Lessons from American Idol with Dana Snyder

This week’s a fun one – the second episode of Season 5 of the Purpose & Profit Podcast just dropped last week, and it’s all about the power of story, leveraging cultural moments, and turning storytelling into profit. 

We recently sat down with Dana Snyder, founder and CEO of Positive Equation, host of the Missions to Movements Podcast, and author of the recent Monthly Giving Mastermind, to discuss lessons we can learn from American Idol and apply to nonprofit leadership and innovation.

Season 5, Episode 1

Lessons from American Idol with Nonprofit Expert Dana Snyder

Before she focused her work in the nonprofit sector, Dana was a Digital Producer for American Idol, and she had some great stories to share about the lessons she learned from her time on the show. 

We also talk about her book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind: A Framework to Build, Grow & Sustain Subscriptions for Good, which outlines a five-step framework for growing monthly giving. 

You know I’m passionate about the opportunity for nonprofit leaders, and I was honored to write an endorsement for her book. I love that the momentum around recurring giving is growing, and Dana is a key part of that movement!

One of the things that struck me was Dana’s passion for helping individuals tell their story. She saw this firsthand at American Idol, and that has continued into her work, her speaking, and how she encourages nonprofit leaders. 

💡 Takeaway: People don’t just want to hear the organization’s story – they want to hear YOUR story. People connect with people, and people connect with stories. Don’t be shy about sharing your story. 

Check out the episode today – Lessons from American Idol with Nonprofit Expert Dana Snyder. 

I’ve taken Dana’s advice as a challenge: How can I get better at infusing my personal story into what I share here in the Wave Report, when I speak, and when I connect with people? Thank you, Dana!

Until next week… Surfs Up! 🌊

  - Dave

About the Author | Dave Raley

Consultant, speaker, and writer Dave Raley is the founder of Imago Consulting, a firm that helps non-profits and businesses create profitable growth through sustainable innovation. He’s the author of a weekly trendspotting report called The Wave Report, and the co-founder of the Purpose & Profit Podcast — a show about the ideas at the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit brands.

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