We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 612: 5 Steps to Better Meetings + Events with Tess Cohen
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Introduction to Episode and Guest
In Episode 612 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy, CFRE, and Becky Endicott, CFRE, welcome Tess Cohen, the Chief Gathering Officer at Gather Better. Tess brings a wealth of experience from both the nonprofit sector and corporate philanthropy, including five years at Gap Inc. and co-founding Radical Reset—a movement advocating for rested leadership. Her passion lies in fostering belonging and continuous learning through intentional gatherings.
Tess Cohen’s Journey and Background
Becky: "Tess just has this amazing life story and she really drills it down into this life purpose. She has to foster belonging and continuous learning by creating spaces that center community and curiosity." (01:33)
Tess shares her upbringing, marked by frequent relocations until eighth grade, which instilled adaptability and flexibility. Growing up Jewish, she developed a strong ethos of philanthropy, solidified during her Bat Mitzvah project at a local early childhood education school. This early exposure set the foundation for her career dedicated to serving young people and fostering community connections.
The 5-Step Process to Better Meetings and Events
Tess Cohen outlines a comprehensive five-step framework designed to enhance the effectiveness of meetings and events, particularly within the nonprofit and corporate sectors.
1. Clarify Your Why
Tess: "Step one is all about being really clear on your why. Truly, I think this is one of the places where people get really tripped up so often." (05:08)
Understanding the fundamental purpose behind a gathering is crucial. Tess emphasizes distinguishing between the "what" (e.g., board retreat, fundraising event) and the "why"—the underlying goals and desired outcomes. She advises organizations to ask what they want participants to think, feel, and do as a result of the event, using these elements as a North Star for planning.
2. Craft an Intentional Agenda
Tess: "Thinking about how people have diverse personality styles and diverse learning styles... create spaces that are welcoming for all." (05:08)
An effective agenda accommodates various learning and interaction styles. Tess suggests incorporating a mix of topic introductions, solo reflections, small group connections, and whole-group discussions to ensure inclusivity and engagement.
3. Add Special Ingredients
Tess: "Sprinkling in special ingredients like opening and closing rituals, group agreements, and thematic elements." (05:08)
Incorporating rituals and thematic elements can significantly enhance the participant experience. Examples include:
- Opening/Closing Rituals: Simple actions like a collective breath or a word check-in to ground participants.
- Impact Stories: Sharing personal or organizational success stories to inspire and connect.
- Group Shout-Outs: Recognizing individual contributions to foster a sense of appreciation and community.
4. Effective Facilitation
Tess: "Encourage folks when they're actually doing their gathering to think of one thing they want to start, stop, or continue doing." (05:08)
Facilitation is key to maintaining focus and ensuring productive interactions. Tess recommends setting clear intentions for facilitators to guide discussions purposefully, rather than allowing meetings to devolve into unidirectional reporting sessions.
5. Conduct Debriefs
Tess: "Debriefs... ensure continuous improvement and always doing better in service to having the impact that we want to have in the world." (09:22)
Post-event debriefs are essential for evaluating success and identifying areas for improvement. Tess underscores the importance of incorporating feedback loops, such as surveys with questions like "How likely are you to recommend this gathering?" and "What was the best part?" to inform future planning.
The Power of Intentional Gathering
Becky: "A gala is not just a gala. A board retreat is not just a board retreat. The power of intentional gathering..." (10:23)
Tess and the hosts delve into how intentional gatherings transcend mere checklists, offering deeper connections and meaningful experiences. By designing events that prioritize interaction and engagement, organizations can foster a robust community of believers and supporters who are genuinely invested in the mission.
Tess: "I think so often we go to these things and then it's like speeding onto the next thing versus gatherings as a catalyst for the impact that we want to have in the world. And if your gathering isn't going to do that, then don't have it." (15:31)
Measuring Success of Gatherings
John: "How do you think about measuring success at gatherings?" (24:50)
Tess outlines two primary dimensions for assessing the success of gatherings:
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Immediate Feedback: Utilizing surveys to gauge participant satisfaction and gather actionable insights.
Tess: "Three questions on a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to recommend this gathering... what was the best part? What would be the area of improvement?" (26:44)
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Long-Term Impact: Establishing checkpoints and dashboards to track progress against the goals set during the gathering.
Tess: "For a team retreat, setting the strategy for the year and having quarterly check-ins to assess progress." (26:44)
Personal Stories and Impact
Tess shares a transformative experience from her time with Global Glimpse, where she led high school students on a trip to Costa Rica. This journey not only broadened the students’ global perspectives but also highlighted the universal language of connection through activities like dancing.
Tess: "I want to imagine a world in which all young people have the chance to experience what it’s like to walk a day in somebody else's shoes." (29:39)
Such personal anecdotes underscore the profound impact that well-designed gatherings can have on individuals and communities alike.
Advice and Mantra from Tess
As the conversation concludes, Tess imparts a personal practice that enhances her leadership and effectiveness.
Tess: "Having a meeting with myself once a week on Mondays to reflect on wins, challenges, and learnings... What am I going towards?" (32:06)
She encourages listeners to adopt reflective practices, no matter how small, to maintain clarity and intentionality in their roles.
Connecting with Tess Cohen
Listeners interested in implementing Tess’s strategies or learning more about Gather Better can connect with her through:
- LinkedIn: Tess Cohen LinkedIn Profile
- Website: gatherbetter.co
- Monthly Newsletter: Featuring gathering experiments and actionable tips.
Conclusion
Episode 612 offers invaluable insights into designing purposeful and impactful gatherings. Tess Cohen's expertise provides a roadmap for nonprofit professionals to elevate their meetings and events, fostering deeper connections and driving meaningful action. By embracing intentionality, organizations can transform their gatherings into powerful catalysts for change.
Notable Quotes:
- Tess Cohen [05:08]: "Step one is all about being really clear on your why."
- Tess Cohen [15:31]: "If your gathering isn't going to do that, then don't have it."
- Tess Cohen [26:44]: "How do we ensure that the gathering is actually having the impact and having the best and highest purpose..."
- Tess Cohen [32:06]: "Use it. Anything that I share... adapt it to your individual context."
For more episodes and resources, visit www.weareforgood.com.