Episode 236: Leading With Bravery and Courage with Candice Mama
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Mallory Erickson
Guest: Candice Mama
Introduction
In Episode 236 of What the Fundraising, host Mallory Erickson engages in a profound conversation with Candice Mama, a seasoned professional in the NGO and NPO sectors. This episode delves deep into themes of bravery, overcoming personal trauma, and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in nonprofit work. Candice shares her transformative journey, strategies for personal growth, and insights into leveraging technology for social good.
Candice Mama’s Inspiring Journey
Candice Mama opens up about her compelling personal history and how it has shaped her career in the nonprofit sector.
Candice Mama (04:38): “As you said, my name is Candice Mama. I have been operating in the NGO NPO spaces since I was 24... my father was murdered by an apartheid assassin by the name of Eugene de Kock. When I was 24, I met Eugene in prison, forgave him, and advocated for his parole. This pivotal moment redirected my life towards understanding the implications of war and helping others overcome profound pain.”
Candice emphasizes the power of forgiveness and resilience, highlighting how ordinary individuals can make extraordinary choices to effect positive change.
Candice Mama (04:15): “I wanted to ensure that anyone going through pain isn't a prisoner to that pain... it's just an ordinary person who made a different decision.”
Her work spans various communities worldwide, including Aboriginal communities in Australia and post-conflict societies in Northern Ireland, focusing on peace and reconciliation.
Intersection of Nonprofit Work and Artificial Intelligence
Mallory Erickson steers the conversation towards the integration of AI in nonprofit endeavors, exploring both opportunities and challenges.
Mallory Erickson (04:47): “You’re thinking about it related to AI. Where is the intersection of that kind of world-changing work and where you see AI has arrived or is going or could go?”
Candice shares her initial skepticism and eventual fascination with AI, particularly ChatGPT, and its potential to scale nonprofit initiatives.
Candice Mama (05:27): “Initially, it was simply for self-indulgence, asking small questions. But as I started working with this technology, I realized we could only scale this work to a certain degree... AI opened new avenues for reaching and empowering more people.”
She discusses the potential of blockchain technology in preserving ownership and dignity for individuals in post-conflict societies, underscoring the ethical considerations necessary when implementing such technologies.
Candice Mama (06:20): “One of the biggest issues in transitioning from tyranny to democracy is proving ownership. Blockchain is the only way to ensure people retain ownership and dignity over what they possessed before being dispossessed.”
Balancing Ethical Concerns with Technological Advancements
The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas posed by AI and blockchain, juxtaposed with their benefits for social impact.
Mallory Erickson (07:40): “Does the bad stuff start to move so much faster than the good stuff? How do you hold that balance?”
Candice acknowledges the inherent ethical and environmental challenges but advocates for proactive engagement rather than resistance.
Candice Mama (08:57): “The train has left the station. AI and blockchain aren't going anywhere. We must fight to create something good amidst the chaos rather than wait for perfect technology.”
She emphasizes the importance of not letting perfectionism hinder progress, encouraging nonprofits to harness technology responsibly to amplify their impact.
Embracing Bravery and Overcoming Fear
A significant portion of the episode focuses on personal growth, bravery, and strategies to overcome fear and self-doubt.
Candice Mama (01:16): “It's not about waiting for courage to find us. Bravery is on the other side of action.”
Candice shares her personal mantra inspired by a quote from Game of Thrones:
Candice Mama (12:10): “I'm scared. Can I be brave? Bravery is on the other side of doing the thing you don't want to do.”
She illustrates how facing fears leads to growth, likening it to mundane yet beneficial actions like eating vegetables or exercising despite reluctance.
Candice Mama (01:16): “We don't want to exercise, but we know that the repercussions of not doing so impact us long term.”
Strategies for Managing Emotions and Maintaining Resilience
Candice offers practical techniques for handling intense emotions and maintaining resilience in challenging times.
Candice Mama (14:42): “Create a war plan for yourself before the war starts. It’s useless once the war has begun.”
She advises preparing in advance for difficult moments by acknowledging and planning responses to potential challenges, ensuring that one remains proactive rather than reactive.
Additionally, Candice highlights the importance of separating personal identity from professional work to effectively receive and utilize feedback.
Candice Mama (25:00): “Separate your identity from the work you do. Feedback becomes more fruitful when it's viewed as an external piece rather than a personal judgment.”
Constructive Feedback and Personal Development
The dialogue shifts to the value of constructive criticism and its role in personal and professional development within the nonprofit sector.
Candice Mama (25:00): “I'm all for constructive feedback. Tell me what's wrong with it, don't tell me what's right. It helps me craft a better idea and come out stronger.”
Candice encourages embracing critical feedback as a tool for improvement, advocating for a mindset that views critique as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Conclusion and Connection
As the episode wraps up, Mallory Erickson and Candice Mama reflect on the key insights shared. They emphasize the importance of community, continuous learning, and the courageous pursuit of impactful work.
Connect with Candice Mama:
- LinkedIn: Candice Mama
Additional Resources:
- Visit MalloryErickson.com/Podcast for top tips, tools, transcripts, quotes, videos, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Bravery Through Action: True courage is found by taking action despite fear.
- Leveraging Technology Ethically: AI and blockchain can significantly enhance nonprofit work when used responsibly.
- Embracing Constructive Feedback: Viewing feedback as a growth opportunity leads to continuous improvement.
- Emotional Resilience: Preparing for emotional challenges in advance fosters resilience and effective coping mechanisms.
- Separation of Identity and Work: Distinguishing personal identity from professional output enhances the ability to receive and utilize feedback.
This episode of What the Fundraising offers invaluable insights for nonprofit leaders and fundraising professionals seeking to elevate their impact through personal growth and ethical technological integration. Candice Mama's profound experiences and practical strategies provide a roadmap for leading with bravery and fostering meaningful change.
Listen to the full episode here.