78. Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level with Alex Budak

Are you a changemaker? The call to action on this episode of What the Fundraising is rooted in the notion that we can all be leaders of the change we seek. Alex Budak, a faculty member at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, believes leadership is ripe for redefinition – and has data to prove it! He walks us through how the human tendency to maintain the status quo impacts social change and why the greatest CEOs tend to balance confidence with a lot of humility. We’re also hearing all about Alex’s new book, "Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level," as well as the quantitative work behind his “Changemaker Index.” A teacher, speaker, and consultant, Alex’s primary mission is to help empower people from all walks of life to become changemakers – activists leading the charge in whatever their realm. He has given talks on leadership, entrepreneurship, and changemaking worldwide, from Cambodia to Ukraine – and has also advised at the White House and UN agencies. 

You’ll come away from this episode with a new perspective on our culture’s tendency to glorify social entrepreneurs and leaders in general, a clear understanding of Alex’s “Three Pillars of Changemaking” and a fresh resolve to stand tall and lean into fear. We break down what failure really looks like and exercises for getting acclimated – which we all need to do. Why? Because there’s lots of work to be done, whether you’re a fundraiser in the nonprofit sector or a community member who knows things can be better. “There’s so much leadership to go around if we’re willing to seize those leadership moments,” says Alex. “And that’s my call to action: For all of us to see those moments around us and step into them.”

See all the show notes at malloryerickson.com/podcast. 

Follow along on Instagram at @whatthefundraising_

Connect with Mallory on LinkedIn

Many thanks to our sponsor Cosmic, the social impact creativity agency that delivers compelling stories, builds brand awareness, and inspires action. The team at Cosmic knows how to leverage clarity to catalyze real-world change and help you become the changemaker you were meant to be.