Scott Stirrett: From Goldman Sachs to Nonprofit Leadership
From Pivot to Good Podcast · 44:08
Show by Katya & Marina
Scott Stirrett went to Goldman Sachs for the prestige and left to build his own nonprofit. He spent nine months testing his idea for Venture for Canada on nights and weekends before committing to it full-time. He then grew it into a national organization with an annual budget of more than USD 10 million, wrote The Uncertainty Advantage, and stepped away after twelve years.If you are thinking of starting a nonprofit, this episode offers practical lessons from someone who has built and led one. Scott shares how he tested his idea before leaving his job, why fundraising is particularly difficult in the early years, and what it takes to build an effective organization that can adapt and thrive beyond its founder. He discusses the importance of strong management practices and of engaged boards. He is also candid about privilege, financial safety nets, and the pull of status, in banking and in nonprofits. And he shares how anyone can start building their capacity to take risks, even without making a dramatic career leap.Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome and introducing Scott 1:09 - Why Goldman Sachs, and why he left 4:49 - Founding Venture for Canada 8:03 - The hardest part of starting a nonprofit 10:04 - What makes an effective nonprofit 17:12 - What corporate experience brings to the impact sector 19:08 - How to define success 26:22 - Advice for someone who wants to pivot 33:26 - Are you in a good place? 35:45 - Hosts' debriefResources mentionedAbout Scott:Scott’s Book: The Uncertainty Advantage: https://www.scottstirrett.com/the-uncertainty-advantageScott’s newsletter: https://scottstirrett.substack.comVenture for Canada: https://ventureforcanada.caEcosystem resources:Ambitious Impact, Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program: https://www.ambitiousimpact.comHigh Impact Professionals, Impact Accelerator Program: https://www.highimpactprofessionals.org/impact-accelerator-programData & Research:Six Ways Non-Profit Entrepreneurs are Distinct from “Traditional” Entrepreneurs https://www.kauffman.org/currents/six-ways-non-profit-entrepreneurs-are-distinct-from-traditional-entrepreneurs/
More episodes of Pivot to Good Podcast
More episodes
- Vivian Gee: From Silicon Valley to the Impact Leadership on three continents
- Kate Bakal: From BCG to Clean Cooking in Liberia
- Pivot to Good - Trailer
PodSearch is a free, independent podcast search engine. Read about PodSearch, the privacy policy or contact us.