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

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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

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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

Connect JOn Budington

LinkedIn / Email / Mythos Website / Learn more about Lift

Connect with Jon Mccoy

LinkedIn / Email / Instagram

Connect with Becky

LinkedIn / Email / Instagram


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427. Meet the Mission: Undies for Everyone - Amy Weiss

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425. LIVE from New Orleans: 6 Takeaways From AFP ICON (Part 2) - Jon McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE