How radical listening created a global $175 million legacy - Kathy LeMay explores the impact of listening and not pitching in the not for profit sector is the difference between money and meaning

Listening is a like a muscle that needs to get flexed. Otherwise, it loses power and is no longer a habit. Slow down, and take the time to listen.

Listen to people, and let them be who they are. Listen as a form of respect, and ask questions to know someone’s motivations and who they are.Learning to listen changed how Kathy LeMay handles fundraising to fulfill missions that create social change. Rather than pitching and asking for money, she embraces radical listening.

For over 25 years, Kathy has been an internationally-recognized public speaker, philanthropic advisor, global social change fundraiser and published author whose purpose-driven life centers on lifting up the voices, stories, leadership and influence of the world's unseen social change warriors and freedom fighters.

Listening and not speaking has helped Kathy to raise about $175 million for causes she represents.

Tune in to Learn

• Kathy’s stepfather’s role as a listener and how he helped others by showing up
• Kathy went to rape genocide camps in Bosnia to listen and do social change
• Money raised is the outcome of passion
• Everyone has a story different than what they appear to be
• Learn to listen to people’s stories and respect where they are coming from
• Success is seeking to understand
• When was the last time someone really listened to you?
• Establish trust and have someone’s best interests at heart
• Listening can be awkward and uncomfortable; interrupting is enthusiasm
• The more successful you are, the more you should be talking - not true
• Less anxiety makes you a better listener; have less stress in business leadership
• Put others first and create something that serves their needs
• Redefining what success looks like
• Don’t make assumptions: Kathy’s first visit to the Four Seasons for fundraising
• Getting glimpses of lives in worlds that you don’t understand
• Listen for what is unsaid and grief
• What you do makes a difference and changes lives
• Talking about vulnerabilities is not a liability, but shows you care
• There’s a reason why people support something and why it is meaningful to them

Links and Resources:

Kathy LeMay

Chris Grumm

Quotes:

“Listening is a muscle the needs to get flexed.”-  Kathy

“Less anxiety makes you a better listener.” - Kathy

 

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