuits to Seeking Purpose

Scott Harrison opens up about his past filled with what he describes as "addictive pursuits"—including drugs, alcohol, gambling, and fleeting relationships. Despite indulging in these activities, he found himself perpetually unsatisfied, constantly seeking a deeper sense of purpose.

Notable Quote:

“It was always about seeking purpose. And I'm curious how after seeking purpose in all these, you know, traditional vices, how none of it paid off and none of it really gave you what you needed.”
— Host, [00:00]

The Turning Point: A Spiritual Awakening

The pivotal moment in Scott's life occurred during a trip to South America. He describes this experience as a "spiritual awakening," where he realized the futility of chasing endless material gains. Surrounded by affluent yet unhappy individuals, Scott understood that "the endless pursuit of more would never bring happiness."

Notable Quote:

“I realized there will never be enough, someone will always have more.”
— Scott Harrison, [01:25]

This epiphany led Scott to rediscover his faith, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus, whom he admired for his commitment to service and his defiance of religious establishments. Scott connected deeply with the Biblical verse from James about true religion being about caring for widows and orphans, which resonated with his sense of inadequacy in contributing to society.

Transition to Humanitarian Work

Inspired by the concept of tithing, Scott decided to dedicate a decade of his life to service. However, he encountered significant challenges in securing a volunteer position, as most humanitarian organizations were hesitant to accept someone with his background in nightclub promotion.

Notable Quote:

“It became incredibly frustrating because I now had the desire to try something different, to serve, and nobody would take me.”
— Scott Harrison, [04:10]

Eventually, he connected with Mercy Ships, an organization that operates floating hospitals along the African coast. Despite the unconventional entry—requiring a $500 monthly contribution and relocation to a poverty-stricken region—Scott embraced the opportunity to contribute as a volunteer photojournalist.

Leveraging Personal Skills for Global Change

Scott utilized his expertise in storytelling and photography to document the impactful work of Mercy Ships. By sharing compelling images and narratives of life-changing surgeries, he successfully engaged his extensive network of 15,000 contacts, many of whom were former nightclub attendees.

Notable Quote:

“I realized maybe the same skills that I had developed... could be used in a compassionate, redemptive way to actually save people's lives.”
— Scott Harrison, [06:48]

His efforts resulted in significant fundraising and heightened awareness for Mercy Ships, allowing the organization to expand its capacity to assist more individuals in need.

Confronting the Root Cause: Dirty Water Access

During his second year in Liberia, Scott identified a critical issue contributing to widespread illness: lack of access to clean water. Observing that half of the country's population relied on contaminated water sources, he recognized that addressing waterborne diseases was essential for sustainable health improvements.

Notable Quote:

“Half of the people were drinking dirty water. Half of the disease in the country was waterborne.”
— Scott Harrison, [09:30]

Motivated by this discovery, Scott dedicated himself to creating charity: water, an organization aimed at providing clean water to every human on Earth. Despite facing personal financial challenges upon returning to New York City, including $30,000 in debt, Scott remained resolute in his mission.

Overcoming Challenges and Building charity: water

Scott's journey was fraught with obstacles, including initial rejection from humanitarian organizations and personal financial setbacks. However, his unwavering commitment to addressing the fundamental need for clean water drove him to establish charity: water. The organization's innovative approach, focusing on transparency and direct impact, has since revolutionized how humanitarian aid is provided and funded.

Notable Quote:

“I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve in life, and that would be to try to bring clean water to every human being on planet Earth before I died.”
— Scott Harrison, [12:10]

Conclusion

In this inspiring episode, Scott Harrison shares his remarkable transformation from a life of excess to one dedicated to global humanitarian efforts. His story underscores the importance of finding true purpose beyond material gains and demonstrates how personal skills can be harnessed to effect meaningful change. Scott's mission with charity: water exemplifies how addressing fundamental human needs can lead to profound and lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Transformation: Recognizing the emptiness of material pursuits can lead to meaningful life changes.
• Faith and Service: Rediscovering faith and a commitment to service can provide direction and purpose.
• Leveraging Skills for Good: Utilizing personal talents in storytelling and networking can amplify humanitarian efforts.
• Addressing Root Causes: Focusing on fundamental issues, such as clean water access, can create sustainable solutions for global health challenges.
• Resilience: Overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus on a clear mission are crucial for achieving long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Scott Harrison's journey is a testament to the power of self-reflection, faith, and dedicated action in transforming personal lives and creating positive global change. His work with charity: water continues to inspire individuals and organizations to prioritize humanitarian efforts and address the most pressing needs of our time.

For more insights and inspirational stories, visit Success Story Podcast.