426. How to Harness the Evolution of Storytelling to Grow Your Mission - Jon Budington

Listen to this episode

Meet Jon. He believes change is a constant in life, and we’re all designed to adapt to those changes. . Every gift results in a story, and this expert in casual language is giving counsel on how organizations can find and build powerful narratives to uplift philanthropy’s story. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about language, storytelling and the ways we continue to change as humans🔄

💡Learn

An overview of how humans continue to change through the lens of language
What storytelling looks like today
How to find and build stories through listening

Today's Guest
Jon Budington, President + CEO, More Vang + Mythos

“A donation is a transaction. It is very easy to do, but a very good story helps people get fully invested in the idea that they have agency here and can make the world a better place.”

— Jon Budington, President + CEO, More Vang + Mythos

Download Full Episode Transcript

Episode Highlights

Jon’s story and journey to where he is today (4:30)
What storytelling looks like today (6:50)
Human evolution through the lens of language (10:20)
How storytelling can build trust with the most distrustful Generation (15:00)
Listening and asking for stories organically (17:00)
Case study of an organization that leveraged the power of storytelling to deepen their impact (23:00)
How to find and build these narratives (28:00)
A powerful moment of philanthropy in Jon’s life (32:00)
Jon’s One Good Thing: Focus on optimism. (35:00)
How to connect with Jon and Mythos (38:00)

Powerful Quotes

“The “why” of our business was always amplification.” -Jon

“In some ways, social media platforms are a giant campfire.” -Jon

“Social media language is making more belief out of the types of stories we would tell around the campfire or our dinner tables.” -Jon

“Language was originally physical. We have carried that physical language, but we have also built very complex vocabularies to explain very complicated ideas.” -Jon

“Most of the words that we use today were invented by women.” -Jon

“We all used to work from a shared set of facts, today we are bombarded with lots of opinions that pick up little pieces of facts.” -Jon

“This is a sign of change in how our media works.” -Jon

“We need more of the voices in our community to explain our value, because it will always be more believable.” -Jon

“A donation is a transaction. It is very easy to do, but a very good story helps people get fully invested in the idea that they have agency here and can make the world a better place.” -Jon

“It’s about transitioning the value of the impact back to the donor.” -Jon

“Philanthropy means to love your fellow humans. Giving is the best way to help fellow humans improve their lives.” -Jon

“We need to move beyond just talking about the goal, the campaign, and the numbers.” -Jon

“We’re delivering donor joy. Donors are seeing their gift in action.” -Jon

“Great questions create great stories.” -Jon

“There is an expectation of relevance. It is no longer just a nice to have.” -Jon

“How you listen and empower matters.” -Becky

“There are so many people that have the potential to live a better life. If we find the time and investment, multiple generations benefit.” -Jon

“This is what the world needs. This ability to compassionately listen, share and tell stories is a real service.” -Jon