We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 603 Summary: "2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter: We Need Your Light" featuring Jeff Schuck

Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host: Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott
Guest: Jeff Schuck, CFRE, Author of Leading with Light and Principal at Plenty Consulting

Introduction

In Episode 603 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott dive deep into one of the pivotal social impact trends for 2025: "We Need Your Light." Featuring special guest Jeff Schuck, a renowned conscious leadership and social impact strategist, the conversation explores the profound challenges nonprofit professionals face today and offers transformative insights to reignite their passion and effectiveness.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Crisis of Consciousness

Jeff Schuck introduces the concept of a "Crisis of Consciousness," a foundational issue impacting both external societal challenges and personal emotional well-being.

• Definition of the Crisis: Jeff articulates that beyond visible crises like climate change and political polarization lies a more subtle internal crisis—our collective tendency to avoid confronting painful emotions and realities.

  "The crisis of consciousness is this need that we all feel like we have from time to time to run from instead of settling in, seeing what is being present... We can't make the change that we all want to see if we can't first see things as they are."
  — Jeff Schuck [04:02]

• Impact on Leadership: This avoidance hampers our ability to engage constructively with the world, making genuine progress toward social good more challenging.

2. Overwhelm and Burnout in the Nonprofit Sector

The conversation shifts to the prevalent feelings of overwhelm and burnout among nonprofit professionals, a sentiment frequently echoed by the podcast’s community.

• Personal Experiences: Becky vulnerably shares her struggles, highlighting the paralysis that can accompany constant stress and fear.

  "I have felt the paralysis of the moment at times... we need you to come out and grab each other's hands."
  — Becky Endicott [07:45]

• Jeff's Guidance: Jeff emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and owning one's emotions without immediately trying to "rescue" oneself from stress.

  "You got to feel the feels... allowing yourself to be present to what is."
  — Jeff Schuck [11:45]

3. The Practice of Optimism

Jeff delves into optimism as a deliberate practice, likening it to honing a skill through consistent effort.

• Practical Application: He advises nonprofit leaders to incorporate small, actionable steps into their daily routines to foster a more optimistic outlook.

  "Optimism is a practice... just waking up and standing and putting two feet on the ground... make yourself a cup of coffee."
  — Jeff Schuck [13:15]

• Metaphor of the Lost Hikers: Jeff uses a compelling metaphor to illustrate constructive versus destructive responses to crises.

  "Imagine you're lost in the woods with friends... Someone says, 'I can't believe it's going to rain. We're stuck here,' which is not helpful."
  — Jeff Schuck [19:45]

  This highlights the difference between low social utility behaviors (worrying and complaining) and constructive actions that move a group forward.

4. Discovering and Stepping into Your Light

At the heart of the episode is the theme "We Need Your Light," urging individuals to recognize and embrace their unique contributions.

• Defining "Light": Jeff describes light as the essence and unique spark within each person that drives their passion and purpose.

  "Your soul, your spark, the essence of God is how I describe it... what if the world is waiting for you to realize that you matter?"
  — Jeff Schuck [22:40]

• Practical Steps to Embrace Light: He encourages listeners to identify their passions, acknowledge what makes them smile or upset, and understand that their unique contributions are irreplaceable.

  "You just need to play yours... If you don't play yours, no one else can do it."
  — Jeff Schuck [28:29]

• Becky’s Affirmation: Becky reinforces this by sharing a motivational quote from Dr. Seuss, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.

  "You are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you are than you."
  — Becky Endicott [28:29]

Personal Insights & Recommendations

1. Embracing Mirth and Joy

Jeff shares his personal journey of discovering joy outside his usual comfort zones, recommending the book "We Solve Murders" by Richard Osman as a delightful departure from his typical reading.

"It's so sweet. It's so surprisingly delightful. It's funny, it's touching... I was laughing out loud and having my whole family laughing just because they saw me laughing."
— Jeff Schuck [31:02]

Becky complements this by recommending "The Rosie Project" audiobook, highlighting the importance of laughter and joy in maintaining one's light.

"More laughter, more joy, more filling our soul is gonna give us more impetus to take more steps into that activation."
— Becky Endicott [33:37]

Conclusion & Community Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Jeff introduces "Awesome Hour," a monthly virtual community gathering hosted by Plenty Consulting to foster connection and support among social impact leaders.

• Join the Community:

  "If you like this voice that you're hearing right now... we are starting a meeting... called awesome Hour... it's free... plentyconsulting.com/awesomehour."
  — Jeff Schuck [34:09]

• Upcoming Events: Becky announces the Lantern Retreat in Park City from September 16th-19th, promoting it as a transformative professional development opportunity.

  "The most grounding and moving thing I did in 2024 was going to the Lantern Retreat."
  — Becky Endicott [34:09]

• Final Thoughts: Both hosts express heartfelt gratitude to Jeff and encourage listeners to embrace their unique light, reaffirming the episode's central message.

  "We need your light in this moment."
  — Hosts and Guest

Connect with Jeff Schuck and Plenty Consulting

• Plenty Consulting Website: plentyconsulting.com
• Book: Leading with Light available on Amazon
• Join Awesome Hour: plentyconsulting.com/awesomehour

Inspirational Quote from the Episode:

"You are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you are than you."
— Dr. Seuss, as shared by Becky Endicott

This episode serves as a beacon for nonprofit professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of 2025's social landscape. By embracing their unique light and fostering genuine connections, listeners are empowered to make meaningful strides in their missions.